December 2016
State Chaplain Fr. Henry W. Reid Please remember that the Christmas Season is about the Birth of Jesus Christ, the Incarnation of the Word of God coming among us. While we all want to enjoy time with family and friends, and express love for those closest to us by exchanging gifts, please take time to remember the presence of Christ in the poor, and make the effort to attend our religious celebrations. In Christ and our motto, Fr. Henry W. Reid
President Timothy McSweeney We have had a very productive 2016 in New York State. The 1916 Commemorations around the State were Outstanding. Other recent highlights include: 2016 National Convention-A full delegation of 167 Brothers helped Brothers Liam McNabb and Dan Dennehey win election as National Directors. NY was represented well and continues to lead the way. 2016 National Label Program-This program is a major fundraiser for National charitable projects. Please encourage your members to donate. The National Board recently earmarked these funds to assist the Project St. Patrick program. 2017 NYS AOH/LAOH Convention-Planning is well under way for the State Convention to be held in Buffalo July 11-14. Tom Lambert and local planning committee promise the best NYS AOH/LAOH Convention ever held. The schedule is complete and available now. Paper and online registration will begin by the end of the month. 2019 NYS AOH/LAOH Convention- Letters of interest are currently being accepted for Divisions and/or Counties looking to bid on hosting the convention. Letters of Interest must be received by March 30, 2017. Please contact me for further information.
Vice President Vic Vogel It was great to see so many Hibernian Brothers and Sisters at the Fall State Board Meeting and Testimonial Dinner. Congratulations to New York State President Tim McSweeney and Burns-Hayes Award Winner Jim Kelly for the recognition they received for their many accomplishments. Well deserved! The Schenectady Major Degree Team will be conferring the Major Degree on January 29, 2017, in Albany, NY, and at the New York State Convention in Buffalo, NY, next July. Mike Glenn reports that another Major Degree is being planned for Binghamton, NY, in the near future.
Walter Butler has indicated that The Tara Court Major Degree Team will exemplify the Major Degree in Nassau County in April of 2017. The Tara Court Major Degree Team has recently conferred the Major Degree in Island Park, NY, and Huntington, NY. The Cu Chulainn Celtic Warriors Major Degree Team from Staten Island conferred the Major Degree in Jackson, NJ, on November 19, 2016. Jack King reports that the ceremony was held at the Knights of Columbus Hall. Information and Contacts for all Major Degree Teams may be found on the National AOH Website. In addition, please contact me for information regarding By-Laws necessary for forming a Junior Boys Division. I would like to wish all of my Hibernian Brothers and Sisters and their families a Happy Thanksgiving, a Merry Christmas and a Happy and Holy New Year.
Secretary Thomas A. Lambert It was great to have seen many of our brothers at the recent NYS AOH Semi-Annual Board Meeting in Albany. With the help of our Webmasters, I have been continuing to update the list of Officers for our Order. Please check the NY AOH Website for the current list of State, County and Divisional Officers with addresses, phone numbers and e-mail addresses. If there are any errors, please let me know. My e-mail address is Tomlambert12@aol.com. My telephone number is 716-796-7687. Before we know it, it will also be time for all Divisions to file new Form 9s and Form 11s after Divisional Elections are held this month. There are separate forms for the National AOH and the NYS AOH. I will soon be sending out the NYS Division Financial Membership Report (Form 11) and the NYS Certificate of Election Report (Form 9). Most Divisions filed Form 9s and Form 11s this past year. Congratulations to those who took advantage of the discounted early filings. If you did not take advantage of the discounted early filing this past year, please remember to do so in the coming year. NYS AOH per capita charges are discounted by 50 cents per Brother for Divisions whose filings are post marked by January 31st. Also, please remember, there are separate forms for the National AOH and the NY AOH. Please send me completed NYS AOH Form 9s and Form 11s, not the similar National forms! An updated Form 9 is important for keeping our contact information current. Please file an updated Form 9 even if the names of the Officers have not changed. Also, please remember that if you file a form with the National Secretary, that form is not transmitted to me! Please send me a separate NYS form. Preparations for the 2017 NY AOH/LAOH Convention in Buffalo are also proceeding. The dates for the Convention are Wednesday 07/12/17 through Saturday 07/15/17. Hotel Reservations for the Convention may now be made by contacting the Adams Mark Hotel at 716-845-5100. Rates are $139 per night plus 13.75% tax, and include parking and WiFi. The convention rates will be honored for three days prior and three days after the Convention dates. We have secured the use of St. Joseph’s Cathedral (across from the hotel) for the opening and closing Masses. We have also secured entertainment, menus are set. Package information will be available in December 2016. I will keep everyone apprised as to our progress. Thanksgiving has passed, and the Christmas Season will soon be here. I would like to take this opportunity to wish all of my Hibernian brothers a very Happy Thanksgiving and a Blessed Christmas! As always, if there are any questions, please do not hesitate to contact me.
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Treasurer John J. Manning It was an absolute pleasure to see all of my Brother Hibernians from all of over New York State at the NYS AOH 2016 Fall Meeting that was held back on Saturday November 5, 2016. I would also like to congratulate our “Worthy” NYS AOH President Timothy McSweeney on his recently held Testimonial Dinner Dance that was also held on Saturday November 5, 2016 at the Albany Hilton. I’m also asking all of my Brother Hibernians from throughout our organization, to please remember all of our United States of America, Military Service Members that made the “Ultimate Sacrifice” or were injured on December 7, 1941, at Pearl Harbor, Hawaii. “A date which will live in infamy…..No matter how long it may take us to overcome this premeditated invasion, the American people in their righteous might, will win through to absolute victory”. This year will mark the 75th Anniversary of that horrible day, that we as proud Americans will “Never” forget, nor should we. As the end of 2016 is coming to an end, I would like to wish all of my Brother Hibernians a very Happy Thanksgiving, a Merry Christmas, and a Happy and Healthy New Year in 2017. I hope that all of my Brother Hibernians get to spend some great quality time with all of their families, friends and loved ones during the holidays. It is also very important that we all remember that Christmas is not just a holiday that we go and buy gifts. It is a Christian Holiday that is celebrated every year on December 25 in “Honor” of the birth of Jesus Christ. I am hoping to see you all in the upcoming months, as many of our AOH Counties and Divisions are preparing and coordinating so many of their Annual Events, especially their “March for Pro Life in January 2017. I’m also planning on attending the National Annual “March for Pro Life” on Friday January 27, 2017 in Washington, D.C, with many of our NYS AOH Officers. In years past so many of our Brother Hibernians from throughout New York State would attend this Annual event, and I truly hope that I will see you all again in 2017.
District 1 Ed Kelley As I end my first year in office I would like to thank everyone for their help and support. I wish all my A.O.H. brothers and their families a safe and happy holiday season and I am looking forward to 2017. On October 2, 2016 District 1 and Whitestone Division 15 sponsored a pilgrimage to the Shrine of Our Lady of Martyrs in Auriesville. A picnic was held prior to the mass which was officiated by Bishop Hubbard. I would like to thank Peter Durkee, Owen Cole, Division 15 President Ed Rice, Warren Scullen, Schenectady President Jim Scott, Steve Mackey, John Humprey and all the others that attended this event. Following events in our District: Albany: January 2, 2017 - Major Degree of the order will be exemplified by John F.Kennedy Division 1 of Schenectady Major Degree Team. Contact Michael Glenn at 518-505 -3558 or E-mail MGLEN24t@NYCAP.RRCOM Saratoga: October 9, 2016 - Timothy Murphy memorial ceremony was held at Saratoga Battlefield, Schenectady: December 3, 2016 - LAOH Vendor Fair at Schenectady AOH Hall, 1748 State St, Schenectady, 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Watervliet: October 15, 2016 - Family Day was held.
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District 2 Thomas M. O’Donnell State Calendars have been distributed to the Divisions in the District. If anyone needs a State Hibernian Calendar, please contact me. With the holiday season approaching, several Divisions are planning Christmas parties. Dates I am currently aware of are: December 3 for Niagara County Division 1, December 10 for Erie County Division 1 and January 14, 2017 for Niagara County Division 4. I will be installing the new officers at the Niagara County Division 1 party and on January 23 for Erie County Division 1. I hope everyone has a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year!
District 4 Tom Beirne The Hibernians in District 4, covering the Counties of Westchester, Bronx, and New York continue to be very active and promoting our Catholic Faith and Irish Heritage. Below are some of the events that have occurred in the District recently. AOH Division 7, NY County Celtic Cruise – Wednesday June 8, 2016 on The Spirit of NY, was another tremendous success with top notch entertainment and a sold out boat. Division 7 donated close to $50,000.00 to the Emerald Isle Immigration Center as a result of the Cruise. Congratulations to Division President Sean Claffey and the Committee. AOH Division 18, Westchester County held their 8th Annual Hudson Valley Irish Fest on Saturday, September 24, 2016; on the beautiful Peekskill Riverfront on the bank of the Hudson River. It was a celebration of Irish American Culture with Great food, music and fun for the whole family. Right to Life Sunday, Sunday October 2, 2016, 10:15 Mass at St. Patrick’s Cathedral –The Ancient Order of Hibernians, Ladies Ancient Order of Hibernians and the Sisters of Life attended the Annual Right to Life Mass celebrated by Cardinal Dolan. The Sisters of Life are a religious order of nuns that were founded by Cardinal O’Connor to promote the sanctity of Human Life. After the Mass many of the Hibernians went to O’Lunney’s Times Square Pub for Breakfast. AOH Division 5, Bronx County held its “Spirit of 1916 Awards Event” on Sunday 10/16/16 - It was a very enjoyable evening and a packed house in The Rambling House, in Woodlawn, honoring Monsignor Edward Barry, Dan Dennehy, and the Irish Political Deportees. Congratulations to President Martin Galvin for revitalizing Division 5, Bronx County and for a great event. Golf Tournaments - The Following Divisions held Golf Tournaments – Myles Scully Division 1, Yonkers on Monday May 19, 2016 at Ardsley Country Club; Bronx County Division 3 on Saturday June 11 at Pelham – Split Rock GC; Francis P Beirne Division 9, NY County on Monday September 26th at Van Cortlandt Park GC; Division 18 Peekskill on Saturday October 15th at Mohansic GC. Myles Scully, Division 1, Yonkers AOH – 125th Anniversary Dance Friday November 11, 2016, 7;00 PM Myles Scully Division One celebrated their 125th Anniversary with a Dinner Dance at the Westchester Manor, (Hastings on Hudson). They presented awards to the descendants of Myles Scully that the Division is named after. -4-
Congratulations to the Division, President Kevin Ellis, and keep up the good work for at least another 125 years. 8th Annual Firefighter Sean Tallon Memorial Gaelic Sports Tournament – Sunday November 13, 2016 3:00 PM. The NY Minor Board GAA Tournament was held at Gaelic Park, (240th St. & Broadway, Bronx, NY) in memory of FDNY Firefighter Sean Tallon who was killed heroically on September 11, 2001. It was sponsored by many AOH Divisions and Counties. It is always an amazing day, promotes the Gaelic games, honors Sean Tallon, and gives the Hibernians great publicity and a chance for recruitment. AOH, Division 18, Peekskill – Annual Thanksgiving Dinner Dance Saturday November 19, 2016, 7:00 PM at the Cortlandt Colonial, in Cortlandt Manor, NY. The Hibernian of the Year was Michael O’Hanlon, retired from the FDNY and a fabulous musician. Music for the evening was by The Gabe Hickey Band. Clive Cronin is the Division President. New York County AOH held a farewell celebration for Fr. John Sheehan, S.J. on Thursday November 17, 2016 Fr. John is finishing up as the Executive Director for the Xavier Society of the Blind, and preparing for his next assignment in Aman, Jordan in February 2017. Fr. John is chaplain of Division 7, NY County, Catholic War Veterans, American Legion, Notre Dame Club of NY and many other organizations. He is a talented Opera singer, theatrical performer, and will certainly be missed in the NY Area. Bronx County AOH Dinner Dance – Sunday November 20, 2016 3:00 PM - Bronx County’s annual Dinner Dance honoring: John O’Connell (Hibernian Digest Editor), Chief Terence Monahan (NYPD), and Hugh O’Lunney (O’lunney’s Time Square Pub) with music by The Kitty Kelly Band. It is always an enjoyable evening and the main fundraiser for Bronx County. Congratulations to the Honorees and to Bob Nolan on another successful Bronx County Dance. Upcoming Events in District 4: Reinternment of John Curry Saturday May 13, 2017 11:00 AM, St. Patrick’s Old Cathedral, NYC. – There will be a Requiem Mass for John Curry, at the Basilica, St. Patrick’s Old Cathedral celebrated by Cardinal Timothy Dolan. The Mass will be a historic, beautiful, and fitting ceremony including a Choir and Orchestra that are coming out from Mayo, Ireland to participate in the events. John Curry, one of the documented visionaries of the miraculous Apparition in Knock, County Mayo, Ireland on August 21st, 1879 died in New York in 1943 and is currently buried in an unmarked grave in Resurrection Cemetery in Farmingdale, Long Island. The committee is working hard, the process is well under way to have his remains disinterred and transferred to the Basilica, St. Patrick’s Old Cathedral for burial in the historic cemetery. Fr Gibbons, the Pastor of the Knock Shrine, and a full plane load of Pilgrims from Knock, including relatives of John Curry are flying to New York for the magnificent event. It will be a historic and very memorable day that Hibernians will not want to miss. For information contact the Co-Chairmen: Tom Beirne (646) 584-1918 or Bob Pedersen (212) 541-1208. Have a Blessed Christmas and a Joyous New Year’s Holidays, celebrated with Family and Friends. “May Saint Patrick Bless and Protect You!"
District 5 Walter Cooper Brothers I would like to thank our Worthy President for his confidence in me when he appointed me District 5 Director at the last NY Sate Board meeting in Albany. As I write this the Holiday Season is fast approaching. I hope you and your families enjoyed Thanksgiving. We have so much to be thankful for.
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The brothers in District 5 have been active this fall. The Great Irish Fair was held in Coney Island this past September and its AOH Kings County roots and continued AOH support were acclaimed. Our NY State Treasurer John Manning and Queens County Chaplain Fr. James Sweeny were among those honored. Also, our very own NY State President Tim Mc Sweeny was seated on the dais with all the honorees. Our Past NY State President Al O’Hagan was present. It was his last public appearance. Al, as you know recently passed away, was one of the founders and the Director of the Fair for 23 years. Please keep Al and his family in your prayers. On Nov. 13th, 2016 at the Kings County, Division 19 Dinner, Brother Steve Terwilliger was honored for the outstanding job in having the Veterans Memorial Flag Pole erected in front of the Bail na nGael. Also, Division 35 will be holding its Dinner Dance on January 14th, 2017 at the Knights of Columbus Council #126. They will be honoring Brother Eddy Velinskie as Hibernian of the Year. The AOH/ LAOH Queens County Boards recently held their 141st Annual Dinner Dance at Russo’s on the Bay. It was a great success. Over 350 Brothers, Sisters and Friends attended this festive occasion. Congratulations are in order for the Brothers of Division 21 in Rockaway Beach- Breezy Point. The brothers led by President Mark Edwards have a new home. The “Hibernian Hall” was recently opened in Roxbury. It is the only AOH Hall in Queens County. The Richmond County Pipes and Drums will be holding their 40th Anniversary Dinner on December 10th, 2016. I wish all my Brothers a Blessed Christmas. We as Hibernians must promote “Keep Christ in Christmas”. Also, let us care for those less fortunate than us. Please support you Parish Food Pantries and Christmas Toy Drives. God Bless.
District 7 Mark Kadlecik Hoping this report finds all of you well and enjoying this wonderful fall weather. I really enjoy all the colors that the fall landscape brings in NYS. With the upcoming holiday season upon us I’d like to wish all of you a Happy Thanksgiving! Enjoy your time with family and friends. If you’re traveling stay safe. Let’s keep all the men and women in the armed forces in our prayers and be thankful for what they do for our freedoms. In your travels around NYS, if you’re in the Binghamton or Elmira area and have the time stop for a pint or two, you’ll be more than welcomed by your Brother Hibernians at their respective halls. The Broome County Chapter of the AOH, Monsignor Lawrence E. Giblin Division 1 is located in Binghamton, NY. President: Bob Wylie. In September at our first meeting after summer recess we had an initiation ceremony. We now have six new members. Our total membership is over 300. October we had a Turkey Raffle with entertainment by Johnson School of Irish Dance. The proceeds will be going to charities in the area. Also, our LAOH Division 1 held a Halloween Party at the end of the month to raise monies for their charities. The newly formed LAOH Junior division held a spaghetti dinner fundraiser on Nov 8th. In addition, on November 13th we had an Irish Breakfast with the LAOH divisions 1 and 2 which was open to the public. The proceeds will go to needed charities. December we are having a Christmas Party for the children and grandchildren of AOH or LAOH members with Santa. The AOH and LAOH will also be holding their annual Christmas Party. Next year will be the 50th St. Patrick’s Day Parade in Binghamton. This event is hosted by the AOH Parade Corp and will be held on March 4th, 2017. This is by far the largest parade in Binghamton annually and we’d be honored with your presence at this milestone event. Our day begins with the AOH mass which is held at St Mary’s -6-
Church. This mass honors St. Patrick and the deceased members of both the AOH and LAOH. The Chemung County Chapter of the AOH, Monsignor John J. Lee Division of the Ancient Order of Hibernians is located in Elmira, NY. President: Tim Tobin. November 4th…Annual Beef raffle was held at St. Mary’s Church. The proceeds from this event go to support several youth sports teams and other charitable organizations. November 11th: A chili Cook off and Tasting was held at the Hibernian Center. Proceeds from this event go an education fund for Catholic education. November 16th: Clergy Appreciation Dinner. We hosted our first appreciation dinner for the priests and deacons of our area. We extended invitations to the clergy who minister to parishes in Chemung County, Tioga County (Waverly) and Stueben County (Corning). We provided a multi course meal with Irish Music and a relaxing atmosphere to show our appreciation and thanks. November (month of) “Movember” beard growing event to raise funds and awareness for cancer. All funds raised will be donated to the fight against cancer. December: We are in the planning stages for an Irish Christmas to be held at the Hibernian Center. December: The Monsignor John J. Lee Division is the lead organization and sponsor for the Josh Palmer Holiday Classic basketball tournament. Division members raise funds by supporting several events before the tournament and selling 50-50 tickets through the four days of this prestigious high school tournament. The event raised more than $60,000 annually by the community and has surpassed the million-dollar mark in its sixteen years. The AOH is a proud partner and supporter of this event. January: The Installation of officers for 2017 will be held in early January. The official date is pending. Irish Festival for 2017 will be September 9, 2017. The 2016 Festival was a huge success and is allowing us to distribute funds to our divisions to support the charitable work of the divisions. The Steuben County Chapter of the AOH, Sons of Ireland, of the Ancient Order of Hibernians located in Hornell, NY. President: Mark Schafer. We held two very successful events to close out the summer, our Annual Hornell Irish Festival was held in August at St. Ann’s Church. Our goal with the festival is to promote Irish Culture within the community and raise money to further our charitable efforts. In addition we held our annual Irish Open Golf Tournament in September at Twin Hickory Golf Club in Hornell. There was lots of food, drink, prizes and most importantly, fun for all. In November we held a benefit for The Rochester Ataxia Foundation. Ataxia is a neurological sign consisting of lack of voluntary coordination of muscle movements that includes gait abnormality. December will be our election of Officers who will be installed at our January meeting. We will have a President’s Dinner in January and our annual Corporate Communion in March.
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District 8 Dermot O’Connor Moore Dutchess County- Division 1 held a very successful charity dinner dance and auction on Oct.22. On Nov. 6 they celebrated a mass in memory of Msgr. Sheahan at Our Lady of the Rosary Chapel/St. Peter’s Parish 185 Hudson Valley Drive, Poughkeepsie. Greene County- On September 25th, the brothers held a 1916 commemoration in Cairo. Orange County- County members cleared up a long forgotten grotto and held a rededication mass. Their picnic was a big success and they provided much needed assistance at the Mid-Hudson Irish Day. The Lt. Lou Allen Junior Division will hopefully start up in November. Brother James Kelly received his well deserved Burns-Hayes Award at the State President’s Testimonial dinner dance on November 5th in Albany. Brother Kelly was also the guest speaker recently at the County’s annual Communion/ Memorial mass and breakfast. Rockland County- Division 3 is running their annual raffle to support charities and scholarships. Each $100 ticket entitles the holder and a guest admission to two drawing parties. All winners from the first drawing are still eligible for the second on December 18 which includes the grand prize of $10,000.00 cash. $14,000.00 in prizes will be awarded. Call Bill Lee at 845-558-4148 or me at 845-735-8793 if interested. The Emerald Ball is scheduled for Saturday, February 25th, 2017 at the Pearl River Hilton. A block of rooms has been set aside at a discounted rate of $135 per night plus tax. Please mention the AOH when you are booking your room so you can receive the special room rate. All reservations must be made by Saturday, February 4, 2017 to receive the special room rate. The Pearl River Hilton # is 845-735-9000. They will also be having a journal for the emerald ball. Further information regarding the journal will be placed on the county website: www.rocklandcountyaoh.com after the New Year. Sullivan County- Their AOH fishing trip raised $1000 for their local charity Ride to Survive which provides transportation for local people receiving chemo treatments. They also had their annual half way to St Patrick's Day golf tournament on September 17th which was very successful. Ulster County- Kingston had a spectacular day on September 4th for their Hooley on the Hudson, the best Irish festival in Ulster County. They are especially grateful to their sponsors for without them the Division would not be able to offer the Hooley as a free event.
Pro Life Fr. Henry W. Reid Hope you are all enjoying your Advent and may God Bless you and your families for the upcoming Christmas Season. Last February, I asked everyone to commit to going to Washington D.C. this coming January 27th for the Right to Life March. How many of you have committed to going? When I sent everything out, I was told that it was too early. Over the past ten months I have tried to remind everyone to set the date aside, to speak with their Right to Life chairs and to try to organize busses. We are now a month away. For those interested, the D.C. State Board hosts an annual Mass, followed by a breakfast the morning of the March for Life, which is on Friday, January 27, 2017.
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Fund Raiser Calendar Peter Durkee The 2017 calendars are out and in the hands of the state directors. Hopefully they have been distributed to all the division presidents and are being sold or handed out to their members. An organization as big as the New York state Hibernians should be able to sell 1000 calendars. I think that if each division and county board would take two calendars, with the ones their members buy and everyone on the state board it would put us over the top. Remember these are not just for Hibernians, you can sell them to the butcher, the baker or even your mother-in-law. As of 11/3/16 I have received 30 calendars this is not a good showing. In the past 6 months we have had 1144 winners for a total of $4400. We also had 38 no winners, is one of these calendars one of yours.
Webmasters Kevin Cummings & Kevin Ellis Events Calendar: Please send us information on all Division and County Board events as soon as you have it available. Remember, we want to post information about all your events of interest to the Irish community and in particular, your St. Patrick Day parades and celebrations. Please include any event flyers as well as specific information, including time, location and especially contact information (phone number and email address). State News Section: This is the area of the website where we can highlight all of your local, county and state events once they have taken place. Remember to take at least one photo and send a short description of your event. Also remember to include a list of names for people in your submitted photos. We will then handle the rest. Social Media: Our social media accounts have been very active and are providing new information about AOH and Irish cultural events around New York State on a near daily basis. - The AOH NYS Facebook Page has more than 1200 followers and has added 65 followers since the spring meeting in May. -
The AOH New York State Twitter Feed has close to 600 followers.
If you use social media sites such as Facebook and Twitter, please like or follow the AOH New York State Board pages and repost and share as we publish new information. This will help increase our online footprint as well as increase awareness of events and activities across the state. Email Blast Campaigns: Since the spring meeting, there have been eight email blasts sent to, on average, more than 1600 subscribers on matters of importance to the Order and Irish community including social events, scholarship and fundraising programs and death announcements.
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Online Membership Applications: Since the spring meeting, nine (9) membership applications were received through the website’s online application form and redirected to the appropriate jurisdictions for further action. Unless a division is specified, online applications are sent to the applicant’s County President on record. If the application originates in a county without a county board it is forwarded to the State Organizer for further action. Website Posting Statistics: Fifty-two (52) posts have been added to the website since the spring meeting including news items; state events; officer reports and historical happening items. Additionally, there have been fifty-nine (59) calendar items added to the website with venue, cost and additional information for events hosted by divisions across the state. Miscellaneous Information: Division Presidents are reminded to update the contact information for their division-level committee chairs (FFAI, Charities and Mission, Catholic Action, etc.). This information will be made available to the equivalent state chairmen so that communications and coordination of efforts are made more efficient. Division Presidents or their designated representatives should log into the NYAOH.com website and visit the forms page to review and/or update contact information or visit the submission form directly at http://goo.gl/forms/5TPLwyQ7f7 . Many online forms have been updated with the name and mailing address of the designated state officer. Officers are asked to review their online forms for accuracy of information and submission dates. Division officers and members are encouraged to download the new versions for use in the coming year. New and existing divisions should review the website’s Division Directory and Hibernian Hall Directory for any inaccuracies in their meeting locations and times. Please send any necessary updates to our attention.
Immigration Dan Dennehy It was great to see many of you at the AOH NY State Board meeting in Albany. My wife, Siobhan and I also attended the AOH NYS President's Testimonial Dinner for Tim McSweeney also honoring 2016 NYS AOH Burns Hayes awardee Jimmy Kelly. President McSweeney’s confident leadership is apparent in everything he has done as a Hibernian. Most people would be happy enjoying the sights, sounds (and pints) on their first trip to Ireland. President McSweeney, however, went right to work on AOH matters; Visiting imprisoned Republican activist and Hibernian Brother Gerry McGeough, followed by a late night meeting in Belfast to discuss the deplorable prison conditions from his expertise as a corrections officer. Tim supports every Immigration effort we undertake, demonstrated by his support of NY Division 7 Celtic Cruise for Emerald Isle Immigration Center. I recently attended the presentation of the proceeds of the Cruise by the Division's Celtic Charity Chair, John Tully of $46,000 to Siobhan as EIIC Executive Director. Brother Kelly, an Irish Army/ US Army vet, received the Burns Hayes Award honor for many reasons, but his support of Irish Immigration stands out. On a major lobbying trip to Washington DC years ago, Brother Kelly produced his bagpipes playing them right up and down the halls of Congress. Every door popped open, each with a Congressman peering out to see what was going on! Brother Kelly and his pipes got our Irish immigration message - 10 -
to all of them that day; we were heard by Congress, one way or the other! In the aftermath of the most divisive US federal elections of our lifetime, we face a much-changed Congress. The Irish Immigrant Centers are now receiving urgent queries in the wake of the Presidential election. Please instruct Irish immigrants to avoid the scam artists who would prey on our immigrant community in times like this. I am always available to assist you in this effort. We must push in the lame duck session, and beyond, for favorable measures on Irish Immigration. The AOH is advocating for 18,000 Irish Immigrant Visas and aid for the Irish deportees. The deportees are often subject to delays in the issue of their work and travel authorization that are only rectified by many hours of calls to our friends in Congress including Massachusetts Rep. Richie Neal, NY Reps Joe Crowley, Eliot Engle, Richard Hanna, Peter King and their hardworking staff. We will push to make legislative corrections that would allow Irish immigrant Visas to live and work legally in the US, also to adjust the status of the Irish deportees to allow them a path to Green Cards instead of the deferred action that they currently endure. You may ask, why should Congress do these things? Ask Tim McSweeney and Jimmy Kelly; they will tell you. It's up to each and every Hibernian to stand up for Irish immigrants past present and future. Please help us in honor of our NYS AOH honorees.
Veterans Affairs Jack Ryan, VSO There have been several questions asked in relation to Agent Orange exposure. This report addresses exposure to those who served in Korea. Agent Orange and Korean War Veterans The VA recently acknowledged that even more Veterans were exposed to Agent Orange while serving in Korea’s Demilitarized Zone (DMZ). The VA now presumes that veterans who served along the DMZ between April 1, 1968 and Aug. 31, 1971 were exposed to the herbicide. The 2nd Infantry Division (Combat Brigade) and the 7th Infantry Division (3rd Brigade) are the two units the VA and the Pentagon have identified as units that qualify for this ruling. The Agent Orange Test consists of an X-ray, EKG and blood work. You will have to prove that you were in place at the time with these units (DD 214). Please keep all our Veterans in your prayers. Many of them will not be home for Christmas. Have a wonderful Christmas and a Happy and Healthy New Year, God Bless America.
Freedom for All Ireland Ciaran Geraghty As I look back on the past year, I am amazed at the work we accomplished. But as I turn, I see the work that still needs to be done. A single person did not do the past works and the future work cannot be by a single person. I thank all members of the NYS FFAI Committee that worked with me this past year and hope you’ll work with me for another. At this summer’s National Convention, the NYS FFAI Committee presented the National Board with concerns & recommendations regard the annual Christmas Appeal. A copy of this letter will be post the NYS website. The letter was endorsed by all attendees of the FFAI breakout session. Discussions with members of the National Board at the Convention indicated a receptive response. Unfortunately due to unforeseen circumstances, there was a delay in initiating further discussions. I am pleased to say the National Board has reached out - 11 -
Since we are on Christmas Appeal, this would be a good time to encourage participation in the annual FFAI fundraiser. Whether you initiated a $10 Club, host an event or support an event near you, the money raised is needed and will have a positive impact. The NYS FFAI fundraiser will be held at Wolfe Tone’s Irish Pub and Kitchen in NYC. We are looking at a mid-week night in December or early January. I hope to have the date finalized in the next week. An email blast and flier will be sent. On other FFAI fronts, I would like to continue last year’s legislative push this year with more resolutions. Our 1916 Resolution was a great success. While we did get some legislative support for our MacBride resolution, we did not get State legislative endorsement. Also, a couple members of the NYS Committee have asked the One Ireland One Vote Resolution, which was passed at this summer’s National Convention, be brought to the full NYS Committee. I hope through the Committee, we can advance these resolutions and others to legislative endorsement. Now that the 1916 Commemorations are over, I would like to appeal to you to ensure our history is available for future generations. National Historian Mike McCormack compiled a short list of books (posted to NYS website) that we would like to see in our public library systems. Please check with your local library or library network and if lacking consider donating a book or two. If we don’t make sure they are there, who will? In closing, I would ask for your continued support. Feel free to contact me direct with any concerns or questions. Look forward to working with you during this year. God Bless.
P.E.C. Liam McNabb As we approach the new year of 2017, the NYS Legislative Session begins in early January with, perhaps, a few new faces as a result of the election of the Assembly and Senate. As we did last year, I’ll meet with President McSweeney to strategize our legislative agenda. In recent years, the Order has benefitted from partnerships with the Irish American Legislators’ Society and we’ll continue to foster stronger relationships as we promote our agenda. In addition, President McSweeney and I along with a few other Hibernian Leaders will continue to build a partnership between Barbara Jones, Consul General of Ireland in NYC, and the NYS Legislature. On issue of political importance to our Order is BREXIT. Since this historical vote in the United Kingdom, there have been and will continue to be implications in Ireland and abroad. In an effort to closely follow this evolving situation, National President Judge Jim McKay appointed a committee chaired by Past National President Seamus Boyle (PA). Chairman Boyle. As National Director and NYS PEC Chairman, I will update New York Divisions and Counties regarding any news or resources needed related to this initiative. The focus on MacBride Principles continues on the national level and in many parts of New York. As has been reported in the National Digest, there has been progress and some success in some areas of the country. Most notably, is the effort in Florida by many Hibernians expressing outrage at Governor Rick Scott’s initial removal of the Principles which prompted a “heightened awareness” among many of us throughout the country. As with any political project or “campaign,” I encourage Divisions and County Boards to be ready for further direction and advocacy. As always, please contact me with any questions. I look forward to the continued opportunity to serve our State Board and share my skills with the hope of helping Divisions any way I can.
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Charities and Missions Matt Buckley We are continuing to receive local reports from all over the state. Although it has slowed down a bit during the summer, I expect it to resume steadily again this fall. I was happy to report to our friend Chip McLean at the National level we on the State level had made healthy and significant charitable donations. Please keep the reports coming. Moving forward please keep in mind with your Charities and Missions reports to keep track of the man hours used. Each person is billable at $10.00 per hour during the course of the charitable event. This adds up to a significant amount and is all very valuable for us. I am still working on a model to submit to the webmaster of how I would like to see a dedicated page for all C/M throughout NYS and hope to have it up and running soon. Primarily it should be a dual purpose page whereas the local level and the general public can see how great we are as a charitable organization. On the local level we can see whether or not a report was submitted and accounted for because far too many times reports are snail mailed and the division or county won’t know it was received until the final report was given; sometimes too late. We can also see where we are excelling in charitable works and perhaps where we could use some help. Keep in mind, C/M is not necessarily about monetary donations. This webpage should highlight everything we do. It can be used as a model to show other members what can be done as well as a tool for recruiting non-members who want to join as a way to do charitable works. Speaking of notable charitable works, President Tim McSweeney and I have been working on the Arnold J. Nagelhout NYS Charities and Missions Award. At this time please start considering who you would like to nominate for this award. It is not necessarily about money, but more about the spirit of C/M. Please submit anyone you want to nominate in writing to my email address. It will be collected and an award given by the next State Convention. More details and guidelines to follow, online.
Organizer Keith Reynolds Since our NY State caucus at the National Convention, the NY State AOH has acquired another membership recruiting tent. Currently we are keeping one down-state to address the needs of Long Island, NYC, Westchester, Rockland & Orange. The other is located upstate for the rest of NY. If your county or division is hosting an event and wishes to set up a membership recruiting tent please send me an email. The tent is to be used for recruitment purposes, it is the responsibility of the county and division to ensure its care. A membership container with easels, applications, pens and other items needed, accompanies the tent. Preference will go to the larger events and will rotate yearly if conflicts occur. Any county or division wishing to purchase a tent for their own should contact me and I will put you in touch with the manufacturer. The last price we received was around $1,200. As always please continue to be diligent with your recruiting efforts.
Deputy Finance A.Warren Scullin On Sunday, October 2, the New York State Capital District Hibernians and Queens AOH Division #15 in Whitestone sponsored the 2nd Annual Pilgrimage to the National Shrine of the North American Martyrs in Auriesville, New York. - 13 -
The group of 75 toured the Shrine and held a commemorative Mass concelebrated with Bishop Emeritus Howard Hubbard, Diocese of Albany and Deacon Charles Wojton of Troy New York. The group also enjoyed a BBQ lunch. Proceeds from the event were donated to the Shrine.
Editor Tom McKenna All executive board members, directors and committee chairmen are asked to submit their reports to me by the deadlines indicated for the respective issues. Individual Divisions wishing to submit items are asked to do so via their District Director, allowing enough time for them to incorporate it into their column. Email to editornyaoh@gmail.com is preferred as either the message body or a MS Word, Works, WordPerfect, Open Office or Notepad attachment. Clean, typewritten copy may also be mailed to me at P.O. box 1148, Selden, NY 11784. Remember Brothers; we need your input if there is to be effective communication throughout our state organization. Issue Date March 2017 June 2017
Deadline 02/15/17 05/15/17
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