Message From Newly Installed New York State President Thomas M. O’Donnel

Thank you to all who attended the NYS AOH Convention this past July in Binghamton. And a special thanks to those who worked to make the convention a success. I would like to thank my AOH Brothers for placing their trust in me by electing me President of the NYS AOH for the next two years. Please be advised that the entire NYS AOH Board, both elected and appointed, is already hard at work! Please reach out to me at tmodonnell@roadrunner.com or 716-622-5185 with any questions or concerns. Commodore John Barry Day, September 13th, is a National Holiday in our Order. According to our Constitution, it is to be “celebrated in an appropriate manner”. Commodore Barry is the Father of the American Navy, an American Revolutionary War Hero and the First Commissioned Naval Officer, having received his commission from President George Washington. Please remember Commodore Barry at your September meetings. We are planning to hold our New York State SemiAnnual Board Meeting in Pearl River at Hibernian House on Saturday, October 21. We will not have a designated hotel. There are a number of hotels and motels in the vicinity and I encourage you to make your reservation early.

We all should bring in new members and exemplify our motto of Friendship, Unity and Christian Charity. One of the duties of the Vice President is to promote the Major Degrees of the Order. Please consider hosting a Major Degree in your area. The Major Degree gives members a chance to grow in our Order and participate in the Rituals of The Ancient Order of Hibernians. If your jurisdiction is hosting a Major Degree, please contact one of the Degree Teams listed below and also let me know. New York County AOH is hosting a Major Degree on Saturday October 28th at the historic Basilica of St. Patrick’s Old Cathedral in lower Manhattan at 12:00 Noon; candidates should arrive at 11:00 AM. Location: Archbishop Hughes Center, BSPOC 32 Prince Street New York, NY 10012 There are currently (3) Major Degree Teams based in New York State, their contact information is below: 1) Cu Chulainn Celtic Warriors Major Degree Team (Richmond County) Point of Contact: Brother Michael McGroarty 253 Malvine Avenue Staten Island, NY 10309 (646) 533-1495 E-Mail: mikemcgrrty@gmail.com 2) Schenectady Major Degree Team (Schenectady County) Point of Contact: Brother Owen Cole 738 Swaggertown Road Scotia, NY 12302 (518) 399-1269 E-Mail: omcole54@gmail.com 3) Tara Court Major Degree Team (Suffolk County) Point of Contact: Brother Jeff Nisler 33 Corlett Place Huntington Station, NY 11746 (631) 385-2425