FEBRUARY 2002

PRESIDENT'S MESSAGE

Dear Sisters,

It is very exciting to see a newsletter being produced in Pennsylvania again. I would like to commend Maureen on the excellent job she has done. I thank all of you who have contributed to this newsletter and hope that your entries will inspire others to contribute also. We have so few opportunities to be together and little time to get to know each other and exchange ideas. This newsletter is a means for us to keep in touch to share successful projects and ideas and to seek answers and assistance from your sister Hibernians. Let's work with Maureen to make it something we look forward to.

Kate

MEET YOUR STATE BOARD

PRESIDENT- KATE ANGERSON

Kate Angerson was born in Scranton, the daughter of Florence McNulty and the late Robert Brennan. She is graduate of Scranton Parochial Schools and Bloomsburg University. She was employed by the Federal Government in the U.S. Dept. of Labor in Philadelphia attaining the rank of Supervisor. She spent an additional five years as a part time employee in the Lehigh Valley Office.

Kate is lector in at her parish and serves on the board of French Azilum. This is a historic site, which was refuge for French nobility during the French revolution. She also works as an instructional aide and substitute teacher for the Alternative Education class at the high school. Our President spends a lot of her own time working with at risk kids to complete term papers and graduation projects so that they can complete school. She is an advisor to Future Business Leaders of America and assists with the Forensics team.

Kate's chief hobby is Ireland-through history, literature, music and travel, whenever possible. She also loves refinishing furniture which she thinks has something to do with being born on St. Joseph's feast day. After 20 years of Halloween, Irish dance and majorette costumes, she is looking forward to dismantling the sewing machine.

In 1979 Kate Brennan married Mike Angerson. They have two children, Michael, 20 and Megan, 17. Michael is a junior at Bloomsburg, majoring in Secondary Education. Megan will attend Penn State, University Park in September, majoring in Science with goal of mastering in Occupational Therapy. The nest will not be truly empty, the baby, Spike will still be at home.

VICE-PRESIDENT- BONNIE COLLINS

Bonnie was born in Scranton and raised in Clarks Summit. In 1968, she graduated from Mansfield University and moved to Reading where she accepted a teaching position in the Schuylkill Valley School District, a small district north of Reading. She taught second grade the first year and as she says, she was then promoted to third grade. She has been teaching third grade for thirty-three years. Bonnie loves third graders but is looking forward to retirement in June 2003.

In 1989, Bonnie became a charter member of Berks Division 1, LAOH and has held many offices in that division. In 1997, at the urging of Past President Alice Henry, she was elected to the PA State Board.

She is completely devoted to her calico cat, Fiona. Bonnie and Fiona live in Wyomissing, a suburb of Reading. Bonnie is involved with her parish, school and of course, LAOH activities. She enjoys traveling, reading walking and golfing. She is looking forward to a cruise to Scandinavia this summer.

TREASURER-JUDY COYNE

Judy Coyne is a graduate of the University of Pittsburgh. She earned a Master of Business Administration at Duquesne University of the Holy Ghost Fathers.

In 1991, Judy joined the LAOH Maud Gonne Division 32 as a charter member. She has served as Recording Secretary, Vice President and President of her division.

With the approval of the State Board, then State President, Dorothy Weldon appointed her to fill the remainder of the term left vacant due to the untimely and unfortunate death of Sr. Peggy Flaherty.

Judy advises all members of this organization to get involved. Volunteer for some activity. The rewards are gratifying and friendships made along the way are priceless.

Our Treasurer is a native of Pittsburgh and has been married to her husband, Patrick, since 1982.

STATE HISTORIAN

MARY ANN LUBINSKY

Mary Ann has been a member of John F. Kennedy Division 2, Pottsville, Pa. since 1994. She has been division Historian and presently serves as Vice President.

Mary Ann is employed by the Department of Public Welfare as a Supervisor. She is a member of St. Stephen Church, Port Carbon, Pa.

Prior to his death in March 2001, she was married to Edward P. Lubinsky for more than 32 years. Mary Ann has two sons, Edward and Kevin and granddaughters, Elise Mary and Anna Carmella.

OFFICE OF MISSIONS & CHARITIES

KATHLEEN O'CONNOR (BUNNY)

Kathleen has been a member of LAOH division 39, Philadelphia for more than ten years. She has served in the offices of Historian and Treasurer in her division. She has also served on her County Board as Mistress of Arms, Historian and Vice President. Bunny is Director of Irish Dancing for Division 39 and Assistant Director of LAOH Juniors of Division 39.

Bunny has lived her entire life in Philadelphia. She and her husband are the parents of four children and have eleven grandchildren.

OFFICE OF CATHOLIC ACTION

JEAN O'MALLEY

Jean O'Malley has been an active member of the LAOH for more than forty years serving her division and county. In addition to serving in the office Catholic Action on the State level, she serves as her Division President. She is the immediate past president of Allegheny County. Jean has been a member of the Claddagh Degree Team since 1986 and was co-chair of the National Convention held in Pittsburgh in 1998. Jean has lived in Castle Shannon since 1954 and is member of the borough Council. She is active in the Woman's Club, Meals on Wheels and the Democratic Party. She is also an active member of the Church of St. Anne in Castle Shannon. Her husband of forty-seven years, Tom, passed away in 2000. She has five children and two grandchildren.

PAST PRESIDENT

DOROTHY FLAHERTY WELDON

Past President, Dorothy Weldon is currently serving as LAOH National Historian. She has held the Office of Catholic Action on the National level. In addition to serving as Pa. State President, Dorothy has held the offices of Vice President, Secretary, and Catholic Action. For six years, Dorothy served as President of her Washington County Division. She has served as National Convention Secretary and produced the Proceedings, designed and produced St.Brigid Prayer Cards and Our Lady of Knock Prayer Cards as well as served on the Ritual Book Committee and produced the current updated Ritual Book. Dorothy has updated the History of the LAOH Nationally and proposed Project St. Patrick to include Religious. She has served as State Convention Secretary on two occasions and produced the Proceedings. Dorothy was the 2001 recipient of the PA Anna Malia Ruddy Award. She was Monongahela Citizen of the Year in 2001.

Active both in her Church and Community, Dorothy is a CCD Teacher, Hospital and Church Eucharistic Minister, Lector, Childrens Liturgy Teacher, serves on the Vocation Committee, Secretary of Bereavement Committee, serves on the Executive Board of the Ladies of Charity and is Past Parish Council President. Dorothy is Past President of the Red Cross Board and member of the Health Plus Advisory Board.

Dorothy Weldon is a graduate of Carlow College, Pgh., BSN and received her Professional School Nurse Certification from California University of Pennsylvania Graduate School. She is School Nurse.

Dorothy is married to Dr. John F. Weldon and they are the parents o four children; Dr. John P. Weldon, Dr. Patrick O. Weldon, Dr. Maureen Weldon Kamons and Sean F. Weldon.

PAST PRESIDENT

ALICE HENRY

Past President, Alice Henry is a Charter member of J.F.K. Division No. 2, Pottsville since 1971. She held many offices in the division and county level. Alice served as PA State President from 1993 to 1995. As an active member of the State Board as past president she instituted the Mentoring Program.

Two years ago, after working for thirty-five years, Alice retired. While in retirement, she attended Penn State, Schuylkill. Last September, Alice decided to re-enter the workforce.

Alice is member of St. Ambrose Parish and serves as Eucharistic Minister. She is also a member of the welcoming committee. She is the mother of two daughters, both members of the LAOH; Kathleen, now living in Florida and Patricia of Pottsville. She has one granddaughter, Taylor.

WORDS FROM OUR CHAPLAIN:

REV. FRANCIS X. HANLEY, C.S.Sp.

Through Baptism each of us take on the obligation to grow spiritually throughout our lives. With this in mind, I recommend to each of you, twelve elements that I consider essential for any authentic spiritual growth.

* One must be honest about where one truly stands and not where one would like to stand before God at this moment in time. Spiritual growth can only be had where truth is present.

* One must believe that God truly loves him or her and desires an intimate relationship with him or her.

Pope John Paul in his Millennium Letter writes, "The whole of the Christian life is like a great pilgrimage to the house of the Father, whose unconditional love for every human creature, and in particular for the 'prodigal son' (cf.LK 15:11-320, we discover anew each day" (par.49)

* One must be willing to love one's self and view one's self as truly lovable.

* One must realize that spirituality is an ongoing process that continues throughout one's lifetime.

* One must realize that because spirituality is also a relationship it will be different for each individual. Thus there are as many approaches to spirituality as there are individuals.

* One must realize that because spirituality is both a process and relationship there may be a change over the years of what God may ask of an individual.

* Once God's will is known, one must be willing to follow it.

* When one speaks to God in prayer to discern what God is asking of one at this point in time, one must remember that prayer is a conversation between the one praying and God. Therefore, there must be a time of speaking and a time of listening.

* One must be willing to listen to God when He speaks through Sacred Scripture, Spiritual Writers, Silence, Prayer and other people. It should be noted that if one does not listen to others when they speak to him or her then one will not listen to God when God speaks to him or her.

* Time must be set aside daily for prayer.

* Internal and external silence are needed.

* One must be willing to move at God's pace and not one's own pace

FROM OUR DIVISIONS

ALLEGHENY COUNTY

ST. ANNE DIVISION 21

In September 2001, St. Anne Division 21 held a card party to raise money to donate to their favorite charities. In November, a Mass for deceased members was held followed by a brunch meeting. A Christmas dinner was held at a local country club. February they will be celebrating a Mass on the feast of St. Brigid for living members followed by a brunch meeting.

DIVISION 32

This active division based in a suburb of Pittsburgh is ten years young and truly believes in following the motto of friendship, unity and Christian charity. With this group of women, harmony prevails. There is no distinction between those who consider themselves to be seniors and the "younger" members. The membership spans generations with several mother and daughter member-teams. Members are very generous both with their time and their charitable donations, supporting all of the charities of the LAOH on a National basis and assisting local charities, focusing on women and children. Clothing and toiletries are collected on a monthly basis for women's shelter. This division hosts baby shower for a home for unwed mothers. They adopt a family for back to school, sacraments and holidays. Fundraising activities include publishing and selling an award winning cookbook, selling Christmas poinsettias, and sponsoring a highly successful annual fashion show.

BERKS COUNTY

DIVISION 1

Since 1990, Berks Division1 has celebrated "LittleChristmas" at the home of Maureen Caherly. Maureen, who comes from County Cork, has been sharing her knowledge of Irish traditions since the division was organized in 1989. "Little Christmas" has become their favorite. The twelfth day of Christmas was widely known in Ireland as Nollaig na mBan-Women's Christmas. Over the festive season, the men would have been pampered and eaten their fill of various meats and indeed often drunk to excess, but January 6th was the women's own feast. There would be a splendid high tea with all the dainties that the women really enjoyed. Thinly sliced white bread and plump sandwiches followed by buttery scones with homemade jam and cream, then fluffy sponge cakes and tiny buns decorated with swirls of icing and as if that wasn't enough, plum cake, gingerbread, warm apple cakes and pots of the finest tea. On January 7th the Christmas decorations were taken down and until recently there was a widespread custom of keeping aside the holly and wilted greenery to heat the pancake griddle on Shrove Tuesday. This has become a tradition for Berks Division 1. It has become a special covered dish social. The turnout is great, the food fabulous. On years when elections are held, it provides a wonderful setting for the installation of officers.

CUMBERLAND COUNTY

OUR LADY OF KNOCK

DIVISION 1

Our Lady Knock, Division 1 prepares Thanksgiving Boxes for the local soup kitchen. Members participate in a garage sale at a local church. This division also sells Irish Potato candy. Early this year, the members will be holding a Day of Recollection.

LUZERNE COUNTY

ST. JOHN NEUMANN DIVISION 1

St. John Neumann, Division 1 participates in many projects throughout the year. Following the State Convention in July, the division entertained the Irish Teachers. The teachers were treated to a buffet, prepared by division members, beverages and entertainment. In October, they had their annual Irish Wake. This is one of the two fund-raisers each year. It is an enjoyable and fun night and is always well attended. Each year at Christmas, this division participates in the "Adopt a Family"project through the Catherine McAuley House. This year they had a family of eight; a widowed mother and seven children. When the gifts were delivered to this very special family, emotions ran high. The mother and her sister-in-law were overwhelmed. They were told that this would be the best Christmas the children have had since the death of their father. Members felt that they benefited more from this project than the recipients. On the first Sunday of February, the annual Mass in honor of our Patroness, St. Brigid is celebrated. There is always excellent participation in the Mass. A luncheon follows the Mass. At the luncheon the division Hibernian of Year Award is presented. This years recipient was Mary Ann Amesbury, the division Financial Secretary. Also, in February, the LAOH and the AOH work at the St. Vincent de Paul Soup Kitchen. They also make a monetary donation to the kitchen. This is an annual project.

MONTGOMERY COUNTY

NOTRE DAME DIVISION 2

This division strives to promote all the fine traditions of Irish heritage. They are active in the Norristown Parade Committee and this year, one of their members, Rita Johnson will serve as Grand Marshall of the parade. They will support the Grand Marshal's Ball and of course, will march in the parade. This division will participate in the St. Patrick's Parade at Jim Thorpe as invited guests. Twice a year, they donate to a local veterans facility. For the fourth of July, they donate baseball caps and in December, they provide Christmas bags and monetary gifts. This is an annual project

NORTHUMBERLAND COUNTY

EMERALD ISLE DIVISION 1

Emerald Isle division I is six years old and fast approaching 100 members. This active division, along with the AOH helps to sponsor an Irish Festival complete with vendors, Irish music and Irish dancers. They fund a $500.00 scholarship to Our Lady of Lourdes High School. They are active with Birthright making donations twice a year. They have a food drive on a regular basis to help needy families. During the Christmas Season, this division donates gifts to the Santa Bernie Fund for needy children. They provide a monetary gift to this fund which is used to help with costs of sending a sick child and family to Disney World.

PHILADELPHIA COUNTY

BRIGID McCRORY DIVISION 25

Brigid McCrory Division 25 will be celebrating the one year anniversary in February 2002. The division was formed by seventy-two women and one year later has 130 members. It was named after Brigid McCrory, otherwise known as Mother Angeline, who started the Carmelite Sisters for the Aged and Infirm in 1929. The members have helped others by donating their time and talent to several organizations including HCDC, SPIN, and St. John's Hospice. They are celebrating their first year of success with a dinner/dance at Finnigan's Wake in Philadelphia. They are looking to forward to continued growth and success.

PHILADELPHIA COUNTY

ST. KATHERINE DREXEL

DIVISION 61

Philadelphia Division 61 funds a scholarship for an eighth grade student entering a Catholic High School. In November, they have a Turkey Bingo to help fund this project. This division also prepares food baskets for Thanksgiving and Christmas for needy families. In September, LAOH and AOH members work on houses with Habitat for Humanity. Monthly they prepare 100 bag lunches for an Outreach Center. Every March, they make and sell Irish Potatoes. Their goal last year, which they reached, was 1000 boxes.

WASHINGTON COUNTY

DIVISION 4

The summer ended for this division with a picnic hosted by the officers. Rose Venanzi reported on the backstage gathering she attended following a concert of the Irish Tenors. She also told of her wonderful trip to Ireland. Fall meetings for this division included a program by the Director of St. Joseph's House of Hospitality, a shelter for homeless men where they have donated a Christmas offering for many years. Christmas cards were sent to the remaining political prisoners. President Dorothy Weldon kept this division informed on State and National happenings when she attended Board meetings. The year ended with a Christmas party at the Monongahela Valley Country Club hosted by the officers.

FROM COMMUNICATIONS OFFICE

Our LAOH Counties and Divisions have so many activities and projects during the year of which they can be truly proud. Why not use the National Hibernian Digest as an outlet to let the rest of the nation know just how active we are here in Pennsylvania? To date, there has been only one article submitted through this office to the National Hibernian Digest. In a letter sent to all county and division presidents, the procedure for submitting an article to the digest was included. All information must be submitted through the PA State Office of Communications. Please look at all that you do. Isn't there something worth submitting? I know that there is. Let's start showing what PA LAOH is all about.

THANK YOU

I would like to thank all of you who submitted information for this newsletter. PA LAOH Counties and Divisions are extremely busy with a variety of projects. This newsletter is a means of letting one another know what is being done throughout the State. It is a means to share ideas about projects and fund-raisers.

I hope to hear from more counties and divisions for our next newsletter, which will be in August. If you would like to e-mail the information, my address is [email protected]

Once again, thank you.

Maureen