Polish Friends of Copiague

History of the Society The Society of Mayflower Descendants in State of New York holds the unique distinction of being the first Society of Mayflower Descendents to be established. Richard Henry Greene founded the Society on December 22, 1894 in New York City as a society for lineal descendants of passengers who came over on the Mayflower in 1620. D uring the 1920s the Society grew in membership and activities leading up to the purchase of Mayflower House in 1928. The five story town house located on East 71st Street was re-decorated and furnished to host Mayflower teas and receptions as well as serve as the headquarters for the Society's operations and library. I n April 1931 the Society held its dinner dance at Ritz Carleton Hotel on 45th Street and Madison Avenue attended by several hundred members, family and friends. In 1933 the Society decided to present a gold medal for "conspicuous achievement to President Franklin D. Roosevelt and in 1934 to present one to Dr. Alexander Hamilton Rice, who made explorations in South America. U nfortunately, the Depression of the 1930s forced the Society to sell Mayflower House in 1941 and by 1943 the Society's offices were relocated to the New York Genealogical and Biographical Society building at 58th and Lexington Avenue. The office was relocated in May 2007 to it's present location at 20 West 44th Street. I n the post-World War II era, the Society saw an increase in young members; a dinner dance was held the Hotel Pierre in January of 1947 - the proceeds being donated to Endowment Fund of the Mayflower House in Plymouth, Massachusetts. Society members collected books and records which were donated to vocational and convalescent departments in Halloran Hospital and Manhattan Beach Hospital, both veterans' hospitals. I n 1957 the Mayflower II - a replica of the original ship manned by an international crew - sailed from England to Plymouth, Massachusetts. To celebrate its arrival, Gimbel's Department Store in Manhattan created a Gimbel's Mayflower Museum. The Society's then Governor, Pelham St. George, presided with Bruce A. Gimbel, president of Gimbel Brothers, at a ribbon- cutting ceremony on June 24, 1957. Over 200 members attended the opening of the exposition which featured life-size reproductions of Pilgrim houses, a Cape Cod Indian hut, furniture, household goods and mannikins dressed in authentic Pilgrim clothing. T hroughout the 1950s the Society held an annual dinner-dance at Plaza Hotel. The first Ball at which six debutantes were presented was held in their Grand Ballroom. I n 1962 the Society donated a portrait of Martin Van Buren, 8th President of the United States, to the White House for which First Lady Jacqueline Kennedy wrote a thank you letter to Society I n 1970 the Society celebrated the 350th Anniversary of the signing of the Mayflower Compact at its Ball at the Plaza. The Swedish-American line arranged a cruise on the S.S. Kungsholm and 450 GSMD members sailed to Leyden where they laid a wreath on the tomb of John Robinson, pastor of the Leyden Congregation. They were also received by the Mayor of Boston, England and attended a splendid reception at the Guild Hall in Plymouth, England. D uring the 1980s and 1990s to the present day, the Society sponsors two Educational Programs each year: the Educational Outreach Program with Plimoth Plantation and the Compact Award Program for high school seniors. In addition to hosting its' Annual Mayflower Debutante Ball, the Society hosts cocktail receptions, a Cousins Dinner and an Annual Meeting held every year in April. (This brief history of the Society was extracted from A Short History of the Society of Mayflower Descendants by Sondra Blewer).

AMERIGROUP New York is a prepaid service plan that provides health care services through its various programs, such as Medicaid Managed Care, Child Health Plus and Family Health Plus. It is certified by the New York State Department of Health. Its Child Health Plus program offers several health services to children, such as immunizations, vision and dental care, therapeutic services, medical supplies, home health care, mental health, and alcohol and substance abuse treatment services. AMERIGROUP New York is a part of AMERIGROUP Corporation that is one of the largest corporations to focus on the health care needs of Medicaid recipients and uninsured individuals.

LIGRA was founded because we believe that gasoline retailers, service station owners and auto repair shop proprietors deserve proper representation and fair prices. To that end, we've worked hard for many years to make sure proper legislation and laws have been passed on the local and national level. When gasoline retailers are faced with difficult legal or licensing problems, we're there to help. LIGRA has worked to ensure fair pricing and franchise practices are available to all our members. We also offer many perks to members, like access to high-power lawyers, educational seminars, and field representatives who are available to help you. We even offer options for comprehensive health insurance plans. LIGRA has been an active member of the community for several years and gives back to the community via fundraisers and benefit events. Striving for a better community has been a major goal, and we've worked to achieve it by participating in outreach events like the Duffers Golf Classic and the October Trade Show. The Long Island Gasoline Retailers Association is a non-profit trade association located in New York State. We've worked across the state and locally for 83 years to aggressively defend the small-scale, independent business owners who comprise our membership. Because there are so many challenges operating a business we're fully committed to helping owners ease those challenges by lowering overhead costs through our Worker Safety Group, legal plan and sponsored educational seminars. We even offer health insurance plans specially chosen according to their usefulness to small business owners. LIGRA's experienced health insurance broker, as well as the assistance of a health insurance advocate, is provided free of charge to any LIGRA member who gets their health insurance through the association. The savings in overhead costs more than justify the dues each member pays. We're sure you'll be pleased with our services. We have health insurance plans available for LIGRA members and were confident that you'll find the plan you need at a relatively reasonable rate. LIGRA's executive director and board members regularly monitor events in local, state and federal governments to make sure they are fully informed about important decisions that will impact you. Joining us means you'll get access to the best information and resources in 1 easy to find place.