Election of executive at Star of the Sea AGM

The Star of the Sea Association held its annual general meeting on Jan. 10 and a new slate of executive members were elected for 2010 including Gerard McGrath as president for the second time. He was president four years ago for a one-year term.

Mr. McGrath was pleased to return to the position of president, he said, and looked forward to the coming year.

"It's business as usual. We are trying to keep everything going now," said Mr. McGrath. "We are in tough times in this area and we are just trying to keep it going and continue being involved in the community events we are usually involved in. We are the main source in the area for entertainment. We have a lot of bands every week, 51 weeks out of the year. We have a lot of benefit concerts, fundraisers, and our association with the parish gives us lots of events like receptions and things like that."

The new executive for 2010 includes Jim Roache as vice president, George Hatfield as secretary, Alf Cahill as Grand Marshall, Frank Maher as treasurer and Bruce Power as a director. Two positions, PR and a second director were left vacant.

Mr. McGrath said those positions would likely be filled at the next meeting in February but added it is difficult to find members who can take on the responsibility.

"A lot of people have job commitments outside the area at the present time and that makes it a little bit harder to fill our board but we are hoping that at a meeting in February we will fill those two positions in a byelection," he stated.

Following the election of officers, a meal was served in the Star of the Sea Memorial Hall, prepared by the Star of the Sea Ladies Auxiliary.

Members also attended Mass by Father Romalito, who also attended the dinner with the members. Member Larry Foley acted as Master of Ceremonies for the AGM.

Honourary Membership status was bestowed on three members, including Gerry Griffiths, Alf Hatfield and Mike Kerrivan.

The entertainment for the AGM included stand-up comedian John Sheehan, who worked the crowd for a good 30 minutes.

Placentia-St. Mary's MHA and Justice Minister Felix Collins was on hand to address the group, and Tom O'Keefe thanked the Star of the Sea for its support of the Festival of the Sea in the fall of 2009.

Two students, Brittany Greene and Alex Hann were presented scholarships from the Star of the Sea Association. Special guest 88-year old Andrew Lannon, a native of Placentia, but now living in Meadowcreek Retirement Centre in Paradise, was in attendance. Mr. Lannon joined the association in 1942 and with 68 years of membership, is the longest serving member of the association.

The executive wanted to acknowledge the hard work and tireless efforts of the Ladies Auxiliary under the leadership of Carmelita Traverse. They noted that 2009 was quite busy and the 2010 calendar is almost filled up as well.

It was also noted the association lost 10 members in 2009 and condolences were expressed to all family members. The noted the passing of Leo Bruce, a past executive director who had over 45 years as a member of the Star and was involved as an executive member at various times. They welcomes Leo's wife Annie Bruce and their son John, as well as John's wife, Michelle and their son, Shaun at the event.

They also wished to thank the Jerseyside-Ferndale Come Home Year Committee who hosted a number of events at the Star Hall during Come Home Year this past summer. The financial infusion from those events helped the association replace outdated bar equipment. They also wished to thank the Festival of Flags and workers with the Jerseyside-Ferndale Come Home Year Committee who helped with various projects throughout the year.

All in all, it was a successful year for the association and new president Mr. McGrath hoped for the same again in 2010.

"I'd just like to thank the public for their support over the years and we look forward to serving them in 2010," said the Star of the Sea Association's new president.

editor@thecharter.ca