Two Division #1 Special Announcements:

1)         On Saturday, April 22nd, Dennis Vineyard suffered a stroke.  I am now told that he suffered two (2) strokes and had hemorrhaging.  Denny is in the I.C.U. (Intensive Care Unit) of St. Louis University Hospital. The ONLY visitors he can have are the immediate family.  I understand that he is responsive to light, and to someone pinching him, but he can not lift his arms, nor speak.  Having suffered a stroke (NOT nearly as severe as what Denny suffered) I can tell you that he has a hard road back ahead of him.  What Denny and the Vineyard family needs right now more than anything is our prayers, so PLEASE remember him in your prayers.

2)         Steve Tichacek has asked us to replace him.  His job is keeping him busier than a one armed paper boy.  Steve says that he just does NOT have the time to perform the job of Financial Secretary of our division and do it properly.  THEREFORE, a special election will be held at the May division meeting for the position of Division Financial Secretary.   Steve has done such an outstanding job I really hate to lose him, but priorities are priorities.

Cead Mile Failte' (A Hundred Thousand Welcomes) to our two newest members:  Daniel Francis Conlin, and Keith J. Schmitt.  Both were brought in at the April meeting. The division continues to grow and grow.  The ONLY way we can lead the St. Louis area and perform our many activities is by growth.  Therefore I remind ALL members that recruiting is a top priority for this division

The 90th Anniversary of the “1916 Easter Uprising” was held on Sunday April 23 in Calvary Cemetery.  ALL AOH Divisions within the St. Louis area had representatives there.  My deepest and most sincere “THANK YOU’S” go out to our speakers, Past National President and member of the National Board George Clough, Jr., Division #1 Historian Paul Winslow, and especially our own divisional hero, Matt Morrison who spoke with the deep passion of a native-born Irishman.  I would also like to thank members of the St. Louis Emerald Society who were present and joined with us.  People said that they thought was a wonderful ceremony and my deepest thanks to all of you who did attend.

On Saturday, April 29th, the annual AOH Trivia Night was held in the Gym of St. James the Greater School in Dogtown.  Thanks (once again) to James Daley Wahl, we were honored to have “Mr. Trivia” (i.e. David Strauss) from KTRS Radio.  Who brought the trivia and was the evenings “Master of Ceremonies”.  It was another great fun filled evening.  THANK YOU to all of the AOH workers who pitched in and helped out.

St. Louis Area A.O.H. Color Guard:

The St. Louis Area A.O.H. Color Guard is in a constant search for new members to join their ranks.  Your complete uniform is furnished by the Color Guard team fund.  If you are interested, please contact Terry Madden at (314) 631-1630 or at his e-mail address: tmadden@teamsterslocal682.com  The team, now under the leadership of Terry Madden, will be changing the style of uniforms after some five years to include kilts and a “Glengarry”(?),  and spats in order to look more “Irish.”  This should make for a real interesting uniform - Congrats team!

If you are NOT receiving the weekly “Irish Republican News” over the internet, that means either I have an incorrect e-mail address for you, or I do not have one at all, so get a hold of me!

An announcement about AOH Brother Matt Melton:

Matt will graduate with the class of 2006 from the St. Louis University School of Law.  “The Hooding Ceremony" honoring the class of 2006 will be on May 18, 2006. Another Lawyer - we’re in trouble!  Seriously, Matt, congratulations to you for some tough years behind you.

Please see the calendar of event (click link).

“Dos I an fear Éireannach teaghlach” (Yours in the Irish family)

Jim Otto

President

AOH Division #1