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.
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.
Dane County
[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
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.
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.
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.
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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