Mechanic Order hosts annual grand Family Day

Members of the six District Grand Jurisdictions of the Independent United Order of Mechanics (IUOM) on Aug. 12 hosted the Order’s annual grand Family Day at Glen Island Park in New Rochelle.

The park, a 105-acre (0.42 km2) waterfront park, located on Glen Island, on the Long Island Sound, is owned and operated by Westchester County and shares the island with a privately operated but county-owned entertainment facility, the Glen Island Harbour Club (formerly the Glen Island Casino).

IUOM mechanics, their families, friends and supporters participated in the day-long extravaganza that featured, among other things, finger-licking Caribbean and other dishes, drinks, music and contests.

The contests comprise hula hoop, musical chairs, and egg and spoon for children and adults.

Mikaya McGowan, 16, of Coney Island, Brooklyn, won the hula hoop for children; and Garry Johnson, 9, also of Coney Island, was victorious in the musical chairs for children.

Marissa Glaze won the musical chairs for adults; and Philip Marshall, Deputy Grand Master, North East Westchester, was adjudged winner in the egg and spoon for adults.

Rt. Hon. Errol G. Collins, IOUM’s Jamaican-born Most Worshipful Grand Master, in his remarks, introduced members of his leadership team from the Executive Committee of Grand Council, who were present, and the District Grand Masters from the six District Grand Jurisdictions that participated in the Family Day.

They included District Grand Masters Myrthland Ince, of the Brooklyn District Grand Jurisdiction; Joseph Morgan, of the Composite District Grand Jurisdiction; Humberto Hutchinson, of the Ben Hur District Grand Jurisdiction; Kenneth Ponder, of King Solomon District Grand Jurisdiction; Eltion Allen, of New England District Grand Jurisdiction; and Derrick Elvery, of the Alpha District (New York) District Grand Jurisdiction.

Collins thanked the members of the executive “who worked assiduously over the past four years.”

He gave much praise to his wife, Blossom, who was also present, thanking her for her “love and unwavering support throughout those tough years.”

“We are here as brothers and sisters to meet and greet with our families and friends after going through a rough period for the past four years,” Collins said. “Let’s give the Great Geometrician all the praise.”

The Most Worshipful Grand Master was very impressed by the performance of the children, who competed in the various games, especially the participants in the hula hoop contest.

“This is the day when we all come together, put our differences aside and share love with each other,” he said.

Collins said Mechanism is “progressive” and referred to the success of the picnic last year, coordinated by the former District Grand Master Gary Miller.

“Alpha District did such a wonderful job that I decided to have them repeat the event this year,” he said. “And this year, Grand Master Elvery, you hit the ball out of the park.

“This was a wonderful day, sharing with families and friends, and radiating the love and friendship that the Order represents,” Collins added.

Hon. Elvery expressed thanks to Chairman of the Committee Hon. Sylvester Gibson, District Grand Deputy Master, and his team for “doing the hard work in planning the event.”

As a member of the Alpha District (NY) Grand Jurisdiction, “I feel so pleased with this year’s picnic,” he said. “Alpha is certainly getting better at this.”

Sis. Hyacinth Robinson-Goldson, Community Liaison and member of the Alpha District Grand Jurisdiction, said it was “a day of fun, camaraderie, laughter and good food.”