NMDA

Executive Board

From the President:  Hello! I hope you have enjoyed our Web-Site.  If you are a History Buff and want to join our group, we will welcome you. You do not have to be a lineal member to belong.  We have Tributes to honor Nicolas Martiau every three-four years.  They are well received and enjoyed.

The main goal of NMDA was to meet other descendants of Nicolas Martiau.  We already have met many "cousins" and enjoy the rapport.  The more the merrier!  We are spread all across this vast nation and who knows when you will discover another descendant in your neighborhood.

From the Founder:  Lineal Descendants of Nicolas Martiau & Widow Jane Berekely share more than pride in our ancestral grandparents’ place in history. We share a bond with those whom we’ve met through The Nicolas Martiau Descendant Association. We look forward to hearing from other "cousins", and welcoming you, your families and historians into NMDA.

From the Librarian:  We are working on a bibliography of all published materials pertaining to Nicolas Martiau and his descendants. I you know of books you would like to see included, please send the following information: Author, Title, Place, Publisher, date, # of pages and a mention of the ancestors the book includes.

From the Membership Chairman:  NMDA welcomes you to our new Web Page!  If you are a descendant of our illustrious ancestor and have found us via an internet search engine, please consider a bookmark and return visit.  Your involvement in our organization's goals and aims can only enrich your family history search.  Together we can assure that the accomplishments of our common ancestor, Nicolas Martiau, will not be lost to the ages.  

From the Newsletter Editor:  Members of NMDA are mailed newsletters each year, filled with historical information as well as news of Martiau-related events.  Available for viewing at each meeting is an attractive scrapbook containing articles beginning with the first tribute in May 1993.

From the Advisor:  As a Charter Member, I have been both Membership Chairman and Co-Editor of the quarterly newsletter with my husband, Fred, who is an Auxiliary Member. Come join us and get involved. It is a wonderful experience!

From the Assistant Membership Chairman:  Welcome current and future NMDA members, both Lineal and Auxiliary!  We look forward to sharing the rich history of Nicolas Martiau and his descendants with you all.

Minutes for NMDA Executive Board Meeting
August 11, 2004, Williamsburg, VA

President Page Warden called the meeting of the NMDA Executive Board to order at 1:30 p.m. Members present: Jean Meyers, Noreen Gentry, Carol Shrader, Jennie Howe, Dale Watkins, Cathy Petre, Ann Duthie, Fred Duthie, and Page Warden.

Dale Watkins distributed a treasurer’s report for the period Jan. 1, 2004 – August 11, 2004, with a current balance on hand of $ 5,502.04. She also gave a report of Tribute income and expenses. The reports will be filed.

Cathy Petre displayed two options for membership certificates. Ann Duthie moved to adopt the certificate proposed by Cathy Petre with the signature of the president. The motion was seconded and carried.

The membership application forms and procedures were discussed. Carol Shrader moved that the preliminary application with check be sent to the treasurer. The treasurer will then deposit the check and forward the information to the registrar, who will mail the complete lineal application form to the applicant. If lineal forms are not completed within 12 months, the applicant will be given the option to request an extension of time or to convert the application to auxiliary membership. The motion was seconded and carried. The Board considered that there will be no need to refund $15 to the applicant, as the applicant will be offered auxiliary membership. Applicants will be sent newsletters during the 12-month application period.

Carol Shrader proposed and moved that NMDA have its own web page with URL indicative of our organization. The cost for 2 years is $166.80 with hosting and domain fees included. The URL will be http://www.nicolasmartiau.org.  The motion was seconded and carried.

Carol Shrader moved that the Board authorize Page Warden to explore a 501c3 non-profit status for the organization. The motion was seconded and approved.

Jennie Howe reminded officers to send information for the newsletter by October 1.

The meeting was adjourned at 4:50 p.m.

Signed,
Dale Watkins, Secretary Pro Tem

THE NICOLAS MARTIAU DESCENDANT ASSOCIATION
MAY 2004 NEWSLETTER, Volume X, No. 1

Letter from the President:

2 April 2004

Dear Cousins:

It’s hard to realize that just a week ago we were merrily on our way to Warner Hall, which began a super (if I do say so myself) Tribute to our common ancestor, Nicolas Martiau.

As I’m sure you all know, this was my "maiden voyage" into planned events, and from all the feedback, all enjoyed it. Now I need your help --

if you have not filled in the survey, please write me your suggestions. We need to know how often Tributes should be held; what season; how many days. All comments are welcome.

Several have suggested 2007 -- the 400^th anniversary of the Founding of Virginia -- for the next Martiau Tribute. That promises to be a busy year. Wondered if you wanted to think about June, July or August? If so, why not include children, grandchildren?

I have lots of ideas to help the NMDA to be a stronger organization. I’m so glad that we now have an "Aim." Basically, since we are so scattered, it’s impossible except for Tribute time to work as a team. Therefore, I feel that the best thing each of us can do is to encourage new membership.

Speaking of new membership -- half of the attendees were prospective members. Let’s change that! Help can be as close as your e-mail! Please let me hear from you soon. Include your name, spouse’s name, your lineage, address, phone number, e-mail, etc.

I am looking forward to hearing from you -- with lots of good ideas -- so that we can make NMDA a super organization.

Oh, before I forget -- Bonnie Karwac said that Mr. Freeman (in whose front yard the Nicolas Martiau monument is located) wants to deed to NMDA an easement where the marker stands. I have started the investigation into this, and we may want to consider a joint venture with the Page-Nelson Society. More on this as it progresses.

Relatively yours,
Page Laubach Warden
President NMDA

Minutes for NMDA Business Meeting
held 26 March 2004, Williamsburg, VA

The meeting was called to order by President Novelle Cobine at 9:45 a.m.

Treasurer Dale Watkins reported a balance on hand of $11,762.94, with tribute expenses still to be paid.

The following members were nominated for office:

President: Page L. Warden
Vice President: Jean Meyers
Secretary: Novelle Cobine
Treasurer: Dale Martin

Remaining in office are

Registrar: Larry Van Horn
Membership Chairman: Carol Shrader
Librarian: Norreen Gentry

The above slate was elected by those present and proxy votes. Jennie Howe indicated a willingness to serve as Newsletter Editor and Historian.

Carol Shrader presented a proposal to donate funds to waterproofing of the Custom House at Yorktown owned by the Comte de Grasse Chapter of the Daughters of the American Revolution. A letter from Marty Dale was presented in support. Dale Watkins moved to table the proposal until the project may be presented to the membership. Written approval or rejection will be requested from members through the newsletter.

Page Warden moved the donation of $2,500 to the York County Historical Museum Board for the Chiskiack Watch Artifact Project. The motion was adopted by vote of the members present and proxy ballots.

Page Warden brought attention to a Resolution on the Grace Church Expansion Project and suggested that persons in support sign. Wray Page gave more information, highlighting the grave desecration which would occur. The deadline for written input is April 8. Discussion followed.

Dale Watkins moved that Marty Dale be named President Emeritus for the NMDA. The motion was seconded and carried.

The meeting adjourned at 10:35 a.m.

Signed,
Dale Watkins, Secretary Pro Tem

11/01/2004 10:25:53 AM