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www.celtic-connection.com
JULY/AUGUST 2001
Annual Gathering of Irish University Graduates
ORGANIZER Patricia Ryan with her husband Frank.
VANCOUVER - Over 100 people including graduates and friends attended the annual Irish University Graduates Association this year. Organizer Patricia Ryan reports that Kevin Elwood was in his usual excellent form as Master of Ceremonies for the evening and John Smith gave a very nice invocation to get the evening underway.
She said, "Adolf and the staff of the Shaughnessy Golf and Country Club put on a delicious spread and everybody really enjoyed themselves.
Larry Cheevers gave a wonderful toast and we also heard from our past President, Dan MacCarthy, who welcomed everybody to the dinner." Next year's president will be Kevin Elwood. Ryan added, "We look forward to an equally exciting event next year!"
THE IRELAND CANADA CHAMBER OF COMMERCE - Vancouver Branch held their Annual General Meeting on June 28. The new ICCC board of directors are pictured above (L-R) Peter Lord, Jim Rochfort, Susan Gratton-Doyle, Brad Chappell and Maureen Gerrard. For more information about the Chamber, visit their website at: www.ire-can-cc.bc.ca.
VITAL PRESENCE MISSING AT CULPEPPER'S CLOSING
By CATHOLINE BUTLER
VANCOUVER - In the June issue of The Celtic Connection, I reported the surprising news that Jacquie Metzler, owner of Culpepper's Restaurant, had sold her business and would close down early in July.
Jacquie called me shortly afterwards and told me it was her intention to re-open her popular establishment in another location after closing the doors of Culpepper's on West Broadway. She said, "thank you for the kind words about Culpepper's. You guys are great and I'm going to send you an e-mail." I never received that e-mail.
A few days later, I was astounded to receive a telephone call from musician Roger Buston. He informed me that Jacquie had been rushed into hospital and was in serious condition in intensive care after suffering a brain aneurism.
On June 39, the Irish community, along with Jacquie's many friends, held a bittersweet ceili at Culpepper's to say farewell to the establishment and to show support for Jacquie who is still recovering in hospital.
Representatives from the Celtic communities were on hand for the closing evening. Many musicians and dancers who had performed at Culpeppers over the years took turns entertaining the capacity crowd.
Danny Burns, leader of the Ballad Band which was the house band for several years said, "many of Vancouver's best-known folk musicians are here tonight." While the entertainment was first-rate, the mood of the evening was sombre.
The presence everyone was missing was the woman who made Culpepper's the best session music stop in town. She was always visible on the door, working seven days a week as she greeted customers with smile and a ready welcome.
Get well soon Jacquie. We're all praying for your speedy recovery. The sooner you get better, the sooner we'll have Culpeppers back again.
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TALENTED young entertainer Paddy Cheseel performed along with some of Vancouver's best folk musicians.
ROGER BUSTON worked tirelessly to help out at the restaurant where he performed on many occasions.
CATHERINE POOLE and Linda Cipparrone were among those who rallied to help run Culpepper's Restaurant until closing day after owner Jacquie Metzler fell ill.
TRADITIONAL DANCERS with the Moore School of Irish Dance were among the performers who entertained the crowds on July 1, during the Canada Day festivities, at Canada Place in downtown Vancouver. Shown above are (L-R) Catherine Flynn, Gabriella Lopez, Natalie Gildert, Coleen Sammon, Denise Sammon, and Devon Hoyle.
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LIAM KEEGAN, Bob Chessel and Rob Fox at the closing of Culpeppers on West Broadway.