Our division meeting for September will be Wednesday September 14th at the American Legion where we renewed another one year lease as tenants over the summer.

Doors will open about 7 pm – Speaker will be John Collins – History of and Basics of the Bagpipes at 7:30 pm. Our business meeting will start close to 8 pm. We will hear an update from the summer and break into 4 teams to support our charitable endeavors. If you have announcements you would like to make please get them to me ahead of time.

It will be a busy fall as always and relevant dates are as follows:

9/14 Division meeting

9/28 Board meeting

10/12 Division meeting

10/26 Board meeting TBD * – most of board will be in Ireland on 10/26

11/9 Division meeting

11/11 Fall trip – stay-cation in Philadelphia

11/23 Board meeting – TBD * – due to Thanksgiving

12/14 Division meeting / Christmas party with Santa

12/28 Board meeting

All meetings are at the American Legion – doors open 7 pm. * Board meetings noted will be rescheduled at the September board meeting.

Dues are now due. For the 2016-2017 year they are $50. We have not increased dues since 2009. This will be discussed further at the September meeting. Should you have any questions or concerns on this topic I am happy to hear them – 215-327-8269.

Elections take place in November – nominations in October. Should you wish to run for the board or an office please let me know.

The board was hard at work over the summer and we are excited to introduce our five year division plan as we head toward our 15th year in the fall of 2017. It is below and I will discuss further over the September and October general meetings.

Welcome back!

Mike

5 year plan

1) Active membership growth – utilize 4 corners meeting strategy to increase member participation – start quarterly membership awareness events to recruit members – start a social chair

2)Increased community activity – increase giving through increased fundraising – utilize 4 corners strategy to focus all members on fundraising – scholarship fund at Catholic school

3)Increase permanent fund – start coin challenge – charitable gifts from members are tax deductible and increase permanent fund

4)Partner/purchase clubhouse – better outreach with Legion – donations to them at times – form committee to explore purchase and what it requires

5)Host a degree ceremony

McKenna’s Kitchen and Market Opening Sunday July 5th As many of you know, our dedicated division member Brian Cleary and his wife are opening McKenna’s Kitchen on Darby Rd. where the Irish Shop used to be (1901 Darby Rd, Havertown, PA). The grand opening was Sunday, July 5th from 7:00 am to 4:00 pm. They will typically be open for dinners as well with the last seating taking place around 7:00 pm. Brian has done so much for the division over the years with generating fundraising ideas, running ad books, getting sponsorships, working events, etc. He has done it all and has always been there for us so let’s be sure to support him in this endeavor. You can go in for a great Irish or American meal as well as pick up some Irish products on your way out. This is a great business to have in the Havertown area. Follow link for info and menu: McKenna’s Kitchen