This Month's Issue: President's Address Next IBO Monthly Meetings Nolan's Notions October Guest Speakers IBO September Meeting Report Member Profile, Sarah Jones

Dollars & Sense IBO Calendar of Events IBO Annual Golf Outing Duchas: Irish High Crosses Newsletter & IBO Information

PRESIDENT'S ADDRESS, James Doran

Now that Fall is in the air, the Executive Committee and the Board of Advisors would like to thank all of our members, guests and other supporters for participating in our Summer events. Both the barbeque and the boat ride were huge successes--and of greater importance as they contributed to worthy causes.

As we begin our new programming, I think everyone enjoyed the September meeting with the update on Tara Circle from Jim Rice and the Irish Art presentation from Elizabeth Martin. Our future meetings should also be of interest (see highlights below).

	Our October 9th Meeting will feature Irish American historian and author Tim Meagher. Our second guest speaker of the evening will be Randy Mysel, Principal of Career Start Coaching Services will provide useful tips in job searching, networking and interview process.
	October 10th will be our Annual Golf Outing at the New Jersey National Golf Club in Basking Ridge, NJ. Kevin Tierney and the organizing committee have a great day planned.
	November 13th will be our regular meeting along with the annual election of officers to the Executive Committee. Closing date for nominations is October 9th.
	November 21st will be a Dinner Event recognizing the contributions of the Aisling Irish Center to the September 11th recovery. Our Guest of Honor will be; Michael Carney, Business Manager and President, Local 94-94A-94B (Operating Engineer).
	December 11th will be our annual Christmas party and will also support the Irish American Disaster Relief Fund.

We encourage all of our members and friends to come out and support these events. More information will be available at our October Meeting and will be posted on our new redesigned website that will be up and running in just a few weeks.

James Doran
President, IBO

GUEST SPEAKERS - OCTOBER MEETING
We are delighted to have both Timothy Meagher and Randy Mysel as our guest speakers for our October 9th Meeting. The following is a brief bio on both our speakers.

Timothy J Meagher, Author

Timothy was born in Worcester, MA and pursued his studies at Georgetown University, graduated in American history at the University of Chicago and in 1982 received a PhD from Brown University.

He now teaches courses in American immigration and ethnic history and Irish American history at Catholic University and is Curator of American Catholic History Collection. He was also the University's Director of the Center for Irish Studies for four years. He previously taught American history at Worcester Polytechnic Institute and Tamkang University in Taiwan.

Timothy has edited two collections of essays, From Paddy to Studs: Irish American Communities at the Turn of the Century (1986) and with Ronald Bayor, The New York Irish(1996). He has recently published Inventing Irish America: Generation, Class and Ethnic Identity in a New England City. This book is a study of how the children of the Famine Irish immigrants in his native Worcester grew to maturity at the turn of the 20th century and transformed the meaning of Irish American ethnic identity and the patterns of Irish American culture in the city. He is currently writing a Guide to Irish American History for Columbia University Press.

Randy H. Mysel - Principal, Career Start Coaching Services

Randy has more than 15 years of experience in running and growing the day-to-day operations of prestigious companies such as Marquis Who's Who, National Register Publishing, and R.R. Bowker. Randy has spent 15 years analyzing and improving the operations, sales, and customer service areas of these organizations.

His strength is in mentoring and coaching individuals to assimilate and grow within a company and their career. He brings to CAREER START a powerful understanding of how businesses should be focused on their most important assets - their CUSTOMER, their EMPLOYEE, and their PRODUCT.

Mr. Mysel, a graduate of Queens College, New York City, holds an MBA degree from Adelphi University, New York. He is a graduate of the Warwick School of Business Management Program in England.

Randy presentation will focus on the job search market and will provide useful tips to the members on career assessment, networking and interview process.
E-mail: rhmysel@careerstartcoaching.com

back to index

.......................................................................................................

IBO SEPTEMBER MEETING REPORT


Well folks what a way to kick off our fall season. The September meeting played host to 51 members and 18 guests on September 19th. A great turn out after a summer of meeting reprieve.

Our meeting began at the usual time of 7:30ish. (One day at 7pm folks) The membership was welcomed back by President Jim Doran after hosting two successful summer events, our Downtown BBQ that helped raise money for member Margie O'Driscoll and a fun boat ride out of Chelsea Piers arranged with a little help from Sean Murphy of MurphGuide. Kevin Tierney updated everyone about the Golf Outing to be held on October 10th. Always a good time had by all, no matter how many golf balls you may lose during the day!

To add to the cultural component of the IBO our first speaker of the evening was Elizabeth Martin, a private dealer of Irish art and is co-curator for a contemporary Irish art show in New York starting November 1st. Elizabeth's graduate studies focused on Irish artist from different periods. She was quite informative and opened our eyes to some artists we may want to keep an eye in the near future.

Jim Rice of Tara Circle was our second speaker of the evening. He gave an update of the mansion in Yonkers recently purchased by the not-for-profit organization. Jim said that recently film companies who have used the mansion for on-site filming have been donating repairs and renovations to the mansion. Tara Circle will continue to allow the mansion for these uses as well as trying to get the word out about its use as a central location for displaying Irish historical information and event venue.

Its that time of year again when we turn to the membership to seek nominees to run for the Executive Committee. Members who are in good standing are encouraged to consider running themselves or nominate someone for a spot on the Executive Committee. The nominations will take place at the October meeting and then at the November meeting elections will be held. Ahhh, three cheers for democracy!!

The meeting concluded at 8:40pm and most in attendance retreated to the rooftop of the Shelburne for some networking and chats with friends. What a way to end a successful evening - on the rooftop in New York City, with perfect weather, a perfect view and a great year ahead. Thanks to all who attended. Hope to see you in October!

Coleen Foley - IBO Secretary
Fairleigh Dickinson University
Tel: (973) 443 8903 cfoley@fdu.edu

back to index

.......................................................................................................

MEMBER PROFILE

Sarah Jones, Sarah Jones Realty

1. What's your Irish heritage (such as County, etc)?
Born and raised in Dublin, Ohio!! (No, Ireland - a real 'Jackeen')

2. What's is your profession or business? Real estate Broker

3. Has IBO Membership affected your business (If so how)?
Over the years I have received many referrals from members which has helped my business

4. How did you get started in your business?
My feet gave out in the restaurant

5. What is your greatest professional triumph?
Starting and running my own business

6. Where would you like to see yourself 10 years from now?
The Penthouse Suite in the Pierre Hotel on Fifth Ave.

7. What do you like most about living in New York?
Everything, including the Attitude.

8. How do you enjoy your free time?
Playing the machines in Atlantic City

9. What are you currently reading?
'Penny Apples' by Bill Cullen (a fellow Jackeen)

10. Your favorite place on this earth?
The Bellagio, Las Vagas

11. What do you like most being an IBO Member?
Sitting up front at the Meetings and seconding the minutes. No seriously, I'm very proud to be associated with the IBO and admire all the work that is been done to make this organization a success.

12. Your parting words?
$10 Superfecta on Wonder Horse

back to index

.......................................................................................................

DOLLARS & SENSE

College Saving Simplified: 529 Plans

The tax law of 2001 greatly enhanced state-sponsored 529 plans to assist in savings for College. They are now available in most states.

The 529 savings plan gives you many options. You are permitted to make regular contributions to the account, subject to state annual and total contribution limits. From there, either a state agency or private company working for the state invests the contributed amounts for you. Many of the states allow non-residents to participate in their programs. This way if you aren't happy with your own state's plan, you may have other choices. Bear in mind, however, that tax benefits may be limited to in-state participants. Although there is no federal deduction of contributions, state deduction varies by state.

The investment earnings in the plan grow federally tax-deferred. When the time comes, you can withdraw from it as needed to pay for higher education expenses. The funds in the plan can be used for fees, books, equipment and supplies as well. The earnings portion of the distribution is exempt from federal taxation as long as the distribution is used for qualified education expenses. Students are limited to accredited schools, which may include trade programs offered at culinary and vocational institutes.

For a child who is granted a scholarship, the funds can be withdrawn without penalty up to the amount of the scholarship. Another option is transferring the funds to another family member who is headed to college, with no penalty to you. If the investment is not used at all, you can withdraw the funds. However, the earnings portion of any distribution not used for qualified higher education expenses will be included as ordinary income to the person receiving the distribution and subject to a 10% penalty on the federal level. There may also be a penalty assessed on the state level and may actually differ from not only the federal penalty, but also from state to state.

There are even more advantages to these programs as contributions are considered completed gifts for gift tax purposes. This means your contributions could qualify for the $11,000 annual gift exclusion. A special exception to the $11,000 annual exclusion allows you to give larger gifts free of federal gift tax. An individual can chose to make as much as a $55,000 contribution in one year ($110,000 for married couples filing jointly) on behalf of a beneficiary. The $55,000/$110,000 contribution is, in effect, treated as five separate $11,000/$22,000 annual exclusion gifts (one for the current year, then one in each of the next four years). No federal gift tax will result as long as no other gifts are made to this beneficiary within the same five-year period. If you were to die during this five-year period, however, a portion of this gift would be included in your estate.

Talk to your Financial Advisor about the potential benefits that both types of 529 programs offer. Consult your legal or tax advisor to understand the particular tax consequences associated with your opening a 529 Plan account. Your Financial Advisor can then assist you in conducting the necessary analysis to determine which education-funding strategies would benefit your unique situation.

Contributions to a 529 Plan have tax implications. UBS PaineWebber and its Financial Advisors do not provide any tax analysis or tax advice. You should consult your attorneys or tax advisors in connection with the tax consequences of participation in any specific 529.

The state where you reside or pay taxes may offer its own qualified state tuition program under Section 529 of the Internal Revenue Code with state tax advantages or other benefits exclusively for its residents or taxpayers.

Timothy O'Brien, UBS PaineWebber
Tel: 212-607-3302 Timothy.OBrien@UBSPW.com

back to index

.......................................................................................................

IBO CALENDAR OF EVENTS

.......................................................................................................

IBO ANNUAL GOLF OUTING

Thursday , October 10th 2002

New Jersey National Golf Club
579 Allen Road
Basking Ridge, NJ 07920

Cost: $175 per person - Foresome $700
Includes: Lunch, Golf, Golf Cart, Range Balls, Prizes & Dinner.

Lunch & Registration
Start at approximately 11:30am. Followed by a shotgun start at 12:30.

Event Sponsorship - Hole Sponsorships - Donate a Prize
No golf outing would be complete with out our Sponsors. Event Sponsors of luncheon or dinner available from $2,000. The cost to Sponsor a Hole is $200, Driving Range or Putting Green Sponsor is $500.

Bookings and Information
For further sponsorship information or to make a booking,
contact the IBO Office at Tel: 1 877 IBO 3200 or (212) 750 8118 or
Kevin Tierney at. Tel: (917) 697 8838 - E.Mail: Ktier18470@aol.com

If paying by check please make the check payable to:
The Irish Business Organization of New York
and mail to:
IBO, Att: Golf Outing, P.O. Box 6425, FDR Station, New York, NY 10150

If paying by credit card, please contact the IBO Office with your card information etc. Please indicate the names of who will be playing in your foursome and/or if you will be sponsoring a hole.

Look forward to seeing all the IBO Golfers and their guests on the course, October 10th. A great day to be had by all.

back to index

DUCHAS -- Our Cultural Heritage
This Month: High Crosses of Ireland

In the popular and tourist iconography of Ireland, few images are as evocative as that of the Irish High Cross. While the crucifix remains a metaphor for Christianity throughout the world, the Irish version of this symbol is distinctly recognizable amongst other cruciform shapes.

The majority of high crosses, commonly found in proximity to the great monastic sites, were carved more than one thousand years ago. Forerunners of these crosses were little more than oblong pillars, such as that at Kilnasaggart, on which a simple cruciform image and some decorative patterns were incised. The High Crosses we see today typically feature a circular design connecting the arms, all raised on a decorated shaft. Quadrant openings separating the circle from the cross itself add compositional detail and transparency to the overall motif. Like most medieval artwork, symbolism plays an important role in the design. The circular form, likely a relic from pagan designs, may have represented fertility or unity of the cosmos, but its true meaning remains uncertain.

Whereas earlier high crosses were short and stocky, later examples are more slender and refined. The West Cross at Monasterboice in Co. Louth is the tallest, measuring 21 feet in height. Craftsmanship and artistry became quite adventurous given the difficulty of the material being carved. Inspiration was drawn from a variety of sources, mostly of hiberno-celtic origin. The cross at Ahenny, Co. Tipperary features delicate filigree patterns and intertwining naturalist forms, similar to those found in illuminated manuscripts or on the Tara brooch. Celtic designs later gave way to narrative panels with figurative sculpture depicting scenes from the life of Christ or the saints. The crosses at Clonmacnoise and Castledermot are of this period.

The Celtic artist’s interest in color, as seen in the powerful graphic quality of illuminated manuscripts, has led to recent speculation whether the high crosses might also have been painted in order to highlight sculptural detail and to present narrative imagery more effectively against a contrasting background.

About sixty crosses remain more-or-less intact throughout Ireland today. Fragments of about one hundred more are also to be found. Thanks to a revival of interest in all things Celtic, the imagery of the High Cross lives on, albeit in a somewhat surrogate fashion, in jewelry, tee-shirts, and just about any trinket the tourist can be persuaded to buy.

Over-saturation of the imagery has created a false sense of familiarity that leaves few wanting to examine these crosses in any meaningful way. But for those willing to discover the subtle beauty and worn dignity in each unique cross, looking is its own ample reward.

Caption for cross photo: Christian narrative at Muiredach’s Cross

Brian J. Connolly, Zivkovic-Connolly Architects
Tel: (212) 807-5022 - zivarch@aol.com

back to index

.......................................................................................................

About The IBO: The Irish Business Organization of New York, Inc. is an non-profit, non-denominational organization, which seeks to promote, foster, and advance the business interests of Irish and Irish American business people in the tri-state area.

The IBO News is the official newsletter of the Irish Business Organization of New York, Inc. It is published 10 times per year. This newsletter is distributed to members of the IBO, guests from recent IBO meetings, and other individuals from the NY-NJ-CT business community.

Newsletter Staff
Philip McGuaran, Belvedere Communications, 212 726 0150

Steve Collins, Webb Communications, 212 695 7022 ext 313

Timothy Daly Bogner, 90.7 FM (WFUV.org), 718 729 2138

Allan Cullen, Stevens Printing Services, 631 584 3501

Brian Connolly, Zivkovic Architects, 212 807 8577

Jim McGuire, TeleDotCom, 212 675 6565

Contact Information:

The Irish Business Organization of New York Inc.

FDR Station, PO Box 6425
New York, NY 10150-1901

Tel: 212 750 8118
Fax: 212 747 1820

mailto:info@ibo-ny.com

back to index