beoir for michael

Angels learning Gaelic now - Michael passed yesterday

2009-10-17T07:57:00.000-07:00

"The angels are all speaking Gaelic tonight."

The photo was taken by Lucy in September, during her last visit. Michael slept much of the time then.

Sad news: Michael passed away yesterday at 11 am.

He was much the same at the last - both Marian and Andrew spent time with him Thursday, just holding his hand and talking to him. Angela Hospice did a great job making him as comfortable as possible.

And, true to Michael, he managed to slip away just as Andrew was pulling into the parking lot yesterday. He always hated long good-byes.

The family will have some kind of a memorial service in the coming month, at Christ Church Cranbrook.

As friend WAPjohn wrote, "As I sat in his room last Tuesday, it struck me that with his beard and its spot of grey...Michael never looked more Irish...I was in the company of an elfin prince."

Thank you to everyone who cared, called and visited, shared, donated to hospice care, loved and supported Michael through his life and last days. We will post information about the memorial service.

september note

2009-09-17T16:48:00.000-07:00

When Andrew visited his brother today, Michael was awake. The room was darkened. Michael was pushing food around. He doesn't have much appetite and has not been successful keeping food down; this has been going on for about a week.

He did enjoy listening to a family story.

Michael is stoic and always tells the nurses only one thing "I'm fine." That's his way....

Michael is surrounded by caring people in a peaceful, soothing environment. He knows that he has many friends. All of you and all the rest, who've shown that he is important to them. Thank you and please keep Michael in your thoughts.

- from a note from Marian

a new place for Michael - Angela Hospice

2009-09-07T15:30:00.001-07:00

Today, Michael moved to a smaller hospice in Michigan, highly recommended by the Gratch family and friends in the area. The name is Angela Hospice Home Care, and the website is http://www.angelahospice.org/

Michael's new address is:
c/o
Angela Hospice Home Care
14100 Newburgh Road
Livonia, Michigan 48154-5010
TEL: 734.464.7810 | Toll Free: 866.464.7810
Fax: 734.464.6930

It will be much easier to reach Michael by phone, as he has a direct line. Please email Lucy if you'd like to have it - am not sure if he wants it posted on the blog....

It promises to be a more peaceful environment, and lots of supportive people. Shaunna was visiting this weekend and able to help. Andrew and Marian had put Michael's name on the hospice waiting list at the recommendation of his doctors, and so with assistance from family and friends, Michael is resting in his new bed. Cards and letters are welcome; you may phone the hospice for visiting hours.

michael's room decorating - update from marian

2009-09-06T07:42:00.000-07:00

Michael's room decorating - for more color and a view - WAP John put up the green rocky coast picture directly over Michael's head on the ceiling; now McM can go to sleep dreaming of Ireland...

He also hung the special quilt Michael's friends and fans from NaGaeil and IAHC created for him - due to wall space issues only half can be visible at any one time, so Andy and I will rotate regularly. We have also found Michael's iPod, which he had requested. So his environment is steadily becoming more comfortable for him. Andy visited today, and Michael's mood is good and he reports he is feeling "OK, considering."

Thank you for your donations, which make the hospice care possible and comfortable.

more art to give a quiet room a vista, a view

2009-09-01T19:52:00.000-07:00

dark and mystical clouds over green hills: a fresh visual for M

2009-08-24T20:40:00.001-07:00

WAP John visited McM yesterday and found some hi-res images to decorate the space - here's a JPG of mystical clouds that he chose

visiting hours for Michael

2009-08-23T11:48:00.000-07:00

Marian & Andrew visited Michael yesterday - as did high school friend WAP John - and pass along the news that he would like to have short visits with friends. Visiting hours are 8am-9pm, at the
West Bloomfield Care Center,
6445 West Maple
West Bloomfield, MI 78322

Michael enjoys going to the sitting room or would like walks around the campus using the wheelchair.

a traditional Gaelic blessing

2009-08-22T06:52:00.000-07:00

Deep Peace

Deep peace of the running wave to you
Deep peace of the flowing air to you
Deep peace of the quiet earth to you
Deep peace of the shining stars to you
Deep peace of the gentle night to you
Moon and stars pour their healing light on you

Deep peace deep peace
Deep peace of the sleeping stones to you
Deep peace of the wandering wind to you

Deep peace of the flock of stars to you

Deep peace deep peace
Deep peace of the eastern wind to you

Deep peace of the western wind to you

Deep peace of the northern wind to you
Blue wind of the south to you
Pure red of the whirling flame to you
Pure white of the silver moon to you
Pure green of the emerald grass to you
Deep peace deep peace

Deep Peace to you

With love to Michael, from Joseph Jacobs, a Buddhist counselor in San Francisco, and friends

a new address for Michael

2009-08-20T09:17:00.000-07:00

Shaunna sends the news that Michael is now stable enough to be moved to an extended care facility. As of this afternoon, he will be at West Bloomfield Care Center. He will be able to continue with Beaumont Hospice which is good also.
Address for cards and well-wishes:
c/oWest Bloomfield Care Center
6445 West Maple
West Bloomfield, MI 78322

Please keep Michael in your thoughts and prayers. He especially likes photos and cards. Thank you to Shaunna for all her care and continued communications.

saturday's update from shaunna

2009-08-15T11:11:00.000-07:00

Michael was able to get a full night's sleep. That, in addition to the unbelieveable beautiful quilt he received yesterday from the Na Gaeil folks, is some of the best medicine money can buy. While he is sleeping more (which is to be expected), when he is awake, his speech is clearer. I believe we have found the right combination of meds to control pain and such and still allow for some quality time. We will try to respond to emails and such as Michael is able.

Thanks again for everyone's support.

an update from shaunna - new hospice for michael

2009-08-14T08:43:00.000-07:00

Shaunna is caring for Michael in hospice, and send this update:

Thursday was a good day with Michael being able to spend some time with his family outside. The night was not as good as he had another small seizure.

Good news is that, as the symptoms appear to have stabilized, the plan will be for him to move to a hospice outside of the hospital. Yea!!!

So his family is to start looking for a suitable place and another BIG thank you for everyone's efforts, as this will allow him to continue to get the best care possible.

The big highlight of the day will be the arrival of the quilt from the Na Gail folks.
Go raibh maith agat.

prayers and peace - hospice care for McM

2009-08-11T14:23:00.000-07:00

Thank you to all for your help and donations on behalf of Michael - the funds from the trust are allowing Michael to receive the best care available.

Shaunna came to Michigan late Wednesday night to spend a few days with Michael to assist with care issues. On Thursday, August 6, he had a seizure after breakfast so instead of the scheduled chemotherapy, his doctor sent him to the emergency department for an MRI.

After a CT scan, MRI of the brain, MRI of his entire spine, and an EEG; the news is not good. The tumor is larger, and spreading into the spine with multiple metastases. In light of these developments and on the recommendation of his oncologist, Michael has stopped treatment and is now on inpatient hospice, and receiving pain medications.

Because of the donations, Michael is able to go to inpatient hospice and receive the best care available. Without this money, that would not have been possible as Medicaid pays for hospice care - but not a bed in the hospice unit. That is considered to be an 'out of pocket' expense. (Something is really wrong with a health care system that allows for hospice care, but not a hospice bed!)

Please keep Michael in your prayers and wish him peace. Please write a note to him at this email address: ceolformichael@gmail.com and Noah will forward. Thank you from all Michael's friends and family.

amazing results from June fundraiser and update

2009-07-28T17:30:00.000-07:00

Thanks to Noah, Kelly, and the rest of the Na Gaeil friends and supporters, the June fundraiser on behalf of Michael was the largest and most successful yet. Through the concerts, donations and silent auction, almost $10K was raised, truly wondrous. Each donation means so much to Michael and family/friends. Thank you from our hearts.

The update is less wondrous.

Rules being the rules, our current U.S. health care system mandates a specifically onerous level of poverty one must achieve (fall) before being able to qualify for Medicaid before the predetermined age of eligibility. Michael has to dispose of his savings and other assets now and so has moved into a small apartment near his family in Michigan. It is a private place - and at this time, no mailing address is available. However, well wishes and prayers are welcome....

find wonderful gifts at the silent auction and concert tomorrow!

2009-06-20T03:33:00.001-07:00

Thanks to Maureen Neylon and Kelly Doherty, who have worked hard alongside Noah Smulkis and the rest of the Na Gaeil group, to assemble a tremendous selection of gift items for tomorrow's silent auction. The auction is part of the benefit concert on June 21 at the Irish American Heritage Center. Here's a preview:

hand-painted 60-year old vase

hand-knit Aran sweater

hand-painted ogham wishes, framed

pair of Waterford flutes, Spirit of America pattern

4 tickets to IAHC Irish Fest in July 17-19 plus one-year family or individual membership

gift certificate for 1 term Gaelic classes, plus reference books

framed artistic photography

And many DVDs, CDs and books in Irish Gaelic!

preview for the benefit concert and email contact

2009-06-01T12:21:00.000-07:00

Noah Smulkis has created a special email address for Na Gaeil and the benefit concert on June 21 at the Irish American Heritage Center - to write for details or answers to any questions regarding the silent auction:
ceolformichael@gmail.com

New ads for performers also appear on Noah and Baal Tinne's myspace pages:
http://www.myspace.com/noahsmulkis
http://www.myspace.com/baaltinne

Be sure to tune in tonight, June 1st, to Irish FM radio in Chicago - "Feast of Irish Folk" starts off in the evening from 5-6:30 PM CST on WHPK, where they will cover the Benefit Concert as well as playing some Irish traditional music - streaming online at www.whpk.org.

Also, from 7-9 PM CST, tune into WDCB 90.9 FM for "Blarney on the Air" with our good friends Shay Clarke and Bill Margeson, streaming online at www.wdcb.org.

Benefit Concert on June 21 at the Irish American Heritage Center

2009-05-12T07:16:00.000-07:00

Michael McMechan, is a Gaelic scholar and a true inspiration to all who attend classes with the Na Gaeil Irish Language group at the Irish American Heritage Center in Chicago. He has volunteered his time to teach the ‘ard-rang’ (advanced class) for more than 20 years with Na Gaeil and he has also prepared and taught courses on Irish Mythology at the Newberry Library. He has such a tremendous passion and dedication for the Irish language (Gaeilge) that shines brightly through his classes and through the materials that he hand prepares twice a week, each week year-round for his devoted students.

Our group Na Gaeil has organized a Benefit concert at the Irish American Heritage Center in order to raise funds to assist Michael with his medical bills for both his debt and his ongoing care.

The date is Sunday, June 21^st from 4-8pm, held at the Irish American Heritage Center’s Fifth Province Pub and Lounge. There will be basket raffle prizes, a silent auction, and live Irish music entertainment from some of Chicago’s finest performers including: John Williams and Friends, Baal Tinne, Deorad, Academy of Irish Music, and Tantrum featuring Kathleen Keane.

Come on out and help us to raise funds in support of one of Chicago’s best Irish language teachers and academics, win some raffle prizes, and enjoy the fine music entertainment!

Admission for the event is only $10 at the door. Children 12 and under are free. Be sure to bring out the entire family!

The Fifth Province Pub will be open for business and the music starts promptly at 4pm. We hope to see you there.

Be sure to visit our Facebook page: http://www.facebook.com/pages/Benefit-Concert-for-Michael-McMechan/95199660989

Go mbeannaí Dia daoibh.

Noah Smulkis

new mail box address

2009-05-07T11:08:00.000-07:00

Thanks for the many contributions for Michael's care - as Lucy is embarking on a period of travel in the next few months, there is now a new mail box address in Michigan. Please note the new address!

The Discretionary Trust for Michael S. McMechan
c/o Andrew McMechan
P. O. Box 2317
Birmingham, MI 48012-9998

If you've already sent a donation c/o Lucy, it will be forwarded - in fact, hand delivery tomorrow in time for the tasting benefit in Beverly Hills! Many thanks, Lucy

Michael update + Friday is the Michigan Tasting!

2009-05-05T14:08:00.000-07:00

Hi all
Michael said goodbye to his home in Chicago on Sunday and is now sorting through boxes here.
Great friends including Shaunna, Kelly, and the extremely hard working Noah were there; I also heard Lisa mentioned and I know there were others....you guys made all the difference for Michael to get through a huge undertaking.
Thanks to everyone who has helped out with the tastings and of course the trust itself! It blows me away how many wonderful people there are who care about Michael.
He continues to be feeling very good and enjoyed a spring walk yesterday. We are so glad for him! He just finished another course of chemo and is now in the rest period before another.
Michael plans to visit this Friday's tasting with his brother Andrew; maybe he'll see you there?
Marian

Save the date: Na Gaeil’s fundraiser on June 21 at 4 p.m.

2009-04-27T09:48:00.000-07:00

Kelly Doherty announces the confirmation of the date, June 21, 2009, for the Na Gaeil's fundraiser on behalf of Michael McMechan. The sponsor of the Irish language classes is producing the event, including live music, and the venue is the Irish American Heritage Center on the north side, 4626 N Knox Ave Chicago, IL. Kelly promises more details to come.....and please save the date...June 21, 2009, from 4 PM on.

Latest news about Michael

2009-04-21T06:28:00.000-07:00

Hi everyone
Just a quick note: Michael is doing so well right now that he has gone to Chicago to work on shutting down his apartment. Shaunna is coming April 25 to help. Kelly and Jamie are also there for Michael. He insisted on doing this and we think it's wonderful that he can.
Lucy is hosting an event for Michael May 8 in Michigan. She is amazing!
Thanks to EVERYONE who is doing so much --in so many ways-- to help him!
Marian

Tasting + Benefit on May 8 in Michigan

2009-04-18T07:43:00.000-07:00

Join me at a benefit tasting of artisan cheeses and craft beers from Wisconsin - some one-of-a-kind seasonal releases including the New Glarus Brewing Co. Unplugged Apple Ale - with all proceeds to go to Michael's medical expenses.

The benefit tasting will be held at a private home in Beverly Hills, Michigan, near 14 mile and Evergreen, on Friday, May 8, 2009, from 4-7 PM. The menu will include many specialty foods and 7 fantastic samplings.

Donation is $50 per person, and RSVP with a check for the fundraiser is necessary to hold a seat. Space is limited to 30 people, so please send your check, payable to:

The Discretionary Trust for Michael S. McMechan
c/o L. Saunders
4230 N. Oakland Ave. #178
Shorewood, WI 53211

I'll send directions to the tasting with confirmation of your RSVP! Many thanks for all your support on behalf of Michael, and hope to see you there...

thank you to all at the Newberry Library benefit on April 14

2009-04-16T06:36:00.001-07:00

We had a fantastic time at the silent auction and benefit, which raised about $2.4K to help defray Michael's medical expenses. About 40 friends from Michael's classes both at the Newberry and the Irish American Heritage Center, came to enjoy chef Jamie Doherty's creative samplings of specialty foods and artisan cheeses, presented so beautifully on platters with dried fruits, Marcona almonds, lemon and tomato confitures. The cheeses, from the Wisconsin Milk Marketing Board, were paired with assorted Irish style ales, with special thanks to Great Lakes Brewing Co. and Josh Sazy, who donated to the silent auction.

Thanks for all the auction item donations, and for all the volunteer help needed to make this possible. Special thanks to our hosts, The Newberry Library, for donating the space, and to Michael's colleagues, Tom Popelka and Rachel Bohlmann, for making that possible and handling the logistics of the silent auction! Many thanks to Ellen Levy for underwriting the insurance.

Special thanks to Kelly and Jamie Doherty, for getting out the word to so many of Michael's students, and for all their care of Michael's cats and apartment over the past 5 months.

Musicians Noah Smulkis, Mike O'Regan and Karen Reshkin performed wonderfully. They are organizing a benefit concert in June, and details will appear soon.

Thank you to all!!

Chicago Event is almost here/amazing grace

2009-04-10T05:50:00.001-07:00

Good Friday morning, all.
We went for a family walk of a few blocks, Andrew, Marian, Fiona and the dogs yesterday evening. This may seem like a minor event, but consider the change in Michael's health that allowed him to participate! We attribute that to the chemo, steroids, and also an anti-siezure drug called dylantin. We suspect the dylantin controls his "episodes" of sudden inability to stand (perhaps small siezures?) Michael is able to communicate SO much better these past few days.
Truly a blessing.
THANKS SO MUCH to everyone helping with the Chicago event! It's truly amazing. There are so many wonderful people and good things going on. Well, gotta get cracking on house cleaning; Grandma and Grandpa Nagel are coming for breakfast on Easter morning, and also the easter bunny deserves a decent reception!
Marian

imerman angels + the Cranbrook connection

2009-04-09T11:17:00.000-07:00

Another resource for cancer survivors is the Imerman Angels network, founded by Jonny Imerman who, like Michael, is a graduate of Cranbrook Schools - the network matches survivors with cancer fighters, so people can get support from someone of the same gender who has experienced the same kind of cancer. Learn more about the national network at imermanangels.org. We are posting information about upcoming benefits for Michael on their website....and thanks to Margi Brown at Cranbrook for putting us in touch!

enjoy live music at the fundraiser on April 14!

2009-04-07T05:25:00.000-07:00

Thanks to McM's friends, Noah Smulkis, Michael O'Regan, and Karen Reshkin, we'll enjoy acoustic Irish music during the benefit on April 14.

Also, thanks to Erik Carlson and Mary Caraway, who work at U of C and who run a live Irish radio program there on Monday nights and on the air at http://www.whpk.org/stream/ for mention of the fundraiser. Much appreciated!

spring snow and getting ready for silent auction

2009-04-06T10:59:00.001-07:00

A spring snow (no surprise in Michigan) so we're at home staying warm. Going over the silent auction donations for April 14 - a wonderful Pewabic pottery tile from Karen G., a crystal vase from Sally, signed posters of Marcel Marceau from M's friend WAP John of Grafaktri and more.

Next, we're thinking of a tasting fundraiser in Michigan, for friends of M from Cranbrook and local families, on Friday, May 8, from 4-7 PM. Let us know if you're interested!

Michael is feeling better with every day of chemo, with more energy. Thank you all for your letters and cards - it means so much to have a written note to be read and enjoyed again,

best, Marian and Lucy

update from marian - mri results

2009-04-02T04:54:00.000-07:00

I will plan to post updates every few days so everyone will know what is going on. First of all, tell all your friends about the Newberry Library Event on April 14. People are donating some really nice things for the Silent Auction. Please do whatever you can to GET THE WORD OUT!

Anyone who cannot attend but wants to make a donation to help Michael should write a check to DISCRETIONARY TRUST FUND FOR MICHAEL S. MCMECHAN. Mailing address is: 4230 N Oakland Ave, #178, Shorewood, WI 53211. For Silent auction items, please contact Lucy Saunders, lucy@beercook.com. Blogger software is having trouble with comments so email is best.

We've had some good news lately. The MRI results show that since the surgery, the tumor has grown less than expected. Michael has been approved for Social Security (starting in June) and Medicaid. I found out he has NOT received Short term disability from Aetna--those darned insurance companies! We're not done with them yet! We will also work on Guardianship for Michael which he has agreed is a sensible course. Michael has made the decision to proceed with treatment. He started Chemo last night. There will be steroids to reduce swelling of the brain and stomache medication for expected side effects.

The lease on Michael's Chicago apartment will end this month. Kelly Doherty is rallying friends to help with that project; Michael's brother Andrew (my husband) plans to make the trip from Michigan to work with Kelly and make the tough decisions. Kelly was here yesterday; we got to meet her! She made the trek via Bloomington, Indiana to Michigan. Michael wanted to come along for a drive to show Kelly the house on Pilgrim where Michael grew up, Christ Church Cranbrook, where he was baptized and confirmed, and the Cranbrook Campus, where he studied as a boy. We were out for maybe 15 minutes when Michael became ill and we had to return. It was still good for him to get out, even for a bit, I think. His balance problems continue; he has agreed to use a nice cane more often (good decision!) I told him he's just like HOUSE with the cane so that's cool....He is very, very thin and needs some more clothes. We worry when he goes down the stairs to his nice room and bath that he will fall. We urge him to hold on and use the cane.

The benefit for him is to have some privacy and personal space so we want to continue the arrangement as long as possible.

Thank you to everyone who has sent him cards. Thank you to the people at Christ Church and to Lucy for referrals so we know who to go to when we need help with Michael's care. We've heard from Shaunna McIntosh, Michael's ex-wife, and she has provided some helpful information as well. It's amazing how many people come forth when stuff happens. I can tell you that there's a lot of good people in this world. They aren't as obvious as the rotten ones; God speaks in a whisper, you know.
LOVE AND THANKS TO ALL OF YOU CARING PEOPLE!
Marian

facebook page for the benefit on April 14

2009-03-29T07:26:00.000-07:00

Here's a link to a Facebook page about the tasting & silent auction to benefit Michael; please share with your friends. Our goal is to have 100 people there - and many wonderful gifts and services have already been donated, including 19th century china mini-teapot, Pewabic pottery tile, artwork, and more...

And in case the imbedded link isn't working:
http://www.facebook.com/reqs.php#/event.php?eid=73325119679

Information-Discretionary Trust for Michael S. McMechan

2009-03-28T02:52:00.000-07:00

Andrew set up a Trust for Michael.
Check should be made out to:
"Discretionary Trust for Michael S. McMechan"

Send to: Discretionary Trust for Michael S. McMechan
c/o L Saunders
4230 N. Oakland Ave #178
Shorewood, WI 53211
Questions? Andrew's cell phone is (949) 306-2858
Thank you!

volunteers needed for april 14 fundraiser at newberry library

2009-03-25T19:54:00.000-07:00

Marian wrote a wonderful comment so I moved it into full view as a blog post - thanks so much for the update. We are praying for good news...but want readers to know that Michael will need additional in-home nursing care soon.

And so we are working on the April 14 fundraiser at the Newberry Library. It will run from 5:30-7:30 including a silent auction. The $20 admission includes a tasting of farmstead cheeses and Irish-style ales from Wisconsin. But we hope that bidding on the auction items will generate more significant contributions.

If you have crafts, artwork, books or other items you'd like to donate for the silent auction, please post a comment or email me at grillingwithbeer@gmail.com.

If you can give your time in helping to boost awareness of the event (emailing friends, blog notes, facebook etc.) that would be great. Also, we need helpers on April 14 to assist with set up and running the silent auction.

Thanks! and check back for updates this weekend....Blogger is scheduled for maintenance tomorrow and possibly Friday.

A note from Marian about Michael's health

2009-03-25T19:36:00.000-07:00

Hello everyone:

Michael smiles so easily despite the situation. He is calm and patient.

We are waiting for the results of the MRI taken on Friday 3/20/09, Andrew and I keep calling. The surgeon ordered one at no charge (THANKS Dr. Michael of Beaumont!) since he owns a machine at his office. We have put in several calls, anxious to hear the news of how the tumor has changed since the surgery, radiation and chemo.

The surgeon was only able to remove 70% of the tumor because it's the really bad infiltrating kind, with tentacles. We don't know how long Michael has had it; surgeon thinks it's very aggressive. The first symptoms began after Thanksgiving. By early December, he was not functioning: not eating, not dressing, not communicating, not leaving the apartment. We thank God that we were able to learn that he was in trouble. We also thank the angel on the ground Kelly Doherty, who helped us figure out what was happening to him in Chicago...and has been helping with Michael's cats and apartment issues (along with husband Jamie) ever since!

Michael's brother Andrew drove to Chicago and brought Michael back here to Michigan since he was not able and cannot take care of himself. It is wonderful to hear from so many people who care about Michael. He's had some friends come to visit, people have sent cards and called.

The speech center of the brain is the where the tumor is located; Michael understands what is said to him but is very short on words, and tries to express a complex thought but cannot. He also has great difficulty trying to write anything. He has difficulty with balance and there are times when he must hold on to a wall and we put a chair behind him; he simply can't go on.

Unless he has a Doctor's appointment, his days are spent here at our home, where he reads the newspaper, walks around the house looking at things, watches TV or sleeps. We have a great room for him in our fully finished basement with a large full bathroom. He is able to get down the stairs while holding on to the railing. One interesting thing: before the tumor was partially removed, he was more likely to speak Irish rather than English, and not even realize he was doing it! That is better now. He is eating every bite of his meals.

Michael currently has about $100,000.00 in medical bills and no health insurance. It looks like he will receive some social security, and he also applied for medicaid but we haven't heard anything about that yet.

Michael has built his life around his ideals. He has lived simply and healthily, he walked everywhere. He is a vegetarian and practiced yoga. With all that healthy living, it seems so unfair that he should have this horrible cancer. He indulged only one thing: his desire for knowledge. He has this tremendous love for the Irish language and lore, and has been generous about spreading the knowledge for many, many years. Well folks, I could go on and on and on...this is the first time I have blogged in my life! Thank you for your interest and caring about Michael. Anything you can do to help is greatly appreciated!
Marian McM (Michael's sister in law, Andrew's wife.)

April 14th at the Newberry Library - the first tasting fundraiser

2009-03-15T08:29:00.000-07:00

Thanks to the Newberry Library, where Michael taught Gaelic language classes for many years, the first fundraiser will be held on April 14th. We'll add more details as they are confirmed....

There will be a suggested donation asked of all attendees, between $20 and $45, according to ability to pay.

Do you know any volunteers who could help organize a silent auction? It would be great to have some books and arts and crafts available to bid on to raise more money for Michael.

I'll be bringing artisan cheeses to taste, as well as a selection of tasty beverages, but will need help with volunteer bartenders to pour. Let me know if there are any other foodstuffs you could donate!

cheers, Lucy