March 02, 2010

Beannachtái Lá Fhéile Pádraig
- Blessings on the Feast of St. Patrick

Brothers,
May this season of St. Patrick bring joy to all. Let's also pray for good weather as we march in our various parades throughout the state.

As we are out in the public during the green season, keep in mind that we represent the good name of the Irish people. It is evident again that we continue to be the brunt of many cruel and discriminating jokes. Just this past week, Denny's started a commercial campaign, "Commemorating the Potato Famine" with all you can eat fries and pancakes. Thanks to the hard work and swift action of Hibernians throughout the United States, Denny's has agreed to discontinue these commercials. As our wise State Historian has coined it, "Still Paddy after all these years!" Just make sure we all remain good representatives of our heritage.

Our State Board Meeting is scheduled for April 17th at the Millennium Hotel in Cincinnati. This is the same location as our upcoming National Convention from July 7 to 11. Official call to meeting will be sent out soon.

Speaking of the National Convention, be sure to get your reservations in to the hotel and also register for all the fun events that have been planned during this time. All of this can be done on-line at www.hibernians2010.com.

We are in the closing weeks of our State Board "Ohio Irish Sweepstakes". As I have said previously, we are raffling off a Benelli Legacy Model 12 gauge semi-automatic shotgun. A maximum of 500 tickets will be sold at $10 each. Each division within the state has been allotted a certain amount of tickets to sell. Everyone needs to get their ticket stubs and money to Mike McKenzie, State Board Vice-President (phone number 330-825-8393). Sales of tickets will help offset expenses of conducting normal business without passing along added expenses to the divisions.

Division Financial Secretaries??don't forget to send your Form 9s to Ron Hagan as soon as possible so we will have a complete and up-to-date listing of officers, both elected and appointed.

Divisions also need to have your year-end reports, along with assessments & per capita to both the National Secretary (Thomas McNabb) and State Secretary (Ron Hagan). This is imperative as it will ensure we will have all the voting delegates eligible for the National Convention.

Finally, past State Presidents?..don't forget to submit your photos and bios to Pete Doyle, our State Website Chairman (warprunner01@gmail.com). They will be posted on the State web page.

Again, I wish the best to all during this month of the Irish.

Fraternally,

Joe Casey
President