Minutes and Newsletters from 2005
Spring Meeting Minutes
The meeting began at 1:30p.m., with a silent blessing from Druid Volund.
In Attendance:
Members: Eberwulf
Volund
Brogan
Aonghus
Faellon
Colin (arrived during what news)
Probates: Fiachra
What News:
Brogan has obtained green sand for casting in bronze. He is looking into obtaining the necessary propane and crucible. He has also been helping with projects at Aonghus’ shop. His difficulties at work are showing hopeful signs of improvement.
Faellon has been working on a massive mead brewing project with Colin. They have 20 gallons brewing with varying degrees of honey. He has also started a job that he likes, and has begun skiing again.
Aonghus has been assisting with projects at his shop, and his business has been very busy this winter.
Volund brought in the coin blanks that he was commissioned to purchase last time. He has also been working on a carving for Little Aonghus and Linette, and he is researching the feasibility of making bronze dyes for the coins, and casting copies of his carvings. He has been very busy at work, and is still exploring the possibility of starting a winery tour business
Eberwulf has made a great deal of progress on making a bed with the help of Aonghus and Brogan at Aonghu’s shop.
Colin has agreed to be land agent for Pennsic, and has registered the group. He is also working with Faellon on the big mead project. His job has been sending him all over the country lately.
Fiachra has been longingly perusing the Pennsic web-site, and is looking into getting some camping equipment.
Treasury Report:
Unfortunately, due to the early arrival of Easter, the treasurer was not able to attend the meeting, but we know we’ve got money.
Old Business:
1) Brewer’s Guild: No progress was made on creating a charter yet, but interested members will attempt to get things going
2) Clann Coins: Volund has made the dyes, and the blanks have been obtained. A jig to strike the coins must be assembled. Next Saturday, April 2, all Clann members are encouraged to show up at Aonghus’ shop. Several projects will be going on, and one of them will be to construct a jig, and make a test strike of the coins. If the test goes well, we can strike all of the silver blanks.
3) Trailer: The contents of the trailer need to be looked over to see what needs to be either restocked or thrown out. Next Saturday, April 2, Clann members are asked to try to come to Aonghus’ shop, to help with this as well. Also, we may need to check the water heater to make sure its working ok. It was also discussed that we should get rid of the garden hose, and purchase more of the black rubber hose. A vote of 6 – 0 authorized Aonghus to measure the amount of hose we have, and obtain enough black rubber hose to cover the necessary distance at cathedral pines.
New Business:
1) The Auger: Our Auger is broken. Our Auger had been one of our most useful tools both at local events and at Pennsic. A vote of 5 – 0, with Colin abstaining, authorized Aonghus to attempt to find a gas powered Auger which will fit on the trailer and spend up to $300.00 to get it.
2) Alcohol/Bottle Policy: The recent problem with police presence in the park was discussed. It was generally agreed that all Clann members must be more diligent about setting an example and enforcing our no bottles in public site policy. This includes any obvious wine/mead bottle. This policy not only aids the medieval look of the camp, it will also help reduce our chances of getting fined/arrested/kicked out of the park. It was also agreed that it would be both safer, and more aesthetically pleasing to set up sheet-wall that will somewhat enclose the trailer area. We also need to be a little more conscious of the noise level reaching far out of the campsite.
3) Beltain: For the Event, the following tasks were assigned:
a. Set up sheet-wall around the trailer – Aonghus and Fiachra
b. Firewood – At least one cord of spit/seasoned wood – Guthrum
c. Transport White Cooler, Cook Barrel, and Trailer – Brogan
d. Water Hookup – Fiachra and Aonghus
e. Rake out path between campsites – Faellon
f. Rake firepit area – Fiachra
g. Jockey Box Set Up – Colin
h. Start Cook Fire/Set up Spit – Vollund
i. Tiki Torches – Eberwulf
j. Welcome Stew Friday – Brogan
k. Day Board – Finnoula
l. Feast Coordinator/table set up – Colin
m. Main Course – Brogan and Vollund will make Lamb (aprox 30-40 lbs.)
n. A vegitable side dish - Fiachra
o. Greek Salad – Colin
p. Pottage – Eberwulf
q. Barley – Faellon
r. Dessert – Cowboy Cookies – Elysia
s. Bread/Honey Butter – Dearchain and Elysia
t. Beer – 5 Gallons – Guthrum and Finnoula, Brogan will bring a back up 5 gallons in case we’re really thirsty.
u. Apple Cider – Helska
v. Dishes/Bus Tables/Deal with leftovers: Dearchain, Valarian and Momus.
w. Druidic Ceremony – Vollund
x. File Presentation – Brogan
y. Bardic Presentation – Valarian
z. Jockey Box Cleanup – Faellon
aa. Pack Trailer – EVERYONE
bb. Disconnect water and put away hoses – Eberwulf
cc. Sunday Morning Garbage detail and general cleanup supervisor – Eberwulf
dd. Fire pit and Ash Barrel clean up – Brogan
ee. White Cooler Cleanup – Fiachra
4) T-Shirts: Designs are being sought for a Samhain 2005 T-Shirt.
Probate Review:
Fiachra completed some more of his required tasks at Imbolc. He feels that he understands his participation and is comfortable within the group.
Presentations:
The File, Brogan, brought a videotape presentation about archeological finds which revealed the nature and traditions of Celtic society throughout Europe several hundred years B.C. The video was available for viewing after the close of the meeting.
The meeting was adjourned by motion of the Chieftain at 3:43p.m.
Fall Meeting Minutes
The meeting began at 1:53p.m., with a blessing from the Druid.
In Attendance:
Members: Eberwulf
Brogan
Aonghus
Faellon
Colin
Momus
Finnoula
Guthrum
Volund
Probates: Fiachra
Friends: Helska
What News:
Colin has bottled 3 cases of mead with the help of Momus and Volund. Bree is probably going to be moving in with him soon.
Finnoula has moved into a new house with her husband, Guthrum. They bought a sailboat. She also plans to resign from her job soon.
Guthrum, in addition to moving and buying a sailboat (see above), has been on a canning binge. He and Finnoula have canned 46 jars of different things. He also plans to build a trebuchet to use in a pumpkin flinging contest.
Volund has been working on starting his winery tours business, but is encountering difficulties with insurance. He also has many gallons of mead that need to be bottled.
Faellon’s has bought a new house, and has been getting settled in there.
Brogan has a new job!! He is the chief engineer at Suffolk Community College. He has also acquired a commercial forge, and he has his home made forge at his house. He hopes to start casting things soon.
Aonghus has been experimenting with modifying the design for his tent ridge pole. He has come up with a hooked scarfed joint which should be more sturdy for joining two separate pieces into one pole. He brought small pieces along to show us how it works.
Momus helped Colin to bottle mead, and his job continues to go well.
Eberwulf found out that his first child will be a masculine child.
Fiachra has been reading the Tain Bo. He’s also been branching out his legal work to divorces and appeals.
Helska is busy carrying Eberwulf’s boy child.
Treasury Report:
The treasury had only $420 at the beginning of the meeting. There are some who owe debts.
Fiscal Business:
Aonghus returned $300 to the treasury which had been given to him to purchase a power auger before Pennsic. Unfortunately, he was not able to obtain one before that time.
Old Business:
1) Brewer’s Guild: There has been no progress on this. The Chieftain decrees that it shall no longer be carried as business, until such time as someone is ready to bring it up again as new business if some proposal is ready.
2) Clann Coins: Volund has asked Faellon to see if his company (which manufacture’s steel elevator parts) is capable of engraving new dyes if we provide a design. If they cannot, then Volund will begin making new, deeper and larger dyes.
3) Auger: Since a power auger is only necessary for Pennsic, and since it was not possible to get one for this past Pennsic, and since the Clann has more urgent funding needs for the trailer project (see “New Business”), the power auger project was repealed by unanimous vote. Aonghus returned the $300 alloted for the project during Fiscal Business.
4) Fall Thyng: The Clann has obtained approval from Norseland to cook a steamship of beef as a gift at the Norseland 25th anniversary. Brogan will be heading up this project, and the expense will be born by the treasury. There seem to be seven people definitely set to attend, and there are a few more who are possibly going.
New Business:
1) Samhain: Scheduled for October 28, 29, 30, 2005, at Cathedral Pines Park. Events to occur will include the following:
a. Face Painting: Guthrum will provide the paints and encourage all to participate.
b. A Silent Auction: Colin will run this event which will last from 10:00 a.m. until 4:00 p.m. Please bring anything you wish to donate to the auction. All proceeds will go to the trailer fund. (see “New Business” item 4)
c. The Champions Battle: Aonghus, as current Champion will run the event, which should begin around 3pm. Any wishing to contend should plan on being ready to go at that time.
d. The Great Feast: We will again have our traditional Samhain pig roast. See the job assignments below for a full list of all dishes and responsibilities.
e. Elections.
f. Druidic Ceremony: Run by our current Druid, Volund, and featuring the burning of another fine wicker-man crafted by our good friend from the north, Greycloak.
2) Samhain Continued: The jobs necessary to ensure a successful and fun event have been assigned as follows:
a. Firewood: Guthrum
b. Transport trailer, white cooler, and half barrel: Brogan
c. Water hookup: Aonghus
d. Rake firepit area, and pathway between sites: Fiachra
e. Jockey Box set up: Faellon
f. Set up spit/start fire for the cooks: Volund
g. Tiki Torches: **We are short on Tiki’s, everyone who has their own will bring them and set them up.**
h. Welcome Stew for Friday night: Faellon
i. Dayboard on Saturday: Colin (Also, Brogan will make Scotch eggs during the day, if there are people willing to help him)
j. Feast coordinator/Table set up: Finnoula **make best efforts to get feast ready for 6pm**
k. Main Course, Pig: Brogan to cook, Colin to order
l. Roasted Vegetables: Volund
m. Cale: Brogan
n. Pottage: Eberwulf
o. Barley: Finnoula
p. Bread and Honey Butter: Fiachra
q. Beer: 5 gallons from Guthrum, 5 gallons from Momus
r. Cider (non-alcoholic): Helska
s. Dessert (to be served after the ceremony): Helska – Apple pie; Guthrum – A Non period dessert; Faellon – Another dessert.
t. Leftover detail: Valarian
u. Bus Tables: Bree
v. Dishes: Aonghus and Momus
w. Jockey Box Clean up: Eberwulf
x. Pack Trailer: Fiachra
y. Disconnect water and coil hoses: Colin
z. Sunday Garbage detail/general camp clean up: Eberwulf
aa. White Cooler clean up: Brogan
bb. Fire pit and half barrel ash clean up: Eberwulf
cc. **Everyone remove your own tiki torches**
3) The Trailer: After Brogan’s exciting adventure getting home from Pennsic, it has become clear that the Clann is in need of a new trailer. It was generally agreed that we need a dual axel trailer between 12 and 16 feet long which can hold a minimum of 3500 lbs., and can be cleanly registered in NYS. There was a unanimous vote to place Aonghus in charge of acquiring a suitable trailer and designing it. Aonghus is willing to consider design suggestions, but will have the final say on the ultimate design. The goal is to have a new functioning trailer in time for a test run at Beltain 2006.
4) Trailer Funding: As the treasury is low, and it will cost a lot to acquire and build a new trailer, several things are being done to raise funds. As stated above in the Samhain events, there will be a silent auction during the day at Samhain, and all proceeds will go to the trailer fund. Additionally, Momus has pleged that he will host a Monday Night Football party, to which he will charge an admission fee, and he will donate the profits. Furthermore, the following members have pledged cash contributions: $500 from Brogan, $300 each from Aonghus, Eberwulf, and Colin, and $300 from Guthrum and Finnoula. Anyone else who wishes to donate to the project, whether through money, or an outside fundraising effort such as what Momus is doing is encouraged to do so. Of course, once the trailer is acquired, it is hoped that there will be donations of time to help with the construction.
5) Tee-Shirts: Guthrum will begin the preliminary research for a new Tee-Shirt project, and hopefully we can have a new shirt ready for Imbolc.
6) Dues: Guthrum proposed rethinking our dues procedure. We discussed the advantages and disadvantages of significantly raising the annual dues, but incorporating site fees into the dues. Currently, an active member pays $30 annual dues. We hold 3 local events, with a site fee of $20 per event. Thus, if a member attends all 3 events, there is a total cost of $90. It was therefore proposed to raise the annual dues to $80, but the site fees for our 3 local events are included within this fee. Thus, a member who attends all events will save $10. It is hoped that structuring the dues this way will encourage members to attend all events, as you will have already paid for them. It will also ease the burden on the treasurer when collecting site fees, and it may make budgeting for projects and the events easier. Concern was expressed about members who may not be able to lay out $80 all at once. It was noted that the law already gives discretion to the treasurer to make alternate payment arrangements and even waive payments for anyone who is having financial difficulties. Therefore, the following new law was unanimously passed:
Annual Dues are raised to $80 per year, but site fees for the three yearly Clann events, Samhain, Imbolc, and Beltain are included within the dues.
Probate Review:
Fiachra is reading the Tain Bo. He needs to make more of an effort to keep in contact with his sponsor.
Personal Business:
Eberwulf announces that in light of his impending fatherhood, he is not going to seek another term as Chieftain.
Presentations:
Brogan brought in some books on Celtic Mythology and Artifacts which were passed around for perusal during the meeting.
The meeting was adjourned by motion of the Chieftain at 5:42 p.m.
Good Meeting!!
Summer Meeting Minutes
The meeting began at 1:48p.m., with a blessing from the Chieftain, in the Druid’s Absence.
In Attendance:
Members: Eberwulf
Brogan
Aonghus
Faellon
Colin
Momus
Probates: Fiachra
Friends: Bree
What News:
Faellon’s new job is going well, and he is buying a house very soon.
Colin’s work is good. He has been spending a lot of money on his house. He still has a lot of Mead brewing.
Aonghus has been experiencing health issues. He has also been working on repairing his camping bed.
Brogan has been fixing old medieval equiptment. He hopes to fight at Pennsic. He ran into our past Mongolian neighbors from Pennsic and has been doing some fighter practice with them.
Momus has a new job and its going very well.
Eberwulf completed his camping bed and got to try it out at Beltain. He still needs to stain it. Helska is pregnant.
Fiachra got a new sleeping bag. His work situation has improved somewhat.
Bree had no news to report.
Treasury Report:
Unfortunately, the treasurer was not able to attend the meeting, but we know we’ve still got money.
Old Business:
1) Brewer’s Guild: Still no progress was made on creating a charter. However, as certain interested members will be at Pennsic, it was agreed that they will attempt to have a productive discussion about it at the War.
2) Clann Coins: A test striking was done and it was determined that the dyes are not quite the right size and must be redone. Brogan and Colin will make an effort to assist Volund in getting new dyes done in time to strike some coins prior to Pennsic.
3) Auger: Aonghus has determined that a new power auger will cost more than originally anticipated. We can get a reconditioned one for about what we originally budgeted through e-bay. Aonghus will try to accomplish this before Pennsic.
New Business:
1) Brogan requests a spare tire for the trailer. The Clann authorized him to purchase this at Clann expense by a unanimous vote.
2) Brogan found a grill exactly like the one we used to have, but no longer have because it belonged to a former member. It costs under $100.00. A unanimous vote authorized Brogan to purchase this grill at Clann expense.
3) Pennsic: There are 17 pre-registrations. We have 9 adults definitely planning to attend, and two children. The Clan paid for several ghosts, and a few generous individuals also registered ghosts. Volund has informed us that he intends to go, yet he failed to pre-register. Brogan states that he personally reminded Volund to register on the final day, just before the deadline. Brogan states that Volund said he would do this immediately. Since he did not follow through, he will be responsible for reimbursing the Clan for the cost of a ghost if he in fact comes to Pennsic.
4) Pennsic Continued: Colin is the Land agent, and it appears that first week is likely to consist of only Colin and Brogan. Colin will make a plan for camp layout as best he can, and everyone will abide by the layout. Brogan will mark where everyone is to set up, so that when people arrive, they should be able to find their spot and set up correctly.
5) Pennsic Continued: Since there are very few people going, everyone is assigned tasks every day. A separate spread sheet is being posted with daily job assignments. The chieftain has tried to limit the daily jobs to those necessary for cleanliness and survival. We will have a dayboard and a dinner each night, with the exception of Midnight Madness night when there will be no dinner. We will attempt to have our traditional feast on Monday night, but we will make a final decision on site.
6) Pennsic Continued: An attempt was made to estimate the costs of camp. It was decided that each adult will owe $100.00. The one exception will be Colin, who will be responsible for most of set up, but will have to leave early. He will be credited $7.00 per day for the days he is not there for dinner. There is no camp charge for the children. If we have severely under-budgeted, then we will discuss options on-site.
7) Pennsic Continued: Brogan will provide the beer, but if it runs out, beer drinkers will have to take up a collection. Brogan plans on having a brew session with his three tiered system to make the beer for Pennsic. He will make an announcement as to when so anyone who wishes to help can come.
8) Fall Thyng: The Clann is encouraging all members to make an effort to attend Norseland’s Fall Thyng anniversary celebration. Hopefully we can make a strong showing.
Probate Review:
Fiachra has completed some more of his required tasks and obtained some more signatures.
Personal Business:
None
Presentations:
There were no presentations.
The meeting was adjourned by motion of the Chieftain at 4:28p.m.
Winter 12/17/05 Meeting Minutes
The meeting began at 1:34pm with a blessing from, Brogan one of our Druids.
In Attendance:
Members: Eberwulf
Brogan
Colin
Momus
Finnoula
Guthrum
Friends: Helska
What News:
Finnoula: She has quit her job but they can’t seem to let her go. The kids are doing well, and so is the new house.
Momus: He has moved in with Amy and things are going well thus far. He also has written three new songs and one was a response to the gauntlet thrown at him by Yvan during Samhain.
Eberwulf: With less then a month to go on their due date he is finding there are many things that are in need of preparations before then.
Brogan: His new job is going swimmingly. Things in general are going rather well. He attended Preachain’s Samhain where he found they do things a little different then us but had a great time. They have bardic circles going and he learned about a new drink “Athlebrose”
Guthrum: The trebuchet toss went very well; they tossed a pumpkin 421 feet. He is settling into his new home nicely and was able to brew a batch of berry mead.
Colin: Bree has moved in and things are going well. Work has hit the busy season since Samhain and he has been consumed with it since then.
Helska: Is busy getting ready for the new arrival. She has bee off since December 1st and doing preparations.
Treasury Report:
The treasury has $1,113 at the beginning of the meeting. There are some who owe debts.
Old Business:
1) Brewer’s Guild: There has been no progress on this. The previous Chieftain has decreed that it shall no longer be carried as business, until such time as someone is ready to bring it up again as new business if some proposal is ready.
2) Clann Coins: We are going to completely redo the dyes. Brogan will pickup tool steel at the proper dimension of the blanks we currently have. These will be passed off to Volund for him to etch our images into them. A test striking has been tentatively set for the first weekend in January to see if the new etching will work as well as try the new dyes. With this a shop cleanup day to go with the striking has also been set. *** These are both dependant on the availability of the shop and may be rescheduled of which all rescheduling will be posted on the clan site so look out for the details. ***
3) The New Kitchen Trailer: There was some discussion about the new trailer and the acquisition and completion dates. Since our Leading Celt “Aonghus” wasn’t available for an update the chieftain offered what he know about the project. The layout and design he saw when Aonghus showed him a while back was looking awesome. He also went onto say he would like to see the acquisition of a new trailer by the Spring Meeting and to have the finished trailer on the road being tested by the first of July. As a reminder, the following members have pledged cash contributions: $500 from Brogan, $300 each from Aonghus, Eberwulf, and Colin, and $300 from Guthrum and Finnoula.
4) Tee-Shirts: Guthrum has a design in mind and will send it to the File “Brogan” for approval. They should be on sale for $15 at Imbolc.
New Business:
1) Imbolc: Scheduled for the first weekend in February which would be the 4th but this would depend on the acquisition of the hall at Swan Lake. Since Aonghus is the only one able to reserve it he will let us know if the date stands. Events to occur will include the following:
a. Craft Fair: All active members, including absent from the event, shall present some sort of craft.
*** The idea of having the crafts judged was kicked around but we thought it would be best to have that as a separate event all together. This can be discussed further at Spring Meeting for Beltane.
b. Game: Bring your fitchel boards down for gaming but don’t forget the valuables (bobbles) as there will be knuckle bones present as well.
c. Auction: Since the silent auction went well and seemed to promote more social interaction Guthrum and Finnoula will be running our normal auction in the same matter. If you wish to put your craft up for auction let either of them know. Also if you have any thing you can donate or found something else that you no longer have a use for please bring it down.
d. Druidic Ceremony: Volund to run a Ceremony
e. Pomes and songs: Brogan has a presentation and Momus has a few new songs for singing. Who knows you might even be singing along with him.
f. Celtic Trvia: A trivia game involving both actual history and clan history to be run by Finnoula.
g. The Great Feast: We will again have our traditional fine feast. See the job assignments below for a full list of all duties and responsibilities.
2) Imbolc Continued: The jobs necessary to ensure a successful and fun event have been assigned as follows:
a. Setup: Everyone will assist with setup.
b. Jockey Box set up: Faellon
c. Feast coordinator: Brogan **make best efforts to get feast ready for 6pm**
d. Main Course: Leg of Lamb and Whole Chicken- Brogan
e. Vegetable I: Mixed Root Vegetables- Volund
f. Vegetable II: Pottage- Colin
g. Vegetable III: Yams- Guthrum and Finnoula
h. Bread and Honey Butter: Faellon
i. Desert I: Momus
j. Desert II: Jen / Finnoula if Jen Can’t
k. Pitchers and Jockey box from Shop: Colin
l. Beer: 5 gallons from Guthrum and Finnoula
m. Cider (non-alcoholic): Bree
n. Leftover detail: Guthrum
o. Bus Tables: Momus
p. Dishes: Aonghus and Fiachra
q. Jockey Box Clean up: Colin
r. Garbage detail: Colin
s. Clean Up of Hall: Aonghus to be in charge. **Everyone is responsible for share the work***
3) Our Calendar: Guthrum has asked we try and stick to the calendar laid out in the laws.
4) Friends of the Clan:
a. Guthrum motioned to remove “Wink” from the FOC list. Second by Momus. 1-yay 4-nay
b. Guthrum motioned to remove “Achna” from the FOC list. Second by Brogan. 5-yay 0-nay
c. Colin motioned to have “Jen” added to the FOC list. Second by Momus. 5-yay 0-nay
d. Colin motioned to have “Reannin” added to the FOC list. Second by Momus. 5-yay 0-nay
e. Colin motioned to have “Braun” added to the FOC list. No second.
f. Momus motioned to have “Sean” added to the FOC list. Second by Colin. 5-yay 0-nay
g. Momus motioned to have “Begaul” added to the FOC list. Second by Eberwulf. 5-yay 0-nay
h. Guthrum motioned to have “Cathy” added to the FOC list. Second by Eberwulf. 5-yay 0-nay
5) Mailing List: Colin motioned to assign the secretary to organize, update and keep our mailing list. This list will consist of both snail mail and email address where possible. The motioned was second by Eberwulf.
5-yay 0-nay
Probate Review:
Fiachra was not present. Since his sponsor has gone inactive he will need to have a new sponsor. Eberwulf will speak with him about people that have approached him. I think it would be fair to say that any calnn member would be happy to be his sponsor.
Personal Business:
None.
Presentations:
Brogan brought plans for a late Iron Age chariot. It was the story behind the plans that was more impressive. He has offered some advise to the designers and in return they have asked him to proof the plans of which he was pretty excited about and rightly so.
Momus sung one of the songs he has been working on and it seems like an instant hit. By the end of the song almost everyone was singing the chorus. He felt so comfortable he decide to add another song for us. Both were great, I can’t wait to hear them at the next event.
The meeting was adjourned by motion of the Chieftain at 5:00 p.m.
5-yay 0-nay