Category: Uncategorized

Fathers O’Donnell and OLMC

Hi,

Just happened on  this article (in response to the article concerning Our Lady of Mount Carmel in a previous post).   Rev  John O’Donnell (died 1946) was my grand uncle. He was ordained in Thurles seminary (Ireland) in 1898 for what was known as the “American Mission.” This meant that, as a poor kid, his fees were paid by an American bishop. He had a younger brother, Rev Edmund O’Donnell (died 1953), who also ministered in Iowa. Two of his three sisters became nuns. The third, my late grand mother, also wanted to join an order but was persuaded not too. A narrow escape for me!! I have photo of him taken in front of his Church and also post card pictures of what I presume is Mount Carmel Church which are dated 1929 (if interested)

Regards,
Tom Power
23 Shorewood
Ballinakill Downs
Waterford Ireland

Irish Fest Press Release, May 30

May 30, 2013

PRESS RELEASE:

Lawler Irish Fest is pleased to introduce “The Don’t Be Brothers” playing the main stage on Friday, June 21 from 7:00 pm – l1:00 pm. All entertainment is under a tent and some seating is available, though it is expected most visitors will bring lawn chairs. No coolers are allowed inside the beer tent itself.

Larry Kernagis and Larry Diemer, “The Don’t be Brothers” have been entertaining crowds throughout the midwest for many years. These Irish American Folksingers & Merrymakers, by their own admission, know enough Irish songs to choke a leprechaun!

There will be several other activities on stage as well; please see our program for details. One such activity will be the crowning of the Lil’ Lad and Lil’ Lass contest. Entry forms can be found on our website, along with contact information if you have questions.

Don’t miss Friday night’s fantastic free-will admission entertainment!

The festival committee is still in need of volunteers and would love to have you participate in this 1st ever event. You don’t need to be from Lawler or even Irish! This is a great way to meet lots of people, make new friends, and help make this inaugural event a success. Also, you’ll get into all entertainment on Saturday FREE!

Visit the Lawler Irish Fest website at www.lawleriowa.us (go to the EVENTS tab for various links) for details. Remember, you can sign up to volunteer online, purchase festival merchandise, obtain parade entry or Lil’ Lad & Lass contest forms, make an online donations, or simply view the program.

The goal of this inaugural event is threefold:

  • To celebrate Lawler’s Irish heritage

  • To bring the community together

  • To give back to the community

For additional information or questions, contact Pat Sheridan at 563-238-2402 https://www.australia-casino.org/

For parade information or questions, contact PJ Rosenbaum at 319-240-9400.

Donation Form

If you wish to make a donation to the Irish Festival, you may use this form. It will be mailed to Lawler area businesses early next week. Even though this is sent to businesses, it may be used for individual donations as well. Simply print it off, fill it out, and send it to the address provided. Remember, the more our donations, the more we’ll be able to offer you when you come to the festival. Our goal is to raise $30,000; can you help?

Click here for Donation Form.

Accommodations

Click here for link to Chickasaw County Tourism

You’ll find links to B&Bs, Camping, Motels, etc.

***********************

Camping

Limited number of campsites available at the Lawler Park. Contact Sue Cutsforth, City Clerk, @ 563.238.3614 (email address: lawlercityclerk@iowatelecom.net) to reserve your space!

***********************

Campsites in Waucoma and New Hampton but not sure how to reserve them. You would need to call the appropriate City Halls for information.

Motels

Discounts offered to those attending the Irish Festival. (Make certain they are aware that you’re attending the Irish Fest to receive the discount.)

************************

Super 8, New Hampton, 10% Discount

(only six rooms left; blocked until May 31)

Phone: 641.394.3838

Email: super8nh@mediacombb.net

************************

Southgate Inn, New Hampton, 10% Discount

(only 20 rooms left; blocked until June 7)

Phone: 641.394.4145

Website: www.southgateinn.com

************************

The next closest cities are Cresco, West Union, and Decorah.

Contact Information

This page will include contact information. The names/addresses/telephone numbers listed will be those of the specific event chair.

Festival Chairs

  • Tony & Amanda Blazek
  • Debi Speltz
  • Pat Sheridan

Parade

P.J. Rosenbaum, chair, email: pj_rose@windstream.net ; phone: 319.240.9400

Merchandise/Vendors

Tammy Vrzak, chair; email: tvrzak@turkey-v.k12.ia.us; phone: 563.380.2462

5K Run

Debi Speltz, chair, email: speltzd@iowatelecom.net; phone: 641-330-2136

Volleyball Tournament

John Otters, chair, email: jkotters@hotmail.com; phone: 563.380.7030

Bean Bag Tournament

Jason Byrne, chair, email: brite_spot1@yahoo.com; phone: 563.238.2300

Children’s Activities

Liz Nieman, co-chair, email: lanieman81@gmail.com; phone: 319.464.6476

Caroline Scheidel, co-chair, email: csheidel@turkey-v.k12.ia.us; phone: 641.330.7555

Public Relations

Pat Sheridan, co-chair, email: pat.sheridan@windstream.net; phone: 563.238.2402

Amanda Blazek, co-chair, email: amandablzk@gmail.com; phone: 641.330.6445

Diana Gebel, co-chair, email: dianagebel@iowatelecom.net ; phone: 563.238.2571

Jack McKone, co-chair, phone: 563.238.3234

Volunteer Committee

Luke and Mary Reicks, co-chairs, email: mreicks@myclearwave.net; phone: 319.415.4911

Security

John Izer, chair, email: johnizer@hotmail.com, phone: 641-330-6186

Logistics

John Izer, chair, email: johnizer@hotmail.com, phone: 641-330-6186

Beer Tent

Kurt Croell, c0-chair, email: kurt.croell@croell.com; phone: 319-240-8090

Harold Busta, co-chair, email: harold.busta@croell.com; phone: 319-240-4165

Fund Raising

chair, email: ; phone:

Entertainment

Tony and Amanda Blazek, co-chair, email: amandablzk@gmail.com; phone: 641.330.6445

Stage Maintenance

chair,

Belgian Waffle Breakfast

Debi Speltz, co-chair, email: speltzd@iowatelecom.net; phone: 641.330.2136

Gail Stammeyer, co-chair, email: stam_fam@hotmail.com; phone: 641.330.0392

First Aid

Debi Speltz, chair, email: speltzd@iowatelecom.net; phone: 641.330.2136

Transportation

Jerry Vrzak, chair, phone: 563.380.2127