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Comment by mona everett on May 9, 2011 at 10:46am

2011 NAFOW Tour Descriptions --Sign up NOW at www.nafow.org

Thursday, September 1, 2011
“Cleveland, What a Surprise Tour” A guided tour of Cleveland and the Botanical Gardens of Cleveland.
A narrated tour through the Downtown Cleveland area (including North Coast Harbor with the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame, the Great Lakes Science Center, the Browns Stadium), the Flats and Warehouse Districts, Ohio City, Gateway, Playhouse Square, along the old Millionaire’s row, past the Cleveland Play House, Cleveland Clinic Campus and renewed cultural center at University Circle.  After a drive through the historic Cultural Gardens there will be a brief stop at the Rockefeller Park Greenhouse with the return drive along the Lake Erie shoreline.  Lunch at the University Inn, and then an afternoon stop at the Cleveland Botanical Gardens with ten acres of landscaped grounds including ten individually different gardens such as the Hershey Children’s garden; a Japanese Garden; the Mary Ann Sears Swetland Rose Garden, the Western Reserve Herb Society Garden as well as a18,000 square foot crystalline conservatory that houses two re-created ecosystems: the Madagascar desert and a butterfly filled Costa Rican Cloud Forest.

This tour does not require a lot of walking for the city portion, but does require guests to handle a tray at the University Inn lunch stop. Your additional level of activity depends upon your afternoon choices.

Price: $70.00, includes lunch, tour leaves hotel at 8:45am, back approximately 4:30 pm, assemble and check in at 8:30 in the lobby.

Saturday, September 3, 2011
Tour of the Amish Country: A trip to the Holmes County Amish Country, the second most visited tourist destination in the state of Ohio.  The sight of well cared for farmsteads, rolling hills, clean and neat homes and a visit to an Amish farm and house giving a taste of the area; additional stops include Walnut Creek and Sugarcreek. Lunch will be served at a family style restaurant.

Price: $97.00, includes lunch. Tour leaves the hotel at 8:00 am to be back at the hotel about 4:30-5:00

Monday, September 5, 2011
Train Tour through the Cuyahoga Valley National Park: A scenic train excursion through Cuyahoga Valley National Park. The long history of train travel in the Cuyahoga Valley sparked renewed interest in 1972 as an excursion route and the Cuyahoga Valley Preservation and Scenic Railway Association was born.  The train runs through the heart of CVNP where the most noteworthy feature is the Ohio and Erie Canal.  The shallow and unpredictable rivers could not be used as highways of commerce, so the building of a canal between 1825 and 1832, improved transportation fulfilling the goal of economic development, bringing about the founding of Akron, Ohio and the development of Cleveland into a Great Lake port and manufacturing center.  During the trip you will be treated to a full luncheon at the 356^th Fighter Group Restaurant at the Akron-Canton airport the area’s only authentic WWII restaurant dedicated to the heroes of the war and to the 356^th Fighter Group who’s pilots flew the P-47 Thunderbolt and then the famed P-51 Mustang while escorting the B-17 Bombers across the English Channel to safety.

Price: $75.00 per person includes lunch.  Tour leaves the hotel at 8:30am; return approximately 3:30-4:00 pm. The return time is tentative as this is a special Labor Day run, so time is not set in stone.  All trains cars are air conditioned with restrooms. 

Comment by mona everett on May 8, 2011 at 2:30pm

NAFOW 2011 On-line registration is now open! It is very easy and user-friendly--I just registered for the various meals and concerts I want to attend so I speak from experience. We've begun using a new program from the one we had last year, so if you tried registering online last year and found it cumbersome, you'll be very pleased with the ease of this year's online registration!

Comment by mona everett on May 8, 2011 at 2:03pm

SEMINARS

All events and scheduling are subject to revision .
Please consult the program booklet distributed at the festival for the final schedule of events.

*Mastering Iron: Welsh Artisans in the American Industrial Revolution
with Anne Kelly Knowles ~ Assoc. Professor of Geography, Middlebury College
As the young American nation entered the 19th century, its businessmen and government leaders eyed the success of the British iron industry with envy. They struggled for decades to match their British rivals. Key to their efforts were the skills and experience of Welsh iron workers and iron works managers, who were instrumental in the transfer of advanced technologies and an industrial way of life. This seminar will explain what made it difficult to replicate places such as Merthyr Tydfil in the United States, why Welsh workers were recruited by ventures in almost every state in the Union, and the problems Welsh immigrants encountered on the American industrial frontier.
Sponsored by: Welsh American Heritage Museum, Madog Center for Welsh Studies, University of Rio Grande

*Little Cardiganshire: The Welsh in Southeastern Ohio
with Jeanne Jones Jindra ~ Director of the Madog Center for Welsh Studies, University of Rio Grande in Rio Grande, Ohio
From the “accidental” settlement by a group of Welsh immigrants from Cilcennin headed for Paddy’s Run in 1818, to the “Great Welsh Tide” of over 3000 immigrants in the 1830’s and 1840’s, Jackson and Gallia Counties in southern Ohio have long been known as “Little Cardiganshire”. This seminar will provide an “armchair tour” of this beautiful area that visually resembles south Wales, focusing on the influences of the Welsh on the landscape, and demonstrating how they were able to play a formative role in the industrial and cultural development of the area. The history of the Welsh-American Heritage Museum and the Madog Center for Welsh Studies will also be discussed, accompanied by photos of Welsh identity still visible in the area.
Sponsored by: Madog Center for Welsh Studies, University of Rio Grande

*The White House and Wales
with Prof. Thomas Watkin ~ Emeritus Professor of Law, Bangor University The tenth-century laws of Hywel Dda played a significant part in forming and maintaining a Welsh identity. In the succeeding centuries, many Welshmen became prominent lawyers, some making notable contributions to legal learning. Welshmen also played significant roles in advocating the cause of the colonists in America during the eighteenth century and in the founding of the American republic. How can we learn more about the important part played by the Welsh as lawyers and lawmakers not only in Wales but in America and around the world?
Prof. Watkin sponsored by: Jane Toney in memory of her great grandfather William E. Powell (Gwilym Eryri), Amy Titus and Gareth Howell, and Mari and Hywel Davies.


*The Significance of Welsh Legal History
with Prof. Thomas Watkin ~ Emeritus Professor of Law, Bangor University March 3rd 2011 saw the people of Wales decide that the National Assembly for Wales should have significant additional legislative powers. For a thousand years, the development of the law in Wales has often foreshadowed subsequent developments in England and elsewhere. The Statute of Wales in 1284, the creation of the Courts of the Great Sessions by the Acts of Union in the sixteenth-century and the disestablishment of the Church in Wales at the start of the twentieth century are all examples of how law-making for Wales proved significant in subsequent legal developments on a much bigger stage. What has the legal history of Wales to teach us about legal development and how can its study best be promoted?
Prof. Watkin sponsored by: Jane Toney in memory of her great grandfather William E. Powell (Gwilym Eryri), Amy Titus and Gareth Howell, and Mari and Hywel Davies.


*Was Elvis Welsh? How to Begin Tracing Your Family History
with Darris Williams ~ Community Manager for Family Search
Learn basic principles for discovering more about your family whether you have a unique name or one as common as Hopkins, Evans, or Jones.
Sponsored by: Cambrian Benevolent Society of Chicago, Kay Gavin, Berwyn Jones, Martha Davies


*Three Basic Family History Records: Census, Church and Civil Registration
with Darris Williams ~ Community Manager for Family Search
The best records for learning about your family history are not always what you might expect. Learn how to select the best source based on what you already know.
Sponsored by: Cambrian Benevolent Society of Chicago, Kay Gavin, Berwyn Jones, Martha Davies

*Best of the Web for Welsh Family History
with Darris Williams ~ Community Manager for Family Search
The internet has changed how most people do research. You can learn and do more in a matter of minutes than could be accomplished in hours a few years ago. Discover which websites are the best for Welsh family history.
Sponsored by: Cambrian Benevolent Society of Chicago, Kay Gavin, Berwyn Jones, Martha Davies

*How to Get Free Help With Your family History
with Darris Williams ~ Community Manager for Family Search
Many resources are available for free access to records and guidance on where to look next for information about your ancestry. This class will identify the free and nearly free sources that will help you be successful.
Sponsored by: Cambrian Benevolent Society of Chicago, Kay Gavin, Berwyn Jones, Martha Davies

*Welsh Language Class "Absolute Beguinners"
with Hefina Phillips ~ Cymdeithas Madog
Come and learn a few rudiments and phrases of your mother tongue, one of Europe's most ancient languages, and the vehicle of an awesome literary heritage nearly two thousand years old.
We are grateful to Cymdeithas Madog for sponsoring Welsh language classes at NAFOW again this year. For many years, each July, Cymdeithas Madog has held a week-long intensive Welsh course.

*Welsh Language Class "Second Steps"
with Hefina Phillips ~ Cymdeithas Madog
After you have master a few rudiments and phrases of your mother tongue, you maybe ready to adavnce to the next level. For those who are interested in receiving advanced language instruction or in participating in chat sessions please contact the Cymdeithas Madog directly or attend a Cwrs Cymraeg.
Sponsored by: Cymdeithas Madog

*Welsh Musical Instruments
with Moch Pryderi ~ Welsh American Folk Band
Pibgorns and Bombards and Pipes, Oh my! Come along and hear some unusual musical instruments played (and explained) by members of Moch Pryderi, the wonderful Welsh-American Band that will have performed at the Opening Concert on Thursday evening. Fun for all ages!

*Welsh Folk Dancing
with Sian Frick ~Dance leader
Twmpath Dawns with live music by the band, Moch Pryderi, is sure to please dancers and non-dancers alike. Siân Frick, a certified and celebrated Welsh Folk Dance teacher, will lead the dances and will keep things moving happily along. All ages are welcome.

*Ysogl Gân: Learn to Sing
with Ilid Anne Jones ~ Ysgol Gân Instructor and Dianne McCarty, Accompanist
Come prepare for the hallmark event of our weekend, the National Gymanfa Ganu. Learn how to sing your part with others in your section or just come to listen to beautiful Welsh music.


*Loopholes for Investors
with David Allen ~ WNGGA Treasurer
In this seminar, David Allen will talk about ways investors can improve their portfolios, get tax breaks AND support their favorite charities. If you own stocks, bonds or mutual funds you will find this seminar useful.

Comment by mona everett on May 5, 2011 at 1:06pm

JOIN WNGGA!

If you are not currently a member of the Welsh National Gymanfa Ganu Association, this is a good time to join. If you already enjoy the benefits of membership, consider upgrading to a Life Membership or sending a gift membership to a family member of friend. Membership in WNGGA as an Individual or as an Affiliated Welsh Organization (AWO) has many advantages.
Both types of membership receive the WNGGA newsletter Hwyl four times a year.

Both types of membership receive all mailings, email updates (if an email address is provided) and registration materials for the North American Festival of Wales (NAFOW).

Both types of membership help support WNGGA’s mission to preserve Welsh Heritage in North America,

Both types of membership help WNGGA continue to sponsor the NAFOW you know and love.

Individual Members:

Save on registration fees and other costs of the NAFOW
Are eligible after one year to serve on the WNGGA Board of Trustees
Are eligible any time to be a volunteer and to help plan and run a NAFOW
Are entitled to vote at WNGGA’s Annual General Meeting (AGM)

AWO Members:

Receive publicity materials to share with their members and the local public
Are eligible any time to volunteer to bring a NAFOW to their locale and help plan and run it

Can join other AWO leaders on the private AWO YahooGroup to share program ideas and problem-solving strategies

Can have their AWO listed on the WNGGA website so new members can find them and join

Can have their representatives attend the AWO meeting at every NAFOW and meet and network with leaders from other societies

Are entitled to send a representative to the AGM to vote on their behalf

Are able to nominate eligible members from their local societies to serve on the WNGGA Board

Please go on line to www.wngga.org and click on “Membership” or fill out the application below and mail it to WNGGA International Headquarters, P.O.Box 410, Granville, OH 43023 with credit card, check or money order.
Name________________________________________
Postal Address_________________________________
City_________________________________________
Country______________________________________
Postal Code___________________________________
Email________________________________________
Membership Category:
$ 10US – Individual Annual
$150US – Individual Life (may be paid in $50 installments)
$100US – 65 yrs+ Life (may be paid in $50 installments)
$ 50US – AWO Life
Amount Enclosed_______________M/C____Visa____
Card Number__________________________________
Exp. Date: MM/DD/YYYY_____/____/_______
This is a gift for___in honor of___in memory of___Name(s)____________________________________________

Comment by Jeanne Jones Jindra on May 3, 2011 at 7:37am

Always interesting to follow this particular discussion on the timing of NAFOW. Most of the higher ed academics have expressed their concerns for years that Labor Day weekend is not a good time and we have lost attendees over the issue.

Comment by mona everett on April 13, 2011 at 2:19pm

Know Someone Who Would Be a Good Board Member for WNGGA? You, Maybe?

Do you know someone who would make a good Board member for the WNGGA? Or, would you make an excellent Board member?

Email publicity@wngga.org for the nominating form and more info.
Nominees must have been members of WNGGA for at least one year before they can be elected to the Board..

We will be electing new Board members at the NAFOW this September and have several positions to fill--from Canada and the Eastern and Western US.

It isn't too late to suggest names for consideration to the nominating
committee, and we are relying on the local Welsh societies to suggest quality people--you are the ones who have seen people in action locally and know who can get the job done; who has great ideas; who plays well with others. Let us know who these wonderful folks are and we'll take it from there!

We need only the best people to serve on the Board, if we are to continue to
have the great organization you've come to know.

Suggest someone today!

Thanks,

Mona Everett
Nominations Committee member

Comment by AdaMae Lewis on March 25, 2011 at 4:41pm

Howard, good to hear from someone interested in WNGGA and the NAFOW.  Ever since schools began starting before Labor Day this has been a dilemma and discussed over and over.  Some of the issues we've discussed have been the price.  The hotel planner tells us that if we go any other time than Labor Day, we will not get a price as favorable as we get now, and even with that favorable price, people complain about how high it is. 

Labor Day is the only holiday shared by both the USA and Canada.  Year round schools are becoming more prevalent and even with schools starting around the 20th of August, as they do here, the teachers are back at work the week before.  Of course, a number of schools still do not start until after Labor Day.

We have tried not to have the event so it conflicts with other big Welsh events, feeling we need to support all of them rather than compete with them.  So, we have determined the first 2 weekends in July would fit that category.  How do you think people would respond to those dates?  Again, I don't know what sort of prices we'd get from the hotels if it is considered high season.  If it were over the 4th, we may be able to get a good price because that might not be a high travel weekend.  Of course, I could be dead wrong about that.

One thing that has been discouraging is the lack of attendance by families with children from the local area where the NAFOW is being held.  One would think that even if school has started, that children and families living in the area would attend on the weekend, but attendance has been poor.

I think winter is less than desirable.  Guests and performers risk not getting there.

In the end, up to now we have decided that while Labor Day is not perfect, no other weekend seems to be either.

We continue to encourage feedback and suggestions.  I know we cannot make everyone happy, but we'd like to make as many as possible happy.

 

Comment by Howard Evans on March 24, 2011 at 9:02pm

Here are a few possibilities in conjunction with generally recognized holidays:

January - Martin Luther King Day

February - President's Day

May - Memorial Day (a second tier choice - usually busy, not all out of school)

July - Middle two weeks

August - Week following National Eisteddfod

October - Columbus Day (a second tier choice - not universally recognised)

 

You're right about getting the information out to the younger people with children, but I'm sure that many current attendees and/or members have grandchildren or Welsh  friends who have children or grandchildren.

If the current members value the organization, it is upon their shoulders to make sure that the Welsh Culture is passed on to newer generations.  The Welsh in America, I believe, were too easily and completely assimilated and are not passing the culture on to following generations.

 

Perhaps WNGGA should establish a "recruiting" committee to gain membership, but more importantly, gain younger members. 

Comment by mona everett on March 24, 2011 at 3:08pm

We know. :( What do you think the best time/weekend would be to hold it? We asked people last year and had almost every weekend listed. Of course, these are not necessarily the ones with kids! So we need to reach people who aren't there--tricky, but that is where I hope Americymru and Facebook can help. Already a lot of people who didn't know about NAFOW have heard about it now. Thanks for any ideas!

Comment by Howard Evans on March 24, 2011 at 2:45pm

Mona,

 

I understand the quandry, but it is a matter of choice.  Either schedule and structure  the meeting so the young Welsh-Americans can attend, or keep the current schedule and modus operandi and watch the organization fade away.  It's not an easy decision to make, but one which should be made with total consideration of the outcome.

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