Good evening, Fellow Members!

At our most recent board meeting, the board reflected on a past tradition that had been established to recognize the many volunteers who give their valuable time in service to the IHSM. I’d like to begin this practice again because it truly exemplifies the Mission Statement of the Irish Heritage Society of Milford.

While thinking about this tradition, I took some time to research Volunteerism. The act of volunteering reflects our human values. It shows what we care most about, our visions for our community, our commitments to our families and friends, and our sense of responsibility for all those with whom we interact. Volunteering also generates value for organizations, neighborhoods, businesses, and society as well as for those who seek to volunteer.

We at the IHSM are fortunate to have many members who put a lot of effort into making the club a wonderful place. I am happy to share the names of this month’s volunteer members who went above and beyond to accomplish this feat. Committee nominees are in the adjacent column.

Respectfully Submitted,
Amy Lacey

The cast of The Two Loves of Gabriel Foley took their last bow this past Sunday after a four-day show run.

Catherine (Katie) McCabe is the IHSM 2022 William McNamara Scholarship recipient.

Congratulations, Katie!

Katie is a graduating Senior of Lauralton Hall in Milford. She is the daughter of Tracy and Michael McCabe. Katie plans to study Elementary Education at Sacred Heart University.

Our dedicated garden crew!
Sign up to help this fun committee of IHSM volunteers!

Click this link to see the responsibilities of the Board: Roles and Responsibilities of the Board

President Tim McNamara and the Irish Heritage Society of Milford’s Board wish to announce and congratulate the recipients of The Irish Man and Woman of the Year Awards!
They are:
Irish Man – Jerry Hodges
Irish Woman – Paula McGill

Bar Committee – submitted by Bill Schule: It’s difficult for Bill to select one bartender who stands out in one month as they all work hard all year long and they do such a great job. Since it is tough to select just one, he would like to nominate all the bartenders who worked this month!

Building Committee – submitted by Bill Schule: From the Building Committee, Bill would like to nominate LaRae and Michael McGuigan who planted the flowers in the flower box and come and water them. They even bring their own water!

Garden Committee – submitted by Patrice Dunn: LaRae has infused the enthusiasm into this club that was necessary and vital for it to continue its work beautifying both the little island garden on Daniel Street and the club’s window boxes! The following members cleaned up the island garden in the spring and planted beautiful flowers. Each member takes a turn watering the garden and the window boxes. It’s a wonderful team effort! The Committee Members are LaRae McGuigan, Patrice Dunn, Dan Cummings, Marge Dooley, Nancy Smith, Marianne Cox, Barbara Blackwell, Jo, Brian Bowen, and Sally Carter.

Christmas Family – submitted by Katelyn Fitzpatrick: Tracy McCabe is definitely her go-to person! She is always willing to help shop during the busiest shopping time of the year for our Christmas Family! Also a shout out to Amanda Learned-Taylor who reached out after the last meeting when Katelyn asked for a volunteer to take over coordinating everything for our Christmas family when she goes into the hospital.

Cultural Committee – submitted by Maureen Moore: Maureen would like to nominate a person who is not on a committee that she co-chairs, but who is a one-woman committee on her own! Kathy McGuire was the force behind organizing the very successful and active IHSM Book Club and has continued to be our leader ever since. She communicates regularly with members by email regarding upcoming meeting dates and the reading selections we’ve chosen and provides this information to our IHSM Communications Team. Kathy is a great facilitator for our lively discussions, and her love of reading is evident and contagious!

Membership – submitted by Paula McGill: Paula would like to nominate the Membership Committee Team for their outstanding work on the New Members Reception that was held on August 10, 2022. The team consists of Sandy Morgan, who researched pricing, shopped, and picked up all the food. Amanda Learned-Taylor who had the great idea to raffle off the free entry to the Festival, and provided expertise in Excel, Dave McGrew who is constantly chatting up new members and getting them engaged, and Kathleen Stern who donated the beautiful flowers and was instrumental in the setup and takedown of the event. They all contribute so much each month in vetting our new members and helping continue to make our wonderful organization grow!

Oyster Festival Committee – submitted by Mike McCabe: On behalf of the Oyster Festival Committee, Mike would like to recognize Mark Bishop. Mark has worked at each Oyster Festival since 2015, and he is there all day, and rarely takes a break. He is committed to making the most tips and garnering the most money for the club. He was one of Mike’s Co-Chairs this year, and next year he and Wendy Terenzio will be taking over the event.

Slainte and Tara Theatre – submitted by the President of Slainte, Noeleen Nelson: Noeleen would like to nominate Brian Reynolds as Slainte’s volunteer this month. Brian has been a member of the Slainte Board for several years and since his inception has worked tirelessly on behalf of Slainte in raising donations through various fundraisers. Brian has always helped out with Tara Theatre in whatever capacity was needed. On a regular basis, Brian helps the bartenders by collecting glasses, emptying trash cans, and stacking chairs. Brian carries out the latter duties without being asked and does so in a quiet manner. Brian has also voluntarily supplied food for the Saturday sessions. Brian is the epitome of a wonderful volunteer who truly loves his Irish heritage and the IHSM.