MESSAGE FROM THE PRESIDENT
 

Dear Members,

Let me begin by wishing all of you and your families a very safe and happy holiday season. The holiday party invitations are arriving, and all of us on the Board of the Emerald Society want you and your loved ones to enjoy the festivities. We want you to arrive safely at your parties and return home the same way, so please be careful out there. Secondly, I'll take only a minute or two of your time to thank you for electing me President of the Emerald Society of Illinois for 2004-2005. I am truly honored. The Emerald Society has been an important part of my life for the past eighteen years, and as President, I intend to work very hard at not only maintaining its reputation as a great organization but also at increasing its membership and strength. Membership in the Emerald Society has been a tradition for years, not just for our current members but also for many of our parents and other family members. 1 speak for the entire Board when I say that we consider every member to be part of our Emerald Society family. We encourage you to bring forward any suggestions you might have for expanding or improving the Emerald Society. There is strength in numbers, and we honestly welcome any new ideas. Again, I thank you for your faith in me. On behalf of all of us on the Board of the Emerald Society of Illinois, have a wonderful Christmas and a safe, happy and healthy new year.

Sincerely,

Bill Moriarty
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FIRST ANNUAL CHILI COOK OFF

JANUARY 12,   2004 7:00 P.M.
Come on down to the Meeting and bring two quarts of your "best" chili.
There will be a $5.00 entry fee. First prize $100 Second prize $50.00
Our celebrity judges will be, Chef Hans of Smith and Wollensky and Chef Stang.

We will also have an Attendance Drawing at each meeting. All members in "good standing" will receive a ticket, a number will be drawn the prize will be $50.00. You must be present at the time of the drawing to win.

        FOLLOW-UP TO THE CHILI COOK-OFF

             Thank you,  to all who participated !

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INTRODUCING OUR NEWLY ELECTED BOARD
We would like to introduce you all to the new Officers of the Emerald Society.

• President:                         Bill Moriarty,
• First Vice President:         Rick Toolis,
• Second Vice President:    Patrick Moriarty,
• Secretary:                        Jim "Mac" McCarthy,
• Recording Secretary:       Debbie Dimaggio,
• Treasurer:                        Patty Clark.
• Sergeant at Arms:            James Chausse and John McKeane,
• Directors:                        Malcolm Caskey, Joe Donnelly, John Keane, Kevin Myron, Don Egan, Mike Atkins,       Mark Rue, Tim Bums and Mike Kane.

I would like to take a moment to say it has been a pleasure serving on the Board all these past years, but I am looking forward to being Just a "member" and I have left my office in very capable hands.

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AWARDS NIGHT
We need your help again this year to make the evening a success. IF YOU KNOW ANYONE WHO SHOULD BE HONORED please submit a letter of nomination and a copy of the official report. The letter should go to a member of the Board by January 19, 2004 to allow time for the honoree to be notified and plaques made.

IRELAND TRIP 2004
The trip to Ireland 2004 is scheduled the end of July for two weeks, returning the beginning of August. The itinerary is set and there are still some spots open. If you are interested contact either Patty Clarke or Kathie Ebeling.   Make the subject Emerald Society Ireland 2004 and they will get back to you.

EMERALD SOCIETY COOK BOOK
We are still working on this project and looking for even more recipes. There is NO limit to the number of recipes you can submit. Anything that you make to eat, or even drink is acceptable. If you think it tastes good send it to us. Send them to Patty Clarke or Debbie O'Connor-Dimaggio. 

DAY AT THE RACES
All those who attended last October had a great time. The food was excellent as was the premium bar. We had our own private suite and a personal pari-mutuel clerk. There will be a Day at the Races in 2004 but the date is determined once the racing schedule comes out. Think about attending next time, you will be glad you did.

OKTOBERFEST 2003
This event was held at the FOP Hall and we had a very large turnout. Head Chefs Toolis and Cody and all their helpers but out a great feast that was enjoyed by all. The Pipes and Drums of the Emerald Society as usual were terrific and the music was enjoyed by all. We look forward to an even better time in October 2004.

TURKEY RAFFLE
This meeting was held at Assumption Church. We had a very nice turnout and the raffle itself was a success. A lot of people did not purchase their tickets this year and we hope more members will do so next year. Once again Chefs Toolis and Cody put out a full turkey dinner with all the trimmings. Special thanks to all their helpers.

CHILDREN'S CHRISTMAS PARTY
Once again Kathie and Bernie Ebeling did an outstanding job putting this party together for the children. The kids were kept busy with craft, custom made balloons and a wonderful magician until the jolly gent in red arrived. Thanks to Kevin Barry for bringing down his trains again, the kids really get a kick out of them. A heartfelt thank you to all the Board members who set up and cleaned up. Last but not least a big thanks to our Emerald Society Chefs Rick Toolis and Tom Cody.

Don't forget Awards Night we want to honor our members who have gone above and beyond the call of duty to help others.

ST. PATRICK'S DAY PARTY

St. Patrick's Day is just around the comer and our party will be at the Electricians Hall again this year. We are revising our floor plan to be more user friendly and more port-a-johns are on order. Come down and march with us and plan on joining the party.
                   More Information about St. Patricks Day Party... (Update)

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NEW ADDRESS FOR THE EMERALD SOCIETY
PLEASE NOTE WE HAVE A NEW ADDRESS IT IS:
P.O. BOX 557819
CHICAGO, ILLINOIS 60655-7819

If you have mailed your dues to the old address it will be forwarded.

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"THE WILD IRISH"
I had the pleasure of reading "The Wild Irish" by Robin Maxwell. I read a great deal about Irish history but until I read this book I had never heard of Grace O'Malley. It just so happens she is Ireland's most forgotten freedom fighter and notorious pirate, who was known as the "Mother of the Irish Rebellion." The book is a great read and I'm certain you would enjoy it. It is available in book stores right now .

GOLF OUTING
The Golf Outing is scheduled for July 12, 2004 so mark you calendar. Once again it will be the Carriage Green's Country Club. Patrick Moriarty will again be in charge.

 

(See Renewal Page for more information on renewals)

end of newsletter