Events and Items of Interest

1. The Los Angeles Police Emerald Society, with our Pipe and Drum Band leading the way represented the "Green" at the Scottish Fair at the Queen Mary this last weekend. We had an outstanding Emerald Society Booth right next to Clan Buchanan (thanks to Sgt At Arms Gil Sawyer for all his efforts!) which attracted much interest. Thanks to Phil Bowater who donated a sporran and sgian dubh( the traditional dagger worn in our hose) that were raffled off on Saturday and Sunday respectively which raised funds for the Society (Three cheers for our Treasurer Phil Bowater!). Our Pipe and Drum Band had a very strong showing and marched with the other Bands and Scottish Clans, receiving a warm welcome, applause, and many compliments! Thanks to the entire Band who played so well, made us proud and worked the Booth! We couldn't have done it without our Society volunteers at the Booth ( Callum Thomson, Elizabeth Donovan, Patrick Devine, Jan Lewinson, Maureen Humes, Ron Cody). Thanks also to Bill Robertson who joined me in the Color Guard of the opening ceremony at the request of the Queen Mary Scottish Games organizer. This was a great team effort and a great time for everyone involved. We were a point of green in a sea of plaid and we shined brightly!


2. The "Catalpa" fund raiser is set for Branagan's Pub at 213 N. Harbor Blvd., Fullerton, CA 92831 Phone (714) 447-3544. Date and Time: Wednesday FEB. 25 at 7:00PM! Brother Jerry O'Keefe is our contact person for this event (714) 385-5681.

In the 1870s, thousands of Irish immigrants worldwide raised more than 25,000 to rescue six Fenian prisoners from the Freemantle Jail in Western Australia. In a feat that would stagger the imagination of a fiction writer, a group of conspirators bought a whaling vessel called the Catalpa, sailed to Australia, set the prisoners free and brought them to a hero"s welcome in New York in August, 1876.

Film maker Mark Day is nearly finished with an hour -long documentary on the Catalpa escape. He is currently raising completion funds. Day will show a promotional reel of "Catalpa:Rescue at Freemantle." Actors will read from the writings of Catalpa heroes John Boyle O"Reilly, John Devoy, and Captain Anthony and the audience will sing the Catalpa Ballad and other Irish songs to the accompaniment of a local Irish band. The event sponsored by the Ancient Order of Hibernians, our Emerlad Society, and other Irish groups is reminiscent of the solidarity shown to the Fenian prisoners by the Irish Diaspora in the 1870s.

Three Orange County Hibernians, Brothers O'Keefe, Tim Weston, and Jeff Gallagher make cameo appearances as re-enactors in Day's film! This a most worthy and noble project to preserve our history. Be a part of history and help make this film a reality!


3. St. Patrick's Day Party at Maggies: Ticket sales are brisk and the arrangements are running smooothly for another great party this year! Please be sure to send in your ticket payments to the office at 714 W. Olympic Bl # 630, Los Angeles, CA 90015 early as it helps for planning on how many tables we need and seating configuration. Tickets will be on sale at the March meeting which is on March 4th. Thanks to all the members who have stepped up to volunteer and help with making this the best St. Patrick's Day Party anywhere!


There is more info and details to come my Brothers and Sisters! As always, if you have any questions, comments, or concerns please do not hesitate to contact me.

All the Best to All of You!
Slainte,
Steve Saletros
President
Los Angeles Police Emerald Society