I am writing this letter because Paul, our newsletter editor, is currently working in Brazil, and will not be back until the end of the month. The following calendar will keep you up-to-date with Club activities.

Oct, Sat. 14 Literary Symposium at the home of Jim and Marjorie Laughton, 1167 Kildare Rd. Phone 519-973-9819. Beginning at 8 o'clock, this is the first symposium of the season and we hope to see you there. If you haven't been to one before, try this one, you will find it to be an interesting and enjoyable evening. Jim or Marjorie will welcome your call to find out details.

Oct, Tues. 17 Come-all-ye Social Night Music Classes

7:00 pm Group Music

7:45 pm Dancing

8:15pm Refreshments

9:15 pm along with music, dancing and craic.

Oct, Sun. 22 Kingsville Migration Festival - The Willemsma Family has invited us to participate once again, and the harps will begin with the Prelude at 12:30pm.

Oct. Tues. 24 Come-all-ye Social Night, as above

Oct. Tues 31 HALLOWE'EN COME-ALL-YE SOCIAL NIGHT. Although the format remains the same, how about painting your face or dressing up? Sure, we could have clowns, leprechauns, tramps, and how about Elvis or Michael Flatley? To come as you are is perfectly acceptable - perhaps some special tricks and treats!!! Wouldn't the kids love it?

Nov. Sat. 04 Wheatley United Church (known as Jake's Church) - once again the I.C.C.C. is entertaining. Justin and Sherry are looking after this, and ask that you let them know, not only if you wish to perform, but if you wish to reserve a wonderful dinner. We're not likely to forget last year's. 5:30 dinner, 7:00pm concert.

Nov. Tues. 07 Come-all-ye Social Night, as described earlier.

Nov. Sat. 11 Literary Symposium at the home of Maryanne Dunmire at 921 Fernwood, 5 blocks east of Woodward, 1block south of Catalpa in Royal Oak. You're encouraged to bring along your friends, books, musical instruments and your favourite beverage. Ph. Maryanne at 248-398-6171. Check with Jane re transportation - 944-4049.

Nov. Tues. 14 Come-all-ye Social Night

Nov. Sat. 18 Movie Night on the Big Screen, brought to you by John Edwards. This is the first time we've had an opportunity like this and are grateful to John for sharing these rare old movies with us. 'Discovering Ireland', an Aer Lingus classic and John Huston's 'Dublin', are just two of John's selections, and there might just be time for another. After the movies, refreshments, music an dance. This is the first cultural night of the current season.

Nov. Tues. 21 Membership MeetingNov.

Sun. 26 Children's Christmas Party - at 1:00pm - all details in newsletter, tell your children to keep this date free.

Dec. Tues. 05 Come-all-ye Social Night

Dec. Tues. 12 Last Come-all-ye for 2000 - usual format but we'll party for Christmas.

Dec. Sun 31NEW YEAR'S EVE PARTY- forget about last year and come and usher in the true millennium.

From Irish Heart for Autism Committee - Jean Bryans, Isabella McKeeve, Tony Johnston and Jane Bryans......

Although the I.C.C.C. is dedicated to the promotion and development of Irish culture, it is also aware that it is part of a wider society. It was this awareness, therefore, that led to the decision to give something back to the community by sponsoring one of many worthy charities. Since one of the families who are club members has an autistic child, we became involved in a charity that provides much-needed relief for autistic persons and their families, and the fundraiser designated Irish Heart for Autism, came into existence, with all proceeds from the event going to Autism Services Inc. of Windsor and Essex County. The fundraiser was held at the Fogolar Furland Club on Sept. 24, and a total (?) Of $12,500 was raised. (The reason for the question mark is that some donations are still coming in).

It is a pleasure of the I.H.A. committee to thank the many people who contributed to this successful event. First of all, sincere thanks to the Club executive for your generosity in voting unanimously to provide the money in turn, you, the m membership, for supporting this vote.

The Committee is also extremely grateful to the Club members - it is impossible to mention here how many, or what they did. We had hundreds - members, families, friends, all volunteering, giving their support, personally and financially. Would you please give your friends and family a copy of this letter, just to convey our heartfelt thanks. We would also like to mention the support we got from the public at large, especially those who provided entertainment and service in every shape and form. Autism Services were delighted with the generosity of the response.

P.S. It is with deep regret that we include this brief but sombre note. Our esteemed friend, club member and distinguished musician, Al Purcell, passed away on Sept. 28. What makes his passing particularly poignant in the context of this article is that he generously chose to join our Club musicians in the Prelude to the Fundraiser. Our deepest sympathy goes out to Anne and their family.

Siochan do a h-Anam

Jane B.