Brothers,

I would like to wish each of you a Happy and Healthy 2010. I look forward to working with you and for you to make 2010 a banner year for Division 51.

Well, we did it! The Shrine is 90% complete and should be 100% by the re-dedication on January 17th. The most important thing is that Our Lady is back outside on Gaul Street watching over Fishtown. There are so many people to thank for this project but especially Bill Dolan who ran the entire project, Mike Andrews and the McHale Clan: Frank, Frankie and Elaine, who gave us light, Toby Tobin who ran a new drain, Kathleen Hughes who again used her talent to help design and spruce up the statue and as always Bill Ragan who takes care of the Shrine.

The annual Division 51 Mass and Communion breakfast will be held on Sunday January 17th. The Mass will be at 10:30AM followed by the re-dedication of the Shrine. Immediately following the re-dedication, breakfast will be served in the Church hall. The guest speaker this year will be singer / songwriter Paul Moore. Paul is the founder of two of the area's most popular Irish bands Paddy's Well and Blackthorn. He has studied Irish history at Trinity College in Dublin and his talk should be both informative and entertaining. Paul could probably be persuaded to sing a couple of songs. The cost is $10 for adults, $5 for children 6-15 years old and children 5 and under free with a paying adult. Phil Bowdren has tickets and they will be available at the door. Proceeds benefit the AOH/LAOH Division 51 scholarships. This is one of the two Masses we have each year as a Division family, so plan to attend and bring your family.

At the last Officers meeting, most of the discussion was about member involvement and finances. This is the time of year when our finances are usually low. Due to the loss we sustained for the Elvis event and a glut of charity requests, our finances are extremely low. We pride ourselves as a Division with NEVER turning away a request for help. The largest portion of the money we use is generated by our annual ad book. We also keep the cost of the parade and party affordable for families with these proceeds. This year with a lot of our normal advertisers cutting back, we may not be able to do this. We need your help. I am asking each member to sell an ad or two and some boosters. The businesses that you support can in turn support our charitable endeavors. Ask the Grocer, Tavern Owner, Dry Cleaner, Deli, etc. to buy an ad Last month a letter was printed a letter asking for ads and an ad form, make copies and use them to solicit some ads. This month a Booster sheet is in the newsletter. Same thing, copy it and try to sell some $2 Boosters. Again, this is our main fundraiser for the year and our charitable efforts depend on its success.

I would like to thank the members of the Honor Guard and the members who came out to bid farewell to our fallen Brother Jim Clair. The family was impressed with the Bagpiper and Honor Guard and truly thankful for our appearance at the wake. Please keep Jim's wife Angie and the entire Clair family in your prayers.

We need to reaffirm our commitment as Division, attendance at meetings is down, and participation in Division events is almost nothing. Some members only come around for the Parade and party. We cannot continue as a viable Division if this doesn't change. Come to a meeting, come out to the Communion Breakfast and please sell some ads and boosters.

In Our Motto,

Jay McCarrie
President
AOH Division 51 - Fishtown