2010

MEMBERSHIP
To become a member of the FOP simply fill out the application on this web site and send it to the address on the top along with a check for $40 for law enforcement officers and $50 for those who support law enforcement. Make the check out to SIFOP 120. If you haven't sent in your dues please do it as soon as possible. If you want extra FOP cards or car decals for your family please send us a note with your dues telling us how many of each you want and include the cost of $2 per card and $1 per decal with your dues check. Please check your membership card from 2010 to make sure your name is spelled correctly. If it’s misspelled please let us know by sending a note with your dues. To better utilize our voting power there is a new section for your Assembly and Election Districts.

MEETING DATES
The 2010 meeting schedule is as follows: March 18, April 15, May 20, June 17, September 16, October 21, November 18 and December 16. Please mark these dates down on your calendar. All meetings start at 7:30 and are held at the Marine Corps League at 46 Ontario Ave on Staten Island. A buffet and 1 hour open bar follows immediately afterwards. Your Lodge tries to make the general membership meetings as informative as possible by having guest speakers. However, there is a condition in the Lodge’s Constitution and By-laws that any speaker must have prior approval by the Board before addressing the membership. This is to maintain order and to avoid several speakers from appearing at one meeting. If a member would like to introduce a speaker please let the Lodge know in advance. If any member would like the Board to contact a speaker on behalf of the Lodge we would be glad to. We’d like the speaker to have something to do with the law enforcement community or bills supporting law enforcement. We're always interested in our members' opinions and information. The open floor session of our meeting is the best time to let us know what you think or what's going on. If you are unable to attend and want to make an announcement please contact the Lodge (preferably via e-mail) and we’ll make it for you. The Lodge also holds a raffle at the monthly meetings. There is no cost to the members. Every member’s name will be thrown into a box and one name drawn. You must be present at the meeting to win. If the winner is not present his/her name will be thrown back in and there will be no winner. If there is a winner his/her name will also be returned to the box to possibility be drawn at another meeting. The raffle started at $35 in October and it’ll go up $10 each month until there’s a winner. Directions to the meetings: SI Expressway exit at Todt Hill Rd. From Brooklyn made right at first light and go 2 lights, from New Jersey make left at first light and go 3 lights (Victory Blvd). Make right on Victory Blvd. Ontario Ave is 2 blocks past the second light (baseball field & sign for the Marine Corps League on the corner). Make a right and the hall is about 300 feet on the right. From the Ferry take Victory Blvd. Ontario Ave is 2 blocks past Clove Rd. Make a left. Directions to the Marine Corps League: from NJ take the SI Expwy east to Todt Hill Rd. Make a left at the light. Make a right at the 3rd light. Ontario Ave is the first street past the second light. Make a right. The League is about 300 feet on the right. From Brooklyn take the SI Expwy west to Todt Hill Rd. Make a right at the light. Make a right at the 2nd light. Ontario Ave is the first street past the second light. Make a right. The League is about 300 feet on the right. From the Ferry take Bay St to Victory Blvd. Make a right at Victory Blvd. Ontario Ave is the 2nd street past Clove Rd.

BENEFITS OF BELONGING TO LODGE 120
Every member of the FOP in New York State gets the same benefits from the State and National Lodges. What I’d like to stress is the benefits of joining this Lodge. Over the years your Board has looked around to find things we can do for our members. We’ve taken ideas from other lodges as well as coming up with a few of our own. Every member is automatically entered in the Lodge’s raffle with 3 prizes valued in the hundreds of dollars. Every child or grandchild born during the year to a member receives a savings bond for $50. There are two scholarships sponsored by the lodge for the children and grandchildren of our members valued at $500 each. We set aside funds to help our members facing financial difficulties due to illness. There is a quarterly Newsletter with not only what’s happening with the Lodge but with benefits you’re entitled to as well as legislation affecting law enforcement. There are events that, if not free are run at or below cost. We have defensive driving courses throughout the year for our members and their families. We have a web site that’s constantly up-dated to keep our members informed. We provide free advertisement to members in business for themselves on the web site. We are constantly seeking out and inviting speakers with expertise in areas important to our members. Then there are the benefits that don’t go in your pocket. Through Assemblyman Mike Cusick we’ve initiated bills in Albany to help retired federal law officers and the families of slain officers. We support the Survivors of the Shield and the NY Police and Fire Widows and Children’s Benefit Fund with not only contributions but by inviting them to the Lodge’s events, gratis. Through the Lodge our members have supported, both financially and by volunteering, Juvenile Diabetes Research, the SI Leukemia Association, Pee Wee Football, Little League Baseball, the USO, Project Home Front, Meals for the Elderly, and Special Olympics. Last but definitely not least the greatest benefit is that you get to hang out with me.

DAY AT THE BALLPARK
Our Day at the Ballpark will be on Sunday, August 1st at 4 o’clock for the SI Yankees versus Brooklyn Cyclones at Richmond County Savings Ballpark. Our seating is in section 13 by the first base dugout. The cost is $25 per person over 10 and $20 per person 10 and under. The cost includes a baseball cap, program, all the hamburgers, hotdogs, chicken sandwiches, soda and water you want and kids can run the bases after the game. All money must be received by May 31st. We have a limited number of seats that will be based on first come first serve.

DEFENSIVE DRIVING COURSE
The Lodge holds Defensive Driving Courses. It’s will be open to members, their family and friends. The course is $40 and it reduces your auto insurance for 3 years and/or reduces or eliminates any points on your license. If you’re interested please let us know. The class size is limited so if you sign up for a class make sure you’re there. Members are responsible for picking up the certificates for themselves or anyone they bring to the classes. They will be contacted when we receive the certificates.

FOP LICENSE PLATES
If you wish to purchase a FOP license plate you can get an application by going to NYSFOP@NYSFOP.ORG and clicking on forms. When the menu appears click on FOP License Plate. For our members who can’t get the form on their computers let us know and we’ll send you one. FOP license plates are for law enforcement officers only. If you already have a FOP license plate please let us know the plate number. The State Lodge holds local lodges responsible for keeping track of the plates.

LODGE GOLFSHIRTS & HATS
The Lodge has hats and shirts for sale. The hats are $8 each or 2 for $15 and come in navy blue. The shirts are $25 each or 2 for $40 and come in navy blue. The hat size is adjustable. The shirts are golf shirts, sweatshirts and long sleeve tees. We can get just about any size on the shirts. You can check them out at any meeting.

FOP ID CARDS
The NYS FOP offers photo ID cards to all members of our Lodge. The fees are $15 the first year and $10 for renewals for Active members and $150 the first year and $125 for renewals for Associate members. Fees for Associate members, who are family members of Active members, are the same as Active members provided that the Active member also has an ID Card. Photos are taken at each meeting. If you can’t make the meeting you can e-mail your photo, in passport form, to the Lodge and we’ll handle it from there. E-mailed photos must be “jpd”. Active members (law enforcement) must also send a photo of their work ID card, Associate members (non-law enforcement) must send a photo of their drivers license. Active members must have a red background, Associate members must have a blue background. If you already have a FOP ID card no photo or ID card photo is needed. All that’s needed is the $10 fee for Active members or $125 fee for Associate members.

CONFERENCE RAFFLE
The Lodge holds a Conference Raffle at the June meeting. The raffles are $10.00 each. Proceeds from this Raffle are used to defer the costs of sending a delegation to the FOP Conference. Those costs are strictly limited to transportation and lodging. The main reason for attending these Conferences is because, for two years, the direction the FOP will be going is decided. The prize money for this year’s Raffle presently stands at $1945.00 and can only go up depending on how many more raffles we sell. If you didn’t purchase a raffle or wish to get more they’re available at the meetings. If you can’t get to a meeting let me know and I’ll get them to you.

STATEN ISLAND WELCOMES OUR HEROES
Last year we had the honor and privilege to be involved in the Wounded Warriors Weekend on Staten Island. The John Tamburri AMVETS invited us to do the same this year. These heroes, who’ve given more than any of us can imagine, will be visiting from Walter Reed Hospital the weekend of May 14th to the 16th. If you would like to attend the Farewell Breakfast on Sunday May 16th you can purchase a seat at the meeting or mail a check made out to SIFOP 120. The cost is $30 per person or $300 per table. There is a limited number of seats available and last year this event sold out in 3 weeks. We will also have tee shirts commemorating the event for sale for $10 at the meetings. If you’re unable to make the meeting contact me and we’ll work something out. If you or an organization you belong to wishes to be a sponsor the minimum fee is $100. Please contact me. The name of all sponsors will be printed on the tee shirts.

LAW OFFICERS IN THE MILITARY
Many of our brothers and sisters are fulfilling their military obligations. We’re asking that you check with the families of members in your command who have been activated to ascertain if there’s anything they need. Please stop by your roll call or administrative office to find out whom in your command is serving. A phone call or a visit to the family would be greatly appreciated by not only the family but also by your fellow officer. Remember that the family is not only struggling with financial difficulties but is probably pretty lonely and knowing that their loved one’s buddies at work are thinking about them would be a big boost. For our members, if you’re still active in law enforcement and presently deployed to fulfill you military obligations in the reserves please let us know by submitting a copy of your notification of activation. Your dues for the year are on us as a way of saying “Thanks”. We’ll need to know your military address so we can send you any FOP material.

FOR OUR TROOPS
Since America declared war on terrorism your Lodge has been collecting and sending items that our troops have requested. These kids, thousands of miles from home, only ask for things to make them feel a little more comfortable and closer to home. Items such as Baby Wipes, toothpaste, toothbrushes, or Brush Ups, shampoo, deodorant, anti-bacterial soap, waterless soap, hand sanitizer, lotion, shaving cream, disposable razors, (Mach 3 preferred) battery operated razors, toilet paper or tissues packs can serve two purpose, Sun block, throat lozenges, gum, lifesavers, mints, eye drops, blistex, chapstick,Vaseline, saline drops, q-tips both long and short, jock itch spray, boot liners ,insoles, Lotrium (tube or cream), foot powder, Self stick Envelopes, paper , pens, notebooks, Single-Use Camera, self-addressed envelope for letters back home, Batteries (AA,AAA,C),photos from home, cigarettes, newspaper clippings, comics from Sunday paper, news from home, books, magazines (no porn) Astronomy charts/books, sunglasses, eyeglass wipes, SOCKS, underwear, t-shirt(green), boot socks, Duct tape, electrical tape, flashlight with a red lens, Frisbee, Nerf Balls, HackySack, football, deck of cards, handheld games, travel chess set, crossword puzzle, word game puzzles 1 & 2 gallon ziplock bags(put all items in ziplock for shipping serves two purposes),FOOD ITEMS (NO PORK OR PORK BY PRODUCTS ALLOWED) Slim Jims(read label make sure it is beef), instant coffee, hot cocoa mix, tea, lemonade mix, Koolade mix Gatorade (powdered kind &most asked for), gum, lifesavors, mints ,nuts, sunflower seeds, peanuts, trail mix, power bars, breakfast bars, small bags of snacks or individually wrapped snacks, any kind of chips, (Pringles, Ritz, pretzels etc), cookies(homemade is greatly appreciated) candy(no chocolate it will melt NIPS OK),tuna packs, chicken packs, salmon pouches, raisins or fruit snacks, apple sauce cups, chef boy are dee cups, chili in a box, Spices like Ms Dash tomatoe/garlic, Hot sauce. (ITEMS NEEDED FOR FEMALES) Sanitary napkins, Tampons, Feminine Hygiene products, Manicure sets, nail polish, hair scrunchies, combs, brushes, (ITEMS NEEDED FOR CANINE UNITS) Canned Dog Food, Gold Bond Cream, Flea Shampoo, Dog Treats, Rawhide Bones, Dog Toys, Large Pet Bedding are all they ask for. We’ve also sent hundreds of bulletproof vest donated by our members and other sources that our troops have used as additional protection. The Lodge has utilized Staten Island Project Home Front to get items you’ve donated to our kids in Iraq and Afghanistan. Now Staten Island Project Home Front needs some help with financing the delivery of the items. Every dollar they get goes to getting the needed items to the troops. ALL else is 100% volunteer. Please give whatever you can. Staten Island Project Home Front is Tax Deductible 501.c3. So, if you donate over $75.00 you get a receipt for tax deduction. Less then that you report it yourself. I hope you will give what you can. Donate whatever you can to: Staten Island Project Home Front 471 Bement Ave Staten Island, NY 10310 Another way to show your support is by assisting in Operation Phone Home. The USO has started this program to let our troops deployed in forward positions to speak with their loved ones here at home. You can help by going to WWW.USO.ORG/DONATE and filling out the form or by calling 1-800-876-7469 or by mailing a check made out to the USO with OPH written on the memo line to: USO World Headquarters, PO Box 96860, Washington, DC 20090-6860. Many of those who’ve chosen to protect us here at home have suffered serious injuries and are confined to hospitals. To try and take their minds off their situation and raise their spirits the Take A Wounded Soldier To A Movie Program was started. To participate all you need to do is send a package containing a new or used DVD, candy, un-popped popcorn, an AT&T international phone card and a letter from you starting with a simple “Hi” or “Hello” sharing your thoughts and support to: Take A Wounded Soldier To A Movie, Attn: Pastoral Services, Landstuhl Regional Medical (Lanny White) Center, CMR 402, APO AE 09180. If you would like to do the same for our wounded troops who are back here in America repeat the process previously described with the exception of the phone card. Any domestic phone card will do. Mail the package to: Walter Reed Hospital, Attn: Red Cross, 6900 Georgia Ave NW, Washington DC 20306-5001. If you are unable to send a package a letter will do. The hospitals would not release any names but have assured me that all packages and letter would be distributed. Remember many of those in Army Hospitals are only kids, some with life altering injuries. A simple letter from you can make a big difference in their recovery. If you know of any groups looking to do something for the troops these are very worthwhile endeavors so pass it on. For our members, as we've been doing since 2003, the Lodge has been collecting the items listed above at our meetings and delivering them to Project Home Front. We're asking that you continue this by bringing a few of the items to our meetings. HORSES FOR HEROES There is a program currently underway to sponsor amputee troops returning from Iraq and Afghanistan to learn to horseback ride. Reports that I’ve heard is that these young men and women who’ve lost more than most of us could imagine have responded tremendously from this sort of therapy. It will be at Seaside Therapeutic Riding just off the Belt Parkway. The cost for the 8-week course is $465 per soldier. I know that’s a lot but just as these soldiers aren’t going it alone neither should you. There’s no law against you getting your buddies from chipping in with you. If you’re interested you can make a check out to Seaside Therapeutic Riding Inc. In the memo area (lower left hand corner) put Horses for Heroes and mail it to Seaside Therapeutic Riding Inc, 3903 Nostrand Ave, Brooklyn, NY, 11235. They’re also looking for volunteers

VETERANS BENEFITS
Bobby Tamburri, the Veterans Benefits Committee chairman, is now a National Service Officer with the Veterans Administration. If you have any questions or concerns about your benefits as a veteran stop by his office at 245 W Houston St in Manhattan or you can reach him at 212-807-3178 or robert.tamburri@va.gov. It was also nice to find out that we’re the only FOP lodge in the country with a Veterans Benefits Committee.

TAXED PENSIONS BY STATE FOR RETIREES
For anyone that is retired or thinking about retiring and find a state to live in, this might be of some interest to you. This is the most up to date information on all 50 states as reported in the American Police Beat magazine. You may want to check with the state you’re planning to move to to make sure that this information hasn’t changed. Wherever you move you better keep up your membership in THIS Lodge. Pension not taxed: Florida, Hawaii, Nevada, New Hampshire, South Dakota, Tennessee, Texas, Washington and Wyoming. Pension taxed, no exemptions: Alabama, Alaska, Arizona, California, Connecticut, District of Columbia, Idaho, Illinois, Indiana, Kansas, Maryland, Massachusetts, Minnesota, Mississippi, Nebraska, North Dakota, Rhode Island, Vermont, West Virginia, Wisconsin and Oregon. Pension taxed with exemptions: Arkansas: Up to $6000 of your local government pension will be taxed. Colorado: Your pension will be exempt up to $20,000 for ages 55 thru 64, and $24,000 over 65 years old. Delaware: If you are over 65, $12,500 will be exempt. Georgia: If you are over 62, $14,000 is exempt. Iowa: If you are over 55, $6,000 is exempt for a single and $12,000 for a married status. Kentucky: Up to $37,500 in pensions are state tax exempt, Louisiana: If you are over 65, &6,000 is exempt for a single, and $12,000 for married status. Maine: $6,000 is exempt but may be offset by Social Security benefits. Michigan: $36,090 is exempt for single and $72,180 for married status. Missouri: Your pension has a $6,000 tax exemption. Montana: Your pension is exempt for $3,600, but is phased out if your federal adjusted gross income exceeds $33,600 for married or $31,800 for single status. New Jersey: If you are over 62, $9,375 is exempt for single and $12,500 for married status. New Mexico: You are exempt $8,000 only if your income is under $28,500 single or under $51,000 if you are married and over age 65. New York: If you are over 59 1/2, $20,000 is exempt from state tax. North Carolina: $4,000 is exempt from state income tax. Ohio: Your pension is taxed after a $200 credit. Oklahoma: Has a modified Oklahoma adjusted gross income formula that may allow a $5,500 exemption for people over 65. Pennsylvania: People over 59 1/2 are exempt from state income tax. South Carolina: $3,000 is exempt under 65 and $10,000 is exempt over 65. Utah: If you are 65, you may exclude up to $7,500 if your income is under $25,000 for single and $32,000 for married status. Virginia: People 62 to 64 will have $6,000 tax exempted and people over 65 have $12,000 tax exempted.

TAX DEDUCTIONS
Retired law enforcement officers can now deduct premiums they pay for their health insurance. If there is a deduction on your pension stub for your insurance you can put that amount on line 16B on your federal returns. Write “PSO” for the reason. This deduction is only for service pensions. Disability pensions do not get this deduction.

TAXES ON PENSIONS
If you see a little less in their pension check it’s because of the pensions being re-classified by the IRS. Pensions are no longer considered “Earned Income’. Pensions are now considered the same as income from such things as capital gains, rent, interest, royalties and dividends. A bill that had held these items at a lower tax rate expired in January and was not extended.

RETIREES PENSION LOAN PAYBACK
Retirees from the NYCRES (NYPD is ineligible) can now pay off their pension loans thus increasing their pension. There are a few catches. First, what you’ve already paid since you retired doesn’t count. Second, the amount of the loan must be paid in a lump sum. Last, the increase in your pension is not retroactive and only kicks in after the loan is paid. To find out if this is a true benefit you may want to check with a financial consultant or accountant to see if paying off your loan is worth it.

HEALTH INSURANCE FOR YOUR FAMILY
Presently, families of NY City workers can now be covered by City health benefits upon the death of that worker. For those with 3/4 injuries who die as a result of the injuries your family will be covered permanently. For those who have a service retirement or 3/4ers who die from other than their injuries, your family will be covered as if you were still living for 36 months and can continue that coverage afterwards under the City's group plan which is a lot less than an individual plan. The surviving spouse must notify your Pension Section within 60 days of your death to qualify. It's suggested that you discuss this with your spouse. If not, you may want to put this information with papers your family will read after you're gone. You may want to see if you can get the paperwork while you're still living to make it easier on your family later. This is a result of a Federal action so those members who do not work for the City should qualify. Check with your own Pension Section to see if this applies to you. There is now a bill in the City Council that would make coverage of the surviving spouse permanent. Initiative 728, introduced by Councilman Weprin, has a strong chance of passing but an even stronger chance of being vetoed by the mayor.Mayors as far back as Lindsey have been fighting this. The Initiative does have the support of other elected officals other than those in the City Council. You can bet the Mayor will be lobbying City Council members to vote against this. It's up to you to lobby your representative in the Council.

VARIABLE SUPPLEMENT
The Variable Supplement will cap at $12,000 in 2007. There is no legislation for it to go up but it will never go down. As far as the Cost of Living affecting the Variable here's an explanation. COLA does not go into effect until you turn 55 with 10 years retired. COLA will appear in your pension check and the amount of COLA will be deducted from your Variable check. At 62 you will receive both COLA in your pension check and the full amount of the Variable.

MEDICAL ASSISTANCE FOR NYPD & THEIR FAMILIES
The NYPD supplies oxygen theraphy equipment, oxygen concentrators, portable oxygen, electric hospital beds, hip chairs, walkers, hoyer lifts, slings, orthro-biotic chairs, geriatric chairs, pulmo-aide equipment, wheel chairs, commodes, canes, crutches, trapeze bars, tent unit theraphy and intravenous stands to its members and their families free of charge. Other equipment may be available upon request. You will need a prescription from your doctor. The items will be delivered to the home. It also supplies ambulance service to transport non-ambulatory patients from their residence to medical facilities, from medical facilities to their residence or from one medical facility to another medical facility. Officers assigned to this ambulance service are highly trained EMT's as well as certified Cardiopulmonart Resuscitation experts. The patiemt must be an active or retired member of the NYPD, their spouse, unmarried dependant children, father, mother, father-in-law, mother-in-law and brothers and sisters who reside with the member and are supported by that member. The ambulance can travel up to 250 miles outside the city but one point must be within the city. This service cannot be used for EDP, emergency maternity, known airbourn communicable disease, intensive care transfers or any patient with open or oozing wounds. This service is available Monday to Friday from 0700 to 2300 hrs. If this service is needed at other hours it may be available upon request. For more info call the Medical Desk at 1-718-626-9320. You may not need this but there are others who do so pass this along.

FOP AUTO & HOMEOWNERS INSURANCE & MORTGAGES
FOP members are entitled to discounted auto and homeowners insurance through NCA. This insurance company deals exclusively with the FOP. For a quote or for more information you can call them at (631)-737-0700 or (800)-NCA-8809 or (888)-USA-FOP1. You can also contact them via the internet at NCA@copcoverage.com If you decide not to take advantage of this you may want to contact the Insurance Company you presently have and inform them that you're a member of the FOP. Some companies offer discounts to FOP members. The National Lodge, in partnership with National Advantage Mortgage Company, offers exclusive mortgages to our members. A guaranteed best mortgage deal will pay you $300 if you find a better deal. Some of the advantages are: free to apply and you’ll have your approval decision in as little as 10 minutes, get an actual approval even before you’ve found a home, no origination fee, which can amount to 1.5% of your loan and other fees are reduced or eliminated and up to 100% loan-to-value financing. To apply call toll free at 1-866-816-5143 or go to WWW.FOP ADVANTAGE.COM

FOP COLLEGE PROGRAMS
The FOP offers its members online accredited college Bachelor, Masters and PhD degrees. FOP members nationwide, their spouses and dependents, enrolled at these Universities are eligible for a special tuition discount known as FTAP - Federal Tuition Assistance Program. With FTAP, affordable tuition costs can be reduced by 15% for all Bachelor degree programs, and by 27.5% for Master degrees and graduate certificates. In addition, students benefit from free access to a cyber library (no cost for text books) and no application fee. FOP prospective students may transfer academic credits from Community and Junior Colleges, ACE approved courses, DANTES, CLEP, IT certificates, Military Colleges, FBI National Academy credits, selected Police Training such as CA POST certificates, and more. No-cost and no-obligation credit transfer evaluation maximizes such credit transfers by offering an efficient degree plan that reduces costs and time to graduation. For more information go to the FOP website at: www.fop.net/programs/education/fopu/tuiu.shtml.

DISCOUNT TICKETS TO PLAYS AND MUSEUMS
Because a night out at a play or a day at a museum cost an arm, a leg and a pint of blood the FOP has hooked up with Tickets at Work. For more information or for up to 50% off on tickets to plays and museums go to WWW.TICKETSATWORK.COM. The code you’ll need for the discount is NYSFOP.

EMERGENCY RESPONSE TRAINING
NY State holds training seminars to instruct first responders in handling disasters. Seminars are usually covered in one day. The training covers everything from bombings to evacuating injured persons. The seminars are free of cost and are held at several locations throughout the City and State. They are only open to first responders, both active and retired. For our members with no access to the Internet please contact the Lodge for seminars and schedules. All others can check out the most current list of training opportunities by periodically check the Training Calendar at http://www.security.state.ny.us/training/training_calendar.php. Please let them know that we referred you.

PHARMACEUTICAL PLANS
With changes in union sponsored health services your Lodge has looked into a number of drug plans that may help out our members. TOTAL PHARMACY CARE-The FOP Grand Lodge has worked out a plan for its members to purchase their prescription drugs at discounted prices. By going to WWW.FOPRX.COM or calling 1-866-465-0471 you can get a quote and place orders. There is a $10 discount off your first order. Make sure you tell them what lodge you belong to so we get credit for referring you. This plan is open to family and friends too. VETERANS-By going to the Veterans Administration your prescriptions can be considerably lower. To qualify you must bring your discharge papers to the VA office (check the blue pages of your phone book under U.S. Office for the Veterans Administration nearest to you or go to the web links on our web page and check Veterans Administration). You will be issued an ID card with which to purchase your prescriptions. ELDERLY PHARMACEUTICAL INSURANCE PLAN (EPIC)-This program is available to senior citizens who are residents of New York State, 65 years of age or older. If the senior citizen is single and makes $35,000 or less a year or is married and makes $50,000 or less a year then he/she is eligible. To order an application or if there are any questions the toll free number is (800)-332-3742 or for those who have access to the internet go to our web page, click on web links, scroll down and click on EPIC. There are similar programs in other states. To find this in another state type the name of the state in keyword and search that state’s web page. PHARMACUETICAL RESEARCH & MANUFACTURES OF AMERICA-By going to the web links on the Lodge’s web page and clicking on this subject you will find a site that can drastically reduce the burden of prescription costs. This group is the drug companies. It supplies free and discounted prescriptions to those who qualify. You will find a questionnaire on this site that will let you know if you qualify. Unfortunately, I found no telephone number. DISCOUNTED MEDICARE PRESCRIPTION CARDS-Medicare is now offering discount cards to those who are eligible. By going to the web link on the Lodge’s web page and clicking on Medicare you will find everything you need to know on this subject. For those without access to the internet you can call them at 1-800-633-4227. For those hearing impaired/TTY call 1-877-486-2048.

LODGE’S SCHOLARSHIPS
Included with the upcoming Newsletter you’ll find the application for the James Quinn and City of Heroes Scholarships. The James Quinn Scholarship is open to each child of a member who will be graduating from elementary or high school. The City of Heroes Scholarship is open to each child and or grandchild of a member who will be graduating from high school and will be furthering his/her education. Please fill out the form ad send the James Quinn Scholarship to the address stated at the top of the form and the City of Heroes Scholarship to the Lodge’s address. Applications must be received no later than April 30th. Winners will be selected by drawing.

GREAT ADVENTURE
Also included in the upcoming Newsletter is an order form for the FOP’s Day at Great Adventure on Friday, July 16th from 10-am-10 pm. The cost is $43 per person and includes the day at Great Adventure and Wild Safari, parking, barbecue, return ticket good for any day before September 15th and parking for that day. Barbecue includes fried chicken, hamburgers, hot dogs, fixings, chips, nachos & cheese, pasta salad, soft drinks and ice cream. Optional tickets for Hurricane Harbor may be purchased for the reduced price of $15 and redeemed at a date after July 31st. There will be 5 door prizes drawn at the barbecue. Winners must be present. Money must be received by July 1st. Please request parking vouchers you’ll actually need. Tickets will only be mailed to members of the FOP so please put the Lodge number on the form.

NY STATE FOP MEMORIAL
Each year the State Lodge holds a memorial to honor those in law enforcement who made the ultimate sacrifice in the last year and to remember all those who have died over the years. This year it will be held at 11 AM on Saturday, May 1st at the State FOP Headquarters at 911 Police Plaza in Hicksville. If you wish to attend please contact the State Lodge at 1-888-697-1367 by March 18th. Members still active please wear your uniform. Retirees please wear business attire. Directions: Southern State Pkwy to Meadowbrook Pkwy North to exit 4. Make a left at the 11th light (NY 206) into Hicksville. Make a right just past the LIRR station (Elevated Line with a Wendy’s sign) onto John St (Police Plaza). The Fop HQ’s is the first building on your right.

NYS FOP PICNIC
The NYS FOP Picnic will be on Saturday, July 17 from 9 AM-6 PM at Lido Beach. The cost is $35 per family (2 adults & kids under 18), $25 per couple and $15 per singles. Food, beer and soda will be served (please do not bring any glass items into the park). Activities will include use of the beach, horseshoes, volleyball, bocci ball, shuffleboard and basketball. There’s also a chilli cook-off contest so practice your recipe on the kids. The form is included at the end of the upcoming Newsletter. All money must be received by July 6. No reservations will be taken the day of the picnic. When entering the park tell the guard you’re with the FOP. Make checks payable to NYSFOP and send them to NYS FOP, 911 Police Plaza, Hicksville, NY, 11801, ATTN: Picnic Reservations. Directions to Lido Beach: take Belt Pkwy/Southern State Pkwy to exit 22S Meadowbrook Pkwy/Jones Beach. Merge onto Loop Pkwy via Exit M10 toward Point Lookout. Turn slight right toward Point Lookout. Turn slight right onto Lido Blvd. 630 Lido Blvd is on the left.

BLOOD PATHOGEN TRAINING
All law enforcement personnel deal with prisoners who have AIDS or hepatitis. Because of this it is federally mandated that you be trained in techniques in safeguarding yourself from contacting these diseases. Presently, 35% of the prison population and 65% of ex-cons have either AIDS or hepatitis. OSHA training on this topic cannot be fully covered in 10 minutes at in-service training. Each member must be given 5 hours of initial training and must be trained each and every year thereafter to be kept up to date. If you are not receiving this training you should contact your supervisor or training officer. These classes are to be given by OSHA personnel or training officers who have been trained by OSHA. If you think that this is unimportant or just another training session, tonight go home and look at your loved ones.

POLICE ORGANIZATION PROVIDING PEER ASSISTANCE
POPPA provides assistance to NYPD officers suffering from stress, depression, trauma, acholhol dependency and family problems. It is independent of the NYPD, all interactions are confidential and is cost free. POPPA provides specially trained volunteers 24/7 who are or were cops. These cops will meet with you to talk about the problem and will assist in making referrals to professionals in POPPA's network who are trained to work with cops. Weather you are active or retired you can volunteer to help by contacting POPPA at (212)-298-9111. If you feel that you need to talk with someone give them a call at 1-888-COPS-CARE (1-888-267-7267).

NYPD SUPPORT GROUP
The NYPD has a support group for members and their families that are going through a severe illness or injury. The Police Self Support Group usually meets on the last Thursday of each month at Lefrak City, Medical Division on the 16th floor. It is open to officers who have been catastrophically injured either on or off duty or who have been severly traumatized e.g. World Trade Center type situations, bombings, serious accidents or fires or if an officer is diagnosed with a serious illness e.g. cancer, MS, lupus, Hodgkin's disease etc. If an officer is eligible under the above, then his/her spouse can also come to the group for assistance. Usually the officer is sponsored by a Board member of the organization. The officer can be from another agency outside the NYPD. There is a special group that meets following the normal session for officers with catastrophic illness or trauma. Members of the NYPD get an excusal for the day to come to the meeting but they must call Employee Relations and must be on the member list. To register, for more information or if you have any questions you can call Tom Senft at (613)-244-9002 or Kathy Burke at (718)-956-0233. Besides getting to talk with other people who are going through what you may be going through there is a great network of information from medication to doctors. This is for retirees and their families as well as the active members.

NYC POLICE FOUNDATION
The NYC Police Foundation has been around since 1971. It is a non-profit organization dedicated to assisting the NYPD. It has raised over $62 million to institute programs that otherwise would fall by the wayside. From the most modern technologies to a horse that’s helping to control a crowd, the Police Foundation has sponsored programs that have assisted the cop. It is the only organization authorized to raise funds but it never uses phone or telemarketers to solicit those funds. 94% of the NYPD’s budget goes to personnel services (salaries). It is through the assistance of the Police Foundation that the NYPD can keep up with the ever-changing technologies, strategies and training. For more information go to the NYC Police Foundation on our Lodge’s web links.

INTERNATIONAL POLICE ASSOCIATION
For our members who like to travel the International Police Association or IPA is an excellent group to belong to. Weather you like seeing other countries or want to explore the U.S.A. the IPA has the connections. It has branches in over 50 nations as well as all over America. The way it works is you contact the IPA region in the location you wish to visit. The local cops are there to help you with any questions you may have. They are also more than happy to show you the ins and outs of their departments. The IPA also has houses throughout the world that are available to you with rooms at reasonable rates. If you're interested or want more information check out the IPA section on the Lodge's web site.

ORGAN TRANSPLANTS
One of our brother members had gone through the process of an organ transplant. Another member's small son needed a bone marrow transplant. On both occasions the members had to wait years for the life saving process. We've just became aware of another FOP member from Staten Island on a waiting list for a transplant. After discovering that if a person has a matching donor then there is no waiting the Lodge suggested that the FOP look into creating a national data base of its members for organ donations to other members and their families. While we're awaiting thier answer the Lodge has made inquires itself into this. When we're told how to do this we'll work to get it off the ground but in the meantime every day someone is out there desperate for a new organ. The demand is way above the supply. As members of the law enforcement community we rush to the aid of our fellow citizens, many times at the grave risk of our own life. We scrimp and save to provide our family with stability after we’re gone. We make sure that our family knows how to get the benefits they’re entitled to yet, when we’re buried some of our most vital assets are buried with us. If we were to only look at the back of our driver’s license we would see how easy it is to help save a life upon our passing. There is a section for authorizing the donation of our organs. Sign it and make sure it’s witnessed (preferably by family members) or get more information by e-mailing coalition@shareyourlife.org or calling 804-782-4920. Also, let your family know you want to live on by helping out someone else. It only takes a few seconds for something that can last ANOTHER lifetime.