JULY 2010 - Note: This is an ONLINE ONLY Edition
Presidents Letter
As we sail past our half-year mark, I would like to thank each and every Emerald Society Board Member, past and present for their unselfish dedication to the organization. Without their continued commitment none of the events we have all enjoyed this past year would have taken place.
These events take much organizing, phone calls, endless emails, shopping, begging borrowing and teamwork, lots of teamwork! Our current board seems to have mastered this entire task with ease! Everyone pitches in and does his or her part and the end result has been very rewarding. Our monthly meeting attendance is way up! Our “old timers” whose faces we so enjoy seeing at all of our functions are ever-present and we are equally happy to welcome new members (and their families) into our Emerald Society family. This is how we will keep our Irish presence in Law Enforcement strong and “Continue the Tradition” our forefathers worked so hard to achieve many years ago alive.
When we look at the names engraved on the Haymarket Statue and on the stars displayed in the Memorial Walls at Chicago Police Headquarters, the Irish names are prominent if not dominant. That is why we proudly carry on the tradition, for the sacrifices our forefathers made that carved the Irish into the foundation of Law Enforcement. It is the mission of the Emerald Society of Illinois to keep those traditions vibrant and see that they are passed on from generation to generation. I can see our members are doing a great job of that and I am confident we will remain the largest ethnic organization in Law Enforcement, with the most loyal of members throughout the state.
Go mbeannai Dra duit,
(May God Bless You)
Debbie O’Connor-Dimaggio
President
Emerald Society of Illinois
2010 St. Patrick’s Day Parade March & Celebration
We began our “High Holy Days” celebration with a fun filled, extremely well attended and well planned welcome party at Lizzie McNeill’s, 400 N. McClurg Ct., for our friends from across the pond-The London Metropolitan Police Departments Emerald Society. Party Chairman Megan Lyons & Co. did a great job on all the party details. New friendships were made and our guests can’t wait to return to Chicago to visit with their Illinois Emerald Society brothers & sisters. I received a beautiful thank-you letter from their President and he could not emphasize enough that they were “blown away” by the hospitality they were shown, from the welcome they received at O’Hare Airport, to the transportation that was provided for them for their entire stay (a special thank you to Past President Patrick Moriarty who secured the transportation via the Cook County Sheriff’s Dept. for the whole time our guests were here!!!) to our own Pipes and Drums of the Emerald Society who so generously gave up their Friday night to do a first class performance for our guests at the welcome party and totally awed them with their fantastic performance again Saturday. All those long hours of practice is what makes them the BEST Pipe and Drum band any of us will have the privilege of hearing. We also enjoyed the talents of Finbar & Co., who had everyone dancing and singing along all night!
And we can’t forget our own Board Member Bob Shoup who became the “Official Tour Guide” for the London Gang. Bob and his urban assault vehicle (aka: the jeep) took as many of the lad’s & lassies that could be stuffed into it to all of Bob’s favorite hot spots in the city. Yes, even scenic “Area 1” at 3:00am. I would say that is why the group presented Bob with a T-shirt when they departed especially made for him that said “Just Say NO to BOB!” Bob is saving his pennies as we speak to visit his new found buddies in London. But, all fun aside (and yes there was lots of fun!) we have formed a wonderful relationship with the London Metropolitan Police Service and they can’t wait to return the hospitality to us!
The Parade March & Celebration on Saturday (except for the miserable Chicago weather!) was as our new London friends would say “spot on”. We had a decent crowd marching in spite of the weather. Past President and founding father of the Emerald Society, Dan Burke Sr. did a great job of securing a float to honor Constable James Quinn who was finally recognized as the first Chicago Police Officer to be killed in the line of duty. We were honored to have Rick Barrett who spearheaded the Quinn project, Constable Quinn’s descendants, Potter Palmer’s descendants, and our own past Board member representing the Gold Star Families, Patty Clarke and numerous other prominent Chicagoans aboard the Emerald Society Float which honored the ultimate sacrifice made by Constable James Quinn. I would also like to thank the Chicago FOP Lodge 7/Mark Donohue, the Chicago Patrolman’s Credit Union/Scott Arney & Dave Dunham, McMahon Foods/Frank McMahon, Dublin’s Pub and the Bijan Bistro for sponsoring our float for the parade. It was a long over-due tribute and we thank all of you for allowing us to make it possible.
We were also thrilled to have Fergal Murray, Guinness Master Brewer and Global Brand Ambassador who was our “Un-Official” parade Grand Marshall. Fergal traveled from Dublin to join in our festivities and can’t wait to return for next year’s parade. Thanks Fergal and our sponsors at Diageo-Guinness USA & Chicago Beverage Systems. And to our familiar faces from Chicago Beverage, Mark, Barry & Stacey who ensure the beverages flow cold and smooth for our entire celebration along with our volunteer bartenders who did a great job! I hope we have found a new home for our St. Patrick’s Day Celebration at Local 399’s Union Hall, 22nd & Grove along the Chicago River. It is a first class venue with the best of amenities. Brian Hickey, Roger McGinty and their staff provided us with a stress-free day. The 275 space secure parking lot is such a plus, along with ample non-metered street parking in a nicely secluded section of the city. A delicious and endless corned beef dinner with all of the trimmings was provided by Mary O’Connor and her staff at Unforgettable Edibles, 7280 W. Devon. We look forward to Mary’s culinary talents year after year!! The room was filled with the foot stomping tunes performed by our favorite Irish entertainer Barry “Finbar” Fagan. Barry is a great friend and supporter of the Emerald Society and we look forward to having him perform at all of our functions. Patrick Moriarty (St. Patrick’s Day Chairman) and his commissary staff did a fine job of designing this year’s parade t-shirts which included the London Emerald Society’s logo with ours along with an endless supply of merchandise that proudly displays the Emerald Society’s logo. We still have a good supply of merchandise from the celebration and it will be available for purchase at the upcoming picnic. We will look for all of your support again for next year’s St. Patrick’s Day Celebration, so mark your calendars now for March 12th, 2011. A special thank you to Jim Chausse and Carol Darwent, who worked the room like pros and to all of the Board members who kept the front door moving smoothly, from the wristbands to the membership table and the 35th Anniversary License Plate Project. You are to be commended for your dedication! The Board would like to especially thank all of our members/ supporters who came out on a far from perfect day to march with your brothers and sisters in blue that share your Irish roots and then returned to enjoy the post parade celebration. You are the best of the best!!
April Traveling South-Side Meeting
On April 15th, we enjoyed a full house again at Lanigan’s Irish Pub, 3119 W. 111th St. Meeting Chairman Bob Shoup & Co. provided an evening full of “great craic”. Drink specials were on tap, food was great, (thanks Nick Dimaggio!) and our own Finbar (who had never been that far south!) had the Pub rockin' all night long. Nick Glynn (bar manager) ensured everyone felt right at home at Lanigan’s.
May Children’s Sports Night
We enjoyed a true “family affair” on Sport’s Night. Dads, Mom’s, Granny’s, Grandpa’s and children filled the church hall. Each child went home with an age appropriate sports item and one lucky boy & girl each won a gift certificate to purchase new bikes from Target. It is great to see our younger members and their kids at Sports Night. The kids also enjoyed hot dogs and ice cream and a good time was had by all.
June Rib-Fest
The weather was perfect, the ribs prepared by our Master Chef’s Tom Cody and Rick Toolis keep getting better each year and everyone pitched in to pull off the best attended Rib-Fest we have had in a long time. Rib-Fest Chairman Dominick Kearns & Co. organized a wonderful evening for all. Tom Cody again secured the talented Larkin Brother’s who we so enjoy each year, our own Finbar sang the Irish & American National Anthem’s, the bean bag game was well utilized and we honored a few of our own true heroes. Chicago Police Sergeant Matt Little and P.O. Ray Rau for their patriotic services to the United States of America in support of Operation Enduring Freedom, Chicago P.O. Robert Shoup and P.O. Tom Dudzik, for a homicide arrest, and Cook County Inv. Michael Ernst and Inv. Neal Gaynor, for a multiple weapons and drug seizure. We were very fortunate to have a few famous guests with us that evening; retired Superintendent Phil Cline and now Executive Director of the Chicago Police Memorial Foundation, along with Alderman James Balcer. We were honored to have them on hand to present plaques to our awardees. We commend these officers for their brave acts of heroism! We had some great donations from our Events Coordinator, Kathie Flannery, Board member Marty Quill and one of the Pipes and Drums Band members for our raffles. One of our own, Chicago Police Officers Jim Mullens, who was catastrophically injured in the line of duty 14 years ago and was paralyzed, as a result, donated an ample supply of his own family recipe “Chicago’s Finest Applesauce” which was enjoyed by all. Jim is an Emerald Society member/supporter and is also donating a portion of the proceeds from his applesauce to the Chicago Police Memorial Foundation. You can visit Jim’s website to order his applesauce at
www.mullenfoods.com and support one of our own. Their generosity and the generosity of our members/supporters help to off-set the cost of Rib-Fest. Thank you all for your continued support to the Emerald Society and again to all that made the Rib-Fest the success it was.Monday, July 12th the Emerald Society Golf Outing will take place at Carriage Greens Golf Course in Darien. Il. It begins with a 10:00am shotgun start, beverages will be provided on the course, lunch on the 9th hole turn, a $10,000.00 hole in one contest, a 5-course dinner and open bar, and a multitude of raffle items. The golf outing Chairman, Patrick Moriarty is still looking for a few hole sponsors and has some open golf spots available. This year’s cost is again the same as last year, & $125.00 a person, $500.00 foursome. It is an enjoyable day of golf, fun, food and prizes. Patrick can be contacted at 847-772-0709 for any and all questions regarding the golf outing.
Benefit for Past President Patrick Moriarty
On Friday, July 16th, a benefit for our Past President Patrick Moriarty will be held at the FOP Hall, 1412 W. Washington Blvd., 7:00. Patrick is taking a 21 day suspension for an incident that transpired within his workplace between a few co-workers. The Emerald Society Board of Directors hopes all of our members will come out and support Patrick in his time of need. Food, refreshments and entertainment will be provided. Tickets will be available at the door for $20.00 or by calling me at 773-517-2802. (Debbie)
Bagpipes and Drums of the Emerald Society Chicago Police Department.Bagpipes and Drums Recruitment Drive
The Bagpipes and Drums of the Emerald Society will be holding a Recruitment Drive Meeting on Thursday, July 22nd, 2010, at the Education & Training Division, 1300 W. Jackson Blvd., at 6:30 pm. All Law Enforcement are welcome. No experience is necessary. All training is provided by the Bagpipes and Drums of the Emerald Society.
On Saturday, July 31st, we will hope for great weather and enjoy another Emerald Society Family Picnic at Lions Woods in Des Plaines, IL. Entry is $10.00 per person or $20.00 a car load. Hamburgers, hotdogs, corn, chips, ice cream, soda, adult beverages, kids and adult games, bean bag tournament and prizes will be supplied by the Emerald Society. It is a true old fashioned picnic that we older members remember from our younger days and a wonderful way to spend a day with your family, enjoy a family reunion and visit with fellow Emerald Society members. We hope to see all of our members and their families at this year’s picnic.
Official Picnic Meeting Announcement
35th Anniversary License Plates
We have designed license plates to commemorate our 35th Anniversary as the Emerald Society of Illinois. Kevin Myron is the Chairman of this project and Jim McCarthy has been instrumental in getting the design through all of the red-tape at the Secretary of State’s offices. The project will need to be wrapped up by the picnic date. There is still a good amount of numbers available, (star numbers, your age, birthdays, etc…) we hope all of our members will purchase a plate ($60.00) and show their support for the Emerald Society. They can be displayed in conjunction with our 35th Anniversary Dinner Dance.
Kevin can be contacted at 773-551-5290 for information on obtaining plates and the application and a sample of the plate is available on our website.
Membership Drive
We signed up a significant amount of new members as Board member Marty Quill has spearheaded a very successful membership drive. We are still asking each one of our current members to bring in at least one new member this year. Even if you can only attend a limited amount of meetings of events we would still like to see all officers in the state of Illinois that are of Irish ancestry become member of the Emerald Society of Illinois. Like I have said before, we are still the “biggest gang” in Law Enforcement; the membership rolls of the Emerald Society should reflect the same.
35th Anniversary - Dinner Dance
On Friday, September 24th, we will hold our 35th Annual Dinner Dance at Gaelic Park, in Oak Forest, IL. Social hour is 7:00-8:00 and dinner to follow. Ticket information and ad requests have been mailed to our members. Our Irishman of the year is John Griffin. John is the current President of Gaelic Park (since 1991) Chicago’s St. Patrick’s Day Parade Committee Director and Treasurer, chairman of the Forever Green Celebrations at Navy Pier, the World’s Largest Block Party, founding member of the Young Irish Fellowship Club, and a multitude of other events that promote Irish Culture and heritage. Our Police Officers of the Year are Chicago Police Officers Scott McKenna & Daniel O’ Toole. I encourage all of our members to purchase a ticket to our 35th Anniversary Dinner Dance along with an Ad in our program book. This is our biggest event of the year and it would be wonderful if our attendance at this event is the largest ever. To achieve that goal we need the support of each and every member of this organization. We do not want any other ethnic organization to become the “New Irish” as was mentioned they would become at a dinner dance last fall. So, on that note we hope to see you and yours at the Gala Celebration!
Best Wishes
Mark Rue one of our Board of Directors has retired from the Calumet City Police Department. Congratulations Mark! Enjoy your new found freedom and hope you catch the “BIG ONE”, (fish that is!) Best Wishes to our 2nd Vice President Kevin Myron and his fiancée Kathy who are tying the knot on Saturday, July 24th. (Kevin, did anyone have “the talk” with you???). We all wish you both the best! Congrats to Band Manager Jon Harmening and his lovely wife who are anxiously awaiting the arrival of their 2nd child. I hear you love those 2AM feedings Jon!
SPECIAL ATTENTION
Emerald Society Members: it is very important you advise us when you change your email address or carrier, if not your emails is returned as “not valid email address” and you are dropped from our master list due to incorrect data. Any questions or corrections can be made by contacting the Emerald Society Secretary, Jim McCarthy at 847-336-6939 or through this Emerald Society website contact page
Our Entertainment Coordinator Kathie Flannery is in the planning stages of organizing a trip to Ireland in 2011. Kathie has orchestrated several successful trips in the past, one of which I (Debbie Dimaggio) was on in 2004. The trip was extremely well planned, and we saw many if not all of Ireland's most famous assets and stayed in lovely hotels, most for 2 nights at a time. Kathie saw to it that all we as travelers had to do, was sit back and enjoy a most wonderful of vacations. As I said the trip is in its planning stage, but Kathie would like anyone with an interest in the trip to email her at:
with any any questions you may have.MORE INFORMATION HAS BEEN UPDATED, CLICK HERE !
Chicago Patrolmen’s Federal Credit Union
And to all of our members, remember to utilize the Chicago Patrolmen’s Federal Credit Union for all of your banking needs. The Credit Union is the only full service financial institution solely dedicated to servicing the financial needs of Chicago Police Officers and their families. They are offering some new rates that you will not find at any other bank. Stop by any of their branches and they will show you what they have to offer. They have also been named the founding sponsor of the Chicago Police Memorial Foundation. The Memorial Foundation assists Chicago Police Officers that have been catastrophically injured in the line of duty. Please be generous to this wonderful foundation. We wish you all enjoy a safe, healthy and fun filled summer, and hope you have marked your calendars for all of our upcoming events as we look forward to seeing you all soon.
Upcoming Events
Upcoming Dates to Remember Link to Online Calendar of Events
DATE EVENT / LOCATION TIME
12JUL10 Golf Outing Carriage Greens 1000
31JUL10 Picnic Lions Woods 1200
24SEP10 Dinner Dance Gaelic Park 1900
04OCT10 Oktoberfest/Scholarship FOP Hall 1900
15NOV10 Turkey Raffle Assumption Church 1900
11DEC10 Children’s Christmas Party Assumption Church 1200
** (We have combined our September & October Meetings) **
Click on the location name for a map of where the event is being held
Visit the website at
www.emeraldsocietyofillinois.org for any other info and also our membership application.Just a Reminder: Please update your e-mail address with our Secretary.
Mail updates to the PO Box or drop Jim an email at:
or you can use our
web-based email form.
RENEWAL FORM (Online Form)
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This page was last edited on 07/28/2010.
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