Gerald Partsch  May 2, 2024
Minutes of the April 8, 2024 Meeting of the Ancient Order of Hibernians
Father Kelley Division
Highlights of the Meeting: Two candidates, Thomas Kelley and Thomas Curtin, were welcomed into the order as new members of the Father Kelley Division.
Propositions on Candidates for Membership
Brian Tumulty nominated the candidates Thomas Kelley and Thomas Curtin. Terry Riley motions to accept Charles Kelley as a new member/Second by John Masarick. Unanimous. Thomas Curtin sponsored by Brian Tumulty. John Masarick motions to accept Thomas Curtin/Second by Paul Hannan.  Unanimous vote by the members present to accept the candidates as new members.  The new members recited the St. Patrick’s Pledge.
Meeting Agenda
The meeting was called to order at 7:10 PM at the VFW Hall, 9304 Centerville Road in Manassas by President Greg Gibbons.
President Greg Gibbons recited the opening prayer, and the Division recited the Our Father, Hail Mary, and Glory Be.
Mike Riley led the division in the Pledge of Allegiance
The singing of Opening Ode, “O’Donnell Abu”, was suspended.
President Greg Gibbons declared the meeting duly open for the transaction of such business as may properly be brought before it.
Mike Riley called the Roll of Officers:
President Greg Gibbons – Present
Vice-President Brian Tumulty – Excused
Chaplain Father Daniel Reuwer – Excused
Recording Secretary Jerry Partsch – Excused
Financial Secretary Rich Aleksy – Present
Treasurer Paul Hannan – Present
Standing Committee Doug Morrison – Excused
Marshal Greg Rebbert – Present
Sentinel Jerry Laffey –Excused
Past President Pat Sullivan – Excused


Reading of previous meeting minutes
Mike Riley on behalf of Jerry Partsch stated that Jerry distributed the minutes to all members via email and posted them online on March 5, 2024.  John Masarick made a motion to accept the minutes as posted, Greg Rebbert seconded the motion and the vote was unanimous.
Presidents Report: 
Brothers,
The First Quarter was very busy, and we have a slow period coming.  I’d like to consider a Club room, Friendship, event.  
The 8 March AOH sponsored Fish Fry was a success.    We received a check for $1,125.  It was provided to the Financial Secretary, previously he was provided the tips from the bar.  Kevin O’Connell was the main bartender with help from others.  Thanks to all who helped and especially John Masarick, the chair for this event.  The Manassas Parade was a fun event.  Our next parade is the Veterans’ Day parade.  We will get to show the colors again.   The St. Pat’s Dinner Dance on 16 March was a big success it advertised Irish Heritage.  St. Patrick, himself, made an appearance.  Great job and support.  Tom, John, Paul, Dennis, and others to be commended.  Doesn’t happen without member support.  Bar tips of $111 were turned over to the Financial Secretary, attendance & help was great.  We’ve been busy but it is a good busy.  Need pictures at all our events.  The website continues to impress.  The links to articles and pictures are great.    Thank you, Brian. How do we get more traffic?  More social media?  
Your efforts are truly appreciated.  Father Kelley Division lives the motto Friendship, Unity, and Christian Charity
Communications & Correspondence:
Mike Riley reported that Willing Warriors thanks us for the donation to the Warrior Retreat at Bull Run.
Propositions on Candidates for Membership
Thomas Kelley and Thomas Curtin were welcomed into the division.
Reports
Greg Gibbons reported that all raffle tickets were sold.
Greg Gibbons reviewed the calendar of events with emphasis on
26-27 April – All Saints Parish Festival Clean-up
April TBD – Past President’s Dinner – Greg Rebbert to set up details.
Tom Masarick gave a report on the successful St. Patrick’s Dinner Dance on March 16^th.     
Report on Special Committees:
Chaplain’s Reflection, Father Daniel Reuwer. No Report.
Charities and Missions, Greg Rebbert gave a report on Project St. Patrick
Freedom for all Ireland (FFAI), Dominic Preston: No Report
Report on the Standing Committee/Grievance, Doug Morrison: No Report.
Historian, Johnny McLauglin gave his report on John Sullivan
Hibernian Hunger Project, Bart Emanuel: No Report.
Immigration, Brian Tumulty: No Report
Project St. Patrick, Rich Aleksy: Continue to remember priests and our seminarians in your prayers. 50 seminarians in the diocese.
Pro-Life, Paul Huber gave his report.
Publicity/Webmaster, Brian Tumulty: No Report.
Report on the Sick/Visitation,  Bill Yochem: No report
Strategic Planner, Mike Riley: No Report.
Veterans Affairs, Doug Morrison: No Report.
Paul Hannan gave the Report of the Treasurer.
Rich Aleksy gave the report on Bills and Claims and Receipts of the Meeting.
Unfinished Business:
FKD Golf Outing will be Friday 10 May at Prince William Golf Course.  Proceeds to support FKD Charities. Need teams to sign up.
Past President Dinner, Greg Rebbert is coordinating with OTSP.
AOH Virginia State Board is 4 May.  Greg is unable to attend, Brian Tumulty may attend.  Is there anyone who would like to attend with Brian?
 
New Business:
Next road cleanup is scheduled for 18 May.  It coincides with the 2024 Great American Clean Up 25 March to 31 May 2024.
Next Hunger Project is 1 Jun 10AM to 2 PM at the Wellington Giant, 10100 Dumfries Road.
Charities Committee is being formed.  It will consider potential donations for St. Patrick Statue and an Irish Brigade Monument.  Both supports promoting our Irish Heritage.  There was also a suggestion that we consider Tunnels to Towers.  If you would like to be on the Committee, let Greg Gibbons know.
All Saints Parish Festival is 26-27 April.  In the past we have been asked to help clean up. (Under Calendar discussion)


Good and Welfare of the Order
In past years, we have not conducted a Division Meeting in July.  IAW our By-Laws we need a vote to approve not having a July meeting.  Do we have a motion to cancel the July Division meeting? Greg Rebbert makes a motion to cancel the July meeting/Second by Kevin O’Connell. Vote was unanimous.
We have posted our minutes on the website.  The Blue Book says we should not due to the “secret” content.  Mike Riley our Strategic Planner will investigate and challenge this restriction.  We will continue to post the minutes until resolved.  As an interim measure we will eliminate the closing statement that states we will not discuss our meetings with anyone. Greg Rebbert questions the conflict of the Blue Book and our need to keep members informed.
Prayers: For successful recovery Kay Sullivan, Kathleen Tumulty, Maggie McCusker, Kim Ulrich, Doug Morrison, and Pat Sullivan. 
Any Other Prayers or intentions or announcements. Dave Riley, Chris Sozio’s’ brother-in-law and sister, Pete Gibbons
Prayer to St. Jude
Saint Jude, glorious Apostle, faithful servant and friend of Jesus, the name of the traitor has caused you to be forgotten by many, but the true Church invokes you universally as the Patron of difficult cases, and of thing almost despaired of.   Pray for us who are so helpless and alone.  Intercede with God for us that he brings visible and speedy help.  Come to our assistance in this great need that we may receive the consolation and help of heaven in all our necessities, tribulations, sufferings and particularly with those mentioned in the Good and Welfare of the Order and those who’s intentions are on our hearts, and that we may bless God and you with the Elect throughout Eternity.     Amen.
Adjournment Motion
John Masarick made a motion to adjourn, seconded by Greg Rebbert and the vote was unanimous.
Closing Prayer led by President Greg Gibbons
“In the Name of the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit.  And in the name of St. Patrick, the Glorious Apostle of Ireland, I declare this meeting closed.  Grant, O Lord, who makes the minds of the faithful to be of one will, that we, Thy people may love what Thou has commanded, and desire what Thou has promised, and that amid the changes of the world our hearts may ever love and obey Thee, through Christ Our Lord, Amen.”
President: “Let us pray for our deceased Brothers & today Sisters especially Mary Burns & Agnes Aleksy. Bill Yochem’s Mom passed away. Mike Curry’s Mom recently passed away.
The Division recited an Our Father, 3 Hail Mary’s, and a Glory Be
President: “Eternal Rest grant to them, O Lord”
Members: “And let perpetual light shine upon them”
President: “May they rest in peace”
Members: “Amen”

PRAYERS FOR VOCATIONS
The Division recited 3 Hail Mary’s.
The meeting concluded at 8:00 PM.