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Emerald Reflections Online

Table of Contents - February 2002

You are viewing the electronic version of Emerald Reflections,
the monthly publication of the Shamrock Club of Wisconsin

Shamrock Club Moves Parade to Downtown Milwaukee

Shamrock Club of Green Bay and Northeast Wisconsin

Fox Cities Shamrock Club

Shamrock Club of Rock County

Dane County Shamrock Club

Shamrock Club of New Dublin

St. Patrick's Day Statewide

Milwaukee President's Message

Financial Clarifications

Set Dancing continues at Bordolino's

Irish Display at Museum in March

St. Patrick's Mass Flower Donations and Memorials

17th Annual Special Mass to Honor St. Patrick

John Whelan to Play in Milwaukee

ICHC Offers Celtic Arts and Crafts Classes

"Blooming Meadows" Art Exhibit

Nominations for Milwaukee Club Offices

First Friday Lecture Series 2002

Connie Dover and Roger Landes in Concert

Museum Help Wanted

Easter Rising Mass

Irish News Items from RTE

The "Eoin Mac con Uladh" Memorial Scholarship

Irish Veterans Memorial Project Update

Welcome New Members

Milwaukee Calendar of Events

Wisconsin Calendar of Events


Shamrock Club Moves Parade
To Downtown Milwaukee

2002 marks the 36th anniversary of our annual St. Patrick's Parade. The parade will return to its original home on Wisconsin Avenue in downtown Milwaukee on Saturday, March 9, 2002, at 12 noon.

Unfortunately for all involved our major sponsor for last years parade, the Bluemound Business Advancement Association (BBAA), created contractual financial commitments that it was unable to honor either now or in the future. Although disappointed, the Shamrock Club was left with no other option than to partner with a new, responsible, primary sponsor.

As such, the Shamrock Club has formed an alliance with the Westown Association of downtown Milwaukee. The Shamrock Club will retain naming rights and has the sole responsibility for the production of the parade. The Westown Association will act as a fund raising, marketing, and promotion arm for our event. We look forward to a long lasting, mutually beneficial relationship with our new partner.

In response to inaccurate statements and rumors regarding the movement of the parade, the agreement made with the BBAA, and the breakdown of the BBAA relationship, the Shamrock Club has decided to release the following historical timeline compiled by Board Members Bob Hamill, Mary McAndrews, Tim O'Brien and parade director Dan Malloy:

• 1999: Bluemound business owners approach the parade directors to move the parade to Bluemound Road.

• April-May 2000: BBAA representatives present parade proposal to Shamrock Club members.

• June 1, 2000: Shamrock Club members vote to move parade to Bluemound Road. BBAA and Shamrock Club sign the agreement which was drafted by the BBAA's legal counsel and approved by the boards of both organizations. (Copy of complete agreement follows this timeline).

• March 10, 2001: Parade is successful; no complaints registered to the BBAA or to the Shamrock Club.

• June 2001: BBAA is invoiced for parade due to non-payment.

• August 13, 2001: BBAA Attorney tells Shamrock Club representatives that if the Shamrock Club holds the BBAA to the June 1st, 2000 agreement, the BBAA will disband and the Shamrock Club will receive no payment for the 2001 parade.

• August 28, 2001: Shamrock Club accepts a payment of $10,000 from the BBAA for 2001 as the Shamrock Club has already paid all outstanding bills for the March 2001 parade.

• September 26, 2001: Shamrock Club board submits new contract terms to the BBAA of $10,000 per year for four years.

• October 8, 2001: BBAA rejects the Shamrock Club terms and counters with terms of $7,000 per year for three years.

• October 15, 2001: Shamrock Club rejects the BBAA counter proposal and counters with terms of $10,000 per year for one year.

• October 25, 2001: Shamrock Club proposal is rejected by the BBAA. Shamrock Club board unanimously votes to move the parade.

JUNE 2000 PARADE AGREEMENT

This Agreement made and entered into by and between the SHAMROCK CLUB OF WISCONSIN hereinafter referred to as the "Shamrock Club" and the BLUEMOUND ROAD BUSINESS ADVANCEMENT ASSOCIATION, INC., hereinafter referred to as the "BBAA," as of the date of execution, by all signatories hereto.

WHEREAS, the Shamrock Club has been staging a St. Patrick's parade on North Avenue, in the Cities of Milwaukee and Wauwatosa, for the past several years; and

WHEREAS, the Shamrock Club is desirous to move said parade along a route generally located on West Bluemound Road, in the cities of Milwaukee and Wauwatosa, and

WHEREAS, the BBAA is desirous to support this endeavor through whatever means necessary to accomplish said result;

NOW THEREFORE, IT IS AGREED BY AND BETWEEN THE PARTIES HERETO, AS FOLLOWS

1. The BBAA agrees to sponsor the Shamrock Club's St. Patrick's Parade for a period of five (5) years, commencing with the year 2001 parade.

2. The BBAA agrees to raise and contribute a minimum sum of Twelve Thousand and 00/100 ($12,000.00) Dollars annually for said sponsorship.

3. The Shamrock Club and the BBAA agree to donate the minimum sum of Five Hundred and 00/100 ($500.00) Dollars each to a charity of their respective choice. This will be an annual donation concurrent with both parties respective sponsorship.

4. The Shamrock Club and the BBAA agree to contribute the sum of One Thousand Five Hundred and 00/100 ($1,500.00) Dollars each, for purposes of promoting and marketing the year 2001 parade along Bluemound Road. This will be a one (1) time expense for both parties.

5. The Shamrock Club and the BBAA agree to formulate a parade committee as soon as possible, with members to include representatives from each organization. This committee will be in charge of all facets of organizing and staging said parade(s), including, but not limited to, community relations with homeowners, homeowner associations and businesses along and adjacent to the parade route. Any grievances and/or complaints will be directed to and addressed by this committee.

6. The Shamrock Club retains the right to obtain additional sponsors, other than those obtained by or associated with the BBAA, for individual units in the parade.

7. The Shamrock Club agrees to move their parade to Bluemound Road upon completion of each of the above elements, including but not limited to, obtaining any appropriate permits and licenses and a majority vote by the general membership of the Shamrock Club, to move the parade to Bluemound Road.

Dated this 1st day of June, 2000, at Milwaukee, Wisconsin.

Signed: Cate Harris, Katy Voss for the Shamrock Club

Signed: Derry Hegarty, Paul Rebholz for the BBAA


Shamrock Club of
Green Bay and Northeast Wisconsin

SEPTEMBER 2001 - JANUARY 2002

On September 17, another season of Shamrock Club meetings began for the Shamrock Club of Green Bay and Northeast Wisconsin. The September meeting has traditionally been the annual vacation auction and members brought vacation treasures collected over the summer at whatever vacation spot they happened to have visited. Auction items came from Egypt, the Emerald Isle, other locations in Europe, various states and, of course, Wisconsin's own County Door. The auction, always a grand success, netted the club a handsome $816, a raise from last year's $678. Those present at the auction and the Board of Directors unanimously voted to send the entire proceeds from the auction and an additional $184 from the general treasury (total $1,000) to the New York Fire Fighters 9-11 Relief Fund set up by the International Association of Fire Fighters.

The entertainment / educational portion of the October 15 meeting featured Carol O'Loughlin Smart of Waukesha, Wisconsin, who presented her one-woman play, "Whenever the Light Goes Out." It is the story of the remarkable Dr. Rosa Minoka-Hill (1876-1952), an early Native American woman physician, who was raised out east and graduated from the Woman's Medical College of Pennsylvania in 1899. After practicing medicine in Philadelphia for five years, she married Charles Hill and moved to Oneida, Wisconsin, where they raised their family. Dr. Hill faced incredible challenges, which eventually resulted in numerous honors. Carol O'Loughlin Smart, one of her older grandchildren, spent considerable time with her, trudging behind her as she carried her heavy medical bag across miles of gravel roads. Sharing Dr. Minoka-Hill's inspiring story is a life mission of Carol O'Loughlin Smart.

The educational / entertainment portion of the November 19 meeting was a presentation, "Elizabeth Baird Remembers", by Beverly Smith, a retired educator, actress, and musician who has created dramatic portrayals of Susan B. Anthony and Grandma Moses. "Elizabeth Baird Remembers" is the story of Elizabeth (Betsy) Baird, great-granddaughter of an Ottawa Indian chief . . . daughter of a fur trader . . . wife of a frontier lawyer, Henry Baird (whose father was born in Dublin, Ireland) . . . and chronicler of pioneer life in emerging Wisconsin. Those in attendance at the meeting followed Betsy's adventures as she braved the frontier to become a gracious hostess and well-loved personality through "several short stories of times past" . . . delightfully told in her own words and dramatically portrayed by Beverly Smith.

In her memoirs, Betsy Baird tells the story of a trip to Mackinac Island in 1825 with a fleet of six boats, each with seven men, six to row and one to steer. Along the route, some tomfoolery broke out and eggs were thrown back and forth between the boats. The egg battle continued on land after they went ashore for the evening, and only ended after the supply of eggs was spent. Betsy said of their leave taking from that harbor the following morning: "Before leaving the shore, speeches befitting the occasion were made by most of the gentlemen, and the place was formally christened EGG HARBOR, the name it has ever since borne."

On November 17, the Shamrock Club entered a float in the Holiday Parade in downtown Green Bay and won The Director's Award for most beautiful float. The float was an 8x5 foot white stucco authentic Irish cottage with thatched roof, lace curtains, and candles in the windows. The float was designed and built by Bob Warpinski (with some help from club members).

There was no club meeting in December, but there was a Christmas party planned by Helen Desotell, Jean Barrett-Terry, Lucille Warpinski, and Rosemary Kehoe. At the party, held December 10 at the Holiday Inn in downtown Green Bay, Helen Desotell was named Irish Person of the Year for 2001. These are a few of the many club endeavors that Helen has contributed to and participated in: all of the St. Patrick's Day Masses and Breakfasts held at St. Norbert's, all of the Christmas parties at the Holiday Inn, the International Fests held in conjunction with the August Art Street event in downtown Green Bay, all past parades including New London's and Green Bay's, the manning of the club's food booths in summer at various super markets, and the picnics at Bay Beach Park. Helen, a visible and active member since day one, has been a generous benefactor to the club, donating time, ideas, and materials to most club projects.

Helen is 100 percent Irish, the bloodline stretching through her father Clem Barrett's family to County Cork, and through her mother Mary Kehoe Barrett's family to County Clare. Helen (with help from husband Ron) is the proud mother of five children (Ronald, Jeff, Tim, Gregg, and Mary Ellen) and nine grandchildren. Helen's husband Ron and daughter Mary Ellen Reed were present at the party to congratulate Helen on her well-deserved award.

The entertainment / educational portion of the January 21 meeting was a presentation on Thomas Moore: The Life, Times and Music of Ireland's Most Popular Composer by Shamrock Club friends, Cheryl and Mike Murphy. Using both live harp music and recordings, Cheryl and Mike presented a program on Thomas Moore, the poet, songwriter, and composer whose Irish Melodies brought him international fame in the early 19th century and whose songs - like "The Last Rose of Summer" and "Believe Me If All Those Endearing Young Charms" - continue to be sung today in almost every country of the world.

- Joan (Siobhan) Kreuser


Fox Cities

UPCOMING EVENTS

• MARCH 16 - Celtic Knot at Naut's Landing, Menasha

• MARCH 16 - New Dublin Parade, etc.

• MARCH 16 - Van Abel's, Hollandtown

• MARCH 17 - Mark's East Side, Appleton's St. Patrick's celebration with Celtic Knot.

Our Christmas dinner was enjoyed by everyone. Mike and Karen Cove's talent in performing Celtic and Christmas music encouraged sing-along participation as well as just listening and having an enjoyable and relaxing evening. Their new Celtic CD was an excellent stocking stuffer.

On New Year's Eve Appleton's First United Methodist Church hosted Leahy's Luck as part of the family festivities near City Park. It was well worth going out in the "crisp" night air to see them.

Send all your membership renewals, along with your address label to: Shamrock Club, P.O. Box 1632, Appleton, WI 54912.


Rock County

UPCOMING EVENTS

• FEBRUARY 19 - 7:00 p.m. Membership Meeting

• MARCH 17 - St. Patrick's Day Parade in downtown Beloit.

The plans for our St. Patrick's Day parade will be finalized at the February meeting. If you have any ideas or suggestions please bring them along to this meeting.

This month the program is going to be our version of the Antique Road Show. Each person is encouraged to bring one antique and tell us what it is, where you acquired it. Is it a family heirloom or did you get it at an auction or buy it at a rummage sale? If you can't think of something then it is time to clean house and see if you can find some forgotten treasure with a story to go with it and bring it to the Shamrock Club Antique Road Show. This should be interesting and a lot of fun for all. Let's all get involved and have an enjoyable and fun filled evening. We hope to see everyone on Feb. 19.

- Tom Kennedy


Dane County

DANE COUNTY OFFICERS AND GOVERNOR

[Dane County Shamrock Club Co-presidents Colleen Schams (left) and Paul Buckalew (right) are pictured with Wisconsin Governor Scott McCallum (center) at the Dane Co. Shamrock Club's Christmas Party 12/11/2001.]

As the February winds blow so does the resounding success of our Christmas party reap an abundance of compliments. Now it's on to our fun/fund for February 12th, an "IRISH HEART-TO-HEART" party, which is built upon our October fun/fund at Jingles. Part of our entrance fee will be donated to the American Heart Association. We showed a profit then and look forward to exceeding this amount at the February event. Our newsletter gives all the details to our members. This includes a raffle, bingo, and entertainment with live music and a nationally acclaimed Irish story teller, Mike Cotter, from Austin, Minn.

Our Irish Person of the Year has been nominated; the March issue we will have the highlights on this person.

The ads for the Dane County newsletter have reached the grand total of 12 with more ads anticipated. They will defray the expenses for producing the newsletter.

The trip to Ireland is planned for April 7-20 with the Landa Cleary Travel Company, Inc. from Waunakee, Wis. Some members have already signed up for the trip. Call for information if you are interested.

Ed Jaeger is in charge of the St. Patrick Day Parade in Madison. Our Club is offering him help. If you care to volunteer, please call or email either Paul or Colleen.

Nomination for all offices of the Dane County Shamrock Club will be accepted at the March and April meetings. Nominees must be members in good standing with dues paid. Nominees must be present at the time of nominations.

- Co-Presidents: Paul Buckalew
and Colleen Schams


Shamrock Club of
New Dublin Activities

The Shamrock Club of New London has been meeting the first Monday of every month. Plans for a week long celebration of St. Patrick's Day that will be finished off with a parade and Irishfest in downtown New Dublin (New London) is underway. Gaelic Storm will be the featured entertainment at the Irishfest. Over 100 units are expected in the parade including the University of Wisconsin Marching Band. See the Shamrock Club of New Dublin Website, http://home.talkcity.com/NonProfitBlvd/newdublin/index.html, for a complete schedule. Gerald and Dorothy Rohan have been selected as the 2002 Irishman and Irish Rose. Another activity the club has been involved in is working with the City of New London to join the Sister City Program to set up a formal relationship with an Irish City.

- Patrick Nehring, Vice-President


St Patrick's Day Statewide

Could the people involved in publicity for the state chapters send their information about state parades, celebrations, and such? We will do a page on the state parades for the March issue. Also, send your pictures to Emerald Reflections, and we will do a special St Patrick's Day Wisconsin 2002 page on our web site. Send your information to Brian Witt c/o Williamson Press (1909 W. White St., Milwaukee, WI 53204). Or email us at shamrockclub@hotmail.com

- Brian Witt


Milwaukee President's Message

Please take time to read the statement regarding the parade, which we believe will answer many questions and correct some of the misconceptions regarding our short-lived relationship with the Bluemound Business Advancement Association (BBAA). The Board has found that over the last two months, misinformation has been spread and because many of you haven't spoken to Board members directly, we felt it was time to set the record straight. We have also included a copy of the contract with the BBAA which Cate Harris, Katy Voss, Derry Hegarty and Paul Rebholz signed and that the BBAA did not honor. Paul Rebholz is the attorney for the BBAA who drafted the agreement. We feel that once the facts are laid out in this simple fashion, there should be little question as to why the Board made the decision to sever our ties with the BBAA.

I again ask you to contact me with any further questions - either call me or EMail me at ShamrockClubInfo@aol.com.

The Parade Committee is working hard to bring to our community, yet another successful parade in March. With the help of the Westown Association and our return to our Downtown roots - we are expecting our best parade ever! I look forward to seeing you all there.

Respectfully submitted,
Susan Dundon


Financial Clarifications

To: Shamrock Club Members

From: Sharon Murphy, treasurer

There have been many occasions when I have heard rumors or comments regarding the Shamrock Club finances that are not correct. I wanted to take a few minutes of everyone's time to clarify these matters.

In the four and a half years I have been the club's treasurer we have prepared a balanced budget each year containing certain criteria. Some of those items are explained here.

1. The golf outing and installation dinner should break even.

2. The monthly meeting raffles and refreshments should offset each other.

3. Until the 2001 parade, the post parade party profit was used to offset the cost of the parade.

4. The dues offset the costs of the Emerald Reflections.

5. Other income sources, including the Bradley Center, the St. Patrick's Day Raffle, and Folk Fair and Irish Fest sales are used to pay our operating expenses, social events, and charitable donations. Some of the operating expenses are rent, storage, the 77-IRISH line, insurance and licenses. The social events include the museum exhibits, the Folk Fair and Irish Fest cultural areas, the volunteer party, the picnic, the Christmas party and the Easter Rising Mass.

6. In the last five years, the colorguard has brought in over $9000 more than they spent.

We are very fortunate to have so many hard working volunteers who have made the Shamrock Club a flourishing organization.

If you have any questions regarding the financial concerns of the club, please direct them to me at:

smurphy@wi.rr.com.


Set Dancing
Continues at Bodolino's

2002 brings with it a new home for weekly set dancing in Milwaukee. After the reduction of hours at Nash's Irish Castle, set dancing moved temporarily to the Irish Cultural and Heritage Center. Starting in January, set dancers can go to Bodolino's (3124 N. Downer Ave.) on Mondays for set dancing. Bodolino's is a familiar locale to many dancers and musicians who enjoy playing and dancing there as part of the after-hours Irish Fest Summer School experience.

The Milwaukee Set Dance Club celebrated the holidays in grand style with two set dances at the ICHC in December. The monthly set dance will be held as usual on February 23rd at the Irish Cultural and Heritage Center at 8 p.m. Live music by local musicians will be provided, and the dance will be preceded by instruction of the set dance of the month at 7:30 p.m.

2002 will be another busy year for set dancing, with another series of set dance classes for beginners (contact jpuhek23@ earthlink.net for more details).

The first annual Milwaukee Set Dance Weekend, to be held February 22-24 will be devoted to workshops and dances for more experienced dancers. These workshop events will be held at various locations besides the ICHC.

For more information on this event, go to


Irish Display at Museum In March

Mark your calendars for March 3, 2002 our annual St. Patrick's Day appearance at the Milwaukee Public Museum. There will be lace makers, peat postcard displays, dancers, and more. For more information, call (262) 782-4323.


St. Patrick's Mass
Flower Donations and Memorials

Memorials and donations will be taken at the Milwaukee February general meeting to help defray the cost of flowers for the St. Patrick's Day Mass, March 9, 2002. Names will be printed in the Mass Booklet. Mail orders can be taken up to February 23, 2002. Make checks payable to the Shamrock Club.

Contact Chuck and Bonnie McLaughlin; 12007 W. Walker St., West Allis, WI 53214; (414) 771-0458. Thank you.

- Chuck McLaughlin


17th Annual Special Mass to Honor

Will be held prior to the St. Patrick's Day Parade
Saturday, March 9, 2002 at 8:30 a.m.


At St. Patrick's Church
723 South 7th at Washington Street, Milwaukee
Sign reader for hearing impaired


Shuttle Bus: from ICHC rear parking lot (2133 W. Wisconsin Ave.)
to St. Patrick's Church,
After Mass and Breakfast, return to Parade Route
or parking lot for just $3 per person
Bus To Leave Sharply at 7:45 a.m. for the Church
Tickets for bus can be purchased by mail or at Shamrock Club February and March General Meetings.


PANCAKE BREAKFAST ALL-YOU-CAN-EAT WILL FOLLOW MASS
AT THE SCHOOL NEXT TO THE CHURCH
DONATIONS: $5.50; CHILDREN UNDER 12 YRS. $3
Tickets can be purchased at the
Shamrock Club February and March General Meetings
or at the door only.
NO MAIL ORDERS FOR BREAKFAST!


Checks to be made out to St. Patrick's Church for the breakfast
- all proceeds go to St. Patrick's
For BUS reservations or information contact:
Chuck and Bonnie McLaughlin
12007 W. Walker St., West Allis, WI 53214; Phone 414-771-0458
(Send self-addressed, stamped envelope.
Make checks payable to Shamrock Club)

Mail reservation for BUS ONLY

Name_________________________________

Address_______________________________

City/State/Zip___________________________

Phone________________________________

Number of Reservations_________________

Amount$_____________________________

Bus Reservations will not be taken after March 2


John Whelan
To Play in Milwaukee

As part of the first annual Milwaukee Set Dance Weekend this spring, Narada recording artist John Whelan returns to the Irish Cultural and Heritage Center, (2133 W. Wisconsin Ave.) to play for set dancing. John Whelan provides excellent music for dancing as well as for listening. If you were not able to catch his performances at last year's Irish Fest or at the post-Irish Fest celebrations, this is a good opportunity to hear him play energizing music in an informal setting.

The Midwinter Set Dance Weekend offers a full weekend of set dancing, including workshops and outstanding music. The opening dance of the weekend on Friday, February 22 at 8 p.m. will feature the Public House Ceili Band, which has played for many local set dance events, and has also just released its first CD "Go Figure".

The highlight of the weekend will be dancing to the music of John Whelan on Saturday, February 23 at 8 p.m., and Sunday, February 24 at 2 p.m. All of these dances will be held at the ICHC and are open to the public.

Tickets for these dances will be available at the door, so if you want to beat the winter blahs, John Whelan's music is an excellent way to start getting in the mood for St. Patrick's Day!


ICHC Offers Celtic
Arts & Crafts Classes

Each class meets for four sessions at the Irish Cultural and Heritage Center. All classes are designed to accommodate both beginning and more advanced students and welcome returning students. $30.00 per class plus cost of materials.

CLASS #1: KNITTING - Teacher: Shirley Grade
Sundays 1-3 p.m. - April 7, 14, 21, 28

CLASS #2: CELTIC QUILTING - Teacher: Julie Revane
Mondays 7-9 p.m. - April 8, 15, 22, 29

CLASS #3: CELTIC DESIGN - Teacher; Leslie Fox
Wednesdays 7-9 p.m. - April 10, 17, 24, May 1

CLASS #4: CELTIC CALLIGRAPHY - Teacher: Julie San Felipe
Thursdays 7-9 p.m. - April 11, 18, 25, May 2

Please mail the registration form and check (payable to the Irish Cultural and Heritage Center) by April 1, 2002. Mail to: ICHC; 2133 W. Wisconsin Ave., Milwaukee, WI 53233. Questions? Call (414) 345-8800.

April 1, 2002 Registration Form
ICHC Arts and Crafts Classes

Name:__________________

Address:______________________

City/State/Zip:______________

Phone: (_____) __________________________

Class #1 Knitting ($30) __________

Class #2 Quilting ($30) __________

Class #3 Celtic Design ($30) __________

Class #4 Celtic Caligraphy ($30) __________

Total enclosed $ __________


"Blooming Meadows" Art Exhibit

The ICHC has recently installed new lighting including a track system, in the exhibition space, bringing the ICHC up to gallery standard. On February 1, St. Brigid's Day, the first of our 2002 exhibitions opens with the Blooming Meadows project. Join us for a glass of wine and great conversation as we view these extraordinary photographs, 7-9 p.m., immediately following the Celtic Women's Friday Lecture. Subtitled "The World of Irish Traditional Music," this is a series of portraits of Irish musicians doing what they do best.

The photographs are the work of Nutan, the noted Belgian photographer who moved to Ireland in 1969 and became an Irish citizen in 1983. He lives in Kinvara on the inner reaches of Galway Bay, and is noted for great, evocative CD covers for people like Martin Hayes, Martin Canny, and Liz Carroll. As he says himself about this exhibition, "I used the same film, same camera, same format throughout. I hope I have succeeded in respecting the individual uniquenes of all my 'sitters'. I thank them all for having allowed me into their home, for their time, for the teas, tarts, sandwiches, Jameson and Paddy. They are all uniquely different, like each grain of sand on a beach, yet they are all part of the same family..."

The exhibit will run through April and will be accompanied by the brilliant music of some of those portrayed in the work.

- John Gleeson


Nominations For
Milwaukee Club Offices

Nominations for all offices of the Shamrock Club's Milwaukee Chapter will be taken at the March and April meetings. Nominees must be members in good standing, with dues paid and current. Nominees must be present at the time of their nomination.


First Friday
Lecture Series 2002

Celtic Women International hopes that you will join us for the stimulating, interesting, friendly and gentle First Friday Lectures sessions with our Celtic speakers We begin at 5:30 p.m. at the Irish Cultural and Heritage Center at 2133 W. Wisconsin Avenue, Milwaukee. There is always a cup of tea and biscuits waiting for you while everyone gets settled in. Admission is $5 per person. We are completely finished at 7 p.m. for your evening pursuits.

Friday, February 1 will bring us back to reality. CWI member Barbara (Bairbre) Horn spent the holidays in New York City as a volunteer at Trinity Church/St. Paul's Chapel "The little church that stood" in the words of Mayor Rudy. George Washington once prayed there. The Chapel serves food and offers massage and pastoral counseling to the workers at Ground Zero. Gourmet meals served in a church sanctuary where folks' hearts are being listened to and their bodies being healed. Barbara says she will set up a corner of the sanctuary with a sign that reads "Milwaukee's Here!" Barbara will relate stories about her volunteer experiences at Ground Zero. Barbara wants people to hear her story of this extraordinary time and she hopes for support to help meet her NYC expenses.

In addition: February first is St. Brigid's Day, and we will hear a short description of her good works. We are quite certain that St. Brigid would approve of Bairbre's volunteering in New York.

Following the February 1st CWI lecture, there will be an art exhibition reception with wine and cheese in Parlor B as the new Irish exhibit "Blooming Meadows" is presented. Please do not miss this outstanding evening of caring volunteerism and beautiful Irish art.

Friday, March 1 will be a great Welsh day at the ICHC. To celebrate St. Davids Day, we will have a Welsh presenter, yet to be announced. Following the CWI lecture, there will be a concert in the Hallamór featuring the Milwaukee Festival Band, conducted by Welshman Trefor Williams. Details are still in progress for this wonderful evening of Welsh song and story.

- Jean Bills


Connie Dover and
Roger Landes In Concert

"Connie Dover is the finest folk ballad singer America has produced since Joan Baez," Scott Alarik, Boston Globe. Her soaring, crystal clear voice and inspired arrangements display a depth and breath of range that have earned her a rightful place among the world's finest Celtic singers.

Connie began her Celtic music career as a lead singer for the Kansas City-based Irish band, Scartaglen. Currently performing in a duo with fellow Scartaglen member Roger Landes, she has toured extensively, performing on radio, television and in concert. Her broadcast performances include NPR's Weekend Edition, A Prairie Home Companion, Thistle and Shamrock, A Mountain Stage and E-Town.

In addition to her own recordings, Connie has contributed songs to compilations on Narada, Sony, Virgin and Rounder record labels. She can be heard in film and television sound tracks, including PBS's programs "Last Stand of the Tallgrass Prairie" and "Water and Fire: A Story of the Ozarks." This program won two musical Emmy Awards. (Roger Landes is heard on both of these programs.) She was also a musical consultant to Ang Lee's Civil War film epic, Ride with the Devil. (Roger Landes performs in this film also.)

Connie's newest CD, The Border of Heaven was produced by Phil Cunninghan of Silly Wizard fame. The album has won numerous awards and has been named to top ten lists such as the Boston Globe's and New Age Voice's.

Connie is one of the featured artists profiled in Celtic Women in Music by Maireid Sullivan, a ground breaking book by the Irish writer that profiles 30 select female musicians and reveals their devotion to the traditional Celtic culture that inspires their life as women.

Connie discovered the wealth of the Celtic music tradition as a teenager. To this day she continues her research, collection, preservation and recording of traditional songs and ballads, tracing the Celtic roots of American folk music. Her degree in history and undergraduate work at Oxford University have provided her a unique view of the historical meaning of folk music and the interpretation of the music in relation to reality

Roger Landes is one of the best string players in Celtic music today. His instruments of expertise are the bououki, guitar and mandolin. He performs with dazzling technical skill and fantastic creativity. Usually an accompanist, he moves center stage with his recording On Dragon Reels which has been very highly praised and well received.

CONNIE DOVER AND ROGER LANDES IN CONCERT
Saturday, February 2, 2002 at 8 P.M.
ICHC • 2133 W. Wisconsin Ave.
Milwaukee, WI 53233 (414) 345-8800
Tickets: $15 advance, $17 Door


Help Wanted:

4 People to help with the
Shamrock Club St. Patrick display
at the Milwaukee Public Museum
On Sunday, March 3, 2002
11 a.m. to 3:30 p.m.
Call Muriel Crowley at 262-782-4323


Mark Your Calendar:

Easter Rising Mass
March 31, 2002 - 9:30 a.m.
Irish Cultural and Heritage Center


RTE News Items

CALLS FOR GREATER
PLEASURE CRAFT SAFETY

Figures issued by the Coastguard show that pleasure craft are now causing most safety incidents at sea. Last year 360 rescues had to be carried out to yachts and motor boats in distress. The Minister for the Marine, Frank Fahey, said that there was a need for more emphasis on safety in this sector.

The figures, to the end of December, show that 50 people lost their lives in Irish waters last year, a decrease from the figure of 57 in 2000. There has been a large decrease in calls for help from fishing boats, down by 31% and a new program of compulsory safety training has been announced for fishermen.

27% INCREASE IN
DRUNK DRIVING ARRESTS

There has been a 27% increase in the number of people arrested for drunk driving over the Christmas period.

From 26 November until Christmas Day, over 1,100 people were arrested for drunk driving. Over 2,700 people were breathalised. However, these are just preliminary figures. The Gardaí's Christmas drunk driving campaign ended December 31, and the total number arrested is presently unknown.

IRELAND'S FIRST
OLYMPIC SIZE POOL OPENS

The country's first Olympic sized swimming pool has opened at the £20m indoor sports arena at the University of Limerick. The pool is 50m long with a unique floating floor, which allows a variation of depths up to two metres. The pool can also be divided into two sections. There is poolside seating for 350 spectators. Pool General Manager, Paul Donovan, himself a former world champion 3,000m indoor silver medallist, has said that the pool will allow Ireland's elite swimmers to train in the type of conditions they will meet at top class international competition.

EURO CHANGEOVER
GOING SMOOTHLY

Central banks throughout Europe reported a smooth initial transition from their old currencies to the euro. January 2 was the first full day of trading since the new bank notes and coins became legal tender. The financial markets that day also responded positively to the euro.

So far, the transition to the euro has run very smoothly. The Euro Changeover Board of Ireland says that over 85% of ATM machines were working normally and dispensing euro.

The Central Bank says that there have been no problems, and that the change over is going well. The Central Bank and all other banks and building societies around the country are changing punts to euro free of charge. The Office of the Director of Consumer Affairs has received a steady stream of calls from the public looking for information, but they say that they too have no major problems to report.

The euro marked its first day in commercial use by rising against foreign currencies. A short time ago, it was worth 90.2 US cents, and 62.25p sterling.

Economists say that while the euro's debut as actual currency has given it a boost, its long term value will have more to do with confidence in the performance of the 12 euro-zone economies.


The "Eoin Mac Con Uladh"
Memorial Scholarship

Eoin Mac Con Uladh, a man who did much to promote the Irish language in this country, passed away recently in Chicago. To honor Eoin's memory, "Craobh Curtin" (Conradh na Gaeilge's branch in Milwaukee) will sponsor two permanent scholarships for Irish language students in this country. All fees, lodging and meals will be paid for one student at each of two Irish language weekends held in Wisconsin annually. One Irish language weekend is held in Oconomowoc in May, the second in Madison in October. (Travel costs to Wisconsin will not be available.)

APPLICATIONS

Write a short letter to the chairperson of "Craobh Curtin" stating the nature of your interest in the Irish language and why you would like to win the scholarship. (Letters of application written in English will not be penalized.)

Chairperson of "Craobh Curtin", Milw.
Séamas O Cearnaigh
614 N. 74th Street
Wauwatosa, WI 53213


Irish Veterans Memorial Project

by Declan Hughes

Welcome to this first update of the Irish Veterans Memorial Project - the organization working to establish Ireland's first "holistic" Memorial to those Irish who served, and in particular those who died, in both the major and less well-known wars and conflicts of the 20th century.

What is the Irish Veterans Memorial Project?

The Irish Veterans Memorial Project is a group, mostly of Veterans, who served in various conflicts over the last 50 years, and who have come together to establish a lasting and evolving legacy honoring those who served outside, though not excluding, the Irish Defense Forces.

What exactly is the Project working on?

Having identified the exact geographic center of the island of Ireland, a circle extending 2-3 miles from that point was drawn, and a search was instigated to find possible suitable sites for a Memorial. The center of Ireland was chosen deliberately as being representative of the men and women who served and died, and who came from every county and all four provinces on the island of Ireland.

Many visits later, a small disused church just outside Athlone, on the N61 Athlone-Roscommon road, was discovered. A draft proposal was put to the Church of Ireland, which would see this church being renovated as an Historic Exhibition and Research Center, including a Physical Memorial. We expect all legalities to be finalized very soon, when there will be a Project Launch held in the area. Details to be determined

Is there a need for this development?

On Remembrance Sunday 1998, the 50,000 Irish who lost their lives in the Great War while serving in British Army regiments, were officially recognized by the Irish State. At a ceremony in Belgium, the President of Ireland, the King of the Belgians and the Queen of England stood side by side in official remembrance - 80 years after that war had ended - to honor their memory.

At the same time, Veterans Day in Washington DC, a wreath was laid for the first time at the Vietnam Memorial, to give recognition and respect to the Irish-born identified as having died in Vietnam while serving with United States forces - some 23 years after the Fall of Saigon. Work to identify more Irish killed in Vietnam continued, culminating in the visit of the half-scale travelling replica of that Memorial to the four historic provinces of the island of Ireland, through April/May 1999. On public view in Collins Barracks Cork, Dublin Castle, Queens University Belfast, and NUI-Galway, the tour ended with a stay at Adare Manor, Limerick, where Irish Prime Minister Bertie Ahern met many family members and laid a wreath at The Wall. Earlier, the President of Ireland Mary McAleese paid her respects when she visited The Wall on display in Belfast.

How many Irish served in different forces throughout the last century, no one knows. Those confirmed to date as having lost their lives in Vietnam include 19 men and one woman who died serving with US forces, and four who died with the Australians. Prior to the research on this extremely sensitive subject, the official number of Irish-born killed in Vietnam was one. Also serving with US forces, the number of Irish known to have lost their lives in Korea totalled six. As at August 2001, this figure stood at 21 - a figure that continues to rise thanks to the work of Brian McGinn. His websites www.irishon thewall.com and www.irishinkorea.org are a must for anyone interested in this aspect of Irish History.

Sadly, these figures will continue to rise as research continues. To be sure, they will not reach anywhere near the 50,000 Irish dead of World War I, but the search to find and identify them is every bit as important. One of the consequences of Irish neutrality has been a virtual non-recognition for any man or woman who has served outside of the Irish Defense Forces; and, crucially, a complete oversight of the role many Irish played at the sharp end of world events.

We know who those Irish were who died serving in British Regiments in WWI, but who were the Irish who served and died in WWI in American, Australian, Canadian, New Zealand or other uniforms? Likewise World War II, Korea, Borneo, Malaya, Beirut, The Gulf, or a host of other conflicts?

As part of the thread of the emigrant country we still are, it is important to understand how and why these people adopted the flags of other nations. From the grinding poverty and hardship that was life in Ireland for so many, to the idealism and belief in fighting for freedom or helping to overthrow tyranny, they were our brothers and sisters, uncles and aunts, mothers and fathers, sons and daughters, grandparents and other relatives. Irish through birth or heritage, they served -and often died - invisible but to their families and comrades-in-arms. Many are buried in quiet churchyards throughout Ireland, while others lie in foreign soil. Some are identified as the Irish they are, while others await that recognition. Others still are included in the thousand upon thousand of personnel listed as POW/MIA - Prisoner of War or Missing in Action.The Irish Veterans Memorial Project considers that a key element in such remembrance is identification. To that end we reach out to individuals and organizations around the world for help in getting the names on paper, and putting faces to the names. Working together we can begin the painstaking task of compiling the historical record - not just for ourselves, but for future generations.

Annual Service for Memorial Day

The 2002 Service for Memorial Day will take place in St Mary's Church of Ireland, Athlone, County Westmeath, Ireland on Sunday 26th May at noon. All Veterans, families, and the families of those who have lost loved ones, are cordially invited to attend this special Memorial Day. Details will follow closer to date.

What can I do?

Aside from assisting the Project with funding and/or contacts, you can help the Irish Veterans Memorial compile a database of Irish who served throughout the 20th century. Information prior to 1900 is also welcomed if available, as it gives a fuller and richer history to many a family tapestry. Email us with your address for a Preliminary Information Form, and return it to our Administration Office as soon as possible. In this interim period, with charitable status pending, funding to keep our Dublin office operating is urgently needed. Please donate what you can to the Irish Veterans Memorial Project now. Return your contribution to: Brendan Dodd, Treasurer, Irish Veterans Memorial Project, Capel Chambers, 119 Capel Street, Dublin 1, Republic of Ireland. Your gift will be especially helpful at this time.


New Members

MILWAUKEE - Linda S. Vanden Heuvel and Daniel R. Dineen; Michael W. Donohoo, D.D.S. and Eileen Donohoo; Paul Hebl, D.D.S and Monica Hebl; Neva B. Kegel; Luke Mitchel and Mary McShane; Jerome Neve.

MEMBERSHIP REPORT MILWAUKEE CHAPTER:

• November: 41 memberships up for renewal, 23 paid, 17 dropped for nonpayment of dues, 1 cancel.

• December: 19 memberships up for renewal, 12 paid, 8 due.

• January: 27 memberships up for renewal, 7 paid, 20 due.


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