First, a huge thanks to Robin for setting this up for us. The Emerald Society was incredibly hospitable and welcoming to us, despite the fact that they all somehow got the impression that we were Robin's "Staff" and "Assistants." Robin's presentation was truly fascinating and "brief", and was the perfect intro and way to start off the meeting. (I do hope that she will post it or maybe give us access to it somehow - I think there is information in it that would be relevant for everyone to peruse).
The Emerald Society meeting was quite an epxerience! The overall structure (for those that weren't there) is that there is generally some socializing as people are arriving, and then the meeting is called to order to discuss business items; roll is taken and the president of the society then goes through each item of the meeting agenda. Once all the business has been attended to, the meal and more socializing commence. The "business" portion of the meeting took about an hour, though might actually boil down to about 40 minutes if all the comic relief were removed. Then again, it makes the "business" way more fun!
I enjoyed everything about the Emerald Society meeting, and was incredibly touched by several things. I definitely felt first and foremost an incredibly strong sense of community. The Emerald Society is very dedicated to supporting the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation, and I was incredibly impressed with the amount of funds that "Shevy", an officer (forgive my terrible memory but I forget his exact position) of the Society, was able to raise by participating in a cross-country motorcycle ride for the Foudnation. He gave quite a long, but very very touching speech. The Society also has a scholarship fund/competition for children of Emerald Society members who are entering high school. Additionally, I was also struck by how many retirees were both present and actively involved in the Emerald Society. Despite several jokes during Robin's presentation that many of the retirees were probably around in 1909 to use the first sanitation carts, it was clear that the Society deeply respects its proverbial elders. Much of the "business" of the meeting was actually quite interesting: there were reports from several people about things like updates from the Parade commission for the 2008 St. Patty's Day Parade (which we were generously invited to march in) to community events to recognition of new members to even a moment of silence for sick family members. There were probably other important business items I could mention here, but I think the second round of beers potentially wiped that out...
I sat at a table with a couple of the chiefs, who could probably quit their jobs and do stand-up for a living. However, I was able to glean some very interesting information about the nature of these benevolent societies. Though the meeting was physically in Queens, the members present actually come from all five boroughs. Since space rental is at a premium these days, the decision of where to host the meeting often rests on the cheapest place. Still, there was a great turnout given that one can't really get to Maspeth by public transportation. The meetings happen monthly expect for a hiatus during the summer when things are particularly slow. There seems to be many of these societies, and apparently an Islamic group was recently founded. So I am looking forward to seeing how other societies conduct themselves and what "business" they each value most.
Overall, the mood of the evening was very light and I think it was both informative and entertaining for everyone who went. I am very much looking forward to next week's meeting! Everyone, please add many comments to fill in the gaps - I'm sure there are some interesting conversations people had last night that need to be shared!
PS: Robin, is there a way we can send a class thank you card? I think it would nice since they treated us so well!
Comments (6)
Wow! Like all of you said, this was fantastic! I loved going to this meeting. I don't know what I can add that anyone hasn't mentioned, but yes, everyone was so, so friendly and welcoming. I loved the sense of camraderie among the workers. I think it's amazing that in an age when it seems like so many employed in public service are less than excited about what they do, these guys show such an amazing work ethic and attitude. They're proud of what they do, they do a really important job and they do it well. That seems like a rare quality these days.
I was impressed at how close and supportive they all were of each other, even outside of work. I particularly enjoyed the comments on the St. Patrick's Day Parade. As a recent move-in to the New York area, I'd always heard about this parade and was really excited to attend it, but I never realized how much work went into it. I remember hearing much about the weather and how hard it would be to keep the parade route clear last year, and it was exciting to meet some of those who spent so much time working on it. I was also impressed with the workers' commitment to community involvement, from the scholarships they give to the work they do for cystic fibrosis.
Overall, my favorite part was probably just getting to meet and become acquainted with people who actually work for sanitation -- we've talked about them so much in class and read some interesting material, but the Emerald Society meeting took it to such a personal level for me and made me appreciate even more all the hard work these guys do! (And the guys also gave me a great recipe and sent me home with some extra chicken for my husband :) I'm really looking forward to doing interviews and working further on our project.
Posted by Elaine Jackson | September 26, 2007 11:14 AM
Posted on September 26, 2007 11:14
Hi All,
I was able to attend the emerald society meeting as well, and I know I'm echoing everyone's already posted sentiment but it really was an amazing experience. I can't reinforce enough the importance of breaking away from being shy about asking for names and contact information. It seemed that just when I would begin to speak to someone, a part of the meeting would shift, or someone would step in and before I knew it I was full of more information about the Department of Sanitation, but not a full name. I would suggest keeping the paper and pen in the back pocket, as there is not much time to root around in the purse.
After Robin's presentation and near to the end of the night, I was speaking to a recently retired chief, and to my surprise he steered me to the topic of September 11th, motioning with his hands how deep the piles were that his men had to work through, and began to reiterate their bravery (which Robin covered with great dignity and respect in her presentation). I was surprised that he spoke about this topic so quickly; as it was one I was sure would take a few "intro" questions during an oral history interview. As someone who was not in New York during 9/11, I often feel disconnected from the reality of the events, even after reading numerous reports, articles, and retrospectives. I especially have trouble comprehending the more recent news reports about the reality of the health issues that workers are now facing. (I'm sure many people share this feeling) But when Robin came to the topic in her presentation and motioned to the room, indicating that many of those who we had just befriend were part of those numbers that I read about again and again, I realized the power of bringing those reports back to the "human" level, and how important a role the Department of Sanitation played in the aftermath of 9/11.
I suppose I was most (pleasantly) surprised at the breadth of subjects everyone was willing to discuss, and not surprised but still flattered and thankful at the warm welcome we received.
I think the meeting set the tone for the project well. There was a palpable sense of excitement mixed with timely reverence for the more difficult and often "overlooked" nature of the work, and no shyness in showing how close-knit the groups within the Sanitation Department (and I'm sure overall as well?) are.
Posted by Casey Lynn | September 23, 2007 9:35 PM
Posted on September 23, 2007 21:35
Insightful comments everyone! I have to say that one of the things I took away from this event was the strong sense of pride and community that the members of the Emerald Society share. It is something I thought about quite a bit in the days following the event. Good call Katie about being bold in approaching people at these events as the people I encountered were very approachable and generous with information. It seems somehow apt to me that people who partake in events that reflect a strong sense of pride and resposibilty to their community on their own time (I'm thinking here of the charity involvement and scholarships that members contribute towards), in their work hours provide the city with an immesurably important service.
Posted by Maya | September 23, 2007 7:49 PM
Posted on September 23, 2007 19:49
Yes Jackie, thank you for this post! I unfortunately was not able to attend as I have class Thursday nights, but reading about how the meeting went and how warm and welcoming everyone was towards the group makes me so excited for the things to come this semester!
Posted by Kelly Rangel | September 22, 2007 10:56 PM
Posted on September 22, 2007 22:56
Thanks for that posting Jackie, and I will concur that it was a great experience and a wonderful time was had by all. All the Emerald Society members were welcoming and easy to talk to. They all seemed genuinely excited about our project and the chance to contribute their histories.
For anyone attending next week, I would urge you not to be shy and approach the members with your ideas for your topic and any questions you have. They will most likely be very forthcoming and eager to sign up for an oral history. I got several phone numbers of members who would like to contribute and I have sent those names and numbers on to Robin. If you are interested in speaking to one of them, let me or Robin know and I'll pass along their info. I spoke to several younger guys fairly new on the job that were eager and "not afraid to talk no matter whose listening." I also met a couple members of the pipe and drum band and some of the retirees (who are an amazing source of information).
So, good luck and have fun next week!
Posted by Katie Blankenship | September 22, 2007 2:01 PM
Posted on September 22, 2007 14:01
Thanks for this report, Jackie! The folks I talked to today from the Emerald Society were *extremely* impressed with all of you. They said that it seemed like you fit right in, that you were immediately at ease, that you are obviously *very* smart, that you are coming into this project with tremendous enthusiasm and respect. They assumed that, because you are college students, and especially because you are graduate students, you'd be wonk-ish and maybe shy. They were delighted that you seemed completely at home, that the museum project and its oral history component have inspired such energy in you. One of the chiefs -- Mike Arney, whom you sat near, Jackie -- said he thought it was one of the best Emerald meetings they've had in years, and he said it was because of the extra-something-special that we brought as the guests of the evening. So, to all of you, brava! And many thanks!
A thank you note is a great idea. We can send it to the Emerald as a group through Tommy Doyle, the Society president (the fellow who presided and who made the joke about being short). They would appreciate that very much.
Posted by Robin Nagle | September 21, 2007 4:56 PM
Posted on September 21, 2007 16:56