2008 Irishman of the Year

Congratulations to Butch Konopka, "Irishman of the Year" pictured here with President John Wagle.

And how do you get to be Irishman of the year after just a few years (he joined in 2001) as a member of the Friendly Sons? You take to heart the fact that a friend sponsored you into the club and at the time of doing so he most likely said that you would be an "Asset" to the club. What's an asset? One definition of "Asset" is "A valuable quality or person". Butch has lived up to and indeed surpassed that definition.

He is a quiet and unassuming man, loved by family and friends alike and respected by all. He takes to heart his responsibility as a Friendly Son. His easy smile and quiet demeanour let you know instantly that he's a nice guy. But that's only part of the picture that is Butch. He is so much more than that, though you'd never see it unless you looked behind the scenes, that are the everyday workings of the FSOS. More comfortable in the background and rarely in the foreground, he does what needs to be done. Tiling, plumbing, roofing or indeed any task at hand, his only requirement is that it will benefit the Friendly Sons.

For all his efforts, for all his work, we are eternally grateful. And yes, it has to be said, He is truly an "Asset", he's the real deal.

Belmar Parade Day, 2008

   

And so another Belmar Parade Day has come and gone. But it will be remembered. The day began with Mass in FSOS Hall, celebrated by Rev. Thomas Walsh. Following the mass folks enjoyed pastries and an endless supply of coffee and juice to prepare them for the afternoon. The Irish coffee was particularly good. It wasn't long before the buses took us down to Belmar where Parade Adjutant, Chuck Boyle led our contingent in the 35th Belmar Parade. There's nothing like the feeling of standing amidst that sea of green with the Pipes and Drums filling the air around you on a beautiful sunny day in Belmar. But the pipers and drummers were not the only members of the band that were entertaining the crowds yesterday.

If you were a bystander that failed to applaud and you had the misfortune to be noticed by our impressive looking Drum Major, Jack "Tiny" Redden, then the wrath of Tiny landed on you. His good natured cajoling of the parade watchers with "No clapping no music!" led to huge cheers from the onlookers as they became part of the parade in that moment.

On a separate note I am once again collecting photos for a DVD to commemorate the day. If you have photos or video that you think should be on the DVD please upload the photos by clicking on the button at the side of the page or contact me by email to make arrangements to get the material to me.

Who Remembers 1998?

10 Years Ago... 

Nasa Announced that John Glenn would return to space.

The Unabomber plead Guilty.

Bill Clinton denied having relations.

Denver Broncos beat Green Bay Packers in SuperBowl in XXXII.

Titanic won 11 Oscars.

And Kathleen Donnelly was Deputy Grand Marshall of the 25th Belmar Parade.

Give Blood - Give Life

The Friendly Sons has a proud tradition of supporting the American Red Cross blood drives and Saturday was no exception. At the same time that people were voting the American Red Cross was busy in FSOS Hall collecting blood.

Marty Cameron, Blood Drive Chairman said, "Blood drive was a little slow but we were able to get about 8 pints in the last half hour.  The turnout was a little light this year as a number of people had colds or were on medication. We collected 44 pints. Thanks to all who donated."

Larry Haughney, seen right, looks as though he's taking a nap. It was almost a shame he had to leave after one pint.

On a more serious note, why did 44 people give blood this day? I'm sure each has their own reason. You can view what that gift means to others by reading the stories at the American Red Cross. The stories are filled with appreciation for folks just like our donors, 44 members and friends who this past Saturday, quietly gave the gift of life to people that they will never ever meet.