Well, we are now into February, 2005 and at the meeting MANY Members were there to pay their 2005 membership dues.  If you have NOT paid yours yet, PLEASE get your dues in to financial secretary, Steve Tichacek (6128 Leona Avenue, St. Louis, 63116) just as soon as possible.  Your dues money are NEEDED as we are facing the "per capita tax" that is owed to St. Louis City/County Board, Missouri State Board, and to the National AOH.

The discussion on accept/rejecting the offer from Tommy Gage of O'Malley's Irish Pub has been put off until the April or May meeting.  We had too much pressing business in front of us to fully discuss this item at this time.

The issue of the repair to the division's trailer has been put on hold until AFTER the St. Patrick's Day parade, and until the weather gets warmer.  As your division president, though I am going to PUSH to get this trailer totally road worthy and totally licensed.

I WANT this division be a participant in the St. Ann Day parade in September.  For those of you who do not remember nor know, THE St. Patrick's Day Parade started here in St. Ann many years ago under the organization of Father James Flood (then pastor of St. Kevin's parish here in St. Ann) and some members of the Ancient Order of Hibernians.  The parade moved several places and wound up down and then the Ancient Order of Hibernians  split with "those" people and withdrew our support and usage of our Name, the Ancient Order of Hibernians.

The parade in St. Ann, as is ALL of the ONLY AND REAL St. Patrick's Day Parades was/is ONLY on March 17th-St. Patrick's Day!!  As this is the place or our origin, we owe it to our history to be a part of this parade. AND this is still somewhat virgin territory for recruiting members, and needs to be exploited to its full potential.  Other than getting the wheel bearing fixed and actually getting it licensed, the new taillights & wiring(should be about 2 hours-hopefully) wielding the post onto the frame(for flag holders---about 1 hour, MAX), putting a new floor in(that will come in 2006) and repainting (about 1 day-8 hours).  I shall be asking for help from the membership for ONE day of your time to help with these jobs.

IF you missed the AOH Emerald Ball, you really MISSED a wonderful evening. Some 246 people were there and our own miracle worker, James Daley Wahl was awarded the "Clan na Gael" award as the 2005 Irish Person of the year, Missouri State President, Tom Gibbons received the "Jery Crehan Award" and the AOH Hibernian of the Year, and our own division Vice-President, Mike Berra (excuse me, that's "O'Berra") received the Young Hibernian of the year award.

Congratulations to these gentlemen-they are well deserved!!!!!!!  AND I would be remiss if I did NOT yell this to the four corners of thes land-just how much a success this would NOT have been WITHOUT the guidance, and many hours of hard work of both Patrick Maloney and his better half, Kathy Maloney.  Patrick is truly one of the real gems in the crown that is AOH Division #1.  THANK YOU Kathy & Pat.

ALSO, Thursday March 10th  At American Legion Post 101, Goff-Moll on Collier, just west of the intersection of Brentwood and Manchester, it's the 4th annual AOH AWARDS "Eachtra" honoring the policeman and fireman of the year beginning at 6:00PM. There will be food, "refreshments" (including adult levitations) and entertainment.  Proceeds go the to the St. Patrick's Day Parade fund.  AOH members are ask to help out.  PLEASE call Jim Wahl at 314  /  421-3100

That's it for this month.  Take care and " Dia beannaigh tu' (God bless you!!!!).

Jim Otto

President