St. Pat’s Day – March 12 Celebrations – in White Plains
ST. PATRICK’S DAY PARADE – White Plains will hold its 19th Annual White Plains St. Patrick’s Day Parade, beginning at Noon from Mamaroneck Avenue at Old Mamaroneck Road to Main Street. William Bertram is this year’s Grand Marshall. Bill has served as a St. Patrick’s Day Parade Committee member since its inception. Bill will lead the parade with his aides, who can all trace their ancestry back to Ireland: Coleen Ward Iodice (Galway and Roscommon), Doris Mady (Cork), Geri Molloy (Galway), Timothy Ryan (Waterford), Kevan Slattery (Clare, Offaly, Tipperary, Mayo or Sligo) and Patrick Walsh (Cork). Bill Bertram’s roots go back to Galway.
Bill received an Associate’s Degree in Applied Police Science from Westchester Community College, and a Bachelor of Science Degree in Criminal Justice from Mercy College.
In 1963 Bill enlisted in the U.S. Air Force and is a decorated veteran with the rank of E4 Airman First Class. Following the Air Force Bill worked for Con Edison in New York City. In 1968 he was sworn in as a Police Officer with the City of White Plains Police Department and was assigned to the Patrol Division. He has also been in Radar Enforcement, Sergeant, and Lieutenant. He was assigned to the Department’s Administrative Division and as Executive Officer to the Traffic Division where he served until his retirement. He was a decorated member of the City of White Plains Police Department, having received eight Meritorious Duty Awards, a Life Saving Award and numerous commendations. Bill retired from the Police Department on December 30, 2003 after serving for over 35 years. Before his retirement in 2003, Bill had the honor of also becoming an Irish citizen. Since 1969 he has been a member of the Police Emerald Society of Westchester and has served as the Society’s Financial Secretary, 2nd Vice President, Trustee and is currently a Trustee Emeritus. He was also a member of the Police Emerald Society of Westchester Pipe and Drum Band and a member of the N.Y. Police Fire Retiree Association, American Legion Post 1009 Yorktown Heights, The Friendly Sons of St. Patrick in the County of Westchester, and the Putnam County Traffic Safety Board. Bill was instrumental in establishing the Police Retirees of White Plains Association and served as its First President.
2016 Friendly Gathering to Honor Woman’s Club and Debbie & John Donahoe –
The Woman’s Club of White Plains and Debbie and John Donahoe will be honored at the 2016 Friendly Gathering to be held Saturday, March 12 at 6 p.m. at Congregation Kol Ami, (252 Soundview Avenue, White Plains). The event benefits The RDC Center for Counseling & Human Development, which for the past 24 years has provided affordable and compassionate counseling services and targeted outreach through special programs.
Formerly held in the Kearney Gymnasium on the Good Counsel Academy campus, the Friendly Gathering has moved this year to Kol Ami since the campus was sold last year to a real estate developer.
The Msgr. Ed O’Brien Community Service Award will be presented to The Woman’s Club of White Plains, which this year is celebrating a century of commitment to the community. The Club and its Foundation provide financial support to local non-profits and thousand of hours of volunteer service to various causes.
The Sister Joan Haley Spirit of Compassion Award will be presented to White Plains residents Debbie and John Donahoe. Debbie, the first female county golf course manager, and John, a retired lieutenant of the White Plains Fire Department, have always made time to contribute in various ways to the community from philanthropic to service to recreational undertakings.
The Friendly Gathering features a corned beef and cabbage dinner, Irish songs and a performance by The O’Rourke Academy of Irish Dance. There also will be a Live Auction for golf foursomes at Westchester and Bonnie Briar Country Clubs as well as other premium items and a raffle including two round-trip tickets to Ireland. Tickets are $45 in advance and $50 at the door; seniors are $35 in advance and $40 at the door. Tickets for children under 12 are $15. Advance sale for a table of 10 is $400. Reservations are strongly encouraged. For reservations or more information, contact 914-798-1106 or rdccenter@optonline.net.
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