Spring Equinox Meeting Minutes

Beltaine Planning (Vernal Equinox) Meeting minutes
(notes taken by Fionoulla, then Sabha, typing began by Comyn)
March 20, 2010

The gathered asked the Druid how he determines when it is spring.  He answered that it can always be known by the sound of the Peepers.  Peepers are a "chorus frog" which is widespread throughout the US and Canada.  Their song begins slowly with a single "peep" in the distance, and slowly builds to a chorus of "peeps" which can be heard for nearly a thousand feet.

Comyn mentioned a point of law of interest to him concerning quorum (relevant because we need to determine if we have quorum in order to open the meeting).  His contention that the present wording of the second sentence in 01-Meetings-1 of Clann Law is ambiguous was soon confirmed as the gathered devolved into (mostly good natured) argument over three different interpretations of the meaning that were voiced by various members.  Two members suggested that that specific sentence in the Law should be rewritten to clarify.  Comyn promised to study the matter further and to submit a suggested rewording in future for consideration and vote.

Meeting opened with a poetic Druidical blessing at about 12:30pm

The sun has called to the frozen earth
"Awake for Spring is here!"
And everywhere there was ice and snow
The squishy mud appears!

Yesterday it was white and fluffy;
Now my garden is brown and mushy!
I feel my heart begin to sing
Thanks, Mr. Sun, for now it's spring.

Members Present
Vollund *
Sabha
Comyn *
Fionnoula
Guthrum
Fiachra
Eberwulf

Guests Present
Helska
Cathy of Vollund (for some)

Collection of Dues
Dues are collected between Samhain and Imbolc.  One member asked for a deferral which was granted.  Any member in arrears who has not petitioned the treasurer for leniency is reduced to Fuidir status until their account is cleared.

What News

  • Eberwulf - Gloomy outlook at present.  His son is fun, his wife is trying.
  • Fiachra - has been trapped in a frozen waste.  It took almost 2 days to clear his driveway after the 36" of snow. He has house plans in the works.
  • Guthrum - has been brewing but slacking a bit on drinking. Playing music regularly, played out for 160+ person St Patty's Day party and hopes to do so again soon, has been out in the forge, planted peas!
  • Fionnuala - echos all the above (except perhaps the slacking on drinking bit), has a serious decision to face concerning her job whereupon a Crow alighted on a nearby tree and began to caw very loudly.  The Druid suggested that this Avian Input was indeed a sign which didn't help Fionnuala very much, but did create a spooky pause.
  • Comyn - has been playing violin, recording and playing music with Bardic Circle.  May be playing at the AOH more regularly, an impromptu gig at McGovern's with Momus tomorrow.  Recent interest in Pompeii and Ancient Greece and Rome led to the purchase of several books on the subjects (passed around later), has Falgon's old Clann Book which was given to him by Aonghus when he helped move stuff out of the old shop - has intention to scan in the contents and make available to all online in future via the website.
  • Sabha - working on Knitting Master (level 1) application from Knitting Guild Association, has picked up some paid knitting jobs, embroiled in lots of PTA goings on, just got a new(er) van to replace the old van.  Found a new style tent of interest called the SoulPad which is a center pole "British Bell Tent" style canvas tent that is light weight, though requires lots of ropes.  Looks a bit Yurt-like in shape.  http://soulpad.com
  • Vollund - got a job offer but it would have involved much more travel time than deemed acceptable, has been doing some freelancing, will be installing a 3000W solar system by May.  Made a knife in Guthrum's forge which started as a big knife, but eventually ended up a smaller ring knife.  May do Pennsic this year.  Got a trailer hitch!  Has been doing some sketching and work around the house now that he has time.
  • Helska - looking for a new job :( and has been taking classes.

Fiscal Business
The treasury stands at $266.22 cash on hand and $495.00 advanced to Brogan for Imbolc hall
Since Imbolc was cancelled, $75 of that advance should be used for park reservation of Beltaine with balance due to the Clann.

New Business

  • Beltaine Event Planning - we will proceed with the assumption that we can get the traditional site, although it is unconfirmed at this time. 
    • Scouting mission planned to assess the condition of our usual sites and the access to them by Comyn and Vollund, perhaps on a bike trip!
    • Welcome Stew - Guthrum
    • Dayboard - Fiachra
    • Feast - Feast-o-crat will be Fionnuala
      • Steamship roast of beef of appropriate size - Cooking: Vollund, Procurement: Sabha  (Alternate dependent upon market prices: 3 legs of lamb)
      • Pottage - Eberwulf
      • Bread - Faellon
      • Dessert - Aislin, Helska
      • Beer - Guthrum
      • Non-alcoholic beverage - Sabha
      • Keg of mead - Vollund
      • Vegetable dish - Fionnuala
      • Vegetable dish - Colin
    • Dishes - Momus / Fiachra
    • Wood - Buy 1/2 cord this time, supplement with some member brought wood.  Comyn has some 1 year old from good wood on his own property which would need to be transported.
    • Tiki Torches - Fiachra
    • Ceremony - Vollund
    • Hoses - setup as available, breakdown by Comyn
    • Trailer-o-crat - Guthrum will call for a trailer work day to prep trailer for event
      • Jockey Box - Sabha
    • Dining Flys (if needed) - Comyn & Vollund - who has them now?  Comyn thought they might be in Brogan's van?
    • Garbage - all members will take a bag of garbage up to the dumpster when leaving site.
    • Mundane bottles - we will enforce the unwritten rule that mundane bottles are not to be used openly.  Period drink ware should be used at all times!  If you bring bottles on site, they are NOT to go into general garbage bags.  All empty bottles shall be kept in original containers and removed from site by the person who brought them in.  If you do not wish to remove your own bottles, arrange for another member who may wish to recycle them for cash to take them.
    • Daytime Activity - there will be a pre-ceremony druidical activity that can be performed independently
    • Music performances in the evening
    • Board gaming - Fidchel tournament with a good prize.  Comyn will coordinate rules, entrance fees, and tournament structure online [update: see this forum post].
    • Kids games - hunkerhausen and more?
    • Vollund's Secret Game - for handed, non-blind, legged or non-legged people only.
    • Breakdown must be done by 2pm or we pay for another day!
    • Fionnuala will post a "save the date" for the event on the Yahoo List as soon as we have a confirmed date.
  • A Motion was made that whereas the Druid is the Keeper of the Calendar and since it is in the best interest of the Clann that all members be reminded of the established meeting dates at least once each year - that Clann Law should be amended to add to the list of responsibilities for Druidical office to make available online a list of the meeting dates for the upcoming year to all members as soon after Samhain as possible, but before the Imbolc planning meeting.   (while the exact method whereby the Druid makes the list available to members is not specified, it is understood to include an electronic email to a group maintained messaging list, individual private emails to all members, or a posting in an obvious and recognized calendaring area of a group maintained website).
    PASSED UNANIMOUSLY
  • A Motion to permanently change the Spring Equinox and Summer Solstice meeting dates as suggested in the Law to one week earlier. 
    TABLED.

Presentations

  • Comyn played Harvest Home into Boys of Bluehill on the fiddle while the gathered Clann feasted for a bit. 
  • Comyn passed around a book on Pompeii and one entitled The Ancient City [amazon link], both with art by Peter Connolly who does fantastic renderings of how these sites and the associated material culture may have actually looked based on archaeological evidence.
  • Comyn passed around a printed copy of the latest Norseland Arrow.

Personal Business
was discussed

Meeting adjourned at 3pm