General Meeting October 1, 2012 This NYPD Emerald Society Photo Gallery require the Adobe Flash Player plugin and a web browser with JavaScript enabled. The NYPD Emerald Society's October 1, 2012 General Meeting was held at St. Barnabas HS, in the Woodlawn section of the Bronx. Monsignor Edward Barry welcomed the members to what has now become a traditional October venue this past decade. The school provides a cozy location for the Emeralds, nestled in the most northern end of NYC. In spite of a nearby Yankee game a few miles to the south, with the same starting time, most members made it to the school in plenty of time. After enjoying the hot buffet the meeting was called to order by President Sean C. Patterson. Board Officers were called up for various reports, starting with the Bennett Scholarship Chairman Tom Cawley. He advised on the submitting of applications by college freshmen currently enrolled as full time students. Applications can be requested through the Emerald Society website. The deadline for filing is by the February 2013 meeting. Pat Donohue advised on providing information for upcoming Newsletters and that a new edition would soon be going to print. Tom Sullivan spoke on the 2013 Winter Weekend, still in the planning stages. He told members that the holiday trip will take place during Presidents Weekend. 1st Vice President Karyn Keenan advised she would be representing us at the National Council of Law Enforcement Emerald Society (NCLEES) upcoming convention in London, England. Regarding recent events Timmy Black spoke on the September 15th excursion to West Point. The Army football team lost a close game in the final minutes of play. But unlike last year's memorable trip when a fierce snowstorm hit the east coast, the weather this year was perfect. That and some good food and beverages was all it took for the Emerald tailgaters to have a great time. Eddie Patterson reported on the Brooklyn Cyclones' ball game in Coney Island when the team sponsored its annual Irish Night. With a large group of Emeralds in attendance it was summer time at its best. Our members always seem to enjoy a hometown team playing at a great venue with some tailgate included. Noel Moloney from the NYPD Gaelic Football Club was invited by President Patterson to speak about the team. He spoke about the benefit game played in June versus the FDNY team. The PD team made a donation to Sgt. Justin McCormack as he continues his remarkable recovery from a stroke he had late last year. The Club will be holding their Dinner Dance on December 8th at the nearby Rory Dolan's Restaurant in Yonkers. Our Past President Rich Wall will be an honoree as the Club's Heritage Award will be presented to him. For more details and other news you can access the Gaelic Football Club's website via our Links. When President Patterson returned to the podium he had a number of announcements. He welcomed Chief Michael Shea who was in attendance and congratulated newly promoted Captain Rob Gault (Pipe Band) who was also on hand. Patterson also congratulated Deputy Chief Michael Harrington on his well deserved promotion. Harrington is a long time and active member of the Society. Regarding the Board, Patterson noted a couple of changes, Timmy Black will become the Queens North VP with Jay Teahan moving to Financial Secretary. Black also kicked off his annual "Mustache for Kids" campaign. Each year Timmy attempts to grow a mustache as he raises contributions in support of the fight against childhood cancer. He takes a lot of good natured kidding regarding his limited facial hair, but his dedication to this wonderful charity is undeniable. Justin McCormack assisted with the Raffle Drawing and former NYPD RN Leslie Willoughby was a lucky winner. After the business part of the meeting closed parish priest Father James Gormley joined us. In a short time he made a number of new friends. He reminisced with an old acquaintance about his growing up in Staten Island. He had many fond memories of St. Christopher's Parish in Grant City and working part time in the local A&P supermarket. Fr. Gormley said that while in his mid-thirties he answered his calling and entered the Priesthood, leaving behind a successful law career. With his charismatic personality we hope to see more of Fr. Gormley in the future. Our next meeting, Pipe Band Appreciation Night will be Monday November 5th when we return to St. James Church in Manhattan.