FAREWELL REMARKS –June 25, 2019
Thank you all for coming tonight.
Our Volunteer of the Month award goes this month to Ms. Patrice Dunn. I will quote the nomination made by Kathy McGorty:
*Volunteers her time to bartend, Participates in the IHSM Adopt a Spot downtown, Happy Hour coordinator. Auditions for the Tara Theatre play each year and when selected volunteers her time 4-5 days a week for months of rehearsals and other play related jobs. *Irish Festival – works it each year. While at the club recently I witnessed her handling a crowd at the bar, bussing tables, chatting so friendly with everyone and I thought that she is a very nice representative of our club and seems committed to our philosophy of caring for each other.
Nominations for this award will continue to be accepted on an ongoing basis. Those nominated previously do not need to be re-nominated; they will continue to be considered on a monthly basis unless withdrawn. The next award will be bestowed at the July meeting.

This will be the last time I speak to you as President. Next month will be the first time in 13 years that I am not on this stage. As I leave, I want to thank and recognize those who are leaving with me, as well as some other special people.
Donna DeLauri – I did not know Donna well when she came on the Board. Over the years I came to realize that Donna (and Phil, and Jeff) can be called upon at any time to get things done, whether you need a tent, or help with a chore, or something else at the last minute somebody else forgot. She’s even getting pretty good at handling cheese and fruit platters. Thanks to you, Donna, for all your hard work.
Michael Flyte – A lot of changes have come upon this young man over the last two years. All the while, Mike is the definition of hard work paying off. You’re just getting started, Mike; I wish you well.
Kathleen Stern – I think we figured out that Kathleen has been on the board for 10 out of the last 13 years, as Trustee, Vice President, President, and Past President. Kathleen has been at the heart of this bunch of amateurs who decided to renovate a building and operate a bar for the membership. Who knew that a retired schoolteacher would become our chief Bar Manager? But I have seen her perform her duties with tact and diplomacy, and attention to detail. She will always have a special place here.
To Jane McSally, my “cousin” – I don’t think I would have run for President if I couldn’t leave the club treasury in your capable hands. You have taken the financial aspect of this club to a higher level, to the point where this summer we are making a $40,000 prepayment on our mortgage. You work tirelessly with diligence and good humor. This club is blessed to have you, and I am blessed to call you my friend.
To my No. 2, Tim McNamara – the man who speaks softly but carries around a big heart. The man I could count on to be my eyes and ears when I couldn’t be around. Tim said I was always the safest man in Milford – he wouldn’t let anything happen to me because he didn’t want to take over. And now my No. 2 is your No. 1. Tim, I thank you for all your wise counsel and support. I plan to return the favor to you as you embark upon your term. And I ask the membership to give you the support I knew I could count on.
I need to acknowledge my law partners, Erica Wikstrom and John Barney, for allowing me all the time during the day to fulfill my club duties away from the office.
To my wife and kids – I simply couldn’t have done it, and wouldn’t have done it, without your love and support. You patiently and quietly knew that I needed to spend many nights and weekends here away from you. You accepted it with little complaint. Tracy, Owen and Katie love this club too. I thank you guys for allowing me to do this job over the last two years, knowing that my work with the club is not over, just downsized.
It’s hard to capture words to convey how special this club is to me; to all of us. Many times I silently bitched about having to come down here for one reason or another, but once I was here, I drew comfort and solace, and new life and energy, even when I was here by myself. It’s not just the tangible evidence of what we have built here. It’s the love and friendship and camaraderie we find here, it’s the joy at seeing a full-blown Hooley going on. Where else in town is there a $150,000-a-year operation, where the only person who’s getting paid is the cleaning lady? Where else can you buy a round for the bar, and get change for your $20? Where else do you take your leave at night to cheers and well wishes, not silence or inattention?
We have a jewel here in Devon; an emerald. We all know it; we must never take it for granted.
Farewell and slan for now, my Milford Irish. It has been an honor and a privilege to lead you over the past two years. I leave you in good hands. Thank you all very much.

Respectfully Submitted,
Mike McCabe

FESTIVAL VOLUNTEER MEETING
Our next meeting is Monday, July 18th at 6:00 pm at the Clubhouse. Festival September 13th & 14th. Come join in the fun!

2019 Scholarship Recipients
The four deserving high school graduates who were each recently awarded a $1,000 scholarship by IHSM/Slainte, are as follows:
Lyle James Scholarship, awarded to Tessa Malesky from Foran HS, who will attend UCONN, majoring in chemistry.
Charlie Bristol Scholarship, awarded to Nicholas Hanna from Jonathan Law HS, who will attend the University of Michigan.
Slainte Milford Scholarship, awarded to Kelsey Jackson, from Platt Technical HS, who will attend UCONN, majoring in Digital Media and Design.
William McNamara Scholarship, awarded to Ciera Plantamura of West Haven, and is the granddaughter of IHSM member Howard (“Murph”) Fanning. She will attend the University of New Haven, majoring in Criminal Justice.
All four recipients expressed their deep appreciation and gratitude for the awards.

President: Timothy McNamara
Vice President: Patti Shea
Treasurer: Jane McSally
Secretary: Jennifer Hussey
Membership: Paula McGill
Parliamentarian: Loretta Pirc
Sergeant At Arms: Glenn Chizmazia
Senior trustee: Amanda Potkay
Two year trustee: Patrick Cornelio
Junior trustee: Sheila Olcott

Congratulations! Thanks for your dedication and service to IHSM!

Effective September 6th

• Thursdays: 5 pm – 11 pm
• Fridays: 5 pm – 1 am
• Saturdays: 12 pm – 1 am
• Sundays: 12 pm – 10 pm

Effective May 28th

• Occasional Wednesdays: check the calendar
• Thursdays: 5 pm – 11 pm
• Fridays: 5 pm – 1 am
• Saturdays: 5 pm – 1 am
• Sundays: 5 pm – 10 pm

Closing time is at the discretion of the bartender on duty