Congratulations to the class of '76 Guilderland Central high School on surviving 30 years in the real world. This weekend the bi-centennial class held it's 30 year reunion. Thanks to Dave Canavan, class president for keeping this going. A two night affair was held with a casual get together on Friday night. People met at Chico's BBQ for drinks and refreshing our memories. Some people haven't changed a bit while others.... will just say that some wine doesn't age as well as you would think. Saturday night was the dinner dance at Western Turnpike Golf Course. This is where most of the people came to. Classmates from all over the country returned for this event. When did everyone get old. the talk was of college aged children, marriages and yes the dreaded grandchildren. We just got out of high school a few years ago how can any of us be grandparents.
There were too many people to name because I don't want to miss anyone but there were some notables. People came from Texas, Tracy you still make me weak in the knees. California, Carol looking as good as she always did. Colorado, Val your daughter looks just like you. Florida, Vermont and as far away as Altamont. Again, Thanks Dave it was a great weekend.





I'll try to get some photos up later so you can see the party.

I hope everyone had a great Thanksgiving Day. Sean and Sara Thomas made their way to Saratoga for the weekend. All the kids put up the Christmas tree this morning and it is such joy just to step back and see them all together. Nothing matters as much in this life as family.

All you Hibernians remember the next meeting has been changed back to December 7th at 7pm.
This will be the instillation of officers and family's are welcome to attend.

Tickets on sale for Alice in Wonderland at the Spa Little Theater in the State Park. This show is set in the 70's with a great soundtrack. Keep an eye out for the knight played by Mike Curran. For more info check HMT webpage at www.homemadetheater.org

Go Giants

HAPPY BIRTHDAY SEAN!!!

Today is Sean's 22ND birthday. Time sure flies when you are having fun.

They say that a picture says a thousand words so today I think I will let the pictures do the talking. Well most of it.

Sean Curran
Saratoga Springs High School class of 2002, with honors

Colgate University class of 2006, with dignity and my respect.

In high school Sean led his cross country team to three straight Section II titles and back to back New York State Championships. His team was ranked number 1 in New York State both 2000 and 2001. He went to Colgate University were he ran on the cross country and track teams for all four of his years there. Although most people know him for his running, this is just a slice of his life. Sean is a fine son, a loving brother and a good friend to many. Pour yourself a good drink today and toast Sean on his birthday. I love you, you have always made me proud to be your father

try to hum some song you might hear in a doctors office or an elevator while you look at the photos. You know, Barbara Streisand, The Way We Were or Jim Croce, Photographs & Memories or even Paul Anka, Times of Your Life. I know you know them. I'll start you off HeeeMmph

(somewhat out of key) Memries,... Like the corners of my mind.... Misty water-colored memories.....

It's also Sean's roommate from college Luke Merkel's birthday Happy Birthday Luke.

Today I would like to remind everyone to thank a veteran. Today is veterans Day it used to be called Armistice Day to commemorate the end of the war to end all wars. As I'm sure you all know that didn't happen. They were so wrong in their prediction that they had to label it World War I just so they could distinguish it from World War II. Now our leaders try and come up with names that won't make you think it's a war. Whether it's a conflict or a police action or as we call the war in Irag, Operation Iraqi Freedom. What ever they call it, service men and women fight and die. So Today thank a vet for the way of life that we so often take for granted.



Last night we took over the front corner of the west side stadium. This was our first attempt at rekindling the monthly happy hour. I think we may have a solid foundation. Thanks for the guys who showed and thanks to Chris Bergman for taking care of a whiskey filled idiot till 3:30 in the morning. Samantha came with her beau. Since this was my first meeting with him she was a bit apprehensive about it but we got along fine. I tried to stay drink for drink with this nice young man and I think I did a pretty good job of it, or at least the parts that I can remember.
The bottle was quite a bit emptier at the end of the night. We also played Let's pick Steve a wife. I've been doing some online dating and last night I showed the guys some photos of a few contestants. All opinions will be carefully considered before any final decisions are made. I also caught a certain person trying to pocket a couple of photos. He will remain nameless, it was a gallant try.



I would also like to pass this message on to our membership.



Vietnam: Our Father Daughter Journey.
Through photographs and words we share how Vietnam shaped our lives.
Our story is personal and political.

As father and daughter we encourage all to consider how war and peace impact relationships.

We invite you to come celebrate with us at the book release party &photo exhibit.



Host:
Ed & Zoeann Murphy
Location:
Gallery 1199 at the Martin Luther King Jr. Labor Center310 West 43rd Street (btw 8 & 9 Ave), New York City, NY
When:
Wednesday, December 6, 6:-8 PM
Phone:
518.269.2233

A very quick update today. All the members of the John Barry Division should have received an e-mail from Chris Bergman about renewing the Friday social gatherings. Yes Happy Hour. It was at these gatherings that we became closer as brothers and friends. We met the wives and significant others. We bonded. So starting tomorrow, November 10 we will renew the HAPPY HOUR. Our chieftain has chosen the West Side Stadium 112 Congress St. As the venue. Chris has set the time for 5:30 till the last man is left standing. I know that this blog is read by people who are not members of the division so the invite goes out to them also. If you think you would like to join us for a few drinks, a few stories, and a lot of laughs feel free to stop in. Remember there are no strangers, just friends you haven't met. Here are a few photos to remind you of the past happy hours.


Some come out and join your friends for some after work fun.

"And this was really the way that my whole road experience began, and the things that were to come are too fantastic not to tell." (Jack Kerouac, On The Road)

"Again it might have been the American tendency in travel. One goes, not to much to see but to tell afterward." (John Steinbeck, Travels With Charley)

"He pegged us all as "fucking Irish" at first sight." ( Chris Millis, Chris & Scott's Cross Country Adventure)

Ok, so I took a little literary license to put Millis in the same category as Steinbeck and Kerouac, but this is my blog. I received an e-mail fro Chris. He and his friend Scott, the son of our own Dick Sheldon, are traveling from New York to California. They are documenting their trip on the web. These two are Saratoga's 21st Century answer to Charles Kuralt. The webpage is multimedia and interactive. That means there are pictures, movies, podcast and Chris' blog. Here is the link to the page and I highly recommend that you check it out daily to keep up with the trip. http://web.mac.com/chrismillis/iWeb/Site/Home.html I know it's long but I wanted to make sure you get it.








Touchdown Chris at the University of Notre Dame, as if you didn't know



It's been a busy week so the update has been put off until today. Michael, our intrepid actor, opened on Thursday night in the Saratoga High Drama Club production of Once in a Lifetime.
The show played for three nights and concluded last night. Mike now joins the cast from Home Made Theater in their production of Alice in Wonderland. Rehearsals started last week but Mike was given a pass till tomorrow. The HTM production is set for December 8-17 Check their website for more information. www.homemadetheater.org


Also on Thursday night the Commodore John Barry Division of the AOH held it's election of Officers for the upcoming year.
The results are:

President. Dave Cummings
V-President. Paul O'Donnell
Fin. Sec. Chris Bergman
Rec. Sec. Rob Przedwiecki
Treasurer. Emmet Kelleher
Marshall. Jeff Carney
Sentinel. Chris Templin
Stding. Com. Chair. Dick Sheldon

Congratulations to all these men for stepping up and leading the division for next year.
It was wonderful to see all the members who showed up at the meeting to vote. I would like to thank Rob and Chris for their support and to John, Donny, Russ, Fred and all the rest of the guys who voted for me, my heartfelt gratitude. As the Red Sox fans will tell you, wait till next year.
Thursday night December 7 will be the Installation of Officers, it would be nice to see as many members there this night as showed up to vote. Remember an organization is only as strong as it's membership.
Please forgive any spelling mistakes, the name Przedwiecki plays havoc with my spell check. Thanks Reese for your comfort and understanding when I needed it the most.