December 2011 Newsletter
Sons of Erin Cape Cod, Inc.
“Promoting Irish Culture, Heritage and Pride”
Club Newsletter December 2011
Seventy First General Membership Meeting
Our Seventy First General Membership meeting was held on Sunday, December 11th at 10:30 am. President, Mike Regan, started with the Pledge of Allegiance and a moment of silence for our Troops both here and abroad, loved ones, lost ones, a Free and United Ireland and a special prayer for Sheila Glynn. Mike welcomed the new Members in attendance and reminded everyone to sign the attendance book.
A motion was made and seconded to accept the Minutes from the previous meeting.
“Big Mike” Nicklaw distributed the Treasurer’s Report for the month of November. As with every November, the report showed a very depleted balance because of the annual renewal of the Liquor and Entertainment Licenses as well as the payment of Real Estate and Property Taxes. The report reflected an increase in sales in the kitchen of 8% but a decrease in the bar of 13% compared to 2010. Year to date the Kitchen is up 22% and the Bar is just about even. Memberships are up 49% from last year. In addition to the taxes and license renewals, expenses for November included; advertising in the Irish Emigrant and the Irish Radio hour; third installment of our Liquor Liability Insurance, a new back door, fence repairs and the septic system being pumped. Donations were made to the D-Y Hockey team, Cape Cod Needy Fund, Cape Abilities and the American Lung Association. A motion was made and seconded to accept the report.
Membership Secretary, John Flaherty advised that we now have 1,398 paid Members after the 9 prospective members were voted on and accepted at the meeting.
Sandy Bagge, Chairwoman of the Events Committee, announced the following Events:
December 17th: Adult Christmas Party starting at 5 pm.
January 15th: Soup, Bread and Appetizers Party starting at 4pm.
Topics of discussion:
- Adult Christmas Party- Saturday, December 17th beginning at 5pm there will be a buffet dinner consisting of spuds, veggies, fish, turkey, roast beef, dinner rolls and a salad served with entertainment by Johnny O’Sullivan and the Tom Lanigan Band to follow. Regular dinner will not be served. Irish Man and Woman of the Year will be announced at the party.
- Children’s Christmas Party- Special thanks go out to Laurie Paige and Sandy Bagge for putting together a very special day for the kids. Donna Forbes and Ellen Regan led the 45 excited children in Christmas Carols while waiting for Jim “Santa” Washburn to appear with presents for all. Pat McQueeney has a bunch of pictures on disk for anyone interested. A special thanks go out to all of the event volunteers and especially to the Parents and Grandparents for making the day such a treat.
- Cribbage- Dianne Duffy sent in an email congratulating Paul Griffin who remained undefeated in the double elimination SOECC Cribbage League end of season tournament. Paul bested Fran Shea in an exciting match. The SOECC Cribbage League celebrated the end of the season with a potluck feast and fun was had by all. Desserts were shared with members who were lucky enough to be there that night. For those who asked about the Bailey's Truffles, you can find the recipe at http://www.littleshamrocks.com/Irish-Snack-Recipes.html.
- Fund Raiser- We are planning a fundraiser for the Club on January 29th to help defray the cost of the recent repairs and maintenance. We tentatively have scheduled the Paddy Murphy Quartet to perform. More information to follow. Please see Ellen Regan or Kathy Lappen if you have any raffle items you’d like to donate.
- New Year’s Eve- Tickets are available at the Club for $25 and include appetizers at 5pm, a buffet style dinner from 6-8pm, finger sandwiches around 10pm and a champagne toast at midnight. Johnny Quilter will provide the entertainment from 6:30-9 followed by DJ Des Keogh from 9 till close. The SOECC has made a donation to the Yarmouth Police Department program, which will provide free taxi service to those who are too impaired to drive. Regular dinner will not be served.
- Repairs/Maintenance- A new back door has been installed thanks to Bob Bagge and Ed Tierney working in the rain. We will be closing the back room and library for a one week period sometime in February to finish the floors. So if you are planning on scheduling any function in February, please contact us right away.
- SOECC Float- Carol Shea is looking for volunteers to construct this year’s float. The theme for the Parade will be “Arts of Ireland” and all are welcome.
A motion was made and seconded to adjourn the meeting.
Upcoming Events
Be sure to check our Calendar of Events page on the website as well as the bulletin boards at the Club for updated information on scheduled entertainment.
Reminders
Club Merchandise/Cookbooks
New Gear is in!! Raspberry zip up fleeces for the women and Cranberry pullovers for the Men. Get them while they last!! We also have Navy, Green and Black golf shirts for the Men and for the Women we have white. There are emerald green t-shirts for both as well as beautiful zip up sweatshirts all with the Club logo on them. Parade t-shirts, scally caps, baseball hats, coozies, 5-year pint and wine glasses, and cookbooks are all on sale.
Cribbage Night
The Cribbage League meets every Thursday at 6:30 pm. All levels of players are welcome. Bring a $1 for the Skunk Jar!
Dance Classes
Doug & Kim McHugh are offering dance classes on the first, third and fourth Monday of each month. There will be two sessions of different styles of dance from 6-7 pm and 7-8 pm. Cost is $10 per person, per session.
Function Hall Rentals
A Rental Agreement will need to be signed in order to reserve the Function Room. A fee of $50 will be charged for all rentals in addition to a $50 security deposit to be collected upon signing. The security deposit will be returned if the room is left in the same condition it was found.
General Membership Meeting
Our Seventy Second General Membership meeting will be held on Sunday, January 8th at 10:30 a.m. All Members are encouraged to attend. An Irish Breakfast will be served before and after the meeting.
Guests
Please sign in your guests, including family members and acquaint them with the rules and regulations of the Club, including the cash-only policy and clearance of their table before they leave. Please also remind them that we are not a restaurant and patience is needed during busy nights. The Guest Book is located on top of the Club Gear display. Please return the book back to the display case as soon as you’re finished signing your guests in.
Ireland & Cape Cod Photographs
Carol Shea and Maria-McConell Dalton have beautifully decorated the hallway behind the stage with photographs from Ireland and Cape Cod. These photos are available for purchase with a percentage of the sale going to the Community Fund.
Kitchen Hours
We have switched back to our off-season schedule of serving dinner from 5:30-8 pm, Wednesday thru Saturday.
Set Dancing
Sean and Bernadette Murphy will be conducting a new beginner’s step dancing class on Tuesday nights starting at 7pm. Couples and singles are welcome and the cost is $8 per class. They will still be conducting their usual class at 6pm on Tuesday night, for the more experienced dancers. Please call Sean or Bernadette at (508) 790-0438 for more information.