WELCOME TO AMERGAEL

[IMAGE]

HISTORY


Amergael is a charitable association for Americans of Irish Heritage and their friends and families. We are involved in our local communities, encompassing all of Long Beach Island, Stafford Township, Barnegat and surrounding towns. Our membership is drawn from both year round residents of Southern Ocean County and from seasonal visitors from up and down the Eastern seaboard.

The organization began with discussions on March 16, 1986, and with a small, but loyal group that met weekly beginning in May of 1986 at St. Thomas of Villanova Church in Surf City on Long Beach Island. The first slate of officers was elected in October of that year.

For a time, Amergael met at the Manahawkin Elks Lodge, then moved to Ocean Acres Country Club. In October of 1989, we moved to the Stafford Township Recreation Center at 1199 Mill Creek Road in the Beach Haven West section of Manahawkin, New Jersey.



[IMAGE]


CHARITABLE WORK



Our purpose, as stated in the group's charter, is to be charitable and aid families in times of sickness or distress. To that end, we have supported many local causes, including, but not limited to:

Ocean County Historical Society
Barnegat Soccer League
SOCH Clinic
St. Stephen's Good Samaritan House
St. Mary's Food Pantry
American Association of Retarded Persons
Project Children
Ocean County Library


In an effort to promote and encourage education beyond high school, we also sponsor annual scholarship awards for graduating high school seniors from local high schools.



[IMAGE]


MEMBERSHIP

Our regular monthly meetings are held on the third Wednesday of each month at 7:30 pm at the Stafford Township Community Center on Mill Creek Road in the Beach Haven West section of Manahawkin. The annual dues of $10 per person, helps defray the cost of meeting refreshments and publishing of the monthly newsletter.

To further the development of Irish culture, history, education, language, and dance in the Jersey Shore area, we often have guest speakers at our monthly meetings. We have enjoyed Irish singers, dancers, storytellers, and gifted speakers on a variety of subjects from genealogy to shipwrecks. We also have an annual Christmas Party.

Some of our fundraisers include:

Chinese Auctions;
Flea Markets;
Our famous Pork Roll & Cheese Vending Booth at Stafford Founder's Day;
Shirt and Hat Sales;
Boat Trips to Atlantic City;
Murder Mystery Parties;
Dinner Dances





[IMAGE]


We welcome you to become a member of our fun and worthwhile organization.

For further information, please contact

Amergael
P.O. Box 228
Manahawkin, NJ 08050


Or please send us e-mail: amergael@aol.com