It is indeed a pleasure for Sandra and I to send warm St. Patrick's Day greetings to our club members as well as all members of Optimist International.

Saint Patrick's Day is always a grand occasion in Montreal. Whether it is because of the hint of SPRING or the irrepressible IRISH CHARM, the 17th of "IRELAND" brings out Montrealers in full force to cheer on Saint Patrick and his people.

Indeed, the tradition goes back to 1824 when the first parade honouring the Irish, truly one of Montreal's founding races, wound through the streets of Montreal.

This year's parade theme was "175 years - An Irish Journey" under the direction of the United Irish Societies of Montreal Inc. of which our Secretary-Treasurer, Joseph Quinn, is a Past President.

Many Montreal names are monuments to the contributions to our culture and heritage. Such names as William Hichey, Alderman Ted Kilfeather, John Loye, Alderman Patrick Quinn, Thomas Healy and so many more are the individuals we have looked up to over the years.

But the Irish have also given us another legacy - the legacy of OPTIMISM, faith, courage and above all, humour.

It is little wonder, Montrealers, whatever their racial origin, take special pride in the "WEARING OF THE GREEN" on Saint Patrick's Day. Through some magic of the moment, they feel more than a drop of Irish blood in their veins.

To all those who are Irish and to all those who wish they were, I offer the classic Irish wish:

COMING EVENTS…

Mar. 24: Monthly dinner at Zappy Restaurant, Verdun, 6:30 PM

March 31: Autographing Easter eggs at Zeller’s, Carrefour Angrignon, 9:00am-9:00pm

April 5: Easter Egg Hunt at Carrefour Angrignon,
8:00am-10:00am, Center Court

May 14-15: District Assembly, Valleyfield

May 16: VELO-PLAISIR/CYCLING FOR FUN DAY
Place Newman, Lasalle, 10:00am-4:00pm

The Optimum is a monthly publication of the St. Lawrence Optimist Club, with the goal of informing members, their friends, relatives and the community about club activities and issues related to youth. Articles for the next edition should be submitted by April 15^th.