Dear Friends,

 

 March 17, 2005 is a day that I will remember for a long, long time. 

 

The Society was blessed with many hands to help set up the lower church hall on Wednesday evening, March 16th and Thursday morning March 17th, 2005.  

 

The Day started on a fantastic note as the DSNY Emerald Society's Pipe and Drum Band played at Holy Cross church followed by a very enlightening sermon by Father Peter Colapietro.  Yes Father, we are all catchers!

 

The Mass was followed by a brunch and our recognition ceremony honoring our scholarship winners Kevin James Doremus and James Patrick Murphy and runner-up savings bond winner Seamus Kelly.  Congratulations to the winners and their families.

 

The festivities continued as three gentlemen were honored with the DSNY Emerald Society's most prestigious awards.  Honorary Grand Marshal and Aides to the Honorary Grand Marshal.  The Emerald Society Executive Board voted unanimously for the gentlemen selected to receive these honors.

 

The first Aide to the Honorary Marshal award went to Sanitation Worker Larry Feldmeth, assigned to Bronx 8 Garage.  Larry is a person who is always there to lend a hand and is a great friend to the organization.  Larry, thank you for your hard work and unwavering support.  On a personal note, Larry will be retiring and I want to wish him the VERY BEST.

 

The second Aide to the Honorary Marshal was awarded to David Callery, Deputy Chief assigned to Brooklyn South Borough.  David is the First Vice President of our organization.  When David was first introduced to the Emerald Society he immediately began lending his support and hasn't stopped.  David's dedication led to the organization coming into the computer age by starting and maintaining the organization's own web site, dsnyemeraldsociety.com, making the DSNY Emerald Society the first fraternal society within the Department to do so. David is always on hand for the many events the organization holds representing the organization as a professional when called upon.  On a personal note, I would like to congratulate David and his wife Jennifer on the birth of their second son, Eamon.

 

The Honorary Marshal for the Emerald Society was awarded to Father Peter Colapietro of Holy Cross Church.  Father Pete, as he is known and loved, is the Department Chaplain.  He has been the Department Chaplain for the past six years.  For the past thirteen years, Father Pete has been holding Saint Patrick's Day Mass for the Emerald Society.  Father Pete has been there for the Department in good times and sad times.  Whenever the Department calls, he is always there.  Father Pete was also honored as the Grand Marshall in the St. Patrick's Parade in West Hampton Beach Long Island this year.  The Emerald Society Pipe & Drum Band and a contingent of officers and Support Services personnel representing the Department were present to honor him at the event.  Wherever Father Pete went, throngs of people would flock to his side, wanting to speak to him or just to be near him.  Seeing Father Pete being received in that manner and the way the band and contingent were made to feel welcome, made me feel proud to be a part of the whole event and to know Father Pete is truly one of us NY's Strongest! 

 

There was a special surprise for Father Pete and Holy Cross Church.  Band Master Pat Flynn presented a donation check for $1,000.00 to Father Pete and Holy Cross Church on behalf of Commissioner Doherty, First Deputy Commissioner Bimonte, The Emerald Society Pipe & Drum Band and the DSNY Emerald Society.   Needless to say, Father Pete was overjoyed with the donation.

 

The Emerald Society Pipe & Drum Band led our contingent up 5th Avenue.  The sun was shinning bright on our shoulders and the crowds were very supportive of our Department.  I was overjoyed at the many family and friends who joined the ranks to participate in this great day.  There was a solid turn out of officers decked out in Class "A" uniforms.  The organization received a special honor as the Grand Marshal of the parade, John Kelleher, and Parade Chairman, John Dunlevy, joined us.  They marched with us for several blocks shaking hands with many of our retirees with whom they had formed friendships with over the years.  Many "old-timers" told me that they don't recall a Parade Marshal or Parade Chairman ever joining our ranks to march. It was a great thrill for me as the President to hear those words.  Mayor Mike Bloomberg also joined the ranks shaking hands and taking pictures with the contingent.  The Mayor heard the great support shown by the public for our Department and he acknowledge the praise.  

 

The festivities continued as we made our way back to Manhattan Borough where the Emerald Society provided food and beverages for all those who came. As we walked into the Borough office we heard many shouts of "great T.V. coverage". We were on television for three to four minutes, the best coverage we've ever had.  This all seemed too good to be true. 

 

As the day grew to night, I didn't want it to end, but with my family in tow I headed to my vehicle thinking to myself what a great day, what a great event, what a great organization!  But most of all what great bunch of men and women who came out and made this event what it was. GREAT!

 

Thank you to Commissioner Doherty, First Deputy Commissioner Bimonte, Department Officials, Chiefs, Assistant Chiefs, Deputy Chiefs, Officers, Union Presidents and Representatives, Sanitation Workers, Civilian Workers, Fraternal Organizations, Family and friends and especially to the Scholarship winners and Honorees for making this day a memorable one.

 

 

                                                                                                                            With The Deepest Appreciation,

                                                                                                                            Thomas J. Doyle

                                                                                                                            President