by: Matt Lyons
Oceanside CA— Members from the Oceanside Women’s Community Club hosted their 2015 Annual St. Patrick’s Day Police Officer’s Luncheon for Oceanside Police Department members at the “Jolly Roger” Restaurant located in downtown Oceanside in the Harbor District neighborhood of the city. The event date, normally held on March 17th each year, had to be pushed out due to an unforeseen commitment that could not be changed. This did not dampen the “Irish Spirits” of those in attendance and was in keeping in this year’s theme of “Partners for a Community!”
Further demonstrating the clubs support of the men & women in blue who serve the great City of Oceanside, Club President Patricia Frazier explained that 2015 marked a 30-year milestone that the Women’s Community Club has been hosting this luncheon in honor of their police department.
The first luncheon was held in 1985 with Police Chief Lawrence Marshall, in attendance with his police officers. That tradition has continued through the years to the present day with Police Chief Frank McCoy and his appreciative officers in attendance. In Chief McCoy’s comments to the group, he touched on the social unrest and strife that is seen in the news across the country that comes between the community and the police who serve them. He considers himself lucky to be Chief of Police in Oceanside, where that unrest doesn’t exist. McCoy called the citizens of Oceanside the very best community who continually provide a great deal of support to him and his officers.
McCoy thanked Club President Patricia Frazier and presented her and the Women’s Community Club with an engraved Lucite trophy marking the 30-year friendship and support of the police department. McCoy closed by saying that he believed the Oceanside Police Department is one of the best in the United States and he is proud of his officers and the community they serve.
The Mistress of Ceremony Mrs. Mildred Smith hosted this year’s luncheon.
The luncheon event included a spirited welcome from Mrs. Lynette Turner and Mrs. Pearlie Brown gave the Invocation. A mixer and get acquainted period was lead by Mrs. Marsha Parr, which provided for a lot of laughs and fun entertainment for all.
Officer Matt Lyons entertained the group before their meal by singing (a capella) the old Irish folk song “White, Orange, & Green!” Mrs. Lottie Yates gave an Irish Blessing and Toast. The club provided a seat down meal for all the officers and members in attendance.
The event was concluded with closing remarks made by Chief McCoy and President Frazier who both promised on behalf of their groups to continue this long standing tradition of community involvement and to keep this 30 year relationship strong and bonded.
The Women’s Community Club was organized in November 1965 by four women who decided to create a diverse women’s civic and social club. The club was first named “Soiree Councille”, a French name meaning “Sisters of Council” and was registered with the Oceanside Chamber of Commerce. “Always Ready” seem to be a fitting motto for this small but progressive group of women.
In 1966 the club membership grew to 12 and so did the concern and commitment for the community along with charitable projects the club began to support.
In 1972, the club name changed to its present name of Women’s Community Club and grew in membership to 25 members. Local charities supported by the club include but are not limited to – Boys & Girls Club of Oceanside, ARC – Association of Retarded Citizens Alzheimer’s Center, The E.Y.E. Recovery Center, just to mention a few.
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Courtesy photos
About the Author: Matt Lyons has contributed to several area newspapers and national online media outlets as a freelance writer. He has written on topics that involve human & community interest as well as selected topics related to law enforcement. He is the Author of: Images of America: Oceanside Police Department, Arcadia Publishing 2006. Additionally, he dabbles with freelance digital photography using cell phone cameras. After retiring from the United States Marine Corps, he and his family made California their home. They have been living and working in the local area since 1997.