From the Presidents Podium

From the

President’s Podium

- August 2007 -

1. Welcome to a very much delayed edition of the Presidents Podium. I apologize for not doing the previous month’s edition of the newsletter; I have fallen down on the job. Let me begin by saying how nice it is to see such a good turnout at our monthly meetings. As summer arrives, it is not uncommon for family activities to increase, but even with busy activities going on, our members continue to " step up to the plate " and attend the monthly meetings which in turn makes and keeps our division so strong. A little reminder to the members who may have forgotten to pay their 2007 dues: All delinquent dues not paid by September Division meeting will result in you being dropped from the active membership rolls. If you haven't paid, please contact Roy as soon as possible.

Let me, on behalf of our entire membership and organization offer a hearty “Thank You " to brothers, Bob Gates, Patrick Maloney, Matt and Andy Vineyard and all supporters for a tremendous job on our Annual Trivia Night. The event turned out to be a tremendous success and topped off by a surprise visit by Denny Vineyard. What a joy and pleasant surprise for all in attendance to see Denny brought into the gym and stand with everyone. Truly the topping on the cake of a most enjoyable evening for all. Thanks to Barb and the boys for making it happen.

2. Point number 2… The Irish Country Fair will be held on Sunday September 16, 2007 at St James the Greater School Gymnasium. It has been decided to have the fair indoors this year which hopefully will make it a pleasurable day of fun filled activities for all. Final preparations are being completed now, so mark your calendar and we hope to see you there. As many of you are aware, the 2nd Annual AOH Division 1 “Dennis Vineyard " Golf Tournament scheduled for June 24,2007 was cancelled due to low low response and participation . It has been rescheduled for Sunday September 30, 2007 same time and location. Please, talk this event up with friends and family and let’s get a good showing for this most worthy event and a great fun filled day.

3. At the August monthly meeting, the proposed changes to our divisions Constitution and By Laws were presented to the membership and approved. They will be printed up and be available for all members at the September meeting. Thank You to all of the committee members who took the time and made the effort to complete this project. Your efforts are greatly appreciated.

4. A special “Thank You " to past AOH Division 1 President Jim Otto for the outstanding effort he put forth on arranging for our Division to be a part of a special Traveling Viet Nam Memorial Wall Irish Wreath ceremony. Jim came up with the idea and did all of the work in having our Division place a "Irish Wreath " at the wall honoring not only all soldiers who so valiantly lost their lives in the Viet Nam War but most importantly all Irish American Soldiers who gave their lives.

The AOH Division Honor Guard was in attendance and Jim gave a wonderful speech. It truly was a wonderful event to partake in. Thanks again, Jim.

All members please note that nominations for all elected officers of AOH Division 1 will take place at the September meeting and run for 3 months. Anyone interested in any of the offices, step on up. Your participation is greatly appreciated and wanted.