Terry and JoAnn O’Brien are being recognized as the February Family of the Month primarily for recently chairing the very successful Mardi Gras Party and reigning as king and queen of that event.  However, they also volunteer a great deal for a variety of causes

They moved to the Village from a small town in Ohio in January, 1979. Terry was employed by an Aircraft Subcontracting company in Hot Springs.   They found the Village of 3600 residents by accident while searching for a home to rent.  They feel it has been the most rewarding move of their lives and firmly believe God's hand was involved.  A few months after their move, JoAnn, a kindergarten teacher, started a pre-school program for 3 and 4 year-olds of the community.

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They feel very blessed with five children, 13 grandchildren, and 6 great grandchildren.

Since many of you probably frequent one or more of their family businesses, I thought you would be interested to know a bit about them.  In 1983, the first O'Brien's Pizza Pub was born and was operated out of a rental space in Village Square.   Terry retired in 1989 and JoAnn in 1991. That same year O'Brien's on top of the mountain was opened and in 1998 the restaurant near the Balboa Gate was established.  Both restaurants are now owned and operated by daughter Molly O'Brien King.

Granddaughter Rachael is managing one restaurant, and granddaughter Katie is assistant manager.  Grandsons Tyler and Devin are working in the kitchen.

Son Eron is owner of The House of Liquor and Village Wine and Spirits.  Daughter Colleen is a Kitchen and Bath Designer and operates Hanke Designer Kitchens and son Shawn has a building contracting company.  Kathy is a stay at home mom in Olive Branch, Mississippi.

Terry became a knight in 1959 and joined the Assembly here in 2007.  In addition to the knights, Terry is active in the Men's Club and very involved with the church and was a member of the Pastoral Council for two years.  He took charge of the fund raising for the drive from the rectory to the lake.  He has been available to help with refinishing the floors as well as plumbing and electrical repairs in the facilities.  He is also a member of the Disaster Response Team.

JoAnn was Captain of St Monica's Guild and Vice President of The Ladies of The Sacred Heart in 2006 and served as its President in 2007.  She was Chair of the Ladies Fashion Show in 2005 and 2006.  She served on the Fund Raising Committee for both the rectory and the A & E building, and is currently chairing the fund raising for the soon-to-arrive Blessed Mother statue.

Both JoAnn and Terry are blood donors, and, at Deacon Larry’s invitation, they just accepted the responsibility of directing the sales team for this fall’s Treasure Sale.

Congratulations Terry and JoAnn, and thank you for sharing your many talents with us.