Presidential Pearls...

Dear Daughters,

I confess to suffering from a “lack of Plaque”. I am referring to neither arterial plaque, nor am I referring to dental plaque. I do, however, miss (on behalf of the Daughters) receiving the Marie Long Best Irish Women’s Marching Unit plaque awarded by the parade committee judges. So sorry to report that we did not bring home the award this year. Thanks to each and every one of you who gave the day it’s due. It was a valiant effort on our part. Parade day was fun with many good memories having been made that day. Hope you have some to share. Congrats to L.A.O.H., Division 11 on their win.                                                                                                                                                                    ~Mara

Special, Special Thanks… We need to recognize Mickey McManama Stein, not only as our National President, but as our Banner Maker Extraordinaire. It seems that Mickey’s world explodes into utter madness when it comes time to make our parade banners. Somehow, she pulls it all together and creates something beautiful and meaningful. Thank you just does not say enough. You have our appreciation, our support and our love. ~ Mara

Spring Luncheon/Card Party – Will be held at the Priory on the Northside on Saturday, April 18, 2009, 11:00 a.m. until 3:00 p.m.  Cost is $28.00. Nora Miller is our chair, helped out by Trustee Jeannie O'Leary. Cash bar available.  Door prizes.  Drawings.  In memory of Ellen Toomey, another fun fashion show directed by Kathy Basko will be presented.  This year's theme is a "bowl" theme.  Some hilarious ideas have been discussed already.  Plan to see what the girls come up with! New fundraisers:  BIG FOUR - DOE STYLE:  items representing the four provinces of Ireland such as a Belleek Clock, Woven Throw, Shawl and Brass Door Knocker.  These items will be on display at the March meeting and each item is worth $150 or more.  Come, see, buy tickets; EAT, DRINK AND BE MERRY (formerly known as the Basket of Cheer) will have a $100 State Store Gift Card, a $50 Giant Eagle Gift Card and $50 in Cash - easy to carry and even easier to spend!  Again, buy lots of tickets: HATS OFF TO YOU - you get a hat and some cash - 1 hat with $50, 1 with $25, 1 with $15 and 1 with $10.  When your name or number is announced, you pick the hat - money will be hidden in the hat band; we will also have half-the-take.  The goal of this day is to make enough money so that we can support our charities.  The more tickets you buy & sell, the better we do.  I look forward to your usual generous support.  ~Mara

The 114^th Annual St. Patrick’s Day Banquet --  Thank you to Worthy Sir Knight, John Weber, who with his team of expert party planners put together quite a successful St. Patrick’s Day Dinner. The evening held all the right ingredients for a good time: good food, good music, and good company. Thanks to all.

Dues, dues, dues…Dues for 2009 are now overdue. If you have not already done so, please pay your dues immediately. We need an accurate membership count for the mini convention next month. You may pay at the April meeting, or send a check for $20.00 payable to the Daughters of Erin, Ct. 9 to Ruth Ann Finnegan, 2436 Trotter Drive, Allison Park, PA 15101.

Your prayers are requested…for Terri Meyer, daughter-in-law of Mary Margaret Meyer, who recently had surgery; Jim “Porky” Burke; all of the DOE/KOE and their families who may have health problems, financial problems or way too many complications in their worlds. Remember our military personnel who serve to protect us and the born and unborn.

Charities –At our last meeting, it was brought up that we need to begin the process of distributing monetary support to our standing charities as well as some new ones.  I have some ideas on how to accomplish this and one of them is a lottery system.  It is simple but I want to go into this at our April or May meeting rather than now.  Let's get our March activities taken care of, see what profits we make at our luncheon and then plan our disbursement.  Keep in mind that we will be hosting the 2010 National Convention and we will need to plan for that.  Mara

A night out….The Pittsburgh Irish & Classical Theater is performing Doubt on July 9, 2009 at 8 pm. Ruth Ann Finnegan is coordinating a group to attend. Tickets are $36.00, but in a group of 10 or more tickets are $32.00. If you are interested, please contact Ruth Ann at 412.487.5174.

April Birthdays -  10^th – Peggy Breeze; 29th – Darlene Burns

One world, one people, one prayer....Peace