MEETING OPENED: 10:44 am Treasurer Donna Shine, presiding.

REPORTS:
A. Minutes of last meeting read and approved.
B. Treasurer's Report:
C. Membership:
Current BIGS membership stands at 128.
Anyone wishing to place articles and/or queries in the next issue of the Buffalo Irish Times needs to submit the information prior May 15th.
NOTE: The cost of a Times subscription has gone up to $10 per year. We will need to make an adjustment in dues to accommodate this change.
Individual genealogy reports are wanted for inclusion in the binder located in the library. Information may be submitted in any convenient format.
All members are asked to notify Donna Shine whenever they have a change of address and/or email address.
Reminder: All donations to BIGS are tax deductible.

OLD BUSINESS:
A. Events:
The Annual Gathering of the Clans was held in January. The Seawall Display, set up by Peg Szczygiel, was excellent and received considerable attention from attendees.
The St. Patrick's Day Parades had a good turnout and were a lot of fun. Jim Shine prepared a display of county flags that was very well received.
B. Projects:
We are now in possession of a full collection of Holy Cross
Cemetery microfilms. They are in need of indexing before they will be readily usable. Volunteers are needed for this project.
C. Purchases:
A microfilm reader, films and cart have been acquired for the Library.
Members are encouraged to let Donna Shine know if there are any research materials they would like added to the library.
D. Library:
The regular Saturday hours - first and second
Saturday of the month from 10 am to 2 pm - have been supplemented by Tuesday evening from 6 - 9 pm. The library may also be accessed by appointment by contacting Mary Murphy, John Blest or Donna Shine.
Janet Foisset has donated the book; Tracing Your Kerry Ancestors by Michael H. O'Connor to the library.
There is still a need for additional volunteers.

NEW BUSINESS:
A. Future Topics:
July Meeting - Donna Shine has contacted Dick Moulton of the Erie County Surrogate's Court. He will be speaking at the July meeting.
October Meeting - Margaret Fabinsky will contact the City of Buffalo, Department of Vital Statistics regarding a possible speaker.
B. Condolences:
Condolences were extended to the families of recently deceased BIGS members Marie Ring (4/12/2004) and Michael Shine (3/12/2004).
C. Irish Festival:
This year's festival will be held August 27-29. Volunteers are needed.
D. From the Floor:
Studio Arena Theater is offering a reduced rate for groups of 15 of more wanting tickets for "Stones in His Pocket"
The Salt Lake City Family History Library has obtained a special genealogist's rate at the Salt Lake City Holiday Inn. The rate is $55 per night and includes shuttle service to the FHL and airport.

BUSINESS MEETING ADJOURNED: 11:05 am

NEW MEMBER INTRODUCTIONS:
Sandy Wheaton, a guest, is looking for Edward and Bridget Hayes.

FEATURED TOPIC:
Ron Paszek on Holy Cross Cemetery.

NEXT MEETING: Saturday, July 24th, 10:30 am

M. E. O'Grady-Fabinsky