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Jimmy the Groundhog snowed out: Sun Prairie cancels Groundhog Day ceremony
By mona everett, 2011-02-02
Jimmy:
Yep--too cold and snowy for our local groundhog! Read the story here: http://www.thedailypage.com/isthmus/article.php?article=32094
Attention all Wisconsinites! Help us beat Minnesota's Welsh! (If you're already member--sign up a relative or friend--what a great gift!)
Originally appeared in Ninnau www.ninnau.com
You can forget about football. When it comes to friendly rivalries, its not the Vikings versus the Packers or even Paul Bunyans ax, anymore. Ellis Jones, of Minnesota, has challenged Mona Everett, of neighboring Wisconsin, to see which state can recruit the most new members to join the Welsh National Gymanfa Ganu Association before the 2011 NAFOW in Cleveland, Ohio, Sept. 1-4.
If you missed it, both Ellis and Mona were among about two dozen local Welsh society leaders attending the annual meeting of the WNGGA Affiliated Welsh Organizations (AWOs) at the 2010 NAFOW in Portland, when the discussion turned to increasing membership in the WNGGA.
AWOs are local Welsh organizations or businesses that have joined the WNGGA to support the preservation of Welsh culture on the international level. While there are approximately 120 AWOs located throughout Canada, the U.S., Wales, Australia and New Zealand, not all members of every local Welsh society are members of the WNGGA. The WNGGA depends on the local Welsh societies to attract new members and publicize the North American Festival of Wales. Most individual members and NAFOW attendees first hear about the international organization and NAFOW through their local societies.
The Board of Trustees of the WNGGA also looks to the local societies to suggest potential nominees to join the Board. All WNGGA Board members must have been members for at least one year before serving on the Board.
It was during a lively discussion about attracting new members to WNGGA, that Ellis threw down the gauntlet and Mona picked it up and accepted his challenge. Next August, the WNGGA will tally up new memberships and see which state recruited more new members. If Wisconsin wins, Mona has said she has a nice Cheesehead for Ellis to wear in Cleveland. If Minnesota prevails, it is certain Ellis will have something equally diabolical in store.
This is just one approach to attract new members to WNGGA. Does your state want to challenge a neighboring one? Or does your local Welsh society have other good ideas? Let WNGGA know, by emailing publicity@wngga.org. As always, local societies receive newsletters and publicity and membership materials from the WNGGA, along with advance NAFOW registration information to distribute to their members.
Membership applications can be printed from the WNGGA website www.wngga.org , or requested from WNGGA International Headquarters, PO Box 410, Granville, OH 43023.
Read more about the 2011 NAFOW: http://americymru.net/group/northamericanfestivalofwales2011clevelandohio#ixzz1AexWh0v8
AKA My 2010 Christmas letter to my Welsh friends: (will add more photos soon!)
Nadolig 2010
Pob bendith i chi dros yr wyl,
I hope this season finds you and yours safe and happy. It has been an incredibly busy and very Welsh year for me. While I continue to volunteer with an older, mostly-homebound man (unless we take him out), I have also been driving regular dog rescue runssort of an underground railroaddogs, and sometimes cats, are rescued from bad situations and taken to the safety of a new home or shelter,with many people driving an hour or two and then passing the animals on to the next driver.
All year long, I was kept busy with my new duties as Chair of Publicity and Marketing for the North American Festival of Wales, which was held in Portland, Oregon, in the Pacific Northwest,i n September. Besides the work at home, it entailed two road trips to Portlandone in March and April and one in August and September. Both were 3-4 weeks and about 5500-6500 miles. In March, I combined my trip with a Board meeting of the Great Plains Welsh Heritage Project, in Wymore, Nebraska, and an Easter visit with our daughter, my aunt and cousins in Southern California.
If you are familiar with US geography, you will know this was not the most direct route to Oregon! I took my dachshund, Macsen, with me. (In the US Macsen rhymes with dachshund.) We had an enjoyable trip driving up the Coast through the Redwoods, 
and on the way home drove along the Columbia River Gorge in Oregon, 
and followed the Lewis and Clark Trail through Washington, Idaho, Montana and North Dakota. We even slept two nights in a B&B shaped like a beagle!
But before that trip,we (my husband and I, not the dog!) attended a Burns Night supper (and ate haggis, again); three St. Davids Day eventsone with the Chicago Tafia; one in Racine, Wisconsin; and one here in Madison. Luckily, they were all scheduled different days! I had the pleasure of meeting Dafydd Wigley in Racine, as he was the guest of honor. He had family that immigrated to Racine.
In May, I attended the Wisconsin Welsh Weekend for Everyone, in Wales, Wisconsin. Saturday was full of family-friendly events, including a fabulous rugby demo by the womens rugby team from the university. I sort of understand the game now! Sunday we finished up with a wonderful gymanfa ganu in the Welsh Church.
I took some Tai Chi classes in May and went fishing for the first time with the man I volunteer with. Although we went four times during the summer, no one caught anything, but we had fun being on the lakes and taking in the views. We also took him out on a pontoon boat to watch the Fourth of July fireworks from the lake.
In June, I had another Board meeting in Nebraska, and stopped in Chicago on the way home to join the Tafia at a pub night and we watched the US premiere of the film, A Bit of Tom Jones.On returning home, I had to have surgery, unexpectedly, just before I was due to drive to Canada for my friends wedding! I made the trip anyway, and enjoyed the wedding, but could have done without the surgery! This was a couple I introduced in 2009 and they have since moved to Wales, which brings me to myJuly trip to Cardiff for Cwrs Cymraeg and my first National Eisteddfod.
I was gone about 3 weeksone week for Cwrs; one for the Eisteddfod; and one for visiting and sightseeing. What a fabulous experience it was to spend so much time on the maes, hearing Welsh spoken everywhere, and speaking as much as I could. I did feel sorry for the people who had to listen to learners all week, though! I was delighted to have my friend from Holyhead come down, as I would not have known what to see and do on the maesthere was just so much to take in! It was so much fun to see friends from Wales at the Eisteddfod! I also toured the Penderyn distillery (yum!), spent a day in Swansea and on the Gower, and shopped so much I had to borrow an old suitcase from my friend to bring everything home in!
I was home 2 weeks and I had to get ready to leave for Portland again, for the NAFOW. This time I combined the trip back with a visit to Mt. St. Helens (this was the 30 th anniversary of the eruption); a visit to my nephew on an island in Puget Sound; a quick trip to Vancouver, BC, to see the totem poles in Stanley Park (they were amazing); a drive through Yellowstone, where I not only saw Old Faithful go off, but got up close to a bison that decided to walk along the shoulder of the road right next to my car! Then I had a one-week stopover in Rapid City, South Dakota, where I attended a museum conference for the Great Plains Welsh Heritage Centre. It was very useful, but I ended up with pneumonia by time I got home.
By the end of September I was mostly well, and went on a one-day riverboat cruise down the Mississippi with the man I volunteer with. The next day I headed to Nebraska again for another Board meeting.
When I got home, I began working with an illiterate man that I worked with about year agohe had dictated a book to me and now it was published and he wanted to learn to read a short bit. We did that and he was great. I went to his book reading and talked about the whole process and read some as well.
All year long, we have been going to doggy playgroups and in October I went to six dog Halloween parties! Three of our dogs (a hound, a beagle, and one of the dachshunds) won $20 for their costumesthey were a hotdog, and Mustard and Ketchup! 
In November, I joined a Womens Scrabble Club and have been enjoying playing over coffee and chit-chat. We also had our state Christmas Gymanfa Ganu, but I was very disappointedit was all English, except for four verses! Our local Cambrian Heritage Society had our fall meeting with 4 members sharing experiencesone talked about university student exchanges with schools in Wales; one talked about working on his Masters degree in Celtic Studies from Lampeter, mostly on-line; one told about his experiences directing cymanfoedd ganu in various states (he was NOT the one who directed the mostly-Saesneg one!); and one person talked about and modeled traditionalWelsh dress from the past.
I made one last road trip to Tennessee to see an ailing cousin and visit other relatives over Thanksgiving. It was quite cold here when I left (37F) but 75F there! I am glad I went, as my cousin is now in the hospital with his son at his side.
Since Ive been home, Ive continued the regular activities, including taking our friend to see the Nutcracker Ballet and helping with his Christmas shopping, wrapping and card-mailing. Now its my turn to get my holiday things done!
My husband left yesterday for 15 days in California to spend Christmas with our daughter. It was his turn to go and my turn to stay home. However, it is now very cold (minus 9F the other day and weve had one blizzard already!).
I hope your year has been as full of magical moments and friendship and adventure as mine has. If you dont hear from me for awhile, that is because 2011 will be just as crazy as 2010 was, but I am (mostly) enjoying all of it! I think of you all often as I travel lifeshighways and hope we see each other soon!
Gyda ddumuno iechyd a hapusrwydd i chi yn 2011,cyfarchion cynnes,
By Mona Everett 
Previously printed in Ninnau
All hail Johnny Depp! So began Terry Brevertons seminar on Welsh pirates during the 2007 North American Festival of Wales.. Drawing from his several books on pirates and privateers, Mr. Breverton entertained and educated his audience with lively anecdotes about swashbucklers and scoundrels during the Golden Age of Piracy.
Life on board a pirate ship was infinitely more attractive (and generally longer) than what awaited men pressed into service on other vessels. Pirate ships were democratic, with captains only having ultimate authority when under attack. Riches were (supposed to be) divided equally, and what riches they were! Multi-million dollar treasures were plundered on the high seas. Privateers were given letters of marque by various government officials, which gave them permission to loot any enemy ship, with the proviso that a percentage would be turned over to the government. When privateers grew tired of taking all the risks and sharing the bounty, they often turned to out-and-out piracy.
Due to time constraints, Breverton focused on two of the most famous Welsh pirates, Sir Henry Morgan and Black Bart Roberts, but his books and research paint a broader picture of the impact Welsh pirates and privateers had on world governments at the time. He made the case that privateers saved King Charles reign from being a total disaster, and certainly piracy took a heavy toll on merchant sailing and trade in the Atlantic and Caribbean.
Not just outlaws, pirate captains like Morgan and Roberts were gifted strategists, thinking their way out of seemingly hopeless situations. Frequently taking on much larger ships, and even small fleets, when they were outgunned and outmanned, they still managed to give the enemy the slip time and time again.
These were extraordinary men. Back home in Wales, they were heroes, and today, thanks to Brevertons work, we can relive their adventures and learn a bit of history at the same time.
So, enjoy Hollywoods pirates, but for the inside scoop check out Brevertons books including Black Bart Roberts: The Greatest Pirate of Them All; Admiral Henry Morgan: King of the Buccaneers; The Book of Welsh Pirates and Buccaneers; and the Pirate Dictionary.
Welsh National Gymanfa Ganu Association Seeking Board of Trustees Candidates
By mona everett, 2011-01-06
What Board positions must be filled this year?
There will be several vacancies on the 2011-2012 WNGGA Board ofTrustees. We are asking for names of qualified candidates, who will be voted on at the Annual Meeting, Sept. 3, 2011, at the North American Festival of Wales, in Cleveland, Ohio. Trustees serve a three-year term and may be elected for a second term.
Who is the ideal Board candidate?
There is no ideal Board candidate. Instead, WNGGA is looking for dedicated individuals with diverse skills to complement the current Board.
What criteria will the Nominating Committee use to select Boardcandidates?
The only requirement of Board candidates is that they are WNGGA members and have been a member for at least one year. Six trustees shall be residents of the Western United States west of the Mississippi River. Nine trustees shall be residents of the Eastern United States east of the Mississippi River. Five trustees shall be residents of Canada. One Trustee maybe elected from Wales. In certain cases, a member or members may be elected from any other region, to fill the vacancy or vacancies in another region.
What do Board members do?
The Board is responsible for planning and carrying out the annual North American Festival of Wales.
How much time does Board service require?
Board members must be willing to invest time in preparing for and thoughtfully participating in Board meetings. The Board meets twice a year.Also, each member of the Board serves on at least two committees and should therefore be available to participate in regular committee work and respond to communications.. Finally, Board members are expected to attend the NAFOW
May I nominate myself?
Yes. WNGGA members may n omina te themselves for the Board of Trustees by following the same procedures they would use in order to nominate someone else.
How do I nominate a candidate?
If you know of an individual who meets the Nominating Committee's criteria, and who might be willing to serve on the WNGGA Board of Trustees, please complete the nomination form below.
Mail form to:
WNGGA International Headquarters, Stacy Evans, Executive Director, PO Box 410, Granville, OH 43023. or email it to: president@wngga.org . One of the Trustees will then contact the candidate. WNGGAs Nominating Committee will accept Board nominations by post until August 20, and at the NAFOW through Sept. 2, 2010.
Visit our website for more info: www.nafow.org
Thank you!
WNGGA Nominating Committee
NOMINATING FORM
Your name: _____________________________________________________
Address: ________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________
Phone: __________________________________________________________
Email: __________________________________________________________
Check here if self-nomination
Name of the person you are nominating:_____________________________
Address: ____________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________
Phone: ______________________________________________________________
Email:__ _____________________________________________________________
Have you discussed this with the candidate? __________________________
How long have you known this person ?_______________________________
How has this person been involved in Welsh activities? ______________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
Why do you think this person would be a good addition to the Welsh National Gymanfa Ganu Board of Trustees? ____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
What skills can this person bring to the Board of Trustees?
Writing Public speaking Technology skills Publicity
Marketing Graphic Design Accounting
Legal background Fundraising Other___________________ _
By Mona Everett
Previously printed in Ninnau
Leaders from over two dozen local Welsh Societies met during the 2010 North American Festival of Wales in Portland for a lively give-and-take at the annual meetingof Affiliated Welsh Organizations (AWOs). Working from an ambitious agenda,WNGGA Board member, Mona Everett moderated the discussions while Liz Heath, ofthe Puget Sound Welsh Association, took notes.
Participants took turns sharing ideas and swapping stories and brainstorming ways the local societies can keep in touch and help each other all year long. (Did you know that WNGGA has over 100 Affiliatemembers from the US, Canada, Wales, New Zealand and Australia?)
A summary of this meeting will be sent to all the AWOs, and additional information will beprovided for future Ninnau articles.
The Welsh National Gymanfa Ganu Association had been at work all year to establish better communications with, and between, local Welsh societies. Any Welshsociety or organization which supports the mission of the WNGGA may join as an Affiliatedmember. Organizational dues are currently $50 for a life-time membership.
The AWOs are at the heart of the WNGGA. Most of the individual and life-time members of WNGGA also belong to at least one local Welsh society. The WNGGAmails its newsletter, HWYL, and NAFOWregistration and publicity materials to all AWOs. These in turn are shared withthe local members. Many people first hear about the Festival through their local society.
This past summer, WNGGA began sending e-letter updates to the AWOs and will expand this to include individual members and other interested parties this year. Aswe all know, email updates can be sent much faster and are much cheaper thanpostal mail. To this end, it is now a priority of the WNGGA to have the mostcurrent contact names, along with email addresses and websites (if any) for allthe AWOs and individual members. Please be sure your current contactinformation is on file, by sending it to:
Mona Everett,
1314 Woodvale Drive,
Madison, WI 53716 USA,
or email it to publicity@wngga.org .
There are many advantages of individual membership in the WNGGA. A short list of these includes: saving on registration costs for NAFOW; receipt of thenewsletter, HWYL, three times a year;and automatically receiving all mailings/emailings with the latest news andregistration materials for NAFOW. Most importantly, membership supports the WNGGA mission to preserve our Welsh heritage and allows WNGGA to continue tosponsor the North American Festival of Wales. In addition, members have a voicein the organization, by voting at the Annual General Meeting (AGM), serving onthe Board of Trustees, and volunteering their talents to help plan or run aNAFOW.
It is the hope of WNGGA that every AWO will encourage all their members to join and support WNGGA. Individual memberships start at just $10 per year.Membership forms may be printed from the website: www.wngga.org , or may be requested from WNGGAInternational Headquarters, PO Box 410, Granville, OH 43023 USA.
Besides the advantages for individual members, AWOs are also eligible to volunteer to bring a NAFOW to their city and may help plan and run the Festival; to join other AWOleaders on the private online AWO discussion group to exchange program ideasand strategies for solving problems facing local Welsh societies; to have theirAWO contact information listed on the WNGGA website so prospective members canfind them (and join); and to attend the AWO meeting at every NAFOW and meetother leaders from other societies.
In addition, each AWO is entitled to send a representative to vote on their behalf at the AGM and is able to nominate eligible members from their local society to serve on the WNGGA Boardof Trustees. Be sure your local society is taking advantage of all thesebenefits.
Remember every member helps WNGGA continue to sponsor the NAFOW we know and love and is always invited to suggest ways to make it better-known and loved.
