"T"he night we met was ever so strange

We had both given up hope of being happy again

As we became closer each week at the range

Neither of us knew what was about to begin

Until you looked into my eyes and seen the sadness within

From that day on we were much more than friends

Anxiously waiting to see each other again

Our friendship turned into love that we knew would ever last

Friends and family said this may not be best and we're moving too fast,

But when they seen our eyes meet all their fears were at rest

Our caring family and friends needn't worry now that we each have the best

Now that we're married and have become as one

We'll live for each other and live our lives having fun."

Congratulations to Elaine and Michael O'Hare on the arrival of Daniel Patrick O'Hare on December 11th 2007, weighing 7 pounds, 6 ounces.

FRIENDLY SONS MEMBER TO HIT THE BIG SCREEN

Friendly Sons member and accordionist of The Diggers, Len Wallace is going to the movies (not to see one, but to be in one). He was recently cast in “BONNY BOYS”, a film by Jonathan Lynn. Len received a phone call at the end of October from a film producer in St. John, New Brunswick sounding him out on the possibilities of being one of the musicians cast in a film. The initial call came out of the blue. Two days later Len was informed that the film was indeed a major motion picture by noted direcor, producer and writer Jonathan Lynn (known for such films as "My Cousin Vinnie", "Ten Final Yards", "Vanity Fair" and acclaimed BBC series "Yes, Mr. Minister" and "Yes, Mr, Prime Minister"). The lead cast of the movie would include award winning actor Peter Postlethwaite, Brian Cox, Rachel Blanchard, Jamie Sives and Jonathan Lynn himself. The film is a comedy/drama about two aging but well known Scottish performers (a singer and comedian) who left Scotland to "make it big" in North America with their genre of Scottish ceilidh showband musical extravaganzas. Thirty years later they are still stuck in Canada, their style of music no longer appreciated, their audiences aging and dwindling. The two "Bonny Boys" meet together for one last attempt to tour in the hope of returning to Edinburgh in a blaze of triumphant glory. Of course, everything in the tour goes wrong. Meanwhile, a photographer/journalist has been sent over from Scotland to deliberately do them in. His magazine regards them as the old Scottish Harry Lauder/ Andy Stewart stereotype with a music and culture that is no longer in fashion. Len Wallace was asked to travel to Toronto for an audition in front of Jonahan Lynn. At the end of that audition Jonathan Lynn immediately offered Len the role of "Kirk“, the accordionist in the band and a character who appears throughout the film. Len would also play a major part in laying down the movie’s musical score. Len has already flown out to St. John, New Brunswick and work began immediately with Jonathan Lynn, two other musicians and Austn Inge the musical director/arranger and consultant from Glasgow. Filming of the movie will begin in the spring of 2008.

The 16th annual Souper Bowl to benefit the Capuchin Soup Kitchen was held Sunday, October 14th, 2007, and appeared to be a huge success. There were several varieties of soup, bread and pastries that were absolutely delicious and hit the spot on a cool autumn day.  Many Friendly Sons members donated their time and efforts as organizers, workers and entertainers. A big thank you to all who participated in this very worthy cause.

Friends of the Daniel P. O'Kennedy AOH, thank you for your support with the latest fundraiser, the lottery drawing raffle was held on Thursday, September 13th, 2007, the night of the September monthly meeting.  Congratulations to the $1000 winner, Dennis Hayes, President of the United Irish Societies. Five division members presented a check to Dennis on Saturday, September 15th, at the Friendly Sons 1/2 Way to St. Patrick's Day Celebration. Along with stellar work and support from our division members, our other supporters came from friends in New York City, members of the many organizations within the Detroit United Irish Societies (Friendly Sons of St. Patrick, Irish Noraid, the Fraternal Order of United Irishmen, the Gaelic League) and especially AOH and LAOH borthers and sisters around Michigan.  We look forward to your assistance in our future endeavors.  Paul Gowdy - Finanacial Secretary - Daniel P. O'Kennedy AOH

Michael O'Hare - Paul Gowdy - Dennis Hayes - Jerry Stewart - Kevin Killeen - Dan Mack 

Friendly Sons President Jack Tierney retired from Masco Corporation after 42 years of service on Friday, August 31, 2007.  The Friendly Sons  Club sends congratulations to Jack and best wishes for a long and enjoyable retirement. Just think of all the extra time you'll now have to pursue your duties as president!