The second annual superbowl party was held to the cheers and moans of well over 130 excited fans. In addition to having fun with other firefighters and cheering your team on, money was raised for the pipes and drums band and color guard. For twenty –five dollars you got all the beer ,brauts ,burgers ,chili and nachos you could hold . The cooks ,A. J. Allens brother Dave [a professional Chef and kitchen manager] had help from Dave Garcia and Randall Plese to keep the brauts and burgers coming. Three big screens kept fans up to the minute no matter where they were in the Firehouse museum. Emerald Society board members Don McKinney A.J. Allen and Dave Allan combined talents and energies with the Firehouse Museum staff to bring it all together. Many firefighters from all over the country came over from the “Firehouse Expo” and were very impressed by the party and the museum. The New York Fire fighters were especially happy with the outcome of the game. Regardless of which team you were cheering for , everyone had a great time . Firefighters from all over the country said they would come back to the” Expo “again just for the Emerald Society party. All in All it was a great time . Put it on your calendar for next year. Randall Plese Member at large

The San Diego Firefighters Emerald society held its annual Christmas Ball downtown San Diego at the “On Broadway” . Firefighters from all over the county showed up in their Class “A” ‘s accompanied by their beautiful dates ,dressed in their best fashions. Civilians from groups like the Irish Congress and Sons Of St Patrick also attended and took part in the festivities. The evening started with hors’doeurve’s and drinks served by roaming waitress’s and progressed to a great buffet dinner followed by a dessert buffet. Awards were handed out to our supporters and contributors for their gracious and generous support over the year. The band was lively with a full complement of horns ,guitars and drums. Santa was there to take note of Christmas wishes ,pose for pictures [almost exclusively with the ladies] and dance . Everyone had a great time and said they looked forward to the next Christmas Ball. Many guests appreciate an event where you can wear your Class “A”’s and the ladies can dress in their finest. Don McKinney and A.J. Allen and Joe Duffy all spent many hours putting the event together and deserve credit for months of work to bring it to fruition . They are busy working on next year’s Ball already . It will be at a different location and on a Saturday night. We are looking at the first or second Saturday in December. So keep that date open. Randall Plese Member at Large