Meeting minutes and next agenda to be posted here January 2020
January 5, 2020
Volunteers Planning Committee Meeting
Clan O’Donovan 2020 Gathering
The meeting began at 11:15 with Sherry Donovan Moser as moderator. Kathleen Lyons, John Donovan, Shawn Donovan, Val Greenwood, David Donovan, Peter Spencer, Daniel O’Donovan, Randa Phillips were present.. (If I have some of the O’Donovans listed as Donovans, and the Donovans listed as O’Donovans, or have misspelled anyone’s name in any way, my sincere apologies. It was not intention. Sometimes I’m doing good to spell at all.)
The meeting began with a discussion of the best way to donate to aid Australia in fighting and recovering from the horrendous fires devastating much of that country. Peter Spencer, who lives in Australia, said that his daughter had posted a request for the NSW Rural Fire Service & Brigades Donations Fund. It is an excellent fund to give to since 100% of the money donated goes directly to them without a percentage being taken out for administration fees.
>>Sherry stated that we need a Transportation Coordinator to schedule bus tours and match them with people who are interested in particular tours. The Cronin Company will provide buses for this.
>>John mentioned that one of his cousins could provide a tour bus from Bantry to the Jamison Distributing Company, which is near Cork. Stops at Skibbereen and Clonakilty to pick up passengers would be included. Michael Collins house is in Clonakilty as well as several other places that people will find interesting.
>>John also said that David O’Donovan and his daughter present music programs and can include a band for a program if we want. Later in the meeting, David joined us and corroborated this, saying that he and his daughter often sang ballads. They could also provide all traditional music, instrumental pieces, or a mix of traditional and more modern songs with a band.
It was generally agreed that David and his daughter, along with the band, would provide a mix of popular music, traditional Irish music, including ballads at the barbeque to be held at Top of the Rock. Upbeat music will be mixed with traditional and slow music throughout the program.
The barbeque will be held from 1:00 to 3:00 P.M. on Friday, June 12th, at Top of the Rock Pairc near Drimoleague. Music would begin at 2:00. Story tellers and Irish dancers are also on the agenda so far. In case of rain, 90 seats will be available inside the building, and a canopy can be provided. The menu includes fresh BBQ beef, chicken, and pork; salads, and side dishes. Real plates and silverware will be provided.
>>Sherry reminded us that after January 15th, the banquet tickets will be advertised locally.
>> Sherry also stated that a Diaspora Coordinator is needed to oversee the setting up of family genealogy, pictures, and charts at West Lodge on June 10th.
>>A discussion on funding commenced when Randa brought up the subject of how much money is needed and which charity we will donate any extra funds to. No approximate amount was voiced. Some felt we should place money in a Go Fund Me Account. Kathleen felt we should place the money in a Kick Starter account. Neither was decided upon.
>>Peter Spencer suggested that we give a certificate of membership to those who donate.
>>Dan Donovan, who had checked into which forms were needed in order to report income, said that according to 2 different accountants, neither form 501C nor 501C8 would be needed. Setting up a non-interest-bearing account under the responsible person’s social security number should be sufficient.
>>A good charity to donate excess funds to might be a genealogy center. Margaret _______was mentioned in connection with this topic.
February 9, 2020 at 11:00 A.M. Pacific Standard Time was set as the date for the next meeting via Zoom.
Submitted by Randa Phillips. ( Add corrections if needed.)
