Schenectady AOH plans changes

On a countdown toward their 125th anniversary in 2005, the Ancient Order of Hibernians in Schenectady is embarking on a capital campaign to spruce up a building that has long been the seat of the group's Irish heritage.

At the Hibernian Hall recently, the campaign was kicked off to the accompaniment of the Schenectady Pipe Band playing lilting Irish tunes and members of the Farrell School of Irish Dance step-dancing.

The campaign's goal is $1,250,000.

Planning ahead

Robert Harrison, a member of the campaign committee, told The Evangelist that the 500 members of the AOH realized that they needed a strategic plan for the future in order to continue serving the needs of the Schenectady community.

"We need this amount of money so we can repair, develop and expand our facility, and make some additional improvements to meet those future needs," he said.

Ever since the group was chartered in 1880, the AOH in Schenectady has supported many charities and community organizations.

"In the past 50 years alone," Mr. Harrison noted, "we have contributed more than a million dollars to numerous causes, including St. Clare's Hospital, Notre Dame/Bishop Gibbons High School, and other cultural and educational organizations in the area. Now, we are at a time when improvements are needed. We also want to expand the facility so we can continue to meet the growing needs of the community."

Much to do

The money will be used for such things as repairing the building's roof, replacing furnishings, paying off a significant amount on the mortgage, and adding another meeting room and an administration office.

In the past, funds from Bingo have provided enough income to meet the operating expenses of the hall, but attendance has significantly dropped off in recent months, due to the state ban on smoking in public facilities.

As a result, the group is looking for new ways to provide income, such as expanded entertainment programs, and cultural and historical exhibits that support Irish heritage.

Expansion

Mr. Harrison said that the AOH hopes that with the expansion and update of the building, it will be able to provide additional entertainment programs for the community.

"We've been limited to small attendance in the past," he said, citing as an example a recent musical performance by an Irish singer. "The building now holds only about 200 people. We had to turn 300 people away because there was no room for them.

"This expansion will enable us to continue to meet the needs of the community. In the past, our group has been very active in helping the poor, the youth and elderly of this community. Our commitment to our neighbors is a reflection of what we, as a group, believe in."

(For information on how to make a donation, contact Robert Harrison at 399-8890 or the AOH hall at 374-9003. The AOH website is www.aohjfk.org.)

(11/13/03) [[In-content Ad]]