Your 2014 Executive Committee - The Irish Claddagh Club Website

Your 2014
Executive
Committee:
President
Paul Malone
705-721-7624
Vice President
Ken Donovan
705-739-8536
Treasurer
Margaret Curran
705-424-3066
Secretary
Jane Downie
705-835-0406
Events Co-Ordinator
Angie Chisholm
705-456-1595
Membership
Rita Bettam
705-722-3644
Founder
Renee Hall
705-431-1087
Merry Christmas!
Page 1: Executive Info; Index &
Radio Show Information
Page 2: Irish Christmas
Page 3: President's Letter
& Computer Tip
Page 4: AGM Election Results &
Membership Renewal
Page 5: Upcoming Events & Other
Events of Interest
Page 6: Past Events & Christmas
Poems
Page 7: Laughter The Best
Medicine
Page 8: Membership Application
& Upcoming Events Cut
Out
Traditional Gaelic Salutation
The Gaelic greeting for 'Merry Christmas' is:
'Nollaig Shona Duit'
......which is pronounced as 'null-ig hun-a dit'.
Christmas in Ireland is the largest celebration of the year and begins with Advent, the four weeks before Christmas and
ends on January 6th. The time leading up to Christmas is busy with the women cleaning the inside: polishing the floors,
silver, furniture, every nook and cranny, and the men cleaning and whitewashing outbuildings and surroundings. Houses
are decorated with holly, pine cones and ivy as well as glass, wooden and plastic ornaments.
A Candle in the Window
A very old Irish Christmas tradition is the placing of a lighted candle in the window on Christmas Eve. In
old times it used to be just one candle as a symbol of Mary and Joseph as they travelled looking for shelter.
During Penal Times, when masses were not allowed, it was also a way to tell priests they were welcome to
perform mass in this house. The candle was supposed to be lit by the youngest family member and had to be extinguished
by a girl named Mary. In old days there was only one candle in one window: today you can see – usually electric –
candles in nearly every window of a house.
The Laden Table
After evening meal on Christmas eve the kitchen table was again set and on it were placed a loaf of bread filled with
caraway seeds and raisins, a pitcher of milk and a large lit candle. The door to the house was left unlatched so that Mary
and Joseph, or any wandering traveller, could avail of the welcome.
The Ring of Holly
The holly wreath on the front-door is a very traditional and common Christmas decoration in
Ireland. It dates back to the days when people didn’t have the means to get exceptional
decoration. As holly was one of the few plants that flourished in December and therefore freely
available, berry loaded holly wreaths were to be found on every door – and still are today.
St. Stephen's Day
The day after Christmas Day, St. Stephen's Day (Boxing Day), is also very important in Ireland.
Christmas leftovers are enjoyed all day. A soup is made with a mix of vegetables from the remaining
Christmas dinner. Sometimes ham and turkey pie is made with mashed potatoes and gravy. Football
matches, Horse racing and pantomime plays (in which women play the men's roles and vice-versa) are
traditionally held on St. Stephen's day. It is customary to give small gifts to those who perform services
throughout the year such as milkmen, postmen, others.
Women’s Christmas (Little Christmas)
On January 6, the Feast of the Epiphany, women get a day off and go out to celebrate while the men stay
at home doing the housework and taking down the Christmas decorations. It also marks the official end
of the Christmas season.
LETTER FROM PRESIDENT: PAUL MALONE
Autumn greetings to you all.
We had a wee glimpse of the season to follow with a trace of snow on the cars yesterday morning.
Hopefully the snow will hold off a while longer.
I am happy to report that your executive committee is back at hard work, as we met today, just one
week after the elections at our annual AGM. I want to thank all of you who attended the AGM for
your participation and support. You have chosen a wonderful group of people to represent you and I
am proud to have the privilege of working with them. In the words of Freddie Kruger, "I'm back".
Once again we ask you for your help. We want to know which activities you enjoy and which ones
you don't. The monthly brunches, the annual corn boil, the St. Pat's dinner dance and the Christmas
party are favourites that everyone looks forward to. The executive committee has several new ideas
being openly discussed and we are excited about the possibilities for the coming year. Please share
your thoughts with us.
Hopefully I will see all of you between now and Christmas, but in the event I don't, I would like to
take this opportunity to wish each and every one of you, and your families, a joyous and blessed
Christmas.
God bless you all.
Paul
Computer Tips
Help For Beginner Computer Users: The following articles are by Blifaloo.com and can be found online
using the address provided.
How to Keep Safe from the Internet - Common online scams and how to avoid them -- anyone over 30
should read this. Also includes information on eBay shopping, creating strong passwords and other tips to keep
new computer users out of trouble. http://www.blifaloo.com/info/parents-internet.php
How to Remove Computer Viruses (Windows) - Step by step guide to removing viruses, adware, and
other unwanted nasties from your computer. http://www.blifaloo.com/info/virus_removal.php
Shopping Online for Beginners - Tips for people who are new to the world of online shopping. Includes
recommended online stores and safety tips. http://www.blifaloo.com/info/shopping-online.php
Online Dating for Beginners - Important tips to remember when looking for love on the internet. Includes
common dating scams, safety concerns and a little bit of humor. http://www.blifaloo.com/info/datingadvice.php
Smiley Dictionary
Huge list of keyboard text smilies. http://www.blifaloo.com/info/smiley_dictionary.php
Text Messaging Acronyms
Must...text...faster... http://www.blifaloo.com/info/text_message.php
AGM Election Results
The Executive Committee for 2015 is:
President - Paul Malone
Vice President - Ken Donovan
Treasurer - Maggie Curran
Secretary - Jane Downie
Membership Chair - Rita Bettam
Events Coordinator - Michael Flaherty
Members at large - Claude Larin and Renee Hall
Why God Made Friends
God made the world with a heart full of love,
Then He looked down from Heaven above,
And saw that we all need a helping hand,
Someone to share with, who'll understand.
He made special people to see us through
The glad times and the sad times, too;
A person on whom we can always depend,
Someone we can call a friend.
God made friends so we'll carry a part
Of His perfect love in all our hearts.
Membership Fees
(January 1 to December 31)
If you haven't renewed your club membership please fill out the club application on the last page
and mail it with your cheque (made out to: The Irish Claddagh Club)to our new Treasurer:
The Irish Claddagh Club
C/O Maggie Curran
80 Cecil Street
Angus, ON
L0M 1B3
P.S. - having everyone's e-mail address would be a great help to the club. We could e-mail event
reminders and for those with internet access we could send a link to the newsletter online which would
save the club the cost of printing and mailing it to you. Your privacy is important to us so your e-mail will
only be used for club purposes. Contact Rita Bettam (705-722-3644) to add your e-mail address.
St. Pat's Dinner and Dance on March 14th, 2015 at The Knights of Columbus Hall, Barrie, ON.
Tickets $30.00 each. Traditional Irish meal, Live Music & DJ.
'That December Show: A Christmas Carol'
Date: December 01 to 07, 2014 - 7:30 pm
Location: Cookstown, Barrie, ON
Presented by South Simcoe Theatre, Tickets: $18.00. Phone: (705) 458-4432. http://www.tourismbarrie.com/festivalsevents/december/2014/11/28/default-calendar/south-simcoe-theatre-presents-'that-december-show-a-christmas-carol'
I, Claudia
Date: Wednesday, December 03, 2014 - 7:30 pm
Location: Mady Centre, Barrie, ON
Presented by Talk Is Free Theatre, Single ticket: $40.80. http://www.barrie.ca/Culture/Theatres/Pages/MadyCentre.aspx
Barra MacNeils - An East Coast Christmas
Date: Wednesday, 03 December 2014
Location: Orillia Opera House, Orillia, ON
Seats: $50.00. http://www.orilliaoperahouse.ca/
The Abba Story
Date: Thursday, December 04, 2014 - 7:30 pm
Location: Georgian Theater, Barrie, ON
$30 reserved seating. $2 parking. http://www.barrie.ca/Culture/Theatres/Pages/GeorgianTheatre.aspx
Ian Thomas
Date: Friday, December 05, 2014 - 8:00 pm
Location: Georgian Theater, Barrie, ON
Rows AA - B $55; Rows C - K $45. $2 parking. http://www.barrie.ca/Culture/Theatres/Pages/GeorgianTheatre.aspx
The Elvis Christmas Show
Date: Saturday, December 06, 2014 - 7:30 pm
Location: Georgian Theater, Barrie, ON
$30 reserved seating. $2 parking. http://www.barrie.ca/Culture/Theatres/Pages/GeorgianTheatre.aspx
Parkview Singers Christmas Sing Along
Date: Saturday, December 06, 2014 - 2:00 to 4:00 pm
Location: Barrie City Hall Rotunda
Holiday Extravaganza 2014
Date: December 11 to 13, 2014 - 7:30 pm
Location: Mady Centre, Barrie, ON
Adult: $25.00, Student/Senior: $15.00. http://www.barrie.ca/Culture/Theatres/Pages/MadyCentre.aspx
'The Glory of Christmas'
Date: December 21, 2014 - 3:30 pm
Location: Collier United Church, 112 Collier Street, Barrie, ON
Presented by the Huronia Symphony Orchestra. Admission: $25 adults, $10 students (14+), $5 children (under 13)
Phone: 705-721-4752
Christmas, Past and Present
Date: December 05 & 06, 2014 6:00 PM to 9:00 PM
Location: Simcoe County Museum, 1151 Hwy 26, Minesing, ON
Admission $6. For more information on this event, please contact the Simcoe County Museum at (705) 728-3721.
Ladies Valentine Tea at Campbell's - Feb 12
Recipe for Christmas
Joanna Fuchs
St. Patrick's Dinner & Dance - March 15
Take a heap of child-like wonder
That opens up our eyes
To the unexpected gifts in lifeEach day a sweet surprise.
Mix in fond appreciation
For the people whom we know;
Like festive Christmas candles,
Each one has a special glow.
Add some giggles and some laughter,
A dash of Christmas foodAmazing how a piece of pie
Improves our attitude!
Stir it all with human kindness;
Wrap it up in love and peace;
Decorate with optimism, and
Our joy will never cease.
If we use this healthy recipe,
We know we will remember
To be in the Christmas spirit
Even when it's not December.
British Isles Show - Apr 11
Swiss Chalet Lunch - May 21 at 11:30
(Mapleview Location)
Niagara on the Lake Bus Trip - June 7
Corn Roast - August 31
St. Jacob's Bus Trip - September 20
AGM - October 26
Christmas Party - November 30
Brunch - Once a month.
Henry Wadsworth Longfellow (1807-1882)
Christmas Bells
I HEARD the bells on Christmas Day
Their old, familiar carols play,
And wild and sweet
The words repeat
Of peace on earth, good-will to men!
And thought how, as the day had come,
The belfries of all Christendom
Had rolled along
The unbroken song
Of peace on earth, good-will to men!
Till ringing, singing on its way,
The world revolved from night to day,
A voice, a chime,
A chant sublime
Of peace on earth, good-will to men!
Then from each black, accursed mouth
The cannon thundered in the South,
And with the sound
The carols drowned
Of peace on earth, good-will to men!
It was as if an earthquake rent
The hearth-stones of a continent,
And made forlorn
The households born
Of peace on earth, good-will to men!
And in despair I bowed my head;
"There is no peace on earth," I said;
"For hate is strong,
And mocks the song
Of peace on earth, good-will to men!"
Then pealed the bells more loud and deep:
"God is not dead, nor doth He sleep;
The Wrong shall fail,
The Right prevail,
With peace on earth, good-will to men."
A Sign of the Times
As a little girl climbed onto Santa's
lap, Santa asked the usual, "And what
would you like for Christmas?"
The child stared at him open mouthed
and horrified for a minute, then
gasped: "Didn't you get my E-mail?"
In January, my wife, a physician, met
with an elderly patient. "So was Santa
good to you?" she asked.
"Real good," he said. "I got an SUV."
"Nice."
"Yeah … Socks, Underwear, and
Viagra."
Did you know that according to the
song, "Rudolph the Red-Nosed
Reindeer", Santa has twelve reindeer?
Sure, in the introduction it goes
"There's Dasher and Dancer and
Prancer and Vixen, Comet and Cupid
and Donner and Blitzen..." That
makes eight reindeer. Then there's
Rudolph, of course, so that makes
nine. Then there's Olive. You know,
"Olive the other reindeer used to
laugh..." That makes ten. The eleventh
is Howe. You know, "Then Howe the
reindeer loved him..." Eleven reindeer.
Oh, and number 12? That's Andy!
"Andy shouted out with glee." The
proof is in the song!
Q: What do snowmen eat for
breakfast?
A: Snowflakes.
Reindeer's Story
According to the Alaska Department of
Fish and Game, while both male and
female reindeer grow antlers in the
summer each year, male reindeer drop
their antlers at the beginning of winter,
usually late November to midDecember.
Female reindeer retain their antlers till
after they give birth in the spring.
Therefore, according to EVERY
historical rendition depicting Santa's
reindeer, EVERY single one of them,
from Rudolph to Blitzen, had to be a
girl.
We should have known... ONLY
women would be able to drag a fat
man in a red velvet suit all around the
world in one night and not get lost.
Your Eggnog’s Too Strong
If you see a fat man…
Who’s jolly and cute,
wearing a beard
and a red flannel suit,
and if he is chuckling
and laughing away,
while flying around
in a miniature sleigh
with eight tiny reindeer
to pull him along,
then lets face it…
Your eggnog’s too strong!!!
Did you hear that one of Santa's
reindeer now works for Proctor and
Gambel?
It's true....Comet cleans sinks!
The Santa Claus at the mall was very
surprised when a young lady about
twenty years old walked up and sat
on his lap.
Santa doesn't usually take requests
from adults, but she smiled very
nicely at him, so he asked her, "What
do you want for Christmas?"
"Something for my mother, please."
said the young lady.
"Something for your mother? Well,
that's very thoughtful of you,'' smiled
Santa. "What do you want me to
bring her? "
Without blinking she replied, "A sonin-law!"
Christmas has been cancelled! Santa
died laughing when I told him you’d
been good this year!
Grandma's Christmas Strategy
One Christmas, a mother decided she
was no longer going to remind her kids
to send thank you notes. Consequently,
the kids’ grandmother never received
any thanks for the Christmas checks
she sent to the kids.
The very next Christmas, all the kids
stopped by in person to thank their
grandmother for their checks.
When asked by a friend what caused
this change in behavior, the
grandmother replied, “Simple. This
year I didn’t sign the checks.”
The Irish Claddagh Club
Membership Application
First Name:
Address:
City:
Province:
Postal Code:
Phone Number:
Email:
Birthday and or Anniversary:
Membership Fee is still only $15.00 per Adult. Please make Cheque out to: The Irish Claddagh Club
Mail to: The Irish Claddagh Club c/o Maggie Curran 80 Cecil Street, Angus, ON L0M 1B3
Cut on Dotted Line and put on refrigerator
Upcoming Events
If you have an idea for an event or know of
an event that the club might like to be
involved in, please contact a member of
the executive committee.
St. Pat's Dinner and Dance on March 14th, 2015 at The Knights of Columbus Hall,
Barrie, ON. Tickets $30.00 each. Traditional Irish meal, Live Music & DJ.

Brunches - Starting mid January.
Note: There is an Events Survey included with this newsletter.
This survey will help the executive plan events that the members would like
to attend. Please fill it out and get in touch with a member of the executive
committee to submit your answers.