the Hamilton Particular Council kicked off Vincent/Ozanam week in spectacular style with its 3rd annual Vincent/Ozanam Dinner for Vincentians, families and friends. The event was hosted by the St. Francis Xavier Conference in east Hamilton on Saturday, September 21st @ 7:00 p.m. Most of us attended the 5:30 p.m. Saturday evening Mass during which we were welcomed by the Parish Priest, Fr. Martin Valleley. The event was attended by Penny Craig, our National Past President, Paul LaFontaine, Halton Particular Council President, several members of the clergy, several Conference Presidents and numerous Vincentians and friends with 115 people in attendance. We had a large birthday cake to honour the 200th birthday of Frederic Ozanam with all attendees belting out the "Happy Birthday" song. During the evening, Peter Burns, a 40 year Vincentian, gave a short address on "Who was Frederic Ozanam?" and this was followed by Fr. Martin who advised us on "Emulating Vincent and his love for God". The highlight of the evening was the "surprise" awards for long service with the Society of Saint Vincent de Paul. These were presented by Penny Craig and ranged from 10 year awards in 5 year increments up to 40 year awards which were handed out to two deserving Vincentians, John Woolcott and Peter Burns, both of whom started at Regina Mundi Conference and are now members of Annunciation of Our Lord Conference . A total of 35 awards were presented.

Guido Kelly