Page 51 - September 2019 FOP Newsletter

th strct officers host es hgh te
When thinking about community events that the police might have to show up to, a tea party probably seems the least likely. But on Aug. 10, 11th District officers and ladies from the community dressed in pastels, wore their most elegant hats and put their col- lective pinkies up for a high tea gathering at Homan Square Park.
The idea to connect with the community over tea and crum- pets came from 11th District Officer Theresa McBeth, who re- cently attended a high tea bridal shower and decided to bring the English tradition to the ladies within her own neighborhood.
“I thought it was a good social event because at high tea, you drink and you talk about different subjects and everybody is so relaxed,” McBeth explained. “I knew it would be something the little girls would like as well as the older ladies.”
McBeth was joined by Officers Yesenia Rodriguez and Gurvice Robins to organize the event, where women of all ages came to- gether for a carefree afternoon in royal attire. Ten young girls and more than 20 seniors attended the high tea event, which was led by an etiquette instructor. Officers also brought family members along to show them the impact of community policing. Some even gained a newfound love for tea time in their everyday life.
“One of the officer’s daughters was there, and now she’s tell- ing her mom that she likes tea and she needs to buy little sugar squares,” McBeth shared.
The young ladies in attendance, including McBeth’s grand- daughter, helped run the raffle that awarded seniors with new T-shirts. In addition to a new appreciation for high tea, the little girls also received back-to-school backpacks as a party favor. The event was such a success that the 11th District officers plan on hosting another high tea event this winter.
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