Established 1966
Harp Strings
Keeping Irish history and culture alive in South Texas. Volume 48
Oct-Nov 2014
Issue 1
Installation of the Board of Directors
Pictured: Judge Marcia Weiner, JT Norris, Bill Merriman, Kevin Patrick Dowd, Darryl Britten, Melissa Schulz, Barbara Patrick, Melinda Britten, Bernadette Barry-Bonin, Michael J O’Brien, Dana Goodman, Elissa O’Brien, Joan Moody, Allison Hicks, Carolyn Dowd, Eileen Burke-Faught, Terry Peak, Bob Meade, and Diana Jordan. More on pgs 4&5.
Founders Day at the Alamo
The Irish came out to represent and help remind folks of the different ethnic cultures it took to make San Antonio great. This was the 11th year of the San Antonio Founders Day Celebration. Their mission is to honor the more than 20 cultural groups and outstanding individuals who shaped our San Antonio heritage. Visit www.sanantoniofoundersday.org for more infomation. Which reminds me of our own mission statement: Keeping Irish history and culture alive in South Texas. If you look up you’ll see it from now on as part of our masthead. It was good to be part of Founders Day and remind folks of the Irish history. The setup crew pictured left to right: Terry Peak. James Gorman, Linda Grosse, Kevin & Carolyn Dowd, Bartley Payne, and Micheal J. O’Brien. More on page 5.
www.harpandshamrock.org
HARP AND SHAMROCK SOCIETY OF TEXAS, INC P.O.Box 15306 San Antonio, TX 78212
PRESIDENT Dana Goodman 210-219-7356 VICE PRESIDENT Melissa Schulz 210-445-2777 2nd VICE PRESIDENT Melinda Britten 210-699-8632 TREASURER J.T. Norris 210-621-3407 SECRETARY Diana Jordan 210-872-7092 CHAPLAIN Fr. Francis McHugh 210-416-4516 BOARD of DIRECTORS 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 Rob Holden 210-243-5067 Derek Cossey 210-886-8640 J. Sean Habina 210-523-9267 Allison Hicks 210-822-1182 Barbara Patrick 210-658-1506 Mike Dodd 210-373-7986 Michael O’Brien 210-422-2446 Terence Peak 210-829-3920 Kevin P. Dowd 210-845-4424 IRISHMAN OF THE YEAR Eileen Burke Faught 2014 Editor in Chief Kevin Patrick Dowd 210-845-4424 The Staff: Carolyn Dowd John McCarthy Mariee Pilkington Terry Peak Eileen Burke Faught Pat Peak ©2014 Dowd Ranch Publishing
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We met with President Dr. Lou Agnese at The University of The Incarnate Word. We made a special presentation (picture below left) with our great thanks for Dr. Agnese’s support of our South Texas Alamo Irish Festival and the Harp and Shamrock Society. We also presented a check for $1000 as a donation to the Dr. Sean Burke scholarship at UIW. Pictured above: JT Norris, Carolyn Dowd, Dr. Lou Agnese, Kevin Dowd, Shannon Faught and Eileen Burke Faught, granddaughter and daughter of our Sean Burke, one of our founders. I’d like to take this space to thank everyone who made the Halfway to St. Patrick’s Day a tremendous success. Especially the folks who donated to the Scholarship Raffle. Thanks to Terry Peak, Eileen Faught, Bob Meade, Carolyn Dowd, Erin O’Brien, Elissa O’Brien, Allison Hicks, Gerry Mulvey, Rob Holden, Barb & Dave Patrick, Bernadette Barry Bonin, Darryl & Melinda Britten. The party after the Installation of the board was fun as always. I want to thank Judge Marcia Weiner for doing the swearing in. The list of volunteers and more pictures are in our centerfold. If I missed anyone please don’t hesitate to reach out and contact me. Make sure you peruse the list of leadership jobs we’ve listed on page 7. Are you hiding your special skill? Come out and join us. Kevin Patrick Dowd shamrockeditor@gmail.com The Inishfree Dads start the tearing down of the stage after our Halfway. Pictured right is Patrick Gillock on his knees with the screw gun. Seems like he has one dancer paying close attention that he gets it right. There’s plenty of onlookers also celebrating the end of another successful Halfway Hooley. See you next year!
From the President
End of Summer Social @ Lion & Rose
When I sat down to write this, I was not really sure where to begin. First, I want to thank Kevin Patrick Dowd for all of his hard work during his two years as President! I have some big shoes to fill! Second, I am truly honored that you have entrusted me to serve as President of the Society. Thank you! I am very excited about the direction we are heading! Planning for the 2nd annual South Texas Alamo Irish Festival (STAIF) has been well underway for months and we can always use extra volunteers to help with this planning. The second one will be even more exciting as Donovan’s Run will take place at the UIW the morning of STAIF. The Gaelic Football tournament will take place again as well. It is an honor for us to be working with UIW again this year. So save the date of MARCH 14, 2015 for STAIF. Come out and help us celebrate the rich Irish history and culture here in South Texas. Here’s hoping for better weather!
Sean Faught was one of the door prize winners at our social at the Lion and Rose Park North location. Thanks to our social chairs Barb and David Patrick.
Our 50th Anniversary celebration is coming up in 2016. We can always use help planning this event as well. I am looking forward to a great year. Slainte! Dana Goodman Outgoing president handing off to our new president at Installation.
We had a very fun crowd at the social. Dana Goodman shares a laugh with Margaret Burke, while other members enjoy the good food and good times at the Lion and Rose, a generous and longtime sponsor of the H&S.
Photo to the right: The San Antonio Pipes and Drums were the leadoff entertainers at our Halfway. Photo far right: Thanks to the SAGAC for coming out again to support our party. More info on the exciting game of Gaelic football can be found @ www.sanantoniogac.org www.harpandshamrock.org
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Halfway to St. Patrick’s Day!
Our 8th annual Halfway was a huge success. The San Antonio Pipes & Drums, the Inishfree Dancers and the Kelly Singers entertained. Our success is due to our amazing volunteers! Rob Warfield, Ryan & Brandy Stone, Terence Peak, Robert Szczepanski, Sheila Carrola, Richard & Janice Duggan, Diana Jordan, Ed & Helen Powers, Patricia O’Connell, Joan Moody, Melissa Schulz, Michael O’Brien, Allison Hicks, Gerry Mulvey, Wayne & Eileen Faught, Chris Hayes, David & Barbara Patrick, Wes Freeland, Sean Hipp, Bob & Sue Brannon, Sue Weller, Linda Grosse, Elissa O’Brien, Bill Kennedy, Patricia O’Connell Alvarez, Phil & Peggy Harris, Ani Stubbs, Elvira Barrera, Carolyn Dowd, Melinda & Darryl Britten, Bill Merriman, Phil Lamonica, Jason and all the bartenders. Thanks!
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www.harpandshamrock.org
Winners! Our first returning winner was Darryl Britten, top right, with his second Official stew win. Kim Meehan, top left, won the Irish soda bread contest. James Gorman, below right, took the People’s choice win. Joan Moody and Melissa Schulz seem to be enjoying themselves as they handle the cook off judging forms and tasting fees.
San Antonio Founders Day
The weather couldn’t have been better for the Founders Day on Alamo Plaza. We join the other ethnic groups in telling our story of the Irish influence in San Antoino and South Texas. Photo above left: Regina & George Tracy and Bill Kennedy manned the booth for the second shift and had a visitor from Scotland stop by. The San Antonio Pipes and Drums, photo above right, lead off the day in grand fashion right in front of our booth. Other volunteers not pictured were: Ani Stubbs, Dennis Martinez, Elissa O’Brien, Erin O’Brien and Melinda & Darryl Britten. 5
Irish News
Movie review / Play preview
Thirteen people, including one child, have been killed on farms so far this year. The amazing Oscar™ Farming is a dangerous occupation – The most winning movie that is “Once” has also become dangerous in Ireland, according to the Health and a Tony winning original Safety Authority (HSA). From 2004 to 2013, a Broadway musical. Nom- total of 176 people lost their lives on farms. A total of 176 people will never have the joy of farming inated for 12 and winning 8! Terry Peak did a again. A total of 176 families will always carry the review of the movie back burden of losing a loved one. in 2007 and gave it rave © Irish Farmers Journal 2014 reviews. It is one of those feel-good love stories that Forecasters predicting big freeze this keeps you coming back to winter visit. The play expands on the story and, dare I say, makes By Nick Bramhill it better. Irish playwright Enda Walsh wrote the book and Ireland is set for its coldest winter in years, with weaves the original songs by Glen Hansard and Markéta sub-zero temperatures, polar gales and heavy Irglová into a wonderful two-act play. It is all based on the snowfall predicted to plunge the country into an story written and directed by John Carney. Arctic freeze within weeks. Coming to San Antonio March 3-8, 2015. Final perforForecasters have warned that mercury levels will mance on Broadway is Jan. 4. 2015. start falling significantly throughout November, leading to a shivering run-up to Christmas, and an Begin Again (2013) even more bitter spell throughout January. 104 min. Rated R Meteorologists said the combination of unusuallyJohn Carney took his time to make his sopho- high Siberian snow cover this month, recent solar more effort. It seems to activity levels and volcanic emission patterns in me he has been able to Iceland, all point to a harsh winter ahead, with tap into the same magic. the severest spells of cold likely to occur between December and January. This is a love story about music and New © Irish Examiner Ltd. York City. A down on his luck music proIrish Protest Water Tax ducer, Mark Ruffalo, Reports are coming in from all over the island stumbles into a West village pub and discovers the next of Ireland against a new rise in the Irish water big thing, Keira Knightley, in her first singing role. Only charges. People have finally had enough of all the problem is she doesn’t want anything to do with the music austerity they have had to endure to save the banks. business. Let the fun begin! It also stars Adam Levine and Now the banks are doing fine and housing prices Hailee Steinfeld. The combination makes for a good story are starting back up, but folks are hurting and takand great music. The music alone, being recorded around ing out their frustration. NYC, is worth the price of admission. This is available to Follow this story and more @ Irishcentral.com rent on iTunes and other digital sources.
Once: The Musical
More Hollywood news
Sometimes Hollywood gets it right. Actress Maureen O’Hara is finally going to be recognized for her lengthy movie career. The Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Science will present her with a lifetime achievement OscarTM. The Dublin born actress stood tall with John Wayne and Victor McLaglen in The Quiet Man. 6
ICC in Paris
On your next trip to France you should add this little gem to the must-visit list. It is just around the corner from the Pantheon in Paris’s 5th Arrondissement. It is the former Collège des Irlandais, but is now Paris’ Irish Cultural Center (Le Centre Culturel Irlandais). You can read the article online: irishamerica.com/2014/09/pariss-irish-cultural-center
Next Planning Meeting: Dec 4! Beethoven @ 7 p.m. Come join us!
March 14, 2015
6. Parade Coordinator
Linda Grosse
7. Harp and Shamrock Store
Melinda Britten
Member Opportunity ? Did you join the Harp and Shamrock Society to 8. Harp Kids area Organize activities for kids at festival, meet new people with a wide variety of work and on site coordinator day of event life experiences, make new friends, belong to a group of people who share your interests, learn Barb Patrick new things, get more involved in your community 9. Harp/Irish area and have a lot of fun doing it? 10. Beer/drink Coordinator Diana Jordan STAIF may be just the thing for you! David Patrick We are well under way in planning for next year’s 11.Volunteer Coordinator South Texas Alamo Irish festival. It is not too late ? for you to join us in planning for it. Below are 12. Sponsorships Help identify possible sponsors, contact possible listed the titles/jobs that need to be done. You can sponsors, follow up with sponsors also see that many of the jobs are open. ? Last year we had an amazing group of volunteers 13. Marketing Coordinator Identify all free media available to advertise, who worked tirelessly to make this event a reality. identify paid media, help develop ad message, CommuniA few of us wore many hats. We learned a lot last cate with Harp members by e-mail, phone, Facebook. year, including the need for more volunteers on the leadership committee. 14. Logistics (parking, passes) ? I know your time is priceless but the Society needs your help if we are to be successful in this very ambitious project. Won’t you please step-up and volunteer for one of the vacant positions below. Please contact me at: cdowdpa@hotmail.com, if you have a question or if you have input on how we can make the volunteer experience better. STAIF Leadership Committee 1. Finance JT Norris, Treasurer 2. Entertainment Coordinator
?
Contact person for performers, helping to set performance schedule
3. Stage Manager
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Contact person day of event on site, Coordinate between performers & sound man.
15. Event/Beer insurance
?
16. Beer License
?
17. Security coordinator
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Act as contact with security prior to and day of event
18. Event signage prior to and day of ? Help identify signs needed (ex. Stage schedule, signs to direct to festival, signs with prices etc.) prior to and day of event, order signs, inventory signs, Identify location for signs at UIW
19. Rentals:
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Stage, tents, fencing, Porte potties, cleanup, Waste management, Act as Contact for festival vendors, Help in scheduling set up and take down of event.
20. Supply officer. ? 4. Craft/non food vendor coordinator Joan Moody Organize supplies prior to event and day of event. Last year we rented a U-Haul for supplies. 5. Food Vendor Coordinator ? Contact person for vendors, day of event (Ed note: most of the ? were Carolyn and I last year) 7
The Harp & Shamrock Society of Texas Newsletter Editor P.O. Box 15306 San Antonio, TX 78212
2014 Installation of Officers Sue Branon did a great job of leading the entire Board of Directors to the stage for the swearing in ceremony. More on page 1.
Cultural
Educational
November
21 Friday, Memorial Service to honor all our members who have passed on. 6:30 p.m. @ UIW’s Maybee Library
Civic
Patriotic
Social
Thank Our Sponsors
December
13 Saturday, Christmas Party @ Barn Door 20 Saturday, HEB Feast of Sharing Outstanding volunteer opportunity! th
March 2015
14 Saturday, South Texas Alamo Irish Festival At the University of the Incarnate Word Donovan’s Run Texas Gaelic football and Parade th
15th Sunday, River Parade 17 Tuesday, St. Patrick’s Day Alamo Ceremony 20th Friday, Golf Scramble
Lion & Rose Restaurant & Pub McCombs Foundation Waxy O’Connor’s Irish Pub
th
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