More than 200 Sign-Up During Irish Social Club of Boston Membership Drive
A very long line did not stop residents from all around the area from becoming members.
Photos
The Irish Social Club of Boston held a successful membership drive on Sunday night that saw at least 200 new members sign up. But that won't be the last membership drive.
The Club's Board of Directors agreed to allow at least two membership drives, with one last night, and a second one on July 17 from 6-8 p.m. And if last night's long line was any indication, the July 17th drive will also net quite a bit of new members.
The Board of Directors previously voted to sell the Park Street building, but several politicians and residents jumped in to save the club and keep it going.
Last night while waiting inline, Brian McDermott, tweeted, "... drive started at 6:00pm. Line has never stopped growing? Does this look like a club that should fail?" (See attached photo from inside the club.)
Some time later, McDermott tweeted that hundreds were still in line and it was after 8 p.m., because the membership drive was scheduled for 6-8 p.m.
Several people complained about a long line that was not well organized. Some residents were also annoyed that you could not pay by personal check, only cash, and that you couldn't sign up family members or friends who were not present.
But that didn't stop local politicians from signing themselves up. West Roxbury District Councilor Matt O'Malley tweeted a photo of himself with some new members including State Rep. Ed Coppinger, D-West Roxbury, and Boston At-Large City Councilor John Connolly, both West Roxbury residents.
Current club leaders have estimated the Park Street building needs about $100,000 in renovations to the roof and to install a fire alarm system.
A general meeting for all interested individuals will be held on July 7 at the Irish Social Club at 7 p.m. to make plans for a fundraiser tentatively scheduled for September 24.
Richard Archer, currently President of the Knights and Ladies of St. Finbarr - Cork club, was very excited about the club's progress, "The (Irish) Social Club has always been the premier club in the Boston area and even though there are other smaller Irish clubs, it is important that the Social Club continue to operate and perhaps with a change to the bylaws, the other Irish clubs may be in a position to hold their functions and dances there. This will help both the Social Club with needed funds and also the club that is holding the function. The Social Club is part of our Irish heritage and is needed."
Joe Donnelly
11:16 am on Monday, June 27, 2011
I joined last night. I can see new blood is needed, hopefully some of the new members who signed up are willing to roll up their sleeves and help out.
IresD
11:55 am on Monday, June 27, 2011
I was already a member, but my husband enrolled! It was truly ridiculous how long the acting president made people wait - but bless the new and long-time members for sticking it out! I was so heartened to see how a local business (Wicked Sharp the snowboarding store on Centre Street) brought in bottles of water and gave them to the people in line. Then members went and bought pizza and juice for the kids and everyone waiting. All wonderful efforts to keep spirits up!!
Mike Clifford
2:05 pm on Monday, June 27, 2011
I'm planning to join on 7/7. We need a club like this in our neighborhood.
Richard Archer
3:33 pm on Monday, June 27, 2011
The turn out for enrollment was beyond expectations. This morning (Monday) Jim Calvey was at the Social club bright and early to inspect the roof and air conditioning unity. Jim is Secretary of the Knights and Ladies of St. Finbarr (Cork Club) and is volunteering his time. Others that came to the building this morning included John Davenport, Gary Pyne to check the Air conditioners, representatives of Shamrock roofing , George Roper and Richard Archer, President of the Knights and Ladies of St. Finbarr (Cork Club).
With so many people willing to help and a substantial increase in the membership, the Social Club will no doubt succeed and once again be the center where all the Irish can go.