Northeast Regional Annual General Meeting via Zoom 10/30/2021
ATTENDANCE: Mike Hoke, Craobh Dugan-O’Looney(CDO); Chris Hoke,
CDO; Tim Quinn, Martin Wynne(MW); Amy Dodge, Sean O’Riada(SOR);
Tom Malley, CDO; Maureen Conway, Reynolds-Hanafin-Cooley(RHC);
Tara Lynch, RHC; Julie Sorcek, Andy McGann(AM); Michael Hickey, RHC;
Gracie Schell, CDO; Karl Wuerslin, CDO; Diane Straube, MW; Dave
Halligan, Tom Finucane(TF); Colleen O’Sullivsn, SOR; Lindsey Ceitinn, PV
O’Donnell(PVO); Tim Straube, MW; Frank Kennedy, RHC; Sean Carroll,
Burke-Curry-Seery(BCS); Dan McGrath, TF; Nora Hanley, AM; Bill
Hallahan, TF
**After each report or discussion, the person who made the motion to accept and the person
who seconded the motion will be named in parentheses, with a “/” between each name.
1. Failte: Tim Quinn called the meeting to order at 10:08am. He
welcomed all to the Zoom meeting.
2. Runai Report: The minutes of the previous meeting (April 10, 2021)
were sent out by Chris Hoke last April as well as during the week
previous to this meeting for all to review. It was agreed that the minutes
did not need to be re-read by Chris Hoke. No additions, deletions or
corrections were offered. (Colleen O’Sullivan/Frank Kennedy)
3. Treoiri Na Gaeilge Report: Tom Malley was experiencing technical
difficulties at the time his report was to be presented. When he was fully
connected to the meeting, Tom gave his report. He noted that he had
been in contact with all the branches regarding their Irish language
offerings. It appears that all the branches of the Northeast Region are
either hosting their own language classes or have connections with local
groups or people who offer Irish classes.
4. Cisteoir Report: Upon request from Tim Quinn, Mike Hoke began his
report with Membership information. He reminded all the branches to
get their branch memberships entered into the CCE system. and he
recommended to do so early, do not wait until the deadline. Lindsey
Ceitinn noted that the PV O’Donnell branch has no secretary nor
treasurer yet. Mike told her that he would send her information on how
to get into the system and how to enter memberships. He noted that he
is available to guide her through the process. He also stated that the
Burke-Curry-Seery branch has already completed their first submission.
As for the Treasurer’s Report, Mike reported that he transferred all the
money from the savings account into the checking account as the bank
was assessing the account a fee each month for lack of activity. He
reviewed our income and expenses and noted that the checking account
balance is $5600. As a review for all as well as to inform newer
members/branches, Mike reviewed the ins and outs of getting and
having insurance, noting that the bottom line is that getting one policy for
all branches is not possible as we cover multiple states. There are 3
branches in NY who share a policy, and the others each have their own
insurance. The people from the 3 branches in Connecticut will look into
getting a combined policy. Tim Quinn noted that he sent out the
Treasurer’s Report via email. (Tim Quinn/Gracie Schell)
5. Public Relations Officer Report: Mimi Fahy was not present and sent no
report.
6. Regional Election of Officers: With the exception of 1 Auditor and the
Public Relations Officer, the entire slate of officers from last year was
willing to remain in his/her office. Aside from those 2 offices, there were
no new nominations. Louise Miggins was an Auditor but is no longer
involved. The officers were nominated as follows: Chair—Tim
Quinn(Michael Hickey/Gracie Schell); Vice Chair—Bridget Quinn(Chris
Hoke/Gracie Schell); Secretary—Chris Hoke(Dave Halligan/Colleen
O’Sullivan); Treasurer—Mike Hoke(Michael Hickey/Gracie Schell);
Auditor—Dave Halligan and Nora Hanley(Mike Hickey/Gracie Schell);
Public Relations Officer—Tim Straube (Julie Sorcek/Michael Hickey);
Treoiri Na Gaeilge—Tom Malley; Youth Officers—Emilie Carroll and
Nora Carroll; Delegates—Tara Lynch(Frank Kennedy/Gracie Schell) and
Bridget Quinn(Colleen O’Sullivan/Michael Hickey). Michael Hickey
made a motion to accept this slate of officers, and Chris Hoke seconded
the motion. All agreed.
7. Spring and Fall NER Meetings: The Spring meeting will be held during
the North American Convention in San Francisco April 21-24, 2022. We
will plan the Fall AGM during the Spring meeting. Michael Hickey
suggested using Zoom from San Francisco so those who cannot travel
there can still attend virtually.
8. Service Awards: These will be presented at the Convention in San
Francisco. The Northeast Regional Service Award Recipients will be
The Carroll Family (Maureen Conway/Chris Hoke) and Bob Davis (Tara
Lynch/Maureen Conway). Congratulation to all!
9. NER Concert Series: Tim Quinn noted that the Region has offered 2
concerts, one in 2019(Makem and Clancy) and another this
September(Joanie Madden, Mirella Murray and Gabriel Donohue).
Three branches hosted in 2019 and four hosted in 2021. Tim Quinn
asked if we want to try to continue to host regional concerts. There was
a lengthy discussion. Tara Lynch asked the participating branches for
input and if they made money. Julie Sorcek, Diana Straube, Dave
Halligan, Mike Hoke, Chris Hoke, and Lindsey Ceitinn each chimed in
with different comments, thoughts and suggestions from their branch’s
experiences. Everyone agreed that hosting the concerts are an
important way for us to fulfill CCE mission. But it was also agreed that
we should focus less on the “bigger names” and bigger audiences—we
should look for less-known musicians who may not garner larger
audiences but who also will be more financially-friendly. It was also
suggested that the concerts should be spaced out.
10. Provincial Officer Nominations: Mike Hoke shared the list of
Provincial Officers who are running/wiling to remain in his/her office for
the new year. All were in favor of the Northeast Region nominating the
same slate of nominations.
11. Branch reports: Branch reports were presented as follows: Tara
Lynch—RHC; Sean Carroll—BCS; Dave Halligan—TF; Chris
Hoke—CDO; Colleen O’Sullivan—SOR; Lindsey Ceitinn—PVO; Tim
Quinn—MW. From the reports, it is obvious that despite the challenges
of the past 20 months, Comhaltas Ceoltoiri Eireann is alive and well in
the Northeast Region.
12. Votes of Sympathy: A moment of silence was held to honor the
following members or family members of the branches in the NER:
Martin Wynne—Kathleen Quinlan, Tim Daly
Tom Finucane—Jim Coughlin
PV O’Donnell—John Lawless, Steve Ross
Reynolds-Hanafin-Cooley—Jimmy Mawn, Jack Doyle, Patrick Walsh,
William Gaffney
Craobh Dugan-O’Looney—Jim Moran, Robert McWethy, William
Robinson, Evelyn Sass, Brunhilde Wuerslin, Richard Sova, Tom Cawley
13. New Business: Tara Lynch asked about the status of the Mid-Atlantic
Fleadh and if the NER would be hosting it. Frank Kennedy confirmed
that the Mid-Atlantic Fleadh is already scheduled for 2022 and 2023,
hosted by the Mid-Atlantic Region.
14. Adjournment: Tim Quinn adjourned the meeting at 12:00pm.
Respectfully submitted,
____________________
Chris Hoke
NER Secretary
ATTENDANCE: Mike Hoke, Craobh Dugan-O’Looney(CDO); Chris Hoke,
CDO; Tim Quinn, Martin Wynne(MW); Amy Dodge, Sean O’Riada(SOR);
Tom Malley, CDO; Maureen Conway, Reynolds-Hanafin-Cooley(RHC);
Tara Lynch, RHC; Julie Sorcek, Andy McGann(AM); Michael Hickey, RHC;
Gracie Schell, CDO; Karl Wuerslin, CDO; Diane Straube, MW; Dave
Halligan, Tom Finucane(TF); Colleen O’Sullivsn, SOR; Lindsey Ceitinn, PV
O’Donnell(PVO); Tim Straube, MW; Frank Kennedy, RHC; Sean Carroll,
Burke-Curry-Seery(BCS); Dan McGrath, TF; Nora Hanley, AM; Bill
Hallahan, TF
**After each report or discussion, the person who made the motion to accept and the person
who seconded the motion will be named in parentheses, with a “/” between each name.
1. Failte: Tim Quinn called the meeting to order at 10:08am. He
welcomed all to the Zoom meeting.
2. Runai Report: The minutes of the previous meeting (April 10, 2021)
were sent out by Chris Hoke last April as well as during the week
previous to this meeting for all to review. It was agreed that the minutes
did not need to be re-read by Chris Hoke. No additions, deletions or
corrections were offered. (Colleen O’Sullivan/Frank Kennedy)
3. Treoiri Na Gaeilge Report: Tom Malley was experiencing technical
difficulties at the time his report was to be presented. When he was fully
connected to the meeting, Tom gave his report. He noted that he had
been in contact with all the branches regarding their Irish language
offerings. It appears that all the branches of the Northeast Region are
either hosting their own language classes or have connections with local
groups or people who offer Irish classes.
4. Cisteoir Report: Upon request from Tim Quinn, Mike Hoke began his
report with Membership information. He reminded all the branches to
get their branch memberships entered into the CCE system. and he
recommended to do so early, do not wait until the deadline. Lindsey
Ceitinn noted that the PV O’Donnell branch has no secretary nor
treasurer yet. Mike told her that he would send her information on how
to get into the system and how to enter memberships. He noted that he
is available to guide her through the process. He also stated that the
Burke-Curry-Seery branch has already completed their first submission.
As for the Treasurer’s Report, Mike reported that he transferred all the
money from the savings account into the checking account as the bank
was assessing the account a fee each month for lack of activity. He
reviewed our income and expenses and noted that the checking account
balance is $5600. As a review for all as well as to inform newer
members/branches, Mike reviewed the ins and outs of getting and
having insurance, noting that the bottom line is that getting one policy for
all branches is not possible as we cover multiple states. There are 3
branches in NY who share a policy, and the others each have their own
insurance. The people from the 3 branches in Connecticut will look into
getting a combined policy. Tim Quinn noted that he sent out the
Treasurer’s Report via email. (Tim Quinn/Gracie Schell)
5. Public Relations Officer Report: Mimi Fahy was not present and sent no
report.
6. Regional Election of Officers: With the exception of 1 Auditor and the
Public Relations Officer, the entire slate of officers from last year was
willing to remain in his/her office. Aside from those 2 offices, there were
no new nominations. Louise Miggins was an Auditor but is no longer
involved. The officers were nominated as follows: Chair—Tim
Quinn(Michael Hickey/Gracie Schell); Vice Chair—Bridget Quinn(Chris
Hoke/Gracie Schell); Secretary—Chris Hoke(Dave Halligan/Colleen
O’Sullivan); Treasurer—Mike Hoke(Michael Hickey/Gracie Schell);
Auditor—Dave Halligan and Nora Hanley(Mike Hickey/Gracie Schell);
Public Relations Officer—Tim Straube (Julie Sorcek/Michael Hickey);
Treoiri Na Gaeilge—Tom Malley; Youth Officers—Emilie Carroll and
Nora Carroll; Delegates—Tara Lynch(Frank Kennedy/Gracie Schell) and
Bridget Quinn(Colleen O’Sullivan/Michael Hickey). Michael Hickey
made a motion to accept this slate of officers, and Chris Hoke seconded
the motion. All agreed.
7. Spring and Fall NER Meetings: The Spring meeting will be held during
the North American Convention in San Francisco April 21-24, 2022. We
will plan the Fall AGM during the Spring meeting. Michael Hickey
suggested using Zoom from San Francisco so those who cannot travel
there can still attend virtually.
8. Service Awards: These will be presented at the Convention in San
Francisco. The Northeast Regional Service Award Recipients will be
The Carroll Family (Maureen Conway/Chris Hoke) and Bob Davis (Tara
Lynch/Maureen Conway). Congratulation to all!
9. NER Concert Series: Tim Quinn noted that the Region has offered 2
concerts, one in 2019(Makem and Clancy) and another this
September(Joanie Madden, Mirella Murray and Gabriel Donohue).
Three branches hosted in 2019 and four hosted in 2021. Tim Quinn
asked if we want to try to continue to host regional concerts. There was
a lengthy discussion. Tara Lynch asked the participating branches for
input and if they made money. Julie Sorcek, Diana Straube, Dave
Halligan, Mike Hoke, Chris Hoke, and Lindsey Ceitinn each chimed in
with different comments, thoughts and suggestions from their branch’s
experiences. Everyone agreed that hosting the concerts are an
important way for us to fulfill CCE mission. But it was also agreed that
we should focus less on the “bigger names” and bigger audiences—we
should look for less-known musicians who may not garner larger
audiences but who also will be more financially-friendly. It was also
suggested that the concerts should be spaced out.
10. Provincial Officer Nominations: Mike Hoke shared the list of
Provincial Officers who are running/wiling to remain in his/her office for
the new year. All were in favor of the Northeast Region nominating the
same slate of nominations.
11. Branch reports: Branch reports were presented as follows: Tara
Lynch—RHC; Sean Carroll—BCS; Dave Halligan—TF; Chris
Hoke—CDO; Colleen O’Sullivan—SOR; Lindsey Ceitinn—PVO; Tim
Quinn—MW. From the reports, it is obvious that despite the challenges
of the past 20 months, Comhaltas Ceoltoiri Eireann is alive and well in
the Northeast Region.
12. Votes of Sympathy: A moment of silence was held to honor the
following members or family members of the branches in the NER:
Martin Wynne—Kathleen Quinlan, Tim Daly
Tom Finucane—Jim Coughlin
PV O’Donnell—John Lawless, Steve Ross
Reynolds-Hanafin-Cooley—Jimmy Mawn, Jack Doyle, Patrick Walsh,
William Gaffney
Craobh Dugan-O’Looney—Jim Moran, Robert McWethy, William
Robinson, Evelyn Sass, Brunhilde Wuerslin, Richard Sova, Tom Cawley
13. New Business: Tara Lynch asked about the status of the Mid-Atlantic
Fleadh and if the NER would be hosting it. Frank Kennedy confirmed
that the Mid-Atlantic Fleadh is already scheduled for 2022 and 2023,
hosted by the Mid-Atlantic Region.
14. Adjournment: Tim Quinn adjourned the meeting at 12:00pm.
Respectfully submitted,
____________________
Chris Hoke
NER Secretary