There was more than a "lilt" of Irish laughter last Friday as Branch 233 members and guests got into the spirit of St. Patrick's Day, in typical Irish fashion. We served 70 Beef Stew Dinners, clapped to the step-dancing of Melissa Mouck from the Ottawa Valley Step Dancers, and were kept smilin' with songs, games and Karaoke provided by Jill Phillips and Linda Luck.

On Sunday, over 140 breakfasts were sold at our 9 to Noon Monthly Breakfast. All in all, it was a very good weekend for Branch 233 and a great big thank you goes to our volunteers for their hard work to make it so successful.

Another big success last Saturday was the team of Lloyd Corbett/Alex Rose, Shirley Corbett/Paula Monaghan who came 2nd at the Huntsville District Euchre and will go on to compete in the Provincial Tournament in Essex on May 6th. Further on the Sports Scene is Branch 233's Dart League Playoffs scheduled for April 15th and 22nd, followed by a Pot Luck Banquet to end the season. On April 8th , Zone is holding a Dart Tournament in Alliston. Sign-up sheets are posted in the Sports Room.

Members and their guests are invited to come and enjoy boneless chicken parmesan with potatoes and vegetables prepared by our culinary geniuses for this Friday Members Night Dinner. Eat-in or take-out anytime between 5 p.m. and 7 p.m. for $4.00.

Coming up on Monday, March 27th is our General Dinner Meeting at which time nominations from the floor will be accepted for the positions of President, 1st, 2nd and 3rd Vice-President, Sgt-AtArms and Executive for the 2006-2007 term. Elections will be held at the General Meeting of April 24th.

Members will be asked to show their 2006 Membership Cards at the door.

My, how nice to be seeing more of the sun, although it is still very cold outside. Nice also to see so many familiar faces safely returning from their winter sunquests.

We've had lots of fun here at Branch 220 this past week. Monday Euchre is still popular; the Foot Kare Clinics well utilized; Thursday evening Bid-Euchre much enjoyed and we welcomed another new player; Fridays we kick off the weekends with our T.G.I.F. fun.

Friday night found a happy gang of would-be Irish enjoying the delightful music of the "Hi, Lo & Lower" band (Gary Heaslip, Larry Johnson and Danny Machen). The pretty St. Patrick's themed gift basket was won by yours truly and caused much glee and excitement when I took it to let my three wee grandsons help me open and discover all the goodies inside thanks everyone!

On Saturday, our euchre team (Mary Warman, Shannon Heathcote, Ross Warman, and Brian Pesheau) represented us at District level in Huntsville. They brought home a big, beautiful trophy! On May 6, they will travel to Branch 201 in Essex to represent us at the Provincial level. Congratulations team and good luck in May!

'Til next time yours in

comradeship.

Lest We Forget! BY MARIBEL TOWNSEND Branch 220, Shelburne