From the Presidents Podium

From the

President’s Podium

- January 2007 -

SPECIAL DIVISION 1 ANNOUNCEMENTS:

1. First News Letter: Dear Members, Let me begin my first newsletter by apologizing for the delay in this reaching you. This newsletter is quite new to me. As just a member, all I had to do in the past was sit back and read and enjoy the work being done by others. I will attempt to “step up to the plate" and give you as much information through this newsletter as I possibly can. Please bear with me, and if I omit or forget to include anything in these newsletters, please don't hesitate to let me know.

2. Our New Beginning: - On January 12, 2007 your new Executive Board and Membership held the first of many many monthly meetings at our new location, St James the Greater Parish Hall. Unfortunately, due to extreme inclement weather, the turn out was light, yet large enough for this Executive Board to be overwhelmed with the support given us as we embark in our new responsibilities. Thank you for making the transition very smooth. We are still in the process of moving our Division belongings from the Cezch Hall to St James. Hopefully this will be completed shortly.

A special "Thanks" to Bill Kennebeck for his outstanding assistance to us. I would ask all to look closely to the Calendar of Upcoming Events as there are quite a few events happening within the next 2-3 months, culminating with the Grand Daddy of them all, “The 2007 St. Patty's Day Dogtown Parade.” The commitment that is put forth by the Divisions and County Board towards this event is truly a pleasure to see and be a part of, which makes me and others so proud to belong to this tremendous organization.

3. Irish Emerald Ball, March 3, 2007: The invitations are in the mail and we have been asked by Chairman Patrick Maloney to “hustle up "some ads for the ad book which is a very important part of this event. The ads help tremendously by allowing the Irish Emerald Ball Committee to continue its Charitable Donations to various organizations. So please help out with an ad. For information, contact Patrick.

4. Membership Dues for 2007: All members are reminded to please submit your 2007 annual dues. Remember, the dues were increased to $36.00 per year effective January 1, 2007 so please send them in to Roy Shoemaker.

Gentlemen, at the annual Christmas Party on December 9th, This Division as well as the "Bobby Sands" Division from Tulsa, Oklakoma deeply honored me by making special presentations to me. These were made because "of my dedication and hard work" to these divisions.

I can NOT thank you all enough. All this effort that you say I did is nothing more that man many others in the divisions do all the time. People like your current board of officers, Pat Maloney, James Daley Wahl, Michael Berra, and many many others.

In today's world, it seems that it is so much easier to moan and critize, than to give praise to people. I ask each and every one of you to get behind and fully support the new slate of division officers, and help them in every way you possibly can. As for myself, I deeply thank you for all of the help and support during my 2 terms as division vice-president, and 3 terms as president. The division would not have made the gains it has without all of the support your division officers received.