Emerald Reflections Online

Reflecting on the Reflections

by Brian Witt

In a fortuitous miscommunication, I asked Tom Smith, the Milwaukee membership chair, at the 2003 Milwaukee Irish Fest if he had any of the older Emerald Reflections for the Shamrock Club's booth in the Cultural Tent. He said yes, and when I went to pick them up, he handed me a stack of newsletters that dated back to the mid-1970s. What I was looking for were issues from the past year to distribute at our table. What I got was a great treasure trove.

The issues provide a look at how the Irish community in Milwaukee and Wisconsin grew, and how the Shamrock Club helped to change and enhance Irish culture in the state. They are populated with names form the past, and events that changed the world, literally and figuratively. Reflections went from editor to editor, from Donn Goodwin to Bob Higgins to Nancy Madden Walczyk to Donn and back to Bob. Chapter news from around the state has developed, but in many ways, stays comfortably familiar. Want a look back in time? Let's take a trip.

APRIL, 1976

Parade Thanks: And it was a great day for the Irish. On Saturday, March 13, The Shamrock Club had their biggest St. Patrick's Day parade ever. But without the help and cooperation all who participated, this could not be possible. Thanks to the Parade Committee, Mary Glynn and Pat Russell, Lorraine Wirtz, Jeannie McCue, and John Maher. The section leaders, Mike and Helen Feeney, Neal Quinn, Joe Donovan, Dan Dineen, Harrold Kelly and Josh Walton all did a great job. Signed: Many, many thanks. Danny O'Donoghue, Parade Chairman, 1976.

Meeting notice: The Shamrock Club of Milwaukee will meet on Thursday, April 1 St. Rose's School, 514 N. 30th Street, 8 p.m. sharp. Nomination of officers will take place.

Presidents Comments: The performance at the PAC with the Bards, and Butch and Maeve was excellent and also our Shamrock Dancers. Derry Hegarty insured us against any loss that might occur and profits will go to our project at the Curtin house. John Emmet Walton.

Dane County: At the March meeting, we learned what life was like in an Irish village in the South of Ireland. Our speaker was Carolyn Sumner of Evansville, Wis. Her impressions of the townspeople the children and the village itself were indeed interesting. Tom Green.

La Crosse: The dinner honoring the new Irish Colleen was held March 6 at Nino's. Miss Sue Martin was announced as our new Irish Colleen. She is the lovely 21-year-old daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Basil Martin of La Crosse. Elvena Slattery.

FEBRUARY 1977

Wisconsin Life and Heritage: A Chairde - In the summer of 1911, Josephine L. Hustis of Hustisford, Wisconsin traveled to Ireland seeking information about her ancestors, the Eustaces of Baltinglass. Janet Egleson Dunleavy.

President's Comments: This new year began for our Shamrock Club with an excellent presentation by John Maher narrating his experiences in Ireland. Thank you, John. The Shamrock Club can be proud of results we receive from our scholarship fund. God Bless, Leo P. McLaughlin.

Keeping in step: A new year begins, ringing in a promising tomorrow. The Shamrock Club Irish Dancers are back from vacation and are anxiously preparing for upcoming performances. Mary Eileen Geary, TCRG.

Flight News: A few seats left.

Dane County: John Connell is busy trying to get a Genealogy group started.

La Crosse: The St Patrick's Dinner Dance will be held on March 12, 1977. Margi Sokolik.

AUGUST 1979

Picture: Josie and Kit Nash with their long-time friend, Charles Haughey, Minister of Health.

JUNE 1980

Presidents Comments: This issue is another club milestone. Emerald Reflections celebrates its one hundredth appearance. Eight years and four months of living history. Joe Dowling.

La Crosse: Our thanks to Bake Sale Chair Eva Dahlquist and all those who baked and worked at the sale. Kathleen Burns.

Dane County: Did you know an Irish sweater has much historical and social symbolism? Tom Green.

MARCH 1981

Flight news: We have dropped plans to use Northwest Airlines out of Milwaukee. YOUR vacation would have suffered. Bill O'Boyle.

Do you have any friends - in either Lafayette County or Sheboygan County? In Sheboygan, contact Rip O'Dwanny at the Cary James Inn in Plymouth. Dennis Murphy is getting things going in Lafayette, and you can reach him at Murph's Decorating Center.

Dane County: It was my distinct pleasure to announce the 1981 Irish Person of the Year - Bill Murphy. Jerry Murphy.

Rock County: As we head into the most important month of our club, the Rock County Chapter is full of activities. Erin Go Bragh, Paul L. Terry, President.

Fond du Lac: Our meeting was held at the Elks Club on Jan. 26. Leona Andrew, Secretary.

Portage Area: At our February 8, 1981 meeting at the Thunderbird Lounge, plans were finalized for our "Siamsa Mor" on March 8. Don McConaghy.

President's Comments: The Shamrock Club is really people doing things together, and the need for people to do these things is great. For the Shamrock Club to succeed, the individual volunteer is all-important. Ed Reidy.

Honors: Jim Hegarty - Irishman of the Year; John Clark, Parade Marshal; Miss Irish Colleen, Jane Perrott.

Events: What is big, green and fun and turns people green with envy? The only answer to this is Irish American Night.

Ceili Dancing: Everyone is welcome to the weekly ceili dance on Wednesdays at Mr Guinness Pub.

AUGUST 1982

La Crosse: Applefest in La Crescent and Oktoberfest in La Crosse are coming up and we will be looking for your help and participation in these parades. March Winchell.

Twin Lakes: It was April 1 of this year when Larry Coffey and Tom Fitzgerald carried the first batch of membership applications to the Shamrock Club of Wisconsin in Milwaukee. Dorothy Quinn.

Dane County: It is nice to be back after a five-year hiatus writing this column again. Tom Green.

President's Comments: Irish Fest is independent of the Shamrock Club, sponsoring the largest ethnic Irish celebration of its kind in the United States. The festival is run by a board of directors and draws from a pool of volunteer supporters, many of whom are members of the Shamrock Club. Kathy Ferrell.

JULY 1983

Original Articles of Incorporation: Directors Mrs. Patrick Meylor, Mr. Bernard Meylor, Mrs. Aileen Aldrich. - 27th Day of January 1962.

Restated Articles of Incorporation of the Shamrock Club of Wisconsin, Inc. - Board of Directors - Cathy Crowley, Joe Donovan, Kathy Ferrell, Jane Leahy, Chuck McLaughlin, Kit Nash, Bill O'Boyle, Earl Powell, Ed Reidy, Bernice Reilly, Chuck Ward. 24th Day of February 1983.

Milwaukee: The potluck supper put together by Tom and Maggie Blaha at our last meeting was both pleasant and successful. The new officers were installed that night. Earl Powell.

Lafayette County: Mary Flanagan is our chairperson for our "Green Week." Dennis Murphy.

La Crosse: Our annual picnic will be held on July 29th at Myrick Park Rod and Gun Club. March Winchell.

Fond Du Lac's Irishman of the Year - Patrick McCabe was born on a farm in Waldo.

Dane County: July 24 Annual Shamrock Family Picnic, Warner Park. It seems incredible to be writing these words on a cool, cloudy day in June. Tom Green.

__________________

I hope you enjoyed this step back in time. Maybe you recognized a name, or a relative or friend who was involved in the activities over the years. Or maybe this was your first chance to see where we, as an organization started from.

Rock County

UPCOMING EVENTS

• OCT. 21: Potluck Dinner (6 p.m.) Monthly Meeting (7 p.m.) at Janesville Senior Center, 69 S. Water St.

• NOV. 18: Monthly Meeting (7 p.m.)

Plan to come to our October meeting and Potluck Dinner. Mark that date on your calendar, Oct. 21st. Bring your own table service and beverage and a dish to pass. The club will furnish the coffee. Bring a friend with you, they just may like to join our club.

Let us have a large turnout for our November meeting, too.

We had our annual picnic in August and we had a fine attendance and the weather was ideal and the few bugs that were out were not any problem. The food was great and there was plenty of it. We wound up the evening with a sing-a-long led by Bob Burke.

Northeastern Green Bay Shamrock Club

SUMMER VACATION AUCTION

Our first meeting for the 2003 - '04 year was Monday, September 15th. We held again our annual vacation auction. Whether you went camping in Brown, Door or Waupaca County, or if your travels took you out of state or better yet - to Ireland, your wrapped $10-15 vacation items were auctioned off, raising funds for our club and providing pleasant surprises with their openings.

This year looks like it will be loaded with fun and some great charitable work. We'll be getting an earlier start on sponsoring a couple of families for Christmas. Also please don't forget to bring a couple of nonperishable food items for donation to St. Patrick's Pantry or for our Christmas families.

EDUCATION CHAIRPERSON

We are looking for an Education Chairperson. The Education Chair is responsible, not only for disseminating information at school events, but also for providing education (such as music, history and Gaelic lessons) to club members. You need not be the teacher - just the organizer. Please contact Jon Kolb if you're interested.

SUMMER PICNIC - AN IRISH CEILI!

On Wednesday, July 23rd our club had a fantastic summer picnic at Bay Beach Amusement Part. The picnic was attended by about 75 club members. Entertainment included and was provided by...

Irish Dancing : The Sedlucek family - Katie, Clarie, Joe and Loren (a big thank you also to Mom and Dad, Pat and Dennis); Music: Shawn Connely, Nick Brylla and Ethan Ott; Food: catered hot beef and turkey with great salads and desserts provided by our own club members. Organized by: Bridgett Connelly, Megan Connelly, Barb Basche, Marilyn Lemerond and Mary Jo and Jon Kolb.

FOOD BOOTH - FUND RAISER

On Sunday and Monday, July 20th and 21st, Jerry Meyer and a great team of cooks and servers ran a very successful food booth at Festival Foods - West. This year's volunteers had a great time and are already planning for next year. Thank you for a job well done.

SUMMER GOLF OUTING

This year's summer golf outing was held on Tuesday, August 12th at Hilly Haven Golf Course. This year's outing offered both 18 and 9 hole play. The best shot award went to golf outing organizer Ron McKenzie. His swing on the 5th hole skipped over the water four times before rolling up on to the green.

Dane County Shamrock Club

The newly elected Board of the Dane County Shamrock Club held its first meeting on Tuesday, August 12, 2003, at the Coliseum Bar in Madison. A large number of subject areas were discussed during the meeting. Some major topics which we focused on were:

• Completing a full schedule for board meetings and general meetings through July of 2004, to include times and dates.

• We will continue the dialog with the Dane County St. Patrick's Parade Committee with the intention of a probable merger of the Committee with the Shamrock Club. We are considering developing our own float for the Parade.

• A letter will be sent to the chairperson of "Fitchburg Days" to expand the Shamrock Club's involvement in that festival if the emphasis of Irish Heritage is maintained.

We are probably going to change the St. Patrick's Dinner celebration to March 17, 2004, starting at 5:30 p.m. In the past it has been held on the evening of the Parade, therefore competing with a number of events: Flag Raising Ceremony, the Parade itself, the Post Parade Party and Celtic Club Festivities. Hopefully, the rescheduling will allow maximum participation in more events.

Finally, at our general meeting on September 9, 2003, we showed the first half of the Irish Waterways tapes. This is a series of tapes which deals with the navigation of the River Shannon from the ocean to its northern limits near Acres Lake. In the journey, the narrator points out the natural beauty of Ireland and identifies many of the historical places and their meaning to Irish history and culture. The tapes are fascinating!

2004 Madison St. Pat's Day Parade

The Greater Madison Community St. Patrick's Day parade will be March 14 2004 at the capitol square, and we want suggestions for a parade theme. Past parade themes include; March to the Harp, Proud to Be Irish & American, Cover the Capitol in Clover, and Everybody's Irish on St Pat's Day. The Parade web site is www.stpatsmadison.com and more parade information will be available on the web site in future months.

The 2004 parade artist will be Dawn Darkmountain (Irish/Oneida), a nationally known Native American watercolor artist. More information about Dawn's art work is available at www.dawndarkmountain.com

Please send your 2004 parade theme ideas to Jamie McCarville at jamiem@ stpatsmadison.com or call (608) 287-0666 with your suggestion.

Milwaukee President's Message

Ladies and Gentlemen, Shamrock Club members all:

The Summer just seemed to sail on by... Memorial Day parades were ending just as the Labor Day picnics were starting. The moments in between were filled with... parades, parties and picnics.

A big thank you to Tom and Barb Tibbals for a magnificent golf outing - great course, great food, great fun.

Congratulations to the Shamrock Club Hurling Team on their exceptional year... and congratulations also to the Currach Club on their showing at Irish Fest.

This fall we have all types of wonderful things planned... the Honoree Dinner on October 5, come and congratulate Sharon, Tim and Bob. The Hallamór Concert Series continues its fall offerings with the Tannahill Weavers. Holiday Folk Fair is coming up in November and can St. Patrick's Day be anything but looming just around the corner?

Speaking of St. Patrick's, Fr. Jose Morino is looking for assistance from individuals with financial or grant writing experience. St. Patrick's is where many of our forebears grew up and it now needs our help. If you could donate your time, share your knowledge, or ?? You will definitely feel better for it!

Shamrock Club Honoree Dinner

In honor of our Irish Rose, Irishman of the Year, Parade Marshal
Sunday, October 5, 2003
Meyer's Restaurant and Banquet Hall
4200 W. 76th Street, Milwaukee, Wisconsin
$17 per person for dinner
Price includes, Salad, Dinner, Dessert, beverage, tax and tip
Cash Bar for Cocktails
Cocktail hour begins at 5 p.m. - Dinner at 6 p.m.
For information and reservations:
Call Kristine Pluskota (414) 768-8876

Football Update

Wisconsin vs. Michigan State football game, November 15: Tickets are $44 per person (game ticket $28, bus $16). We will have beer, soda, snacks on bus. We still have tickets, please let me know if interested.

Membership Thanks

Thank You to everyone who worked in the Shamrock Club area at Irish Fest. You helped our membership increase by 27 new members. Thank you all!

Weekly Email Updates

The Shamrock Club offers an email weekly update of Irish events for Milwaukee and Wisconsin. Did you forget about your chapter's last meeting? Missed out on the latest concerts, plays, or dance events? We also list where your favorite local bands are playing, from La Crosse to Madison, and Green Bay to Milwaukee, and all places in between. If you are interested, send your email address to shamrockclub@hotmail.com.

Milwaukee Hurling Club Season Wrap-Up

AUGUST 10 PLAYOFF MATCHES
McBob's 18 - The Harp 13
County Clare 20 - Shamrock Club 15

Shamrock Club Griffins

...and the summary of the championship match
held Sunday, August 24th...

Throughout the 2003 Milwaukee Hurling Club season, there have been more close matches than in any recent year. At the conclusion of week eight, six of the eight teams were still in contention for a playoff spot. At mid-season, two teams really cranked up the intensity. McBob's and County Clare faced off Sunday afternoon, each riding quite an impressive winning streak. The winner would be crowned the 2003 MHC champion. The match was played at beautiful Brown Deer Park. It was a sun-filled day, and the match proved to live up to all of the anticipation of the previous two weeks.

From the get-go, the pace was fast and it was apparent that some butterflies had to be worked out. Soon enough though, the nervousness was gone and the match provided plenty of thrills for the wonderful crowd.

With their speed, McBob's was able to pounce on three stray passes, and immediately turned them into points, taking a 3-0 lead. County Clare quickly answered with a fine score of their own, as they found the back of the net with a rocket that leveled the score at 3-3. In almost no time, County Clare was again able to penetrate McBob's defense and fired one through for another goal, taking a 6-3 advantage. McBob's fought through the pressure though and was able to drive a few of their own points over the bar. Throughout the rest of the first half, the two teams traded points as well as some fine defensive stops. Going to the break, McBob's held the slimmest of leads, 10-9.

Following halftime, McBob's, as they have done often throughout the 2003 campaign, was able to rely on their stamina and quickness, and this ultimately helped them win the match. County Clare fought hard from the backs to the forwards, but McBob's seemed to always have the answer. Their defense tightened up, and their half and full-forwards were able to finish the chances that they were given. With McBob's holding a narrow lead, and County Clare consistently putting on the pressure, the Gael Winds were able to fend off any scoring chances. With the Clare seemingly on the brink of coming back to really make this a nail-biting affair (as if it wasn't already!), McBob's busted through the Clare defense and dented the net to put the match out of reach. They added another two goals, and ended the game ahead 23-9. Congratulations to McBob's for achieving something that no other team in the MHC has done to this point - back to back championships. Congratulations to County Clare on a very well played match.

Practices will continue through September on Wednesday evenings, beginning at 6 p.m., at Riverside High School. Most of the time, these will simply involve scrimmaging.

Celtic Women Int'n First Fridays

Everyone is welcome to these wonderful, gentle sessions. Scheduled from 5:30 to 7 p.m. at the Irish Cultural and Heritage Center, you may also enjoy a cup of tea and biscuits. Admission is only $5. Members, non-members, men, women - all are very welcome.

• Oct. 3, 2003 Topic: "Stuart Twilight: The Romance of Bonnie Prince Charlie." Speaker: Eugenia Brown, Ph.D., historian, teaches at Carroll College in Waukesha, History Dept. Musical accompaniment by Beth and Charlie Johnson, leaders of the Stone Ring musical group and aficionados of Scottish and Irish folklore.

Tales of Ireland

If you have a story about your trip to Ireland, let us know. We would like to be able to share your memories, be it a full page tale, or just a short recounting about the fun, or horror, you had in Ireland. Send stories to Brian Witt, 2133 West Wisconsin Avenue, Milwaukee, WI 53233, or email them to shamrockclub@hotmail.com, attn.: Irish Stories.

Hallamór Concert #2

THE TANNAHILL WEAVERS
Saturday, October 18, 2003

The Tannahill Weavers remain one of the premier bands of Scotland. Their diverse repertoire spans centuries. Their music is traditional, but it has been brought into the modern world demonstrating the rich and varied musical history of the Celtic people. They blend the beauty of the traditional melodies with the power of modern rhythms. They were the first to use full-sized Highland Pipes in their on-stage performances. "The penetrating sound of the Highland bagpipes is a thread of ancient memory running through it all."

Whether they're performing a ballad with beauty and precision, or a hard driving Gaelic battle tune, this band is one of a kind, featuring stunning vocals, as well as the best guitar, pipes, fiddle, bodhran, tin whistle players anywhere. No other group comes close to matching their musical style and breathtaking harmony.

Roy Gullane: guitar, vocals
John Martin: fiddle, cello, viola, vocals
Colin Melville: Highland bagpipes, Scottish small pipes, whistle
Phil Smillie: flute, whistles, bodhran, vocals
Les Wilson: bouzouki, guitar, keyboards, vocals

Concert: 8:00 p.m.
Opening Act: David Gordon at 7 p.m.
Individual tickets: $19, advance, reserved / $21 at the door
Irish Cultural and Heritage Center of Wisconsin
2133 W. Wisconsin Avenue
414) 345-8800

Color Guard News and Notes

"PRIDE AND HONOR"

Irish Fest 2003 - how do you put into words all the emotions and feelings one experiences during this annual four day celebration of Ireland and Irish Family, Culture and Ancestry?

Well - "Your" Shamrock Club Color Guard, Pipes and Drums found a way to express what each member felt inside! Using our 2003 motto: "With Pride and Honor" - as our guideline - extra hours of practice and effort were put forth with meticulous detail given to formations performed, music played and a pledge to represent the members of the Shamrock Club of Wisconsin with the highest level of dignity. Irish heritage and traditions were the cornerstones which the Unit built upon to display how honored and privileged we all felt, to represent all that are and believe in Ireland, Irish values and the Shamrock Club of Wisconsin.

From the parades on Friday, Saturday and Sunday, to the Saturday Gate Opening Ceremony, followed by the Unit's Special Performance Program at the Crossroads venue, to the inspirational participation at the Sunday Mass, we hope you enjoyed our performances and were as proud of us, as we were proud to represent the Shamrock Club of Wisconsin.

During such extraordinary events as Irish Fest, there are always some very memorable, unique moments/efforts which stand out, should be recognized, deserve to be mentioned and given a very special "Thank You" for their contribution to the success achieved by the Shamrock Club of Wisconsin's Color Guard, Pipes and Drums:

1. It goes without saying - but I'll say it anyhow; Thank You to all the members of the Color Guard, Pipes and Drums for all of the extra hours they put in to make our Irish Fest 2003 a success!

2. To the Band members whose individual performances were just outstanding: to Rich Pfeiffer - Director, Bridgid and Bobby Hamill, J. P. Geygan, Bennett Stephens and of course our "pint size" piper Carter Carroll - Thank you all for a job well done!

3. Chuck McLaughlin - Thanks for coming out of retirement and providing the Unit with your leadership at the Gate Opening Ceremony, Parade and the very special Sunday Mass.

4. Kris Pluskota - one can only imagine how many hours she must have spent in obtaining material, sewing in such detail the magnificent orange ascots, which after a few years in hiatus, were re-introduced as part of the Honor Guard uniform for the Mass on Sunday - Thank you so very much.

5. Our banner carriers for the parades - (Friday) Jack Noonan and John Carroll; (Saturday) Kris and Daryl Pluskota along with their family members; and (Sunday) Rochell, Kelly and Amber - you all did a great job!

6. AND - to all the families; moms and dads, brothers and sisters, husbands and wives, grandparents and significant others, who have contributed so much time/effort, providing transportation, taking pictures, logistical assistance and so very much more! Your personal support has never been taken for granted and it has surely never, ever gone unnoticed! Thank you and bless you all! We are truly appreciative and grateful.

While Irish Fest is the zenith of the parade schedule for the Color Guard, Pipes and Drums, the Unit continued to represent the Shamrock Club of Wisconsin throughout the State with performances at other community special events/ parades: Muskego Days on Sunday, August 24, and St. Francis Heritage Days on Saturday, August 30, were events which the Color Guard Pipes and Drums performed with "Pride and Honor."

Our parade schedule is quickly winding down:

UPCOMING EVENTS

• OCT. 4: Ancient Order of Hibernians Mass,
followed by dinner, 4 p.m. (Sat.)

• OCT. 5: Mayville Heritage Days, noon (Sun.)

• OCTt. 18: Sister Bay Fall Festival, 11 a.m. (Sat.)

These are the final performances of your Shamrock Club Color Guard, Pipes and Drums for 2003. We sincerely hope you will come out and support us!

In the next issue of Emerald Reflections Rich Pfeiffer - Director, Shamrock Club of Wisconsin Color Guard, Pipes and Drums will give a "State of the Union" type of article; where the Color Guard Pipes and Drums started at the beginning of 2003, through the trials and tribulations at the beginning of the year, through the parade schedule, the highlights of year 2003, and the hopes and dreams for the year 2004! I respectfully ask/request each member of the Shamrock Club of Wisconsin read and listen to what Rich has to say! We the Color Guard Pipes and Drums - our director, Rich Pfeiffer - we need your input and your support.

If I can, this may be my last opportunity to write an article for the Shamrock Club of Wisconsin's Color Guard News and Notes. If I were allowed to give all the names of the people who have helped, encouraged, supported and told me to "put into words, what's in your heart" - as sure as there's a Lord in Heaven, I could put together a book of 1,000 pages. My granny, Violet Rose O'Shannahan, told me many, many times, "it's a good thing the Lord gave you size 91/2 feet! Because 91/2 times 2, equals 19 - and the Lord gave you a 20 inch mouth, so you can stick both feet in your mouth, keep breathing with 1/2 inch on either side of your mouth and learn from your mistakes! I've learned!

Thank you!! To everyone who gave me a chance to be a member of the Shamrock Club of Wisconsin and the Color Guard, Pipes and Drums!!

Richard Pfeiffer, Director
Shamrock Club Color Guard, Pipes and Drums
Telephone: (414) 769-1250
E-mail: milwpiper@cs.com

RTE News Updates

IRISH EXPORT SALES WORST EVER

The Irish Exporters Association said today that the first six months of this year were the worst six months on record with export sales down 20%compared with last year. Chief Executive of the Association, John Whelan, warned that Irish-owned companies are not in a position to handle the fall in export prices they are now experiencing. The international recession, the rise in the value of the Euro and the impact of high inflation and wage costs were all factors in the fall in trade, Mr Whelan said. He called for urgent Government assistance for these companies and a re-evaluation of Ireland's export strategy.

SMOKING BAN GIVEN FULL SUPPPORT

The Taoiseach, Mr Ahern, has strongly backed plans to ban smoking in the workplace, in pubs and in restaurants. Mr Ahern told reporters in Dublin this morning that the Government had to take account of the health implications of smoking. He said he did not believe suggestions that the ban would stop people from eating out or going to licensed premises to drink. Mr Ahern said that the directive would have to be "fair and balanced", but denied that his remarks were an indication that the ban would not come into force on the first of January as planned. However, Mr Ahern said details remain to be finalised by the Minister for Health, Micheal Martin.

147 JOBS TO GO AT KERRY PLANT

Sportsocks Ireland Ltd has announced it is to close its manufacturing plant at Cahirciveen in Co. Kerry with the loss of 147 jobs. The plant will close at the end of September. The company also announced it is putting its remaining 21 employees from the Cahirciveen plant and 98 in Tralee on protective notice while the company continues to evaluate options for the Tralee plant. Manager Steven Barter said the decision was taken as a result of ongoing unsustainable business losses caused by increased costs and reduced customer demand. The company, which makes sports socks, is owned by American multinational Kellwood.

Bradley Center Needs You

For the past 15 years the Milwaukee Shamrock Club has earned more than $100,000. This money has enabled the club to be a lot more visible and able to contribute to such events as the Culture Areas at Irish Fest and Holiday Folk Fair, St. Patrick's Church restoration and many other things. The Bradley Center offers us an opportunity to be a part of community service and at the same time let the public know who we are.

The duties at the Bradley Center are varied, sometimes we kind of stand around and visit and other times we work hard and fast, like at the quarter or half time of a Bucks game or other popular event. The job is really not hard or difficult when all the stations are covered by willing happy volunteers. The duties of the volunteers at an event include:

1st SHIFT: come one hour before event and help set up the booth. We must count the beer cups, soda cups, hot dogs, etc. and set up the stations with candy and boxed popcorn. The cash chairman sees that all the drawers have money and keep counter people in change, etc.

2nd SHIFT: Come in at game time and start to work at their readied station. At the end of the event when the first shift leaves, they help count and pack up the left over inventory and clean the booth for the next group.

Each event needs 18 people. Six are at the counter to take care of the customers. Two people in the kitchen keep the brats cooking, wrap them and put them into the warming ovens. Two people are needed for the nacho preparation and to place them in the warm ovens. Three people pour beer and three work on soda. One person works the popcorn machine and the one person is in charge of cash. Cash person comes early and stays until the Bradley Center bank people come to pick it up. The stand manager comes early and stays late and tries to keep everything running smoothly. When you report into the booth you are generally given your choice of job.

Volunteers are assigned to teams and when possible so are car pools. We only get a limited number of parking passes. You will be sent a list of your team members and times and dates of your events. We usually are given about 20 events and if we can get three or more teams, each would work only six or less events. We need "on call alternates" who would be able to come in with a few days notice or maybe even hours notice in an emergency. This doesn't happen very often.

The Bradley Center is really not a difficult fund raiser. We have no investment and work for an event that, when we have a fully staffed crew, we can watch for 15 minutes if we want to.

All interested in becoming managers, please call me. As of this printing, I don't know the dates of the training.

To be successful, we really need you and it's an enjoyable evening with nice people that you might not meet otherwise. Talk to the people who have been doing this for years, you will know them by the smiles on their faces. Please fill out the form below and mail it to me or give it to me at the October meeting.

St. Patrick's Help Fund

St. Patrick's Help Fund needs all kinds of non-perishable foods, and pampers. Please place in container at each meeting. However, donations can be brought to the ICHC any time during the week. It is not restricted to just meetings. A big thank you to everybody who has contributed to help the needy people at St. Patrick's. Questions? Call Katy Voss (414) 352-6479.

New Members

NOTE: Please send your dues to your Membership Chairperson in your chapter. All names and addresses are listed in Emerald Reflections.

Milwaukee - Michael Chauby; Mike and Tess Dalton; Ken and Nancy Donovan; Joseph A. Konetz; Sharon Hughes LaBillois; Edward P. McAndrew; Dennis and Kathleen McLaughlin; James and Lynda Murphy; Terry Murphy; Madelyn M. Ratz; Terance and Mary Rice; Phillip E. Riley; Al and Christine Schaubel; Robert and Margaret Sharp; Kathleen Shields; Margaret and Kate Sola; Megan Voss; Amy Whitney; Patricia (Pat) Wolfe.

Membership Report Milwaukee Chapter:

• JULY: 27 memberships up for renewal, 19 paid, 8 dropped for nonpayment.

• AUGUST: 114 memberships up for renewal, 58 paid, 56 due.

• SEPTEMBER: 48 memberships up for renewal.