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Sprinkler Campaign 2008!

Campaign 2008 has kicked-off at the AOH and it has nothing to do with presidential politics. As most of you are aware in 2004 a law was passed requiring all places of public gathering to install sprinkler systems. Without going into specific details the past 2 years have been filled with passionate debate within our membership and with the Peabody Fire Department to determine how and if AOH Div. 11 would have to comply with this law. A committee was formed led by Neil Cronin, Bill Elwell and Dave Breen, and the services of Attorney Slattery were engaged. After spending endless hours preparing we brought our appeal all the way to the State Fire Marshall's appeal board and were ordered to comply with this new law. Unfortunately, with all the avenues of appeal exhausted, we now are left with the task of complying with this law. Fortunately, the Fire Chief has granted us a one year extension that expires in November 2008. Campaign 2008 is a campaign for capital to install sprinklers and comply with the law. Sprinklers for the AOH both upstairs and down with cost $60,000.00. We need your help. Over the last 10 years our membership has declined over 35%. With a significant portion of all dues going to the National, State, and County combined with a decreasing membership, increasing operating expenses, and ongoing request for donations, we are stretched to survive. Revenues are down and the Function Hall rentals can only carry us so far. The AOH needs you. We cannot stress enough the urgency that this new law has presented us with. We must comply with this law by November 2008. If the money is not raised, the AOH Div.11 will cease to exist as we know it today. Trust us when we tell you, every avenue available will be exhausted to find the money in order to pay for this sprinkler installation. Hopefully this will be accomplished thru fundraising, but if necessary and as a last resort, an assessment to the membership will be imposed. Some members have already donated money, some have said they would, but we need all of you. A fundraising committee has been established and will be reaching out to all of you. Please look deep. Look back to the great fraternal organization you joined founded on the principles of "Friendship, Unity and Christian Charity." It's with these principles in heart that we ask for your donations. Donations may be made by check or credit card. All donations are welcomed and Tax deductible

Fraternally,

David Breen, BA President

John B Lawless Division President