47_1 by Harp and Shamrock Society of Texas

Established 1966

Harp Strings

The Official Newsletter of the Harp & Shamrock Society of Texas January 2013 Volume 47

Issue 1

Happy New Year! Board Installation

The beautiful afternoon started out with the Kelly Irish Singers singing both the Irish National Anthem and the USA Anthem a cappella. Bill Merriman gave a wonderful invocation as our new chaplain. Then Sue Brannon’s pipes led the new officers to the stage in front of a great crowd. This year we decided to add the Installation as part of our Halfway to St Patrick’s Day celebration. Anton Hajek, III did a superb job of reading the charges and swearing in all the new and present directors as well as the officers. The Installation was moved to our halfway celebration this year due to smaller Your Board of Directors: Front row:Terence Peak, Brenda Tobey, Melinda Britten, attendance at past ceremonies. Let any of the Erin O’Brien, Elissa O’Brien, Melissa Schulz, Joan Moody, Barbara Patrick, Carolyn Dowd. Back row: Darryl Britten, Bill Merriman, JT Norris, Steve Mattick, Board know what you think. Hopefully we’ll see you out there next year. Bob Meade, Tyler Tully, John Smith, Kevin Dowd.

Halfway to Saint Patrick’s Day Cookoff Winners

And the winners are... First a big thank you to all our cooks: Jason and Erin Binkley, Allen Garcia and Laura Agee, Kevin Dowd, Terry Peak, Jimmy O’Halligan and Adrian Brett, Lucky and Terri Nichols, Kevin McManus and Clive Davidson, Darryl Britten, Brenda Tobey, Alfred Horn, Helena Ryan’s Irish class Thanks also to our Irish Soda Bread Bakers:Jason and Erin Binkley, Allen Garcia and Laura Agee, Kevin Dowd, Keith Connolly, and Sandy Donovan. The winners of Official Judges Irish Stew 1st place: Kevin Patrick Dowd; Second place to Helena Ryan, Paula Carns, David Carns, Amy Abeyta and Martha Evins. Winners of the Peoples choice stew: Helena Ryan’ group. The winner of Peoples choice Irish Soda bread: Erin and Jason Binkley.

From left to right: Kevin Patrick Dowd, Helena Ryan, Paula Carns, David Carns, Amy Abeyta, Martha Evins, and the Binkleys! Jason (# 1) holding Ashling and Anna Grace stands in front of Erin. Far left Melissa Schulz helps out and in back MC Terry Peak.

www.harpandshamrock.org

Hurricane Sandy Edition

Má thugann fulaingt eagna, ba mhaith liom ar mian leo a bheith níos lú ciallmhar. “If suffering brings wisdom, I would wish to be less wise” William Butler Yeats, Irish poet (1865- 1939) HARP AND SHAMROCK SOCIETY OF TEXAS, INC P.O.Box 15306 San Antonio, TX 78212

PRESIDENT Kevin P. Dowd 210-845-4424 VICE PRESIDENT Bob Meade 210-946-7220 2nd VICE PRESIDENT Steve Mattick 210-212-7800 TREASURER J.T. Norris 210-621-3407 SECRETARY Dana Goodman 210-219-7356 CHAPLAIN Bill Merriman 210-259-3482 BOARD of DIRECTORS Melissa Schulz 210-445-2777 Melinda Britten 210-699-8632 Carolyn Dowd 210-896-1598 Darryl Britten 210-215-9952 Elissa O’Brien 210-348-6877 Joan Moody 210-656-2666 Erin O’Brien 210-348-6877 John Smith 210-240-7736 Brenda Tobey 210-523-0761 Tyler Tully 210-688-0079 Ryan Stone 210-849-1215 Rob Holden 210-243-5067 Terence Peak 210-829-3920 IRISHMAN OF THE YEAR Darryl Britten - 2012 Editor in Chief Kevin Patrick Dowd 210-845-4424 The Staff: Carolyn Dowd Terry Peak John McCarthy Pat Peak Melissa Schulz Mariee Pilkington Joan Moody Remember we have PayPal™

Pleasanton, Texas is far from Rockaway Beach, NY. But on the evening of October 29, 2012 when Hurricane Sandy hit there, and hit hard, it also hit me right here on the ranch in the heart. My parent’s house was among millions that became an island in the middle of the Atlantic Ocean. Mom had gone out to my sister Eileen’s house out in Lindenhurst, Long Island to ride out the storm. They were not spared as they were without power for a week. Just think about not having power for a week! Everyday chores now become a challenge. Try taking a shower with just cold water. The phone lines were down but my sister was able to get a few text messages out to me. The wind was the scariest, they said. The high water mark stopped two houses to the south and right up to the backyard fence of her home. I decided I needed to get up there and help. The first reports out of Rockaway on Facebook were pretty scary. Out of control fires hit three separate areas of the Rockaway peninsula. I started to pack up my truck with tools, gas & diesel cans, generator and basic staples. I also made the ranch easier for Carolyn to handle by herself. Thanks to the generosity of my San Antonio friends I was able to load up these much needed supplies and got on the road Veterans Day. Pictured above is my ma, Irene Dowd, me and the boardwalk! Below is another view of 119th St. where the board walk used to be. Now three months on and unfortunately there are still folks in serious need. Winter has blown in and has not been very kind. Just take some time to think about the folks in need and send them some positive thoughts. Thank you Mr. Yeats for giving me my opening quote. Especially thanks to the folks that gave so generously and help get my parents house livable again. But most of all thanks to my amazing wife, Carolyn, without whom I couldn’t have done it. Kevin Patrick Dowd, shamrockeditor@gmail.com

Friday, March 15

Saint Patrick’s Day Events

Saturday, March 16 Irish Hooley, 5:00 p.m.– 11:00 p.m.,

33rd Annual Shamrock Golf Scramble Silverhorn Golf Club of Texas 11:30 a.m. registration & 1:00 p.m. shotgun start 4-person teams, $85/player (includes green fees, cart, food and libation). Information: Ryan Stone, 210-849-1215, ryanjstone@yahoo.com

Beethoven Maennerchor, 422 Pereida Street FREE ADMISSION for members. Food, libations, music, dancing, kids corner, the Irish store and fun. Contact: Carolyn Dowd, 210-896-1598, cdowdpa@hotmail.com.

Donovan 5k Fun Run/Fitness Walk, 8:00 a.m., McAllister Park, $25 pre-registration/$30 day of event. Contact: Terry Peak, 210-829-3920, terencepeak@netscape.net. Arneson River Theatre Irish Entertainment, noon – 6:00 p.m., In La Villita on the river, FREE. Contact: Darryl Britten, 210-699-8632, melinda_britten@yahoo.com

The Alamo Wreath Laying Ceremony, Noon, FREE. Contact: Melissa Schulz, 210-831-2072, eden8128@gmail.com. Arneson River Theatre Irish Entertainment, noon – 6:00 p.m., In La Villita on the river, FREE. Contact: Darryl Britten, 210-699-8632, melinda_britten@yahoo.com. St. Patrick’s Day River Parade, 3:00 p.m., FREE. Contact: Kevin Dowd, 210-845-4424, shamrockeditor@gmail.com.

Saturday, March 16

Sunday, March 17 St. Patrick’s Day:

Awards Reception

Please join your fellow society members in a reception announcing and honoring the 2013 Society Award Winners. On Saturday, February 16, 2013 at the Lion and Rose Pub located at Park North Shopping Center @ Blanco & 410. Help us congratulate the recipients’ of the Irishman of the Year and the Cusack Award. From 6:00 – 9:00pm. No RSVP’s needed. Just come join in an evening of fun and relaxation to thank and congratulate our award honorees while indulging in the great Lion and Rose libations and excellent food (pay as you go). There will be door prizes and entertainment by Ullean Authentic Irish Pipes.

Pictured above: Chairman Carolyn Dowd, in center, presented tokens of our appriciation to two of our best long standing sponsors at the Halfway. On the left representing Red McCombs Toyota is Leia Wagner. On the right is Shannon Hellstern from the Lion and Rose Restuarant and Pub. The Lion and Rose was where our very first Halfway was celebrated. Pictured at left are two of our hardest workers. A big ‘Thanks’ goes to Mary Ann and Anton Hajek who ‘got volunteered’ that day to help out at the stew serving line. Thanks a bunch!

www.harpandshamrock.org

47th Annual Pleasanton Cowboy Homecoming

Some very steadfast Irish members came out and braved the unseasonably chilly Irish morning that greeted us at the staging area in downtown Pleasanton for the 47th annual Cowboy Homecoming Parade. We were decorated on time and won Third place! Thanks to Tom Ewing for leading the Kelly Singers in song. Which was only when the rental generator decided to work. It shut off every 25 minutes and needed to cool down! Pictured left to right: Eileen Faught, David Patrick, Margaret Burke, Tom Ewing, Kevin Dowd (holding ribbon), Melinda Britten, Terry Peak, Sean Faught, Steve Mattick, Brenda Tobey, Bernadette Bonin, Darryl Britten and Carolyn Dowd.

Days of Caring

Leticia Hart and Allison Hicks take a lunch break on the Habitat for Humanity jobsite. This was a very rewarding volunteer oppourtunity. Thanks to all who came out.

Founders Day

A big Thanks goes to Barb Patrick for manning the Harp and Shamrock booth all day. Pictured above from left: Erin Perez, a Harp and SAGAC member and an Inishfree mom, Marian Nagle is with the SAGAC, Barbara Patrick and Kevin Dowd. Weâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;d like to get more members out next year to make this a better event.

Veterans Day Parade

From left above: Jason Binkley, Kevin Dowd and Terry Peak Anna Grace Binkley, center, makes sure Bill Merriman and Carolyn Dowd do a good job of waving flags. carry our banner and represent the Irish veterans.

At left: Erin Binkley with Anna Grace Binkley on her sholders just loves to hang out with the clowns! Like Mikee of the Alzafar Shrine Circus. Below left is George Tracy and Chuck Meade, both US Air Force veterans. Below we have Erin and Gabe Perezâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s children, Jameson Perez (of Inishfree Irish Dancers fame) and Kyle Perez making sure those fellows behind them behave. Erin is a US Navy veteran.

News From Ireland January 12, 2013 29 Officers Hurt in Belfast Clash BELFAST, Northern Ireland (Reuters) — At least 29 police officers were injured here on Saturday when proBritish and Irish nationalist youths clashed after another protest against a decision to limit displays of the British flag at the Belfast City Hall. The rioting started as the mainly Protestant protesters passed a Catholic area on their way home from a rally in central Belfast. The police used water cannon against the Protestant protesters, who pushed the officers back with metal fencing and ripped up paving stones to hurl at them. The unrest over the past five weeks has been some of the most sustained in Belfast since a 1998 peace deal ended 30 years of conflict between Catholic Irish nationalists seeking union with Ireland and Protestant loyalists determined that Belfast remain part of the United Kingdom. Horsemeat controversy! On the lighter side: You may think twice before ordering a burger in Ireland. Horse DNA was found in some ground beef. What? The Irish Times reports that it has been traced back to Polish processors. Stick to the meat and potatoes!

In Memoriam Bernard K. Weiner, M.D. passed away on Wednesday, November 7th in Kerrville, TX. He was 83 years young and will be missed. My fondest memories of Doc were getting into a bidding war for Irish books at one of our silent auctions. Bernard won but he gave them to me after he finished reading them. He proudly served his country in the US Air Force from 1954-1958, completing his service with the rank of Captain. Doc Weiner retired from his practice of medicine - August 31, 2010 at the age of 81. Bernard is survived by his wife, the Honorable Judge Marcia S. Weiner; three children: Audrey Scheinberg and husband, Adlai; Jodi Groff and husband, Patrick; and Karen Miller and husband, Richard. Doc also leaves eight grandchildren, three greatgrandchildren, and one retired Greyhound Racer In lieu of customary remembrances, contributions may be directed to the San Antonio Food Bank, www.safoodbank.org/ or to the Humane Society of San Antonio, www.sahumane.org Rest in peace my friend.

San Antonio Gaelic Athletic Club Report

"This is going to be a great year for the club. The team has traveled, created bonds with one another, won some hard fought games and lost some tough battles last year. We’ve seen what other teams around the country have and we’re ready for the challenge,” says Coach Adrian Brett. Training resumes Saturday January 18, 2013, 9am on the Ruby Pitch at Olmos Basin Park. At the end of January, training will continue Saturdays 9am and Wednesdays 6pm. Gaelic Football can be summarized as a blend of soccer, rugby and basketball. It predates all of these games and is one of the oldest sports still played today. In essence, the sport is a fast paced field game requiring skill, speed, intelligence, stamina, strength, and passion. Gaelic Football is a way of life in Ireland, often bridging communities throughout the island. With immigration to the U.S. the Irish brought their national past time with them. South Texas is no different, with the influx of Irish calling San Antonio home, our city will soon recognize why this is the premier sport of Ireland. Men and Women 18 years and up of all backgrounds are all welcome to come give it a try. For more information check us out on facebook or www.sanantoniogac.org

Contacts:Jimmy O’Halligan 210-250-0961 Rick Ortiz 210-823-2875

publicrelations@sanantoniogac.org PRO@sanantoniogac.org

St. Patrick’s Repair and Restoration Begun

Our Saint Patrick’s statue was in much need of some R&R. Repair and Restoration. A few years ago the right hand fell off while being stored at the Institute of Texas Cultures. Back in the ‘70s St. Patrick was on display in the Celtic section and accompanied by the placard below left. After a couple of false starts, Steve Mattick, at right in picture, found an expert to repair the statue. Rafael Paz, at left in picture, came highly recommended from the Archdiocese, because of his experience restoring the Stations of the Cross at San Fernando Cathedral. Pictured below, Rafael takes great care wrapping the statue for the move to the artist space. Which is located at Joe Lopez’s Gallista Gallery, 1913 S. Flores. Hopefully we’ll be able to unveil him in March. Stay tuned. If you have any information on the statue of St. Patrick, please contact me.

Dues are due for 2013!

Yes it is that time of year again. Dues notices have gone out thanks to our new membership chairs Elissa and Erin O’Brien. Dues can be paid on our website at the “Join H&S” link. Scroll down to the “Annual Membership Options” and voilà. Dues must be paid no later than March 17, so you can vote and/or run for the board. You can also snail mail your dues to: PO Box 15306, San Antonio, TX 78212. Please take care of this before you forget. Thanks.

The Harp & Shamrock Society of Texas Newsletter Editor P.O. Box 15306 San Antonio, TX 78212

The Kelly Irish Singers entertained the Sisters of the Holy Spirit at the Motherhouse at Christmas time.

Cultural

Educational

Our Calendar

Civic

Patriotic

Social

Thank Our Sponsors

February

16 Saturday 6p.m. Awards Reception See the details on page 3 24 Sunday noon - 5p.m. Irish Heritage Day More info: irishculturalsociety.com

March

15 Friday, 33rd Shamrock Golf Scramble 11:30a.m. Registration, 1:00p.m. Shotgun start Silverhorn Golf Club 16 Saturday, Donovan 5k Fun Run/Fitness Walk, 8:00a.m.., McAllister Park Irish Hooley, 5:00p.m. – 11:00p.m. Beethoven Maennerchor, 422 Pereida Street 17 Sunday Saint Patrick’s Day Noon Wreath laying at the Alamo 3:00p.m. River parade Much more information on page 3 www.harpandshamrock.org

Thank you to our sponsors:

Lion & Rose Restaurant and Bar, Red McCombs Toyota, Waxy O’Connor’s Irish Pub, Tommy Moloney’s, The Friendly Spot, Bike City Shamrockeditor@gmail.com

Keeping It Green...Renew, Recycle, Reuse!