Publicité

15 février 2009 - 15:02

Paddy’s Newsletter

February 2009, Volume 22
Greetings
Here comes the green!
Although the ground-hog saw his shadow and returned to his hole to bring winter on for six more weeks, this will not prevent the green from the Richmond Irish from flowing. The upcoming March events will be bigger and better than ever.
Hold on to your hats because here we go!

Bonjour
La marée verte se prépare encore une fois à submerger Richmond dans une vague d’activités de la St Patrick. Encore cette année elle nous coupera le souffle. Attachez bien votre tuque, ça va décoiffer! 
    
Time to Celebrate
The Green Sale kicks off another fun-filled month of March. Everyone is invited to an afternoon of good times at the Richmond Legion at 1:30 PM on Saturday, March 7.
For further information, please contact Elsie Kerr at 826-3284.

Corn Beef Supper – Also on March 7, will take place at 6:30 PM at the Grand Central Hotel.  It is becoming more popular every year!  With a limit of 40 tickets, please do not delay in ordering yours.   For tickets, contact Erica Lockwood at 826-3322 by Feb. 25.     

Banquet – The banquet will take place at the St. Famille Centre, Craig St., on Saturday, March 14th at 6:30 PM.  This year St. Pat’s Queen is Amanda Boerson, a senior member of the Richmond Irish dancers and an active member of the Society.  John O’Connor, a well known Quebec City historian, will be the guest speaker. Those who have taken the St. Pat’s Grosse Isle trip will recognize him as our tour guide of Quebec City. The Master of Ceremonies will be David Savage, the famous radio announcer. The Irish dancers will entertain with new dance steps.  Entertainment will be provided by the Country Boys. Bring your dancing shoes and be ready to swing your partner. Everyone is welcome. Tickets will be available from Marge Lancaster at 826-2760 at the cost of $20.00 for adults and $10.00 for youth (12 or younger).  Tickets must be purchased by Wed., March 11th.  A real deal!

Mass – Our favourite Irish priest, Father O’ Houde extends a warm invitation to attend mass at St. Bibianne's Church on Sunday, March 15th at 9:00 AM.

Afternoon of Irish entertainment - Sunday March 15th at 2:00 PM at RRHS. Irish music and Irish story telling by Isabelle Gosselin and Steven Rodger Bolduc with the Richmond Irish Dancers.

A Green Bingo will take place on March 17th at 2:30 pm at the Foyer de Richmond. For more information please call: Charles Lachance at 826-3711 ext.223.

Paddy’s Day Celebration- On the17th, the Grand Central Hotel will be serving green beer all day with a Paddy Hour from 5:00pm to 7:00pm

Social Gatherings – Friday March 20th
• The Legion’s St. Paddy’s Happy Times, starting at 3:00pm, with Debbie Knowles in charge of entertainment; it promises to be a good party.

• St. Pat’s Pub Party at the Grand Central promises to be a rousing affair! Viva la Sour Puss!!  Keep those aspirins handy!

Contra-dance evening- March 20th at Centre des Loisirs, 820 Gouin, Richmond (beside the arena) at 8:00 PM for beginners and 8:30 PM to step into the dance. Admission: 12$, Student 7$, 17 and under 5$. BYOB. 
Hear and feel the rhythm of Irish folk music as you share the joy of traditional dancing with those you love...and with others!  It's a way to celebrate that brings us closer to those who have come before us and allows us to pass on some of our best values to the ones following in our footsteps.
Each dance is accompanied by three excellent musicians and explained by the caller so that all can participate, regardless of their level of experience. The call will be in frenglish (bilingual). Info: Donald at 819 826-6707 or [email protected]

Concert- Everyone is invited to the Centre d’Art, 1010 Principale N. on Saturday March 21st at 8:00 PM. The website is www.centredartderichmond.ca  The Dave Gossage Band combines flute and whistle with double bass, drums, guitar and violin. In this show, Dave Gossage shares with audiences his passion for Celtic, Irish, Scottish and
Quebec music through his original works as well as classic pieces from the
repertoire of these musical genres. Tickets at the cost of 18$ or $14:50 for St.  Pat’s members may be reserved at 826-2488.  Another real deal!

The Legion’s Parade Brunch. - Will take place on Sunday, the 22th.starting at 9:00 A.M. Get good nourishment before the parade!

Parade – Our St. Patrick's Parade, the best in Quebec, which is getting bigger and better, will take place on Sunday, March 22nd , beginning at 2:00 PM from 7th Ave.(old Brown Shoe) marching along the green-lined shamrock route!  There will be bands, horsemen, floats, groups, and individuals making for a fun-filled day.  Anyone wishing to be part of the parade will be welcome and should contact Paul or Mark O' Donnell at 826-2535.  After the parade, there will be more fun at the Legion, and The Grand Central

Closing Brunch - The Irish festivities wrap up with a brunch at the Legion on Sunday, March 29th  from 9:00-12:00.   Prizes and trophies for parade participation will be presented. All are welcome!

C’est l’heure de faire la fête!
Le traditionnel Encan Vert aura lieu à la Légion de Richmond le 7 mars à 13h30. Pour  plus d’informations, contactez Elsie Kerr 826-3284.

Le Souper Corn Beef aura lieu le 7 mars à 18h30. Il  n’y a que 40 billets disponibles; pour en obtenir : Erica 826-3322,  réservez avant le 25 février.

Le Banquet aura lieu le 14 mars à 18h30 à la salle Ste Famille. La reine sera Amanda Boersen, et l’invité d’honneur sera John O’Connor, un historien   reconnu comme guide à Québec. La troupe de danseuses irlandaises y sera et la soirée sera animée par les Country Boys. On peut se procurer des billets au coût de 20$ pour les adultes et de 10$ pour les enfants de 12 ans et moins en contactant  Mark ou Paul O’Donnell (819-826-2535) et ce, avant le11 mars.

Une messe sera célébrée le 15 mars à 9h00 à l’église Ste Bibianne avec l’abbé O’Houde.

Contes Valeureux pour un Val…heureux!  vous présentera un spécial Irlandais le dimanche 15 mars à 14h à l’école Regional de Richmond. Au programme, des histoires récoltées parmi certains Irlandais habitant Richmond et les environs, racontées par Isabelle Gosselin et Steven Rodger Bolduc, de la musique irlandaise et la troupe de danse Irlandaise de Richmond sera présente. Venez faire la fête avec nous!

Un Bingo vert aura lieu le 17 mars à 14h30 au Foyer de Richmond;  pour de plus amples informations, veuillez contacter Charles Lachance au 826-3711 poste 223

Célébration de la St Patrick- le 17 mars dès 8h am. De la bière verte sera servie pendant toute la journée. Paddy hour de 5 à 7.

St. Pat’s Pub Party- le 20 mars dès 17h à l’Hotel Grand Central  Viva la Sour Puss! 

“St. Paddy’s happy time” aura lieu le 20 mars à la Légion de Richmond dès 15h

Soirée de danse traditionnelle le vendredi 20 mars dès 20h au Centre des loisirs de Richmond, 820 rue Gouin, (à coté de l’aréna). De 20h à 20h30 il y aura une session pour les débutant et de 20h30 à 23h30 tout le monde est invité à entrer dans la danse. Admission - 12$, Étudiants -7$ et 17 ans et moins - 5$.  Entendez et vibrez au  rythme de la musique folklorique irlandaise et partagez le plaisir de la danse traditionnelle avec ceux et celles que vous aimez...et les autres aussi! C'est une façon de célébrer qui nous rapproche de ceux qui sont passés avant nous et qui nous permet de transmettre nos valeurs à ceux qui nous suivront.

Chaque danse est accompagnée par nos musiciens enflammés et est expliquée par le « câlleur », alors peu importe de niveau d'expérience, tout le monde peut participer.  Le tout sera en franglais, donc bilingue. Apportez vos consommations. Pour de plus amples informations, Donald : 826-6707 ou [email protected]
Le Concert  aura lieu le 21 mars à 20h, au Centre d’Art de Richmond, avec Dave Gossage, flûtiste et guitariste, Dave Gossage a su s’entourer de passionnés, issus comme lui de la scène Irish montréalaise. À travers la musique celtique, au son des guitares, contrebasse, batterie, violon et voix, les cinq musiciens partagent la traditionnelle joie de vivre irlandaise! http://www.centredartderichmond.ca. Les billets sont disponibles au : 826-2488 au coût de 18$ et 14,50$ pour les membres de la Société St Patrick.
Le brunch de la parade aura lieu dimanche,  22 mars à la salle de la Légion dès 9h.

La Parade aura lieu le 22 mars dès 14h et partira de la 14e avenue (ancienne Brown Shoe) et suivra la traditionnelle ligne verte. Chars allégoriques, marcheurs, cavaliers et plusieurs autres seront présents. Ceux et celles qui veulent en faire partie  doivent  contacter Mark ou Paul au 826-2535.  Après la parade, la fête continuera à la Légion ainsi qu’à l’Hôtel Grand Central.

Le Brunch de fermeture aura lieu le 29 mars de 9h à 12h à la légion. Trophées et prix de participation seront remis aux participants. Les photos de la parade seront aussi en vente. Tout le monde est le bienvenu!

Curling
On March 1st, the Richmond St,  Pat’s fourth annual Curling Bonspiel will be held at the Danville Curling Club. The curling teams have been planning and scheming ways to beat last year’s grand champion team that was skipped by Denis Beaubien. Skip Beaubien is confident that even though one of his star players, Joe Kelly, is recovering from a broken leg, his team will be impossible to beat. The Grand Central Hotel team packed with pro curlers will need to do some trickery to win. Yes the Morin Team, Langeveld Team, Lyrette Team and the Caisse Pop. Team had better been preparing for this event; it will be hot.

Oriflammes
This year the town of Richmond will be installing oriflammes (flag type decorations) on some the main arteries in town. The purchase of these decorations was made possible through a generous donation from the Caisse Populaire De L’Ardoise. The oriflammes will fly the whole Irish month. The word SLÁINTE appears on the oriflammes, which is Gaelic for cheers, good health.

Car Flags
A special committee of the St. Pat’s Society has designed a car flag to help celebrate the Irish activities. This limited edition flag is on sale at the Grand Central Hotel and Richmond Hardware for $ 15.00. The profits from the sale of these flags go to pay for various St. Pat’s expenses, including the marching bands in the parade. Show your colors, be part of the fun, fly your St. Pat’s car flag.  We are always a winning team!


Oriflammes
Nouveauté cette année, des oriflammes embelliront la rue Principale pendant tout le mois de mars. La réalisation des ces ornements a été possible grâce a un généreux don de la Caisse Populaire de l’Ardoise. SLÁINTE qui se retrouve sur les oriflammes signifie “Santé !”  en gaélique.

Drapeau d’auto
Tout comme votre équipe de hockey préférée,  vous pouvez maintenant encourager la Société St Patrick avec les tout nouveaux drapeaux d’auto au couleur de la St Patrick. Ils sont en quantité limitée et en vente à L’Hotel Grand Central et à la Quincaillerie Richmond au montant de 15$ chacun. Les profits serviront au diverses activités de la société ce qui inclut les fanfares de la parade. Go St Pat’s Go!!

Moran Academy Richmond Irish Dancers by Missy Johnston
I want to start by saying “Thank you to all who came and supported our dancers at the Xmas Concert”. We had the largest crowd ever. It was so nice to see so many people interested in encouraging our kids to dance.
We have the most dancers that we have ever had, almost 50, and hope that this is a trend that will continue. Our beginners are catching on quickly, our intermediates are now all using hard shoes, and the seniors are mastering steps.
We will be performing at the St. Pat’s Banquet, at the Irish show on March 15th, as usual at the Wales Home on March 21st, and we have been asked to dance for l’École Secondaire de Bromptonville this spring as they are doing an international theme. In May we will be sending some of our dancers to the Feis in Montreal, Can’t wait to see how many will participate. It is a great outing even if you are not dancing, lots to see and hear.
This year, we will be celebrating our 10th year of existence. A special spring show is planned May 30 at RRHS, featuring past and present students. Former students, who would like to participate, please contact Missy 819-826-6348. Bring your camera and friends and enjoy the show.

Troupe de danse irlandaise de Richmond
Un gros merci à toutes les personnes qui sont venues nous encourager à notre concert de Noel qui a attiré la plus grande foule de notre histoire.

Nous participerons prochainement au Banquet de la St Patrick, au concert irlandais le 15 mars,  au Foyer Wales Home le 21 mars et à l’École Secondaire de Bromptonville ce printemps. Au mois de mai, plusieurs participeront aux compétions  Feis, à Montréal. Bonne chance à tous !!

Cette année nous célébrons notre 10e anniversaire. Pour cette occasion un concert mettant en vedette les élèves actuels ainsi que ceux des années passées est  prévu le 30 Mai à l’École Régionale de Richmond. On demande aux anciens élèves qui désirent participer de contacter Missy au 819-826-6348.
Golf tournament by Dave Savage
The 5th Annual St. Pat’s Golf Tourney took place on September 21st on a gorgeous day after being postponed a week earlier. Under the astute direction of Mark (hard-up) O’Donnell and Hughie (the Cap) Lancaster, some 20 players teed off in the hopes of winning the prestigious Roger Rabbit trophy. 
Conspicuously absent from this year’s events were the champs from last year, as well as Captain Morgan much to the chagrin of Jim-Bob Weare.  For the first time in its short history, Dave and Mark were not on the same team.  Dave formed a team comprised of colleagues from RRHS and BCS.  Mark and Joe found themselves back together along with Brian Mastine.  Joe seemed quite happy now that he had someone to ‘’look up’’ to. 
For the second time in 5 years there was a tie for 1st place between Team RRHS and Team Leprechaun. Long-time rivals Dave and Joe had to putt-off to determine this year’s champs.  As the gallery of spectators strained to see from the balcony, one could only hear the collective sigh as Joe and Dave tied on three more sudden death putts.  As the sun was setting the crowds dwindled and now all that could be heard was the collective snoring of the crowd.  Dave played it cool as he let Joe fall asleep and putted one more time to win for (FORE) his team. 
Back in the clubhouse presentations were being made.  Aside from 1st place there was the closest to the pin won by Steve Element, men’s longest drive to Dave and women’s longest drive was a tie between Cindy Jones, Mimi Dubuc and Marianne Blom who claimed to not having played in two years (sure!).  A comment followed by Mr. Carson that three ladies out drove Dave though the record shows that the women’s tee is indeed 150 yards closer to the green.  Dave wanted to make sure that this was on record.  
A great collection of prizes were available including from Joe’s own winery, Mr. Bailey’s Best, jackets, mugs, golf balls and t-shirts.  The umbrella is saved for next year though hopefully the rains we got this summer will leave us for next year. Congratulations must go to Joe Kelly as the host with the most … jokes to tell.  Ask him about the milkman coming for his yearly tip.  Other prizes included the most honest team, Team Jones, and the Best-dressed Golfer, Hughie, was chosen by our waitress.  The Cap is what did it for him!
EXTRA:  Bob Dalton upon hearing of Dave’s exploits assured him that next year he’d have real competition; to which Dave answered, “Is Tiger coming then?”
Mark, upon hearing Bob’s comment asked,  “What are we, Chopped Liver?”
Upon hearing Mark’s comment, Joe was heard to say, ”Did you hear the one about ….?
The best golf swing is the one where there’s no ball to interfere with the pleasure! 
See you next year.

 

 

Community Announcements
Phillipe Leng, the new pharmacist in Richmond, has returned to his home town. After graduating from the Un. of Montreal, he worked for a Jean Coutu drug store in Montreal, and later owned a pharmacy in Sherbrooke.   In March of 2008, Phillipe bought the drug store in Richmond and has expanded it, and greatly improved the service.  He, along, with his wife Nancy, are proud to be new members of St. Pat’s Society!
Brenda and Steven Shea, with family members of the bride and groom, proudly attended the wedding of their son, Christopher, to Emilie Garon, daughter of Yves and Jocelyn Garon of Trois Rivieres. On a beautiful sunny January 14, 2009, the wedding took place on a beach in Punta Cana, Dominican Republic. The bride and groom are residing in Strathmore, Alberta.
Sean Finn has taken another step up CN Rail’s corporate ladder when he recently was appointed Executive Vice-President, Corporate Services and Chief Legal Officer.
At the Edmonton Farmfair International exhibition held last November, Tammi McGee’s two year old male Saler, Superstar S1, won top honors, and the top selling price.

Norma Murray’s Vie Active is a fun-filled exercise class for seniors that takes place every Tuesday and Thursday from 9:30 – 10:30 A.M. at 140 du Couvent street in L'âge d'Or Hall. Norma is pleased to welcome new members, including men, to join the group for good exercise in a relaxed and pleasant atmosphere. For more information,
call 819-826-6488.

Lois Millar was the happy and excited winner of The Wales Home’s 2009 Chevrolet Malibu that was raffled last fall. She just may give St. Pat’s member a lift!

Pat Henderson and her crew of elves had another successful Terry Fox Walk, where they raised close to $16,000 for the cause!  Good show, Pat!

Hats off to Lyne Arsenault, (a new resident in Melbourne) and Norma Murray’s daughter for completing the 2 day, 60 km Cancer Walk for the Jewish General Breast Cancer Research!  She will be doing that walk again this August. Anyone wishing to support Lyne, can call her at 819-826-6488.  Good for you, Lyne!

With the collection of bottles and cans, Joe Kelly continues to raise considerable funds for various worthy causes such as the Terry Fox Foundation, Wales Home Foundation, etc. His current cause, through the local churches, is the needy of Richmond.

Richmond-based Bull's Head Beverages Inc. recently signed a one year distribution contract with Zellers Inc. for the department store chain to carry the traditional ginger ale and other drinks at some of its 14 Quebec locations.
Tim Dalton is one of this year’s Mousquiri Hockey Tournament’s volunteers of the year. With Andre Maurice, he was given the Jean Dion-Gerard Martel award.
Wilfrid Morin has decided to do away with recording the late-comers at the 9:00 A.M. Sunday mass at Ste Bibianne. He figures that the good Lord would rather see you come to church late, rather than not come at all!
While Joe Kelly was recuperating from his broken leg, Mark O’Donnell, the Good Samaritan that he is, brought Joe to a Sunday mass at Ste. Bibianne’s. His mother, Gemma O’Donnell, was most delighted to have Mark sit with her.  Father O’Houde was so flabbergasted, that he could not get Mark’s name right!
Members of Richmond St. Pats living in and around Ottawa are very happy that the transit strike is over. It was very hard on their daily routine. Getting up early, walking to work or fighting for parking, paying high prices to park, drove them almost crazy. Now that the strike is over, these members will be in great shape for the St. Pat’s celebrations, and will have extra cash to renew their St. Pat’s memberships!

Mark O’D has been driving many people to ski at Bromont this year. Most have complained that when they arrive at the mountain their feet are cold because the heater in his van does not function. Recent passengers, including David from Dyson’s Armstrong, Daan from Agritex, Roger Domingue, Yvon Brown, Karen Wright, Pierre Bilodeau and others have started a collection to fix the thermostat and the muffler on Mark’s van.

Erika Lockwood is taking a week off in March. It is reported that she is going to take lessons on how to make a good Irish punch!

REUNION - REUNION – REUNION!!!
Notre Dame High School, once an important part of our community, closed its doors in 1968 with the opening of Richmond Regional. Several folks who were in Grade 7 in that final year are organizing a reunion for their classmates, to take place August 1st, 2009 at the Melbourne-Richmond Golf Course. If you or someone you know was in Grade 7 that final year and you have not as yet heard from us, please let us contact Mark O’Donnell at [email protected] .

Eastern Townships Canadian Club
The public is invited to attend the Eastern Townships Canadian Club gathering on Wed., April 15 at noon at Le President Hotel in Sherbrooke.  Marianna O Gallagher, well-known historian of the Irish in Quebec, will be the guest speaker immediately after a delicious meal.
In the last many years since her retirement from teaching, Marianna has been very active in promoting Grosse Ile as a place of pilgrimage for the Irish of Canada and the United States; and she has collaborated with local agencies to establish a national historic park on Grosse Ile under the auspices of Parks Canada.
Reservations must be made by calling 819-820-8101 by April 10.  If you want to only hear the speaker, you may attend for a $5 charge. Cancellations must be made 48 hours in advance of the event.  Mark your calendars for this very special event.

 

The Prez's Corner by President Bob Dalton
Well, well, would you just look at that!  How beautiful the white snow looks and we're just a few weeks away from the 'Green Month” We may just have to take a few shots of 'the good stuff' in order that we may adapt ourselves to the color of green! . Now I have to tell you, that the leprechauns have been very hard at work preparing for all the events that will take place in March. I hope that all you good people will come out to events, because they sure deserve your support. In closing , I would like to offer on behalf of the Society, our deepest sympathies to all who have suffered loses in the last year and offer congratulations to those who have added to the possibilities of new membership in the society. See you all in the month of March
Member Spotlight
We wish to highlight the activities of one of our younger members of the St. Pat’s Society. In this issue, we are featuring Amber Griffith, daughter of Charlotte and Peter, who has embarked on a trip to Ireland and will be there until July 2009.
Before she left, she had completed one year in Communications at Concordia Un.   Not knowing exactly what she wanted to study, she decided that a change was needed. Here is a note on her trip to Ireland.
”My name is Amber Griffith and like most students who are in their early
twenties and have never taken time off of school.  I decided that traveling and working
for a year abroad would be a good option, so after lots of planning, paper-work and money-saving, I took off for Ireland on the 30th of September, 2008
I arrived in Dublin unaccompanied and doubting my intentions of this whole
trip. However, it did not take me long to realize how lucky I was to be in a foreign country with little responsibility except to travel and take in as many new and different cultures as I possibly could in one year. I met some fellow Canadians who have become good friends and even roommates, I have been living in Dublin since I arrived and have been working at a small pub called Cassidy's in the city centre.
Life in Ireland is certainly more laid-back than at home; they know how to relax, and always seem to be up for a good time! The Irish pubs are great spots for socializing!
While I am enjoying the city life that Dublin has to offer, the country-side has been far more impressive to me. As typical as it sounds, this country is not referred to as the Emerald Isles for no reason. Traveling around the country is simple and quick, a fact which has allowed me to visit most of Ireland already.   Every part of the island has something different to see and experience. I've been to the West and visited Northern Galway and the Aran Islands, to County Cavan along the coast and seen the Wicklow Mountains and Cork. .No matter where I find myself in Ireland, I feel welcome and have
been lucky enough to enjoy a true Irish lifestyle.
Being in Ireland is so close to the rest of Europe, that one should take advantage of visiting other parts of the continent. I have been able to date to visit many cities, such as Prague, Paris, Gent, and Bruges.  I had a great family treat over the New Years, when my sisters, Anne and Erin, spent 10 days with me.”
When Amber returns in July, she plans to return to Concordia. Since she has enjoyed her political science courses, and her travel experience, she may concentrate in that area.
History of the Irish
My history of Richmond and District's Irish heritage is in the final stages of completion. Since I retired from teaching at Université de Sherbrooke on January 1st 2009 I can now, at last, concentrate almost full time on writing, double checking the facts and making corrections.
My aim is to launch the book some time this summer.
Best regards,
Peter Southam

Over my shoulder by Gordon Irwin
All stories in the series 'Over My Shoulder' are true, where the writer is involved.

 I’VE KILLED THE OLD MAN                                                     
On cold winter nights, when the wind rattled the window panes; and the living room fire burned brightly. I would diligently attend to the “home work” assigned to me. If it involved History or Geography; I was in my favorite realm. History in particular, intrigued me.
During these formative years; I discovered that much of the local history was
right here in our living room. My Dad had a wonderful memory of past
experiences, and he enjoyed relating these to me in great detail. I would sit
motionless and listen as he described events that were, in many cases,
intriguing and true.
He assured me that all this was as accurate as possible, and all actually took
place in his lifetime, to date.
During his early years on the O.M.R. (Orford Mountain Railroad). He met and grew to admire many of the men who operated the trains. From the Engineer,
The Fireman, the Brakemen, and the Conductor. To the Mail Sorter in the
Baggage Car.
My Dad at the time of the story was a junior Fireman. Although not involved personally; the complete episode was told to him by the Fireman of the Engine involved.
It is true; people enjoy watching trains work. Especially the “Old” Steam Engines. Back in the time of our story; steam engines were the norm. It was steam power everywhere.
On the Line between Eastman and Kingsbury; there was a Station at the end of a long curve in the track. Many of the town’s people came out every evening to greet the passenger train. The lonesome call of the whistle as it approached was exciting for young and old. One particular elderly gentleman never missed standing close to the edge of the platform, leaning on his cane, and waving to the Engineer who leaned out of the cab window and returned the wave.
This was of concern to the Engineer; he had told his fireman he wished the
Old Fellow would stand farther back as the Engine passed. But night after night he was there, standing with his cane, and ready to greet his beloved Evening Train.
One day towards the end of October; some of the train crew decided to have
a bit of fun with the Engineer. The plan progressed and everything was in place.
That night the train roared around the long curve; the Station was in sight.
The Engineer sat leaning out of the Cab window. Suddenly he froze in his seat. There was some one standing in the middle, between the rails. Frantically he pulled the whistle cord, over and over he whistled a warning.
But the figure on the tracks failed to move. He yelled to his fireman,” It’s
The Old Man. He’s standing with his cane looking at us. We’re going to hit him.” The Engineer applied full brakes, the wheels were sliding on the rails.
The tremendous impact flung the old gentleman high into the air. Passing
directly over the Cab of the locomotive.

Finally the train came to a stop. Just short of the station platform. The Engineer climbed down from his Cab . He appeared in a daze from the ordeal. The Fireman told him to stay there. He said that he would retrieve the body and bring it to the station.
A crowd had gathered on the platform. Suddenly the Fireman appeared from in front of the locomotive; the limp body in his arms.
The Engineers mouth fell open. A look of complete bewilderment covered his face. The body was stuffed with, straw. It wasn’t the Old Man at all. He was just fine at home.  It was a “scare-crow”. Made to look like the Gentleman with the cane.
BUT WHY  ???
Simple…………………….You see it was October 31st…HALLO’WEEN  .

Irish Humour
On their way home from the pub, Mick and Paddy are reading head stones at a nearby cemetery. Mick says, 'Crikey!  There's a bloke here who was 152'!
Paddy says 'What's his name?'
Mick replies 'Miles from London'!

An American lawyer asked, 'Paddy, why is it that whenever you ask an Irishman a question, he answers with another question?' 
'Who told you that?' asked Paddy.

John: My wife has a terrible habit of staying up ‘til two o’clock in the morning.
Pete: What on earth is she doing at that time?
John: Waiting for me to come home!

Cultural Events
We are fortunate to have a good number of cultural events with strong Irish connections. These events are over and above our numerous regular March activities; Irish Dancers, curling, golf, etc. Hopefully many of us will partake in some of these, and expand our knowledge of things Irish!  For some of these events, some ambitious members could organize groups to attend these events!

Movie about the Irish Famine –Death or Canada will be airing on History TV on Monday March 16/09, from 8 to 10 pm.  The movie was nominated for an Irish Film and Television Academy award for best documentary series.  This powerful docudrama reveals a forgotten chapter of the great Irish Famine and how the fledgling city of Toronto was brought to its knees by the greatest humanitarian crisis of the 19th century.  Web: www.deathorcanada.com
Exhibition of the Irish in Quebec – Beginning on March 20, 2009, the McCord Museum of Canadian History will present Being Irish O”Quebec, an exhibition for all to view and appreciate our Quebec Irish history. The Museum’s address is 650 Sherbrooke St. E.  For more information call 514-398-7000.
Walk to the Stone - Every year, the Montreal Division of the Ancient .Order of Hibernians in conjunction with other Irish-Canadian societies, organize a mass and march to the Stone through the streets of Montreal.   This stone (boulder) that honors  the 6000 immigrants who died of ship fever in Montreal in the years 1847- 48, was erected by the workmen employed in the construction of the Victoria Bridge in 1859.  This year’s Walk, the 106th, will take place on Sunday, May 31, always the last Sunday in May.  The day starts off with the 10:30 mass at St, Gabriel’s Church, 2156 Centre St, in Pointe St. Charles, followed by a non-structured march to the stone (about 30 minutes). Transportation to and from the Stone is provided for those who choose not to walk.  Afterwards there is an open buffet, sponsored by the A.O.H.with a cash bar. Everyone is welcome!

Trip to Grosse Isle
St. Pat’s is planning a bus trip to Grosse Ile and Quebec City in late spring or early summer; keep posted for more details

Un voyage à Québec et à Grosse île est prévu vers la fin du printemps ou tôt en été.  De plus amples informations vous seront communiqués.

Celtic Festival of Quebec City - September 4th to 7th.
There’s something for everyone: workshops, conferences, opening parade, whisky tasting, evening entertainment, the Shannon Irish dancers, and shows offered throughout the weekend of festivities.  More information about the festival will be available around May 2009 at www.festivalceltique.morrin.org.
Last year 5 members of our Society took in the events, and had a remarkable week end at the Festival, and taking in the charms of Quebec City.


 


In our Thoughts
Our St. Pat’s Society of Richmond has just lost a very loyal and dedicated member, Paul Morin, who passed away on Saturday, February 7th.
Paul has been an active member for nearly 60 years. As a hard-working member, he helped build floats for the parade and the wooden shamrocks that were hung up along the parade route; chaired the membership committee; was on the Board of Directors for many years, and then has been a life time member. Paul actively supported and participated in many St. Pat’s and local events.  Paul has left a legacy, and will be remembered and missed.  St. Pat’s Society extends condolences to Paul’s families.

 


Grandmothers to Grandmothers project
A very big thank you to the Irish dancers for your donation to the Stephen Lewis Foundation Grandmothers to Grandmothers project. Your generosity will help provide money for food, school fees and clothing for some of the 13 million HIV/AIDS orphans in Africa
Sincerely, 
Joy O' Donnell


Thank you
To all who contributed to the newsletter, articles, translations, envelopes, typing, etc.
Paddy says « Thank you »


Merci
À ceux et à celles qui ont contribué à l’infolettre, articles, traductions, corrections, etc.
Paddy vous dit merci!
Comments, articles and information are always welcome.

Les commentaires, articles et informations sont les bienvenus.

Contact Joe Kelly, at 450-965-0975 or mail [email protected] or Mark O’Donnell at 826-2535 e-mail [email protected].


Membership Renewal
When you think about it, our $5.00 single membership and $10.00 family memberships has to be the best deal in town!  These prices have not been raised in many, many years.
Your membership fee is the fund-raiser that St. Pat's has, and it supports our activities, mainly the Parade, which gets bigger and better every year; academic awards to St. Francis and the Richmond Regional School, etc.
As a member, you belong to a group rich in tradition, participate in and support many local St. Patrick's functions, receiving favorable prices and many other benefits.
For memberships, you can mail in the membership form, or see one of our directors. We thank you for your support!

 

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