January, February and March, 2005

New Year’s Resolutions

Yes!! It’s that time of year again. Time for all to resolve that we will do our best to make this the most productive year the Irish Cultural Society has ever known. As always, we will have many special events and times this year to celebrate our Irish heritage and to prove that we are very special people. So take a few minutes out of your busy schedule now to mark these dates on a calendar that you will look at frequently. You won’t want to miss any time with your friends. Also check out our website frequently since most of the changes or additional dates will be listed on there before the next newsletter will be out.

Building Supply Manager Needed

We need someone who is willing to make sure that cleaning and paper supplies are kept up to date in the ICS building. This job has been handled admirably by Jack Murphy till now, but he has found that with his new job, he is unable to do this. He is willing to help the person who takes on this responsibility until they get accustomed to the job and suggests that the person have a large car or van. If you are interested in helping out with this job, contact Joe Gaughan.

Memorial Ideas Needed

With the passing of so many of our dedicated members, the suggestion has been made that we set up some sort of memorial for all of those who had put so much of their heart and soul, not to mention their time, into our lives and society. Therefore, we are asking every one to think of some sort of memorial that can be planned. Any idea will be considered and presented before the membership. Please bring your thoughts to a meeting so that we may discuss them and make a decision that will show all of our members and their families that no matter what their part is in our society, their help is needed and appreciated.

Superbowl Party

Keep your eyes and ears open for any information concerning a possible superbowl party to be held at the Irish Cultural Society Building. This would be a possible combination Superbowl party/Casino day. Further information can be obtained by contacting either Bill McCauley(570-963-1927) or Sean May(570-586-3315).

Membership Drive

This year’s membership drive begins on January 1^st and will continue year round. But we will have a concentrated drive from January 1^st through March 31^st. During the concentrated drive, membership dues will be $10.00 for new and renewing members. Following the 31^st of March, any membership renewal will be $15.00 instead of $10.00. New memberships will remain at $10.00 throughout the year. So please send in the membership form found in every newsletter with your $10.00 before the 31^st of March and take advantage of all of our special times. Any questions concerning this new fee, please call Loretta McCauley at 570-963-1927.

Ad Book Fundraiser

It’s time again for us to concern ourselves with one of our major fundraisers. The adbook which is published every year to be given to those who attend the Dinner Dance is now in it’s first stages. The mailing stage is just the first of a three part method which helps us run our programs during the year. Included with this newsletter you will find a patron form. Please try to get at least 5 to 10 patrons. Patrons are the most lucrative of all ads, seeing that they only take up a line on a page. You will be receiving an additional letter in the mail describing the new adbook’s costs and how it is going to work this year. But please start us off by giving us a great amount of patrons and we will be able to say that we made a very good fundraiser into a great fundraiser. Questions may be forwarded to Rosie Davitt or Heather Tomlinson at 570-342-6449 or on line at Eirland@aol.com.

Lecture Series Fundraiser

With the success of the December 5^th lecture, we were able to set up an account for the financing of the Lecture series. In order to fund publicity for the lecture series and to be able to bring in speakers from outside the area as well as our local people, we need to increase the balance in that account. This is the perfect time for the local Irish groups to show their support as well as the schools in the area. We are going to sell corsages for the St. Patrick’s Day Parade. These will cost $3.00 each and will be ready for delivery/pick up the day before the parade. We need your assistance and support in this matter. A letter will be sent to all groups who appeared in the parade last year and possibly those who participated in the Wilkes-Barre parade as well. Our goal is to make and sell at least 500 to 1000 corsages this year, although, more would be better. We will take orders until February 22^nd, which will then give us enough time to get all flowers ordered, dyed and made into gorgeous corsages ready for delivery. The committee is headed by Rosie Davitt who is also asking for help from everyone who is willing to give a couple of hours either making, packaging or even in the delivery process. With an assembly line, we can make and process these corsages very easily and quickly. So give her a call at 570-342-6449. Outside orders are welcome as well.

Teri and Tony

30 days to Parade

On February 12^th at 7:00PM, Teri Kane and Tony DeMarco will present a concert at the Irish Cultural Society Building. A concert similar to a night with Seamus Kennedy, we will be celebrating the upcoming St. Patrick’s Day Parade with song and fest. Tickets will be $15.00 with this including the normal setup of beer. Any alcoholic beverages and food, snacks are your responsibility. Let’s make this another yearly event to get us started on the right track for the parade. Contact Rosie Davitt for information concerning this concert.

Irish Stepdancers’ Recital

The 20^th of February is the day set aside for the Irish Stepdancer’s Recital this year. To be held at West Scranton High School again this year, Maureen is guaranteeing another performance which will knock your socks off. The dancers have been working very hard for a few months now. Please support this great event by attending. Tickets are $10.00 for adults and $7.00 for children. The rapid steps will kick off promptly at 3:00PM and for those of you who attend, you will be in for a wonderful treat. Contact Maureen Murphy King for information regarding tickets at 570-344-6652.

St. Patrick’s Day Dinner Dance

March 5^th has been set aside as the date for this year’s dinner dance. For $15.00, you will be entertained by The Irish Balladeers and as always, this should prove to be a great evening of food, fun and and entertainment. Sean May is planning this event and can be contacted for information concerning purchasing tickets. Let’s make this a great time and count down of 1 week to the Parade.

Parade Day

Parade day this year is March 12^th. We will again be attending mass and having a

float and a contingent of walkers. Our dancers will again strut their stuff as well as leading the Bishop into the Cathedral for mass. We are always looking for ideas for the float so that we can show our true Irish Heritage and pride. Any ideas are welcome. All walkers are encouraged and those who are unable to walk

but who want to be involved, please feel free to seek a place on our float. Join us on this day of celebration of our history and education of our future generations. And don’t forget your corsage. Order them early from the Irish Cultural Society for quality, truly Irish Made corsages.

Contact Numbers

Heather Tomlinson / Rosie Davitt - Newsletter/website- 570-342-6449

Joe Gaughan - President -570-342-8796

Sean May - Vice-President -570-586-3315

Kathleen O’Hara - Secretary - 570-343-6010

Ruth Schofield - Treasurer - 570-347-5223

Loretta McCauley - Membership - 570-963-1927

Maureen Murhpy-King - Step dancers - 570-344-6652

Heather and Rosie

February 15, 2004