H A P P Y S A I N T P A T R I C K' S D A Y

PERSONAL:

I am still putting the “DO NOT PATRONIZE THE VANCOUVER COLUMBIAN NEWSPAPER” information (phone numbers and email addresses) on the front page.

They need to hear our voices: Scott Campbell, Publisher
360-735-4500
scott.campbell@columbian.com
Lou Brancaccio, Editor
360-735-4505
lou.brancaccio@columbian.com
Circulation
360-694-2312
circulation@columbian.com

Be respectful, but tell them why you are contacting them.

Now back to my regular blog:

I awoke this morning at 6:30am after 9+ hours of sleep to a 3- with a little lower back pain and because of my very busy day yesterday. I will say again THANK YOU right now to my 290 sisters and brothers for keeping my record of attendance to every U.A. Convention I have been eligible for intact ! I checked the birdseed on the west deck but there seemed to be enough. Put out my Flag, after all it IS a holiday. I did have a long day again today, and I am posting late and the rest of the blog past my first loooong paragraph will be all repeats from yesterday; because A) I went to the Retiree Meeting at 10am and met and spoke with two old friends I had not seen in quite a while, Brother Jerry Cox and Brother Steve Aronson, B) get to Portland City Hall for the reading of the Unite Ireland Resolution by Commisioner Randy Leonard, and Mayor Sam Adams and many AOH brothers including Brother Finn and the kick off the Portland Irish Festival along with a wonderful performance from the Molly Malone Irish Dancers, I did get a few phone pictures and believe it or not, there was a young lady dancing that could have been mistaken for Maurge Delaney. Brother David O's two sons were in the performance and were also wonderful. C) it being Saint Patrick's Day I had to head over to “The Dubliner West” for my annual trek. I found great parking spots both a block away from City Hall and Kell's, and because I have the luck of the Irish the rain actually let up both places while I built my scooter. Kell's was packed, per usual and Judi was fixing me Corned Beef and Cabbage for dinner and by then it was after 2 so I headed out to beat the traffic and figured I would head home with a short stop at my neighborhood watering hole on Sunnyside (Gloriaz), as it was Saint Patrick's day last year that I hit my 2 7spots that is driving my Tax man crazy. I am safely at home right now, full from the absolutely BEST corned beef and cabbage and the repeats start now because I do want to watch that Blazer Game. REPEAT STARTS HERE – HAPPY SAINT PATRICK'S DAY I did get a text from Mike with the good news on the Convention and I will give him a call to see if there will be an Executive Board tonight as I think most, if not all, Board Members are on the Negotiating Committee which has a meeting today at 1pm. I know that the request for “Wally's Walkers” has been sent over already but I did have Judi put together another one for me to take tonight if there is an e-board meeting? I did email cousin-in-law Tim Flynn to see if he is interested in Joining Our Chapter of the AOH. I still have not received an official denial in the mail from Kaiser yet.
Again I will remind all; Good friend Kenny G. passed away and I still have a few people to try to contact, and brother Bob Mader but please add them to your prayers also. I still haven't received a response from from the Governor yet but I did get an email from one of his new hires, one that I consider a good friend, former Clackamas County Chair, Lynn Peterson, I do remember her as a good JOBS person at least at the county. And when I spoke to brother Paul Riggs yesterday he told me, it appeared the efforts of Jim Francesconi and the Building Trades for that PPS and PCC have come to a screeching halt.
And I will remind everyone again that good friend Yusef Word is leaving for Guatemala City in a few days now with Americorps and could still use some assistance. Yusuf Word is in Americorps, and trying to get to Guatemala in Central America and spread the GOOD WORD about the U.S.A. (You can help by donating to him at 1825 S. Stevens St. Apt. 13 – Tacoma, Washington 98405. Another program on the republican chopping block.

I did get an email from uncle Hank so I'm thinking he is doing better; but I would still ask all to include him in your prayers. I did add that new section; “AOH” to combine the various Irish statements and thoughts in a single section. One of our most important holidays is Tomorrow, and while I will not be able to make Mass and the visit to the Cemetery, I do hope to make the City Hall proclamation reading tomorrow, and while Judith is fixing Corned Beef and Cabbage I still feel it is almost my DUTY to stop over at Kell's for the official tradition. I just hope it is dry and I don't have to scoot too far.

And please don't forget to register at the M.S. Walk Oregon for “WALLY'S WALKERS”, now just 24 days away. THANK YOU NORTHWEST OREGON LABOR COUNCIL AND THANK YOU PAUL RIGGS and THE CPBT for YOUR VERY GENEROUS DONATION'S.

I will put the prayer to St. Jude in here again for 290 brothers Bob Barnett and Bob Mader, and those suffering from the Earthquake and Sunami's in Japan, so please add them to your prayers also.

** For Brother Barnett, Brother Mader, and those suffering in Japan **

Prayer to St. Jude for Eternal Life
You are my solace, St. Jude, in the face of loss and sorrow. I pray that you will guide my heart away from the darkness of fear and into the light of Christ. May the hope that St. Jude keeps alive in my heart be a source of comfort to all those who grieve. For in that hope, we know God's mercy, and we trust God's promise of eternal life. My soul longs for the fullness of life, which is only to be revealed when I meet my Maker in heaven. Stay by my side, St. Jude, so that my soul will always know the power of your healing love. Amen.

God grant that I may live to fish until my dying day, And when it comes to my last cast, I then must humbly pray. When in the Lord's safe landing net I'm peacefully asleep, that in His mercy, I be judged............Good enough to keep.

**** My daily prayer, is to Mary Mother of God…..”O Most Blessed Mother, heart of love, heart of mercy, ever listening, caring, consoling, hear our prayer. As your children we implore your intercession with Jesus your Son. Receive with understanding and compassion the petitions we place before you today. For cousin Mick, uncle Hank, nephew Arron, Kelli's Mom, good friend Ron Wyden, good family friend Pat Percin, brothers Jimmy Judge, and Gerry Bruce, sister Donna and those who are having health issues; protecting Christopher and Rhyon and all in need. We are comforted in knowing your heart is ever open to those who ask for your prayer. We trust to your care and intercession, those whom we love and who are sick or lonely or hurting. Help ALL of us, to bear our burdens in this life until we may share eternal life and peace with God forever, Amen.”

I know I have been repeating things, apparently too much, on my blog; but some of this stuff I need to be reminded of and some of this stuff others need to be reminded of.

KAISER AND M.S. REPORT:

I did get our request off to the 290 E-board for the M.S. Walk and will try to make the e-board Tonight night. To register and get started with fund raising, donate to a walker (WALLY'S WALKERS), or find out about volunteer opportunities, visit www.walkmsoregon.com.

This is also my attempt to keep track of my experiences with Kaiser Permanente and my Neurologist and his RN. So far with the Ampyra and the 4.5mg LDN, I think I'm noticeably better. I do have to say though, and I even asked my friend Mary about this; How long do you have to wait before people that know you have M.S. quit thinking that all of a sudden you are stupid and you have no memories? My BP is 136/73/65 at 11:30am today. After I got my last “explanation of benefits” this is not a bill but in the billed amount was $84.10 ( exactly the LDN amount) in the next column was the allowed amount of $84.10, the member responsibility was 0.00, Kaiser paid 0.00; if the member responsibility was 0.00 WHY DID IT COST ME $84.10?? When I turned in my latest Lloyd Center Pharmacy receipt it was for my LDN, so I figure I will probably get my “denial”soon. It sounds like the trust attorney is trying to get to the bottom of it and I did get an email from him following the trust meeting and apparently the Kaiser representative said I need to file an appeal of the denial; I think that means I have my denial in the mail, I did get an email from Lou and he was going to give someone at Kaiser a call (a name I hadn't heard YET), I did tell Lou not to hold his breath ! I haven't seen the denial yet but, do I wait for them to kill a few more tree's or act before I get the official “DENIAL”. I have a full briefcase just of my Kaiser stuff and that dosen't include the dozens of email's between Kaiser, my Doctor's and the attorney. I will remind everyone that I WILL be taking action with Kaiser Member services, if and when I need to.

POLITICAL:

Senator Wyden will be spending the March recess at town hall meetings across the state – please spread the word and encourage folks to attend.

Saturday, March 19: Tillamook County Noon, OR Dept. of Forestry (5005 3rd St., Tillamook)

Lincoln County: 4pm, Lincoln City Cultural Center (540 NE Hwy. 101, Lincoln City)

Sunday, March 20: Linn County: 2pm, Albany Main Library (2450 14th Ave. NE, Albany)

Monday, March 21: Jefferson Count 4:30pm, Jefferson County Senior Center (860 SW Madison St., Madras)

Tuesday, March 22: Deschutes County: 9:30am, Bend Senior Center (1600 SE Reed Market Rd., Bend)

Crook County: 3pm, Soroptomist Senior Center (180 NE Belknap St., Prineville

Wednesday, March 23: Lake County: 2pm, Lake County Senior Center (11 North G St., Lakeview)

Thursday, March 24: Josephine County: 2:30pm, Rogue Community College, Rogue Auditorium (3345 Redwood Hwy., Grants Pass)

Another issue that concerns me with this NEW congress is the “SPENDING CUTS” they are considering, and it seems at the TOP of the list is “entitlement” spending. One of the talking heads shows said entitlement spending (social security, Medicare?) makes up for 84% of federal spending, does that mean that the D.O.D. Budget with 2+ wars, and interest on the current National Debt only accounts for 16%. I do think they may have it backwards. I have a question for my republican friends; When I put my money in the bank and then draw it out, do YOU consider that an entitlement? HMMMN?? I also received an email to sign on a petition for a new Constitutional Amendment that would require Congress to live under the same laws they pass for the rest of us; I signed on to the petition immediately.
MY MOST IMPORTANT SECTION!!

YELLOW RIBBON SECTION:

A PROGRAM THAT IS ALSO LOOKING FOR HELP: LETS BRING EM HOME !!

http://www.lbeh.org/

First Lady Michelle Obama and Dr. Jill Biden addressed the National Governors' Association and talked about their initiative to support America's military families, and believe me; they need it.

Don't forget to say THANK YOU, to all those servicemen and women who have served or are serving.

NEPHEW CHRISTOPHER IS STILL IN AFGHANISTAN, Due back stateside next month but; IT APPEARS THAT NEPHEW RHYON WILL BE HEADED BACKIN MAY, but Stephanie heard from him and he is in Southern California training now, so a prayer a day for both, from all my readers would sure make me feel better.

ONE RIBBON STILL UP, FOR CHRISTOPHER, AND WHEN RHYON GETS REDEPLOYED, HIS RIBBON WILL GO BACK UP.

DON'T FORGET, THE SOFT LANDING BILL, and thank you SENATOR PATTY MURRAY and CONGRESSMAN KURT SCHRADER for helping with it.

PLEASE SUPPORT THE OREGON MILITARY SUPPORT NETWORK.
If you are flying the American Flag, please keep flying it until ALL our Troops return home.

At the 11th Hour, on the 11th Day, of the 11th Month a cease fire was signed to end the war to end all wars in 1918. How's that worked out so far?

AOH REPORT:

I received my latest AOH NEWSPAPER and I want to congratulate the Anaconda, Montana AOH Division 1 on their 125th anniversary and point out that the Montana State President, Tom Pahut, is my cousin and the Division 1 brothers carrying the AOH banner on the first page of my blog are direct decedents of my Grandfather, also pictured on the first page “John L. Monahan”. And I did tell cousin Jim he should have been there and that it was the AOH that Built St. Francis Church in SE Portland. (interesting factoid; That was the church that my #2 W.O.W. Woman, who accompanied Judi and I on our trip to Ireland; attended and was married in; Dianna PAULEY McCoy.) I have found out that the first Monahan that showed up on any U. S. past history was an Ann Monahan who arrived in New York on April 5, 1848 aboard the ship “Waterloo,” at the time of the famine.

I also want to report that Uncle Hank has returned from the hospital and emailed me and I understand he is doing better, all prayers are still appreciated.

While the Montana AOH received a Governors Proclamation with a 3 day celebration on their 125th anniversary; It appears our Mayor will be doing a very good proclamation and I do plan to make that Council meeting tomorrow. I also received the Photo from the February meeting and Brother in Law Eric did a fine job printing it, thank you Eric, and congratulations, soon to be; Grandpa. Now I still have to find an appropriate frame. I also checked the Monahan Family name History I got while I was in D.C. a few years ago and I don't know how I missed it but I did see where, when the name ( O Manachain) whose descendants name came from the Gaelic manach; meaning Monk, and also included the famous Warrior of Connacht from the 9th century. Thank You Ann Monahan for you bravery. (I have found out there are many other Ann's in the family?) I did talk to Uncle Larry Monahan and he did send me a wonderfull Saint Patrick's Day card.

I also received some information from the National AOH regarding a “Hugely Important” Book written by father Sean McManus regarding his 30+ years fighting for justice in Northern Ireland from his Washington D.C. office (we hope to put together a direct link for all interested) and it also lists his congressional friends in this 112th Congress; an impressive list indeed. Ranging from conservative republicans like Peter King of R-N.Y (which makes me wonder what he possible could be thinking right now with his Committee hearings on un-american Muslims?) to Barney Frank D-MA, I still think we need a few OREGONIANS on Father McManus's “Congressional Friends” list. We must never forget the Ballymurphy Massacre of 1971, (40 years searching for justice) and we need to realize along with a number of Irish Catholic's, including a priest, that were assassinated that day there were also a number of Northern Irish Protestants. This battle for justice that is being waged here in the U.S.A. by father McManus is also being waged in Belfast Northern Ireland by a heroic Belfast protestant named Raymond McCord Sr., whose son was also assassinated. His Book will soon be available on Amazon and I am going to try to get a direct link with the help of wife Judith; our own personal Amazon book distributor. You also might be interested to know that the book launch and a book signing will be held at the Phoenix Park Hotel on May Day in Washington D.C.; a hotel I have been to many times as it is above one of my favorite D.C. Drinking establishments in Washington; THE DUBLINER !! (which I have always considered KELL'S EAST.) ONLY 1 DAY UNTIL ST. PATRICKS DAY; ARE YOU READY?

SPORTS:

The DUCKS, who sure looked good enough in the PAC 10 Tourney to get a birth in the NCAA tourney and surprised many appear to have been snubbed. I still haen't checked the NIT yet.

The Blazers hot streak was stopped, in of all places Charlotte even though they have most everyone back at close to 100%, but it IS time to start a new run, and a new one begins!

I did see where the Oregon M.S. Chapter is putting together a fund raiser game with the Blazers.

I also received an offer from the Portland Timbers and they are offering partial season tickets at a very reasonable price and I am considering it, but looking for someone that might want to share.

Lets get some nice golf weather so I can get out and practice. PLEEEASE !!

I am sure glad the baseball pre-season is here. Go Cubs Gooo; hey Chicago, what da ya say, Cubs gonna win today? Mariners appear to be improved also.

COMMUNITY ORGANIZERS & CHARITIES:

Lets get started with fundraising, donate to a walker, “WALLY'S WALKERS”, or find out about volunteer opportunities, visit www.walkmsoregon.com. Thank You, Ed and Luanne Barnes, Lynn Lehrbach and Lori Vaughn for getting me started. AND ALSO THE MEMBERS AND ORGANIZATIONS OF THE NORTHWEST OREGON LABOR COUNCIL, AND BROTHER PAUL RIGGS AND THE CPBT FOR THAT VERY GENEROUS DONATION, and I do hope U.A. 290 acts favorably again this year.

I found the updated 2011 BULL SESSION website. ( http://www.bullsessioncharity.com ) I haven't gone there yet myself, but I did get their 2011 letter and booklet. REMEMBER – IT'S FOR THE KIDS ! THANK YOU JIM ! AND THANK YOU ALSO TO THE MEMBERS OF LOCAL 290 FOR YOUR VERY GENEROUS DONATION. ALL HELP APPRECIATED.

The American Rights at Work still needs help. We must not take our eye off that MAIN issue, our two Senators haven't; E.F.C.A. It is very disappointing that it was not lame duck accomplishment, especially in light of the ongoing protests in Wisconsin, and the mine disaster in West Virginia and those Rig explosions in the Gulf. I do think that both Senator Robert Byrd and Paul Wellstone are rolling over in their graves. And based on what I have been hearing the Republican's have Organized Labor directly in their cross hairs at least for the next 2 years.

The U.A. Local 290 “Don Salee” Member Assistance Program.

OTHER STUFF AND COMMUNICATIONS:

I did get my new supply of “Business Cards” from Hollywood Impress and here is the link for all you Politico's that need a “BUG” on your STUFF. www.himpress.com I have used them for decades and they have ALWAYS met my needs. I am promoting them; not selling for them.

Women Building California & the Nation
A Conference Welcoming All Women in the Trades
and Women in the Industry from
Everywhere

April 29th-May 1st
Marriott Oakland City Center, 1001 Broadway, California

MICK, BOB, RON, JIM and CHRISTOPHER, stay positive and we will meet on the golf course (but I'm not sure if Ron even Plays) but I will take it easy on all of you. I also talked to good friend Scott Gardner and he wants to get together for some golf. I also heard from good friend and brother Joe McCarthy and he is going in for surgery on his rotator cuff, but as soon as he is well we will get out also.

May love and laughter light your days
And warm your heart and homes
May good and faithful friends be yours wherever you may roam
May peace and plenty bless your world with joy that long endures
May all life's passing seasons bring the best to you and yours

Whether you attend a church service, a Mosque, GLBT gathering, or Synagogue service, please say a prayer that God; yours, mine or ours; keeps our service men and women in the Palm of their hand.

Mike; My blog, is 7 pages, and over 3,400 words today, I think