rema meeting

september 19, 2024

Back again to the Plattduetsche Park Restaurant for our annual 9/11 Remembrance lunch. Although turnout was lower than expected/usual/hoped for, it was still a nice day. We did keep our promise to “Never Forget” our lost ESU Heroes of September 11th and those that have passed since.  As with every September meeting, their names were read by retired LT. Al Baker followed by a moment of silence.

Why the low turnout? It was discussed among the diners and the hope is that next year we will be back to the near century mark in attendance.

The buffet lunch is a big hit with everyone making return trips to the food trays. After lunch the raffle commenced. A big thank you to Rich Yake, newly a grandfather, for supplying many of the raffle prizes along with Jeannie Kelly bringing the liquid raffle prize. The big winner was Larry Johnston, taking home the 32 inch smart TV door prize. The door prize tradition is becoming a big hit. 

Retired Sergeant Kenneth Paek was retired Chief Yee’s plus one and talked about his run for NYS Assembly from Queens’s 25th district. Being a retired E-Man he had our attention and surely got the vote of anyone in his district. Good luck Ken, we hope to see Assemblyman Paek at our Christmas lunch in December.

Our very special guest speaker, retired REMA member PO Robyn Cannariato, gave a heart warming talk about the effects of PTSD and the need to reach out. More on her work can be found HERE.

 collection was started to benefit the Dravet Syndrome Foundation. Nearly $300 was collected. That, along with monies collected at the REMA Car Show two days later, and a contribution by REMA, put the total donation at $1000! A check was sent in the name of Antonio (Favara) Fernandez, grandson of Tony, who is fighting this disease.

The next meeting is already scheduled for Thursday September 18th. Plenty of time to mark your calendars. No excuses next year of I forgot or I have a doctors appointment. Oh, and tell the kids that you can’t watch the grandkids that day! Until then, enjoy the pictures.

PHOTO CREDITS: TONY CUCCIA AND TOM SULLIVAN