Last week, I and how time with girlfriends can actually help women live longer. This week, I’m focusing on the guys.
Of course, men benefit from time with friends, too. A study by the Center for Aging at Flinders University in Australia found that people with a large network of friends tend to live longer by about 22 percent more than those who have fewer friends. Although men socialize differently than women, a night out with the guys is good for their mental and physical well-being.
A group of men in Cinnaminson are organizing nights out with the boys, not just for the social aspect but for a greater purpose. An Ancient Order of Hibernians (A.O.H.) division is assembling in town. The A.O.H. is an Irish, Catholic organization which aims to preserve and share Irish traditions; serve the community; welcome and assist Irish immigrants; support Irish causes across the Atlantic; and protect the Catholic faith.
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The Ancient Order of Hibernians originated in early 16th century Ireland. The first American A.O.H. was established in New York City in 1836. This organization is now the largest Irish-American organization with almost 200,000 members. The A.O.H. also provides scholarships for members and their families, gets involved in community events and sports, provides support for Irish music, dance and song, and promotes Irish American achievement.
The A.O.H. motto is “Friendship, Unity and Christian Charity.” The pints of Guinness poured and shared at A.O.H. functions will help to generate new friendships, promote unity and serve the community through charitable acts.
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Bill Brennan, co-founder of the Cinnaminson Division of A.O.H., not only wants to share the rich and varied history of his Irish heritage, but also wants to give back to the community. Bill and several friends are members of the Monsignor Thomas J. Rilley Division 39 A.O.H. in Philadelphia.
After attending the Famine Memorial flag raising at Penn’s Landing this past St. Patrick’s Day, he and another Irish American from Cinnaminson, Bob Tippin, discussed starting a local A.O.H. Bill said, “The issue was the drive to Philadelphia and back and some of the divisions are a far distance. So the concept of having a division in South Jersey convenient for Cinnaminson and the surrounding townships sounded like a great idea.”
It is obvious that it was a great idea because I asked Bill if they’ve had a lot of interest and he said, “We have had a great deal of interest since its conception in March. We currently have 50-60 members and the word continues to spread. We expect to have continued interest throughout Burlington and Camden counties as people become aware of its existence.”
The new division will be sworn in as the Mike Doyle Division 4 on Thursday, Aug. 25, at the Cinnaminson Community Center at 7:30 p.m. Anyone interested is welcome to join that evening or contact one of the board members listed below for details. All board members reside in Cinnaminson.
President - Bill Brennan at brennanb5@comcast.net
Vice President – Bob Tippin at rtippin@comcast.net
Treasurer - John McCarthy at johnncfj76@msn.com
Financial Secretary - Mark Tumelty at tums@comcast.net
Recording Secretary - John Kane at door4u@netzero.com
Social Chairman – Tim Smith at tsmith@officeprojectsolutions.com
Historian - Jim Judd at brtsout@verizon.net
So, the guys get an extra night out and enjoy a few more pints of Guinness. In addition to that, they will reap the benefits of friendship and camaraderie while also doing some good. They will be happier and healthier for their fraternal affiliation and their work will enrich our community as well.
The A.O.H. is one of many fraternal organizations in our area. This particular organization is for those of Irish, Catholic descent but if that doesn't work for you, there are many other clubs that make a difference in Cinnaminson and surrounding townships. Knights of Columbus, Elks Club, Polish American Club, Lions Club and the are a few of the other local fraternal organizations.
People joining together with a common purpose will do great things. For example, the is one of the oldest women’s clubs in the country and is responsible for the first public kindergarten in Burlington County and the development of the PTA.
I asked Bill if the A.O.H. has anything for the ladies and they do, “There is a ladies side. It is called the LAOH (Ladies Ancient Order of Hibernians). We will also have a place for kids too - The A.O.H. Junior Division. The purpose of the Junior A.O.H. is to enlighten young men between the ages of 8 and 16 years of age about the role of the A.O.H. within the community and promoting our Irish heritage and the Catholic faith using the A.O.H. motto of; Friendship, Unity and Christian Charity.” The kids’ and ladies’ division is in the works, I’ll keep you posted on the progress.
The Cinnaminson A.O.H. is just getting started and is welcoming new members from South Jersey. Tell your husbands, friends, sons and neighbors. Join for the friendship, build unity within our communities and help others in the process.
Charity begins at home and friendship feeds the soul. The Cinnaminson A.O.H might be just what you’re looking for.
