We hope you and your families enjoyed a very merry Christmas and happy New Year.
New decade, new president. For the many members I know or have met, I appreciate the faith you’ve placed in me in taking on this role. I’ve also appreciated the time Dermot has spent with me, getting me up to speed. In the short amount of time I’ve been at it, it makes me truly appreciate what Dermot has done over the last 14 years, and we thank him for his tireless service.
For those I don’t know, a few quick facts. First, I chose to go with the bald look long before I considered taking on this job. And what’s with the name, Parnow? Three of my four grandparents were Irish, but the guy who got naming rights for the franchise (paternal grandfather) was German/French; so there you have it.
We do have a very large division, and I hope to meet all of you over time. I don’t do Facebook, Twitter or Snapchat. My social media of choice is beer, so I hope to meet you at the pub! By the way, you may consider that last line funny (or not), but it’s among understanding friends. If you want a deeper discussion of how public words and actions with respect to our Irish identity matter, you definitely want to read Neil’s history lesson at the end of the newsletter.
Our next meeting will be held on Friday, January 31st at 8pm. Welcome aboard to new members Patrick Lenihan and Timothy Lull. Many thanks go out to Bill and Trish Lee for chairing a great Pot O’Gold final drawing
party and to all our volunteers, especially our head chef Brian Booth and all our cooks; the chafing dishes went on for miles.
A great time was had by all at our Wren Night celebration and our heartfelt thanks go out to all our volunteers and performers especially Dennis Madigan, Fergal Hayes and the many musicians Fergal cajoled into coming out. A ll profits went towards Lourdes Kids of Rockland, a great cause.
Many thanks to all who supported the pub’s fat off on New Year’s Day which benefits the Adopt a Family Christmas Fund, another great cause. I hope to see you at our ski trip on February 1st and the Emerald Ball on February 22rd. The Hibernian of the Year is our own Fergal Hayes and the Grand Marshal is our Hibernian House president, Frank McDonagh. The Emerald Ball is the main fundraiser for our beautiful parade, so please support by taking a journal ad and attending.
Phil Sheridan reports the following Good and Welfare news… Please pray for the continued recovery of Dan Callanan, Frank Duffy and John Crilley’s wife, Eileen. And please say an extra prayer for Gene Flood who is fighting
the good fight. Please remember to say an extra prayer or two for our troops convalescing in hospitals around the world.
Yours in Friendship, Unity & Christian Charity,
Charles Parnow, President.