Meeting Minutes

Meeting called to order at 19:20 by President Hallinan

10 members present with 2 more arriving shortly thereafter.

- Welcome to new members Steve Dorgan, Joe Murphy, Chris Smith
- Accepted last month meeting minutes
- Positive discussion on hosting all of the Rochester Irish Community’s calendar on our website. Sean and Rick will work on this.
- ICP fundraiser at the German House this Sunday at 1300
- No new By-Laws.
- Discussion on Irish and Scottish bands in the area.,
- Danny presented a couple glitches in obtaining baseball hats.
- A thank you from our piper Blythe Sims for marching in the parade, and would gladly return next year. We will be sending her at least a t-shirt when we order more.
- Waterstreet Music Hall offered us the use of their mezzanine at an upcoming event, more to follow on this.
- Mike Roche has secured music for our social event this summer.
- Quill distributed leather helmet raffle tickets. $25 each, only 100 will be sold. Winner will get helmet painted which ever color they want, and custom shield from Danny.
- More discussion on an online store.

Upcoming Events:
- GRES social at TC Riley’s pn 4/17 at 1900
- Parades: Farmington, 8/1, possibly Barnard on 6/25
- Irish Festival will be 9/11 - 9/13

Meeting adjourned at 20:00.

14 members present.

We are working on updating the roster. If you were not present please e-mail your contact information to President Hallinan.

President Hallinan was brief as he was flying OOT for a seminar:
- He distributed helmets that were painted by Azzolina
- Dues are to be paid to Tim, the Treasurer
- Truck and float at his house this week

Meeting called to order at 19:27 by V.P. Quill

- Discussed last month meeting minutes
- Work detail at Hallinan’s 3/13 at 17:30ish for the parade
- Forecast as of tonight for the parade was 32 and sunny
- Dress code will be the following:

• Helmet
• Job Shirt
• Mock Turtle Neck
• Navy Pants (work pants)
• Black Shoes/Boots

- There is a guy leaving for a firefighting job in the south, party at brother Weber’s place, then Barber’s when he runs out of beer - open to all on the 13th as well.
- Parade starts at 12:30. We will be leaving Spencerport at 10, 10:30, lineup begins at 11. We are in the 2nd division.
- Noted that Murphy’s Law is opening soon (or so they say) at the corner of East and Alexander
- Post parade activity will feature gathering at the Police Emeralds room, no tickets or prices as of tonight.
- Summer activities were mentioned
- Received a request to march in the Farmington Parade, 7/31. Most members in attendance concur we attend.
- 9/17 will be recruitment night at Johnny’s. Town Pants are playing.
- We are going to be raffling off a natural colored, New Yorker. tickets to sell (and buy) will be available at the parade.
- Irish Children’s Program hasn’t returned multiple emails or phone calls. After a couple more attempts, we will start looking for a new charity.
- Mock turtle necks distributed tonight.. NICE JOB WOJO!
- Wojo also has Irish American pins available.

New Business
- Tim Barry has completed our charter.. NICE JOB TIM!
- Bring decorations for the truck and float
- Danny is painting lids for you guys, so he isn’t here. Nothing but rave reviews on what he has turned out thus far.. NICE JOB DANNY!
- Job shirts are on order
- Bring family and friends to the parade.
- We will be doing Fire/EMS at the Irish Fest again this year
- A discussion was held on recruitment.
- Brother Bernie Briceland is having surgery, wish him well.
- The previous “night out” was very successful. Our next is going to be 4/17 at T.C. Hooligans in Henrietta at 19:00
- New brother Alex Malec proposed a pig roast this summer. This event will be a recruitment tool, fundraiser, and most importantly a family day for us. There is also discussion of having a band play as well, and held at a town park. Alex will update us again next meeting.
- The website will be updateable by selected members soon!
- Cards to handout at the parade need to be printed
- A link to the Facebook group created will be added to the website, and Sean will look into an online store.
- Unanimous decision to sponsor a hole at the National Fallen Firefighters Golf Tournament being held this summer. V.P. Quill will take a collection at the parade, and the next meeting. visit www.firehero.org for more, or to sign up.
- Wojo will be working on a couple I.D. card designs and will have samples at the next meeting.
- V.P. Quill suggested a couple of long term goals including a parade in Savanah Ga. (the 2nd largest parade in the US, and temps in the 70’s) and a group trip to Ireland. Both ideas were well received.
- John will be looking into finding a “sister” F.D. on the Emerald Isle.

Motion to adjourn T.J., 2nd by Tim at 20:45

Respectfully submitted, John Spaulding

Meeting Called to Order with 22 Members Present

Activities:

February 20th - Social Event: Happy Hour @ Johnny’s Preceding Guinness Toast Night 5:30 pm

March 12th - Additional Date for Flogging Molly’s Playing at Waterstreet MH

March 13th - Parade Work Detail 1800hrs 10 McCleary Rd Spencerport

March 14th - Parade / Police Emeralds Party to follow immediately after parade at the Clarion. (Rick has tickets)

Summer Activities - Discussion on Brockport’s Max’s Mardi Gras Parade and FD Carnival Parades

September 17th - Recruitment Night / Happy hour / Half Way Party at Johnny’s

Recruitment:

Will Update Flyers for March Meeting

Fundraising:

Helmet Raffle: 100 $25 tickets for New Yorker Leather Helmet with a Danny’s Decals Custom Shield ; Tickets available next week

Newsletter/Website:

Site looks great, keep sending the pictures in.

Police emeralds have their site up now www.rochesterpoliceemeraldsociety.com

Membership:

Two new members Jim Weber (Brockport FD) & Erin Widger (Spencerport FD)

By-Laws:

No report

NCLEES:

No report

Award:

Looking for a connection with the Rochester safety council to sponsor an annual award (bravery, courage, community etc); open to a name and requirements

Irish Children’s Program:

No contact RE: carnation sales for march yet, apparently although we did a great job generating sales during the parade, that will be prohibited d/t safety concerns.

Uniforms:

Faux Turtle neck: Navy with Left Chest GRES Logo, Back Social Logo; Shamrock on collar Send requirement and size to Andy W @ Andywojo@gmail.com no latter then 2/20; Payment due by March Meeting (price pending adding the shamrock $15-20)

Job Shirts: Any that wants a job shirt (that’s you Burkie) Contact Mark Quill m_quill77@yahoo.com; I believe $45?)

Ball Hats: Azzolina looking at Small Patches for Ball Caps, More info to follow

Band:

No report: hopefully still piping, need a drummer

Color Guard:

Need volunteers for colors for the parade: contact me if interested.

Next Meeting Thrus 3/5 19:00hrs Johnny’s

Stay Warm and Safe

BH

Called to order at 19:35 by the tardy President, Bill Hallinan (which was OK, because we had a chance for extra pint of Guinness) at Johnny’s Irish Pub

12 members present: Ray Morse, Mike, Dan K, Andy Wojo, Charlie Champion, Jay, Tim Shore, Dennis H, Tim B, Bill H, John S

Old Business
- Good turnout at Irish Fest!
- A few new members
- Something about a lost boy named Patrick wearing a green shirt
- Sold out of T-shirts, we can settle up with Dan, and hopefully made a profit

New Business
- Spoke with the Vice President of the National Emeralds
- We will have a common tax ID from the Nation Council, saving us gobs of paperwork
- Bill and Tim will be working on finishing charter
- With the creation of the Rochester Police Emeralds Society we have more options, this was food for thought only-take a step back and pursue affiliating with them, remain an independent organization, perhaps include EMS
- Andy W volunteered to chair and be a liaison in a Christmas event with the Police Emeralds
- We are considering a joint sporting event with the Police Emeralds as well - more details to follow.
- Andy W reported that the Hibernian Picnic was a good time.

Website is in need of updating:
- Would like a members only pass-worded section on the website that will include a roster and contact #’s. committee listing etc.
- If you have something that needs or could go on the website, email Sean - sean.sims at gmail.com Send him any pics you may have.
- Our next meeting needs to be posted, November 6, 19:00 at Johnny’s
- We would like a “where in the world” type contest. Anytime you are in another town, get a picture of our patch or sticker in a location showing where you are!
- We would also like pics of our members “on the job” so send them in!

Sales: Lets exploit Dan’s hard work and generosity of his time, sell sell sell!

Which logo you ask?
- Helmet logo will be on the front, skeleton logo will be on the back of t-shirts. We would like a way to differentiate our members from the public, it was suggested that members will get forest green and navy blue. The public will get white or grey.
- Dennis is going to look into opening an eBay store, and then putting a link on our website.
- Discussion ensued re:hats

Parades/Pipes/Color Guard:
We have 1 guy learning pipes, and has bought them. Uniforms for the 2009 St Patrick’s Day Parade ( and the rest of them ).

We are looking for any traditional style helmets to paint. 1010’s, 880’s etc. If you know of any, start collecting them. The painting process takes a little time, and we would like to have enough for all of our members. Dan will need a mannequin head to use for painting these helmets if anyone can locate one.

We plan on wearing our 3/4 zip job shirts with mock turtle necks… if you don’t have one, don’t fret, we will place another order. We’ll also be wearing dark blue pants and black boots.

For those that don’t want to wear the above uniform in the parade, have we got a deal for you!! Some members present would like to purchase kilts with the firefighters memorial tartan. Cost of the kilt alone will be near $400, plus a few accessories - yes I said accessories, such as hose and spats. This would give is a color guard not only used for parades, but to honor our fallen brothers at various functions.

We have nearly 60 members now, and are looking into a blog so that members can communicate with each other - more to follow.

Johnny’s has agreed to give us some type of discount card. Discussion of dues began- more to follow on this too.

Distribution of recruitment fliers all firehouse in the area need them, and a PDF will be available for download from the website shortly.

We will see if this can be posted on the MCFW and ETIN as well.

One of our founding brothers left yesterday morning for Los Angeles. Brian Molter, we wish you safe travels and success on the west coast.

The EMS community lost a great dispatcher Wed. morning. Former Monroe Ambulance dispatcher John Hurley passed away following complication from surgery. We wish his family well, and Godspeed John.

Also Chili firefighter Jason Mulchay was injured in a dump truck accident this morning. He has a fractured vertebrae and will require surgery and months of bed rest. We wish him and his family all the best.

Reminder that the next meeting will be November 6th.

Adjourned at 20:35

Respectfully submitted,
John Spaulding, Secretary

GRES Store Committee: Andy Wojewodzic and Dan Azzolina volunteered to coordinate ordering and coordination of GRES Merchandise. Any one else willing to help them let them know.

Shirts: Short Sleeve T-Shirts are $10. They will be done tomorrow, and on the truck in Barnard.

Parades: Baranard Parade this Thursday June 26th, Dress is dark pants with new T-shirts, Home Class A Hats, Line up at 6pm, Parade Starts at 7pm, Although we are in a latter division, the staging area is notoriously crowded. this is the link to the staging area, on Bartholf Rd off Dewey. Dan and TJ will try to make a lap past the grounds to bring people down to it.

Staging Area

Additional Parades:
July 10th Webster
July 18th Rush
August 1st Clifton (possibly Hamlin)

Membership: Since July is busy with parades, and we are not due for a summer meeting yet. We decided to have a membership / recruitment event August 21st at either McGinnitys or Johnny’s. I will make cards with such to hand out. We discussed the importance of the website as a recruitment and communication tool and will be working towards its restoration of previous high quality.

July 7th Irish Children’s Program Picnic:This is an important event for of us as it is the purpose of our organization to support the Irish Community. Any members who may be hesitant or new to the events, please make every effort to show up. We will be doing all the cooking, the Hibernians are supplying the food. It is at the Greece Canal Park in the Millennium Lodge 2:30 set up till 7pm. Any time during that you are welcome. On a serious and sensitive note, the ICP has asked we NOT wear anything with the Irish Republic Colors or Irish Flags. Although though the violence is way down, there is still segregation and tension between the groups, that this event is supposed to be dispelling for these children.

Thanks to the Henrietta guys for hosting, and our thoughts and prayers are with Ray Morse who was not able to join us last night because of a death in his family.

Meeting Held Thursday 6-5-08 1900hrs at McGinnitys

Members Present: Ray Morse, Tim Barry, Bernie Briceland, Justin Stabb, Dan Kwiecien, Andy Wojewodzic, Tom Milliman, Dennis Hendricks, Bill Hallinan

Tim Cassidy from ICP attended our meeting. Tim thanked us for our efforts during the carnation sales. Tim gave a short talk regarding the history and background of the ICP. Discussed Colors and clothing in the presence of children. Some kids will take offense to flags, & different uniforms. Tim would be very appreciative if we could cook at the picnic to be held on Monday July 7, 08 from 2-7pm. The picnic will be at Greece Canal Park in the Millennium Lodge. AOH will be purchasing meats etc. 16 children will be attending the picnic. Members encouraged to be at the park around 230pm to set up and meet the children.

A discussion ensued about the website and different options that we might have. All agreed the website is very important for recruitment and communication!

Discussion of parades…
Barnard Parade June 26th, Webster Parade July 10, Rush Parade July 18, East Rochester Parade July 26, Clifton Parade August 1

Dennis, Dan A., and Andy Wojewodzic to coordinate T-Shirts to sell at parades and Carnivals. Also to come up with Summer wear uniform for parades for members. Discussion of white/ gray tshirts with green lettering (opposite of long sleeves)

Discussion of Charter with Monroe County

Discussion of setting up T-Shirt exchange with our sister city Waterford FD

Recruitment was an important topic. Discussed ideas of a new recruitment poster, business cards to hand out at parades and such, possible banner link on FireWire to our website.. (Bill was going to talk to Scott)

Meeting adjourned to Bar.

Next Meeting will be held before the Barnard parade.. Tuesday June 24, 2008 7pm at Henrietta Station #3 at 9 Riverview Drive ( off East River Road just south of Jefferson near RIT - Behind the C&C Deli)

Called to order at 19:20 by V.P. Mark Quill at Mcginnity’s

Members Present: Mark Quill, Ray Morse, Brian Molter, Dennis Hendricks, Tom Milliman, Dan Kwiecien, Scott Magin, Bernie Briceland, Andy Wojewodzic, John Spaulding, Dan Azzolina

A great St. Patrick’s Day Parade, and St Patrick’s Day had by all. Molter had too many Irish Car Bombs and suffered the consequences - he’s doing well now. President Hallinan is recuperating in Florida.

We now have over 50 members which will allow us to join the National Association, which will be pursued by Mark or Bill.

Anyone who has not registered on the website will need to do so, as that will be our official roster.

Azzolina will be gathering necessary paperwork to file for our non profit, and incorporation status. After which, T. Barry can get our bank account set up. Azzolina will be tradmarking our logo as well.

Discussion on advertising. Group felt that perhaps a banner on MCFW.com and posters in area firehouses would be a cost effective means to start.

Discussion on attending more parades:
It was well accepted that we attempt to march in 1 parade in each Battalion -
1st - Webster
2nd - Barnard
3rd - East Rochester
4th - Clifton
5th - Rush
City - Lilac
We would also have a table to sell our goods, t-shirts, pint glasses and the like.

There is an issue with registering for membership if you are using Firefox as a browser. Until this is resolved you will need to use IE.

Ray Morse will be working on setting up our CafePress online store as soon as the artwork is complete. There we will have no overhead and many items for sale. They will mail us a check at set net gains for deposit.

To the chagrin of the V.P., our colors, specifically the tartan has been chosen - The Firefighters Memorial tartan. We will soon look into a source for kilts, glengarrys and the rest of our “Class A” uniform.

There will be an Irish Children’s Program welcoming Picnic coming soon to Canal Ponds Park. We have been asked to participate in this event by providing support in the area of cooking food. Other ideas consisted of perhaps RRFD bringing Quint 250, Henrietta had an “old” truck, and perhaps T.J.’s truck as well. We also strongly considered purchasing t-shirts for the youth with our logo on the front.

Goals for the organization:
Pipe Band
Good and Welfare of our members and fallen firefighters.
Irish Children’s Program

Discussion on the possibility of either having our own room at St. Patrick’s Day Parade next year, or explore sharing a room with the Ancient Order of the Hibernians.

A well received discussion on hosting a learning symposium in the fall. This would include a keynote speaker, food, and vendor tables. Venues and speakers will be explored this month.

Dennis Hendricks and Ray Morse will be Co-Chairs of the recruitment committee.

The Board of Directors has been appointed; they are in no order -
Jay Riley
Mike Roche
Dennis Hendricks
Ray Morse
Tom Milliman
McCabe

Also considered a 1/2 way to St. Patrick’s Day party, more on that next month.

We will also be pursuing providing EMS/Fire services for the Rochester Irish Festival this fall. It was a success last year, and members enjoyed being there, treated very well by the committee.

Next meeting will be Thursday, May 1, 2008, 19:00 hours at Calvery’s Irish Pub on South Avenue.

Meeting adjourned at 20:30.

Meeting started @ 1900

Present: Sercu, Quill, Barry, Azzolina, Magin, Molter and a new guy can’t remember his name

Body approved logo #2 w/ Gaelic writing

Body approved Parade uniform for members not in Honor Guard to Job Shirt w/ slacks, nice pants or khaki’s Danny will get prices for job shirts…

Honor Guard will be previously approved uniform of Green Wooly’s w/ hat etc….
Body discussed and approved fundraising long sleeve t-shirts with last years logo and st. pattys day 08 on back to sell

Discussed pipe band, Keystones mentioned…
Agreed that night before parade people need to meet at Hallinans to help decorate the float

Also discussed that we need to have a number for people marching w/ us in the Parade definite for count on shirts who want to be honor guard etc…
we need a defininte count and everyone who plans on marching needs to try their best to be at the March meeting

March meeting will be 3/6/08 sight changed to Paddy’s on Latta Road in Greece by vote of body due to 75 percent or more of current membership is from the west side of the county….

Meeting adjourned at 2000