Poughkeepsie social club marks 75 years of community service

August 29, 2022
5:58 am

POUGHKEEPSIE – The Shamrock Association in the city celebrated its 75th anniversary on Saturday. To commemorate the milestone, a celebration was held and City of Poughkeepsie Mayor Rob Rolison declared Saturday, August 27, 2022, as “Shamrock Association Day” in the city when he stopped at the club in the morning.

Rolison’s proclamation was echoed by sentiments from elected leaders US Senator Chuck Schumer, Congressman Sean Patrick Maloney, State Senator Sue Serino, and Dutchess County Executive Marc Molinaro. State Assemblyman Jonathan Jacobson joined the club members on Saturday afternoon for a dedication ceremony and unveiling of a plaque honoring the club’s life members. Jacobson presented a framed proclamation from the Assembly after Beulah Baptist Church Reverend Jesse Bottoms, who is celebrating 45 years of service at his church this year offered a brief prayer and remarks to the 50 attendees.

The private social club was established in the area of Delafield and Whinfield Streets by a small group of neighborhood residents who had just returned from World War II. None of the men were Irish but they had all used the three-leaf shamrock as their good luck charm while at war.

“The founding members were committed to assisting their community when needed and that effort continues today,” said Shamrock member Robert Musacchio, who recently became a life member after 25 years of club service.

Shamrock President and owner of On Location Studios Al Nowak expanded on Musacchio’s words, adding “From the very beginning, the Shamrock Association was dedicated to helping those in the community and 75 years later, we are still dedicated to helping organizations such as the MHA Dutchess Vet2Vet program and Dutchess Outreach. It was an honor to receive proclamations from all levels of government in recognition of our work. Despite their hectic schedules, Assemblyman Jacobson, Mayor Rolison, and Reverend Jesse Bottoms even took time to visit the club on Saturday to express their support for our work in the community – and that was truly humbling.”