The formation of the Thomas Addis Emmet Division 17 of Pelham & New Rochelle, Westchester County of the Ancient Order of Hibernians (AOH) took place on Monday, October 16, 2017. The new division is comprised of the next generation of the Irish American community; 25 Iona College students ranging in age from 18 to 24. The division was organized by its charter president, James McGlashin who canvassed the campus and surrounding community for prospective members.
In addition to the college members, there were additional members recruited from the surrounding communities of Pelham and New Rochelle. The newly chartered division, the first to form in Westchester County in more than fifty years, is hoping to attract new members from the eastern reaches of Westchester County, not only from the Iona College campus but from the surrounding communities.
One of those charter members is Clive Anderson, who was recently honored by the Aisling Irish Community Center for his community service. Clive is the owner of the Pelham Funeral Home — the site of the formation ceremony and officer installation. Clive will bring his business expertise to Division 17 as the Charter Treasurer.
The division formation and the new officer installation took place under new business during a Westchester County meeting led by President Brian Duffy, himself the newly installed president of the county.
In attendance at the historic occasion were officers and members from across Westchester County including division, county and state officers — each taking a role in the Order’s ritual of formation and installation.
Dan Dennehy, National Director for the NY Metro Area and Westchester County Organizer took the time to address each newly installed officer explaining the duties and importance of each office. Also in attendance was Historian Liam Murphy (above) who drove in from Massachusetts to deliver a history lesson to the new members.
(note this article originally appeared on the NY State AOH Web Site)
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