A letter from the Secretary
We are expanding our use of the internet by making our website something that will benefit all of our members. It is still in the rebuilding stage and suggestions are welcome. I am trying to set up an e-mail base for members. I want to put the website to use and try to utilize it to its maximum.
The calendar of events section is very easy to use. If you wish to check on information concerning an upcoming event, Simply go to emeraldsocietyofillinois.org and you will see a “calendar of events” title on the left side of the home page. Simply click on that section and the scheduled events will appear. Any event that is highlighted will have information concerning the event. Click on that date and you will be able to access the information. Dates that are not highlighted will only remind you of an upcoming event. Information on the event will follow at a later date.
The members only section along with the announcement section has not been completed as of yet.
We are also requiring members to check in when they arrive at the meetings, so bring your ID card to avoid having to stand in line. CHECK YOUR EXPIRATION DATE ON THE MAILING LABEL. IF IT DOES NOT SAY 2004 YOU ARE NOT PAID UP AND MAY BE DENIED ENTRY TO AN EVENT OR MEETING.
IT IS VERY IMPORTANT THAT YOU NOTIFY ME OF ANY CHANGE OF ADDRESS. WE ARE GETTING WAY TOO MANY NEWSLETTERS RETURNED FOR LACK OF A PROPER ADDRESS. I CANT SEND YOU A NEWSLETTER IF I DON’T KNOW WHERE YOU ARE.
If you have any questions I can be contacted directly at my office 847-336-6939 or via e-mail Secretary@EmeraldSocietyofIllinois.org
Respectfully submitted,
Jim “Mac” McCarthy
Secretary
ST. PATRICK'S DAY PARADE AND PARTY
The parade was held on Saturday March 13, 2004 and the party followed immediately afterwards.
We want to thank all the various guests from all over for attending. We had police officers from Ireland, Florida, New York, New Jersey, San Francisco, Baltimore, Cleveland and Milwaukee. Several fire departments were also represented. Thanks to every one for making it a success and special thanks to the board members who worked so hard to make it happen.
Our 29th annual dinner dance was held on April 17, 2004 at the Hawthorne Race Track Gold Cup Room. We honored seven people and they were
The Emerald Society Irish Man of the year
Phillip J. Cline
Superintendent of Police
Chicago Police Department
Emerald Society of Illinois Justice Award
Cook County States Attorneys James McKay and Brian Sexton
Emerald Society of Illinois Presidents Award
Past Presidents Thomas Cody, Mike Flannery, Kevin Taylor and Past Vice President James O’Connell
The annual Rib Fest was held Monday May 3, 2004 at the FOP Hall 1412 W. Washington Chicago at 7:00 P.M. The food was great and the band was good. Everyone went home full.
The annual Children’s sports night was held at the Assumption church on Monday June 14, 2004. It started at 7:00 P.M. We had raffle gifts for every child that attended along with raffles of bicycles and adult raffles.
The Golf Outing was held on July 12, 2004 at Carriage Green's Country Club in Darien, Illinois. We had a full complement of golfers. We wish to thank all the workers, hole sponsors and everyone else that made it successful.
The annual picnic was Saturday July 17, 2004 at the Lions Woods in Des Plaines. The weather started out questionable but turned out beautiful. The large crowd enjoyed good food and company. Thanks to Kathy Ebeling for keeping the kids occupied and thanks to all the board members that worked to make this a success.
A group of 78 left Chicago for Ireland on July 21 and returned on August 2nd. We traveled through Belfast and Londonderry in the north and numerous cities in the south. The trip was great once we got there. The food was good and most of the people were friendly. A special thanks to Kathy Ebeling and Patti Clarke for their work in making this trip a good one. We are already discussing another trip in a couple of years.
EMERALD SOCIETY COOK BOOK
We are still working on this project and looking for even more recipes. There
is NO limit to the number of recipes you can submit. Anything that you make to
eat, or even drink is acceptable. If you think it tastes good send it to us. Send them to
Patty Clarke or
Debbie O'Connor-Dimaggio.
SCHOLARSHIP The scholarship drawing will be held on September 13. If you are eligible you will receive the forms in the mail. Only members who have paid dues for the last four consecutive years are eligible for the drawing. This is for the police officer and their children only. Sorry Grand-children are not eligible. If you have not received a form and feel that you are eligible, please call me at 847-336-6939.
OCTOBERFEST Will be held on October 4th.
TURKEY RAFFLE The turkey raffle will be held on November 8th, tickets will be mailed.
LICENSE PLATES The Society is planning to have commemorative license plates available for our 30th anniversary. More to follow on this matter.