Castlepollard notes

The Summer Car Draw was held outside the Offices on the Square on Saturday, August 2 nd. The first prize of a Kia Rio Car was won by Eimear Bruton, Lispopple, Coole. John Paul Murray, Mooretown won €1000, Robert McLoughlin, Water St. and Amanda Byrne, Glenview both won €500.The following won €200: Billy Murphy, Delvin, Adrian Moran, Whitehall, Anne Fitzsimons, Collinstown, Michael Owens, Carpenterstown, Robert McClean, Lickbla, Lorraine O"Brien, Lir Park, Betty and Noel Briody, Drumcree.The Directors and Staff extend their congratulations to all the winners.The next Car Draw will be held in conjunction with the A.G.M. in December.MeetingA meeting of the Directors was held on Monday, August 11th. It was noted that the economic downturn was resulting in some members having difficulty in repaying their loans. Such members are asked to contact the Manager to discuss the various options available to them to ease the situation.Education LoansLow interest rate loans are now available from the Credit Union to members for education purposes. Such loans are available to members attending full time or part time courses and are available to help with any costs incurred in attending such courses. Proof of attendance from the College will be required. Further details are available from the Credit Union office (phone: 044-9661855 or email CastlepollardCU@utvinternet.com).Irish Blood Transfusion ServiceThe Irish Blood Transfusion Service will hold a Donor Clinic in Castlepollard GAA Centre, Pakenhamhall Road, Castlepollard, on Thursday next, August 21st, from 4.30pm to 9.00pm. Blood donations are always needed. particularly for O Rh Negative, O Rh Positive, and A Rh Negative. These blood groups comprise 8%, 47% and 5% of the population respectively. Donors in other blood groups are also requested to attend, and new donors are always welcome. The donation you make today could save the life of someone in need, so please make the effort to attend.Charity Tractor RunThe Vintage Tractor Run, held on Bank Holiday Monday, August 4th, was a resounding success. The event was supported by vintage tractor clubs and individual owners from all over the Midlands and beyond, and also by local businesses and organisations who rallied behind the event, which was held in aid of the Children"s Ward in the Midland Regional Hospital, Mullingar. On Friday last, August 14th, a cheque was presented to the Nursing Staff on the Children"s Ward for €5,500 by local men Dermot McLoughlin and Andrew Kennedy. The organisers would like to express their gratitude to Declan and Anna Moran, D & A Filling Station, who hosted the event, Eugene O"Neill (Castlepollard) Ltd, sponsors of the main raffle prize of a ride-on lawnmower, all the local and Midlands vintage tractor clubs and individuals who attended on the day, the local Honda 50 enthusiasts who acted as marshalls on the course, all those who helped, supported, or donated towards the event and helped to make it such a success.EntitlementsA representative from Mullingar"s Citizen"s Information Service will attend the Library/One Stop Shop on Mullingar road, Castlepollard, every Friday between 10.00am and 1.00pm to give advice on entitlements.Firearms CertificatesHolders of Firearms Certificates are once again reminded that they are are now due for renewal. They may do so by contacting Castlepollard Garda Station on 044-9661112, or Granard Garda Station on 043-87660.Alcoholics AnonymousA meeting of Alcoholics Anonymous takes place every Tuesday evening in Room One, Parish Community Centre, Church Street, Castlepollard, at 8.30pm. For further information contact Jim on 044-9661882.FloodimgAs a consequence of the heavy rain and extreme weather which hit the Midlands over the weekend, County Council and emergency services were called out to deal with heavy flooding in and around the county. Castlepollard Fire Brigade was called twice to deal with severe flooding in Collinstown, on the Castlepollard Road, on Saturday 14th August, when two residences were waterlogged because of the heavy rain. Fire Service personnel deployed portable pumps to channel water away from the affected houses, and were assisted by County Council personnel and local volunteers. On Saturday night, Castlepollard Fire Brigade were once again called to deal with severe flooding beside Castlepollard Garda Station on the Dublin road. Personnel were on scene for some time redirecting water away from the affected area.Castlepollard Community CollegeCastlepollard Community College re-opens for 1st year students on Tuesday, August 26th, 2008, at 9.00am, and for 2nd, 3rd, 4th and 5th years on Wednesday, August 27th. P.L.C. students will be notified at a later date.Business & Commuter Course - Enrolment for the following P.L.C. Course is now taking place. This course is due to start in mid September, 2008. Application forms are available in local shops or by contacting the College on 044-9661163.Certificate in Business Studies (FETAC - Level 5), E.C.D.L., Computing for Business or Pleasure.Adult Education Night Classes - Enrolment for the following night classes will take place in mid September, 2008:- Computer - Beginners (8 weeks) - How to get started in basic computer skills including Microsoft Word, Excel, Powerpoint, Publisher, Internet & E-mail; Computers - Advanced (8 weeks) - more advanced features using Microsoft Word, Excel, Powerpoint, Publisher, Internet & E-mail. Substance Misuse in the Family (6 weeks) - A guide for parents and family members who concerns about addiction. Art - Water Colours (8 weeks), Floral Aranging (6 weeks), Beauty Therapy (6 weeks), Occupational First Aid - Certificate Course (8 weeks), Spanish - Beginners (8 weeks). There is a minimum of 10 people required for each course. Course fees are €100 for 6 weeks, and €120 for 8 weeks.Course fees are paid on enrolment night. Should a course not run all fees will be funded.