Monthly Meeting Recaps

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Notes from our April 2021 Meeting

Call to order President Ernst. 40 members present

Pledge of allegiance

GBA

Blessing Fr. Anthony

NEW BUSINESS
Discussion on May19th noon tribute to staff at Brick Hospital in vicinity of ER.
All local police and firefighters are welcome.

Moose lodge tee shirts are available@ $20

Challenge coins are available also from NJPFA

Discussion on COLA: Pension is reported at 68 percent funded according to state actuaries report. State is being evasive on fully funding. Senator.Sweeney is against funding unless he gets something in return Cola if restored will be based on older retired members first.  It will be a fixed amount not a percentage. PFANJ Firefighters union is in support of our cola efforts. We thank Steve McConologe for his efforts and support.

Legislation signed for 20 year retirement with no health coverage. Estimates are 8000 cops and up to a 1000 firefighters could be eligible to retire according various articles.

Discussion on WEP The President would like it rescinded. There is bi-partisan support to rescind it. Please join the Windfall Elimination repeal Facebook group.

Discussion on NJ Fireman's Relief Assn. NJ wants to eliminate the 2 percent fee from insurance companies and have money go to the state. This could have devastating effects if allowed to happen.

A side note - 5 new members were added.

Fr. Anthony discussed PTSD in police and firefighters

Motion to adjourn

Thanks to Secretary Tom McGovern for the minutes.

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Notes from our February 2020 Meeting

Meeting Opened @ 12:04pm, with President Ernst Presiding

Pledge of Allegiance and God Bless America led by Pres. Ernst.

Meeting Blessing led by Fr. Anthony Lipari.

VPs Secor & Intindola, Sec. Alchevsky present,  27 Members Present.

New Member Art Bloomer, Kearny FD (RET) accepted and sworn in.

President's Report: (Ernst)

New Meeting location (Ortley Beach Moose Lodge) acceptable to all members present.

- Discussed preservation and safeguarding of all personal pension and benefit documentation so as to ensure our benefits in the event of changes in coverage or benefit providers from Our Agencies/Appointing Authorities.

 

- Discussion of Waiving of Dues Requirement for Life Members (those age 80+), where the Local will absorb this cost, additionally, Pres. Proposes an Active Member dues increase to $25.00/year, The Membership in attendance agreed with no apparent opposition or dissension. Brother Tim Dowd made this a motion, 2nd by State Delegate Don Scala, Motion carried unanimously, Secretary will draft a By-Law amendment for presentation to The Membership.
 

- Discussion with regard to Sen. Sweeney's proposal to change pension provisions.
 

- Brother Marino discussed the State LODD Benefits, advises that although the State passed the legislation, there are no rules or procedures within yet established for dispensation, will apprise as things develop.
 

- This Local will not invite political candidates, nor "endorse" same, however, if a political candidate requests to speak to our Membership, they will not necessarily be turned away. The Local's position is that "You vote for whomever you personally wish to vote for, as is your right."
 

- We are always looking to have guest speakers at our meetings, in order for our members to be as informed about any matter pertinent to our welfare and communities, the President is asking anyone with familiarity/connections to potential speakers to feel free to contact him to arrange a session at our meetings.
 

- Next month's speaker will be making a presentation with regard to "End of Life" decisions, something that everyone should be taking into consideration in the event of the inevitable.
 

- Sister Valerie Velazquez-Stetz conducted a presentation, with regard to 9/11 Responder Illness benefits, and the law firm of Barasch, McGarry, Salzman, & Penson who won a landmark case in the interests of 9/11 responders, and how to contact them if we wish to pursue these benefits.

State Delegate Donald Scala reported to the membership, updating the activities of the January State Meeting. 2020 State Officers and Trustees were sworn in at that meeting as well.

2020 Dues Received: Candelaro, Damis, DeCeuster, Durnian, Faella, Hayner, D.Jones, Intindola Iscari,
Keenan, Lynch, Marino, Martino, McCormack, McGovern, McLaughlan, Peach, Poane, Secor, Stutski, Zieser Jr.


Meeting adjourned @13:02


Respectfully submitted,


John I. Alchevsky
Secretary

Notes from our January 2020 Meeting

Well, we had our first meeting of the year at our new meeting location.  We were welcomed at the Ortley Moose Lodge.  It is my hope that we will be welcomed there for years to come. Don from the lodge showed us a video explaining exactly what they represent. Thanks to Mick Martino for obtaining our new meeting hall. What makes this a good spot is they also do catering so we can on occasion divert from our normal lunch menu.

Brother Don Marino provided us with an update on our pensions, and the activities of the Governor and the legislatures. He also reported that basically our new PFRS trustees are in the process of transition as the state has not released full control to them as of yet. 

He spoke on the WTC Ricci bill and how to apply.  There was a discussion regarding a police officer who developed ALS and has been cut off from his health insurance. 

A get well card was passed around for our Chaplain Fr. Anthony who had surgery on Wednesday.  I visited him today at the hospital and he is doing well. He thanks everyone for your prayers.

A letter was read that was written by Brother Tim Dowd to the JCPD Police Chief Kelly thanking the membership for the donation of $750 to Laura Seals the widow of Det. Shields who was murdered before Christmas.

Brother Tom McGovern discussed a fund that was setup after his daughters passing to sponsor a scholarship for a high school senior seeking a career in nursing.  Our local took $100 of raffle tickets as did many members. 

Brother Jack Secor will be obtaining the contract for our using of the American Legion for our September picnic.  If you haven't paid your dues - please pay them in February.  If you paid at our January meeting please show your 2020 membership card to Brother John Alchevsky in February so he can credit you for the yearly dues. 

If you would still like to contribute to the state Pension defense fund please let me know.  If you cannot afford the $100 please donate what you can. 

Finally, there will be an Executive board meeting an hour before our February meeting.

Thank you for support of our Local.

President Tom Ernst

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2019 Meetings

Notes from our December 18th Meeting

The officers would like to thank everyone who attended our Christmas party today.  It was very well attended, the food was good and the camaraderie was amazing. 

The officers and trustees had voted a few days ago to donate $250.00 to the family of Detective Joe Seals family.  Today I opened up the donation jar to the membership if they wanted to help.  I'm so proud of each of you for donating an additional $500.00 out of your pockets for a brother for a total of $750.00.  Member Tim Dowd will be personally delivering this to the proper people.

A few years ago a former member said we are stupid people. If this is how stupid help each other than I welcome more just like you to become members.  We are the best kept secret of Brotherhood in the State of New Jersey! A special thank you to the Guilford Park Yacht club for being our hosts. 

Thank you to everyone who helped today.

Tom Ernst
President Local 8

Notes from our November 20th Meeting

November Meeting held at The Gilford Park Yacht Club..

Meeting opened at 12:00pm, with The Pledge of allegiance and the singing of "God Bless America" led by President Ernst. Prayer led by Father Anthony Lipari.

33 Members present, Executive Board Members : Pres. Ernst, VP, Secor, Sec. Alchevsky present, VP Intindola excused .

No Communications or Bills to report.

President's Report:

Pres. Ernst brought up that at last month's meeting, ALL current incumbent Executive Board Officers and Trustees were nominated as a full ticket, with no contest, by the Membership present via resolution. Motion made by him to have The Secretary cast a single Unanimous Vote, Resolution carried. Secretary Cast the single vote.

2020 Officers are: President Tom Ernst, VP Jack Secor, VP Mary Intindola, Secretary John Alchevsky,

Trustees: Tom McGovern, Walter Brownlee, Ted Gallus..

Ernst Encourages ALL Members to actively participate in the activities of Our Association, including submitting input, encouraging and promoting ideas, goals, and objectives, in the interest of keeping This Association progressive and moving in a forward direction.

CHRISTMAS PARTY to be held at The Gilford Park Yacht Club on Wednesday, December 18, 2019 at 12:00pm. Tickets are $20.00/person, Preferably Prepaid prior to the party. Tix are available from VP Secor, however, Checks may be mailed to Tom Ernst 26 Carmacks Way, Toms River, NJ 08757 prior to the event, and a list will be maintained for the party.

The Association's Monthly Meeting Venue has changed. As of 2020, Our Monthly Meetings will be held at The Ortley Beach Moose Lodge beginning with the January Meeting. The address for the Moose Lodge is: 1801 Bay Blvd. Seaside Heights, NJ 08751, 12:00 Noon as usual. Members will be notified via available means of the above information.

Delegate's Report: Delegate Don Scala notes the next State Association Meeting will be held Dec 9, 2018 at The Willingboro FOP Lodge.

Mr. Kevin McMahon of Accent Apparel, Beachwood, displayed the new Association Member Jackets, and discussed the apparel that will become available, i.e. Tee, Polo, and Sweatshirts, etc. as well as caps. It was determined that we will now only one have ONE standard "Khaki" color hat, so as to avoid over-ordering separate Blue and Red caps, as had been done in the past. No objections noted from the Membership. Mr. McMahon took several jacket orders and invited ALL Members to either order online or in his store, and volume ordering discounts will be available. The current cost of the jacket as displayed is $72. Members will be required to show their Membership cards when ordering.

Discussion ensued about the possibility of Registering/ Trademarking our new logo. Secretary Alchevsky will research and pursue this matter.

Our State Defense fund is healthy and at over $10,000. This is NOT PAC Money, and shall be solely used in the Interests of Retired PFRS Members.

President Ernst Wished ALL Members a Happy and Safe Thanksgiving.

Meeting adjourned @ 12:48pm

Respectfully submitted,

John I. Alchevsky, Secretary.

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Notes from our October 17th Meeting

Well folks, another meeting in the books.  We welcomed back former Vice President Roy Johnsen who was visiting from Southern Illinois.  Roy is a Life member. Good seeing you.

Today we swore in 4 new members . Welcome aboard.  We are steadily growing.

We had a presentation from John and David from Police and Fire Financial Group (Mass Mutual).

A vote was taken to move to a much needed larger meeting facility.  We had narrowed the choice to the Island Heights Methodist fellowship hall and Moose Lodge in Ortley.  The church hall would have been $60.00 a month and the Moose hall was free.  Only requirement was for one of our members needed to be a member of their lodge.  Mick Martino already was and a motion was made and passed to pay for membership into the lodge of $50.00 a year to Jack Secor.   We will begin meeting there at our January meeting. Further details will be forth coming.  In December we will call every member to remind you.

Our Christmas party will be at the Guilford Park yacht club on December 18. Cost is $15.00.

Our November meeting will also beat yacht club.

Brother Don Marino gave a report on what is happening with our new pensionc ommittee.

I gave a report regarding some possible changes with chiropractic care using Horizon.  NJ State PBA reportedly have it worked out with Div of Insurance and Banking as it would have lessened our health benefits. 

The floor was open for nominations for all officers.  Presented officers were re-nominated. Nominations will be open in November and elections at that time.

Finally our Christmas party will be $15.00 per person.  If you attended last year we had a good time. I need to work on a head count my Dec 1st.  Please try to have your money in by the November meeting

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Notes from our July 17th Meeting

Greetings, Brothers and Sisters

July's Meeting was held on 07/17/2019 @ 1202 at Silverton VFD Station # 29 with President Ernst Presiding. 

Pledge of Allegiance and Song led by President Ernst, Opening Prayer led by Father Anthony. 

Exec Board Roll Call: Present; Pres. Ernst, VP Secor, Secretary Alchevsky, VP Intindola Excused (present at Exec Bd. Meeting held prior to meeting.  

We welcome New Members:Rich Barbarise, Montclair FD, Al Poane & Kevin Shouldis, SSHPD. Joe Stramat, UCDOC No Bills or Communications received or outstanding.

President's Report:

This is our last meeting at Silverton VFD Station 29, as we are relocating our meetings UFN to The Gilford Park Yacht Club, 700 Riverside Dr. Toms River, 08753. The Yacht Club is at the corner of Garfield Ave. & Riverside Dr. at the Bay. Meeting is on August 21, Wednesday, 12 noon. 

Our Defense Fund has accumulated $1,500 thus far, and the funds are solely to be utilized for the cause, this is NOT a PAC Fund of any sort. President Ernst asks that if you are unable to contribute the standard $100/Member, Any donation amount will suffice. 

We have new Membership Cards and they will distributed shortly at a future meeting. 

Pres. Ernst also discussed our Membership Situation. There are Members on Our Roster who are up to a few years behind on annual Dues. The Exec Board will be going over the roster and attempting to contact those affected Members. They will be required to pay back as well as well as current dues, or those Members will be dropped from The Roster. Ernst reminded that Our Local has to pay an annual $5 Per Capita to The State Association for every name on our roster, thus this action. 

Brother Scala Motioned for the Above, 2nd by Brother Schultz, Motion Carried. 

Our File Cabinet is to be removed from SVFD to a secure location temporarily until a permanent Meeting Place can be found that will accommodate it and us. 

Secretary Alchevsky will contact FOP Lodge #10, as well as a few other fire Companies in the area, to solicit for a meeting place for us. 

The Membership Roster was passed around for Members present to update/correct their contact information. 

Tickets for Our Picnic still available,$25.00/ Person until September 1, then $30.00 thereafter. 

Picnic is on September 18th, 12-4pm, at The Brick American Legion Post #348. 822 Mantoloking Rd, Brick, NJ 08723. 

A Motion was made by Brother Stutski, 2nd by Brother Scala, to give Silverton FD a $100.00 parting gift for their services to This Local during Our meetings, a Certificate of Appreciation will also be presented to them. 

Brother Jay Stutski did a very informative Presentation to The Membership on The Berkeley Twp. Haz-Mat Team. 

Don Marino spoke about the PFANJ's successful efforts to have the Canzenella and Ricci bills passed and signed by Gov Murphy.

We are still on the lookout for a permanent meeting place, Please Contact President Ernst with any ideas. 

We've been made aware of several Members, or their families encountering illness or worse, President Ernst Encourages ANY Member who has any such issues, or is made aware of same to contact The Board, so we may offer any appropriate assistance that can be rendered. 

Meeting adjourned 1249. 

Please add this Our Ocean County Local 8 Picnic Tickets are now available. Price is $25.00 which includes burgers hot dogs, chicken, sausage, salads, soda and beer. Date is September 18. If purchased after August the price goes to $30.00. In the event of rain we will hold it indoors. Tickets will be available at the meeting or message me for my address. We need a head count ASAP. 

Picnic is at the American Legion on Mantoloking Rd in Brick NJ. Time is from noon till 4pm. If you want tickets mailed please send check and stamped self addressed envelope to Ocean County Retired Police &Fire Local 8, 26 Carmacks Way, Toms River NJ 08757.

I just wanted to let everyone know that today I sent our State President a check in the amount of $1525.00 which we have collected so far for our Pension Defense fund. I anticipate our membership will be continuing to send in checks. Checks should be made our to Ocean County Retired Police and Fire Local 8. They can be send to us at 26 Carmacks Way, Toms River NJ 08757. Our donations will be used to fight any attempt to lower our Pension.

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Notes from our June 19th Meeting

Today's meeting was well attended. We welcomed two new members from Seaside Heights PD. Welcome aboard! Thanks to Ed Bennett for sponsoring them.

Our state organization has approved the adoption of our Pension Defense Fund. Our local led the way to its establishment. This money will only be used to fight future reduction of our hard earned Pensions from PFRS. As many of us have differing Health Benefits there is no way we could use this for these benefits since your health benefits are contractual between you and your former employer. We are asking a contribution of $100.00 each if you can afford it. If you can't please try to contribute in some way. A suggestion was made to hold some type of fund raising event to help. Details to follow. If you can contribute please make a check out to Ocean County Retires Police and Fire Local 8. Mark check for defense fund. We will deposit in our account and then forward to the State Association Defense Fund. This fund will help all PRRS Members.

Our Picnic is set for September 18. Cost is $25.00 and tickets are available. After August the ticket goes up to $30.00.

Our July meeting will be our last at Silverton Firehouse. Beginning in August the meetings will be at The Gilford Park Yacht Club 700 Riverside Dr, Toms River.
After the July meeting we will call or email each member to make sure they know of meeting location change.

Several members have not paid their annual dues. If you don't have a 2019 member card your dues must be paid ASAP.

Our July meeting will feature a presentation by the Berkeley Twp. Hazmat team.
Member Dom Marino, President of PFANJ gave a report on the passage of the Thomas Canzanella Cancer Bill. The Governor claims he will sign it. Dom also spoke about Sweeney's Path to Progress bills which could affect adversely our health benefits if all pieces come together. This has become a sparing match between Sweeney and Murphy. The next two weeks should be interesting as parts of this legislation could come into play with a State budget deadline looming.

I believe our local's work has been recognized through state retirees for our vision of our future.

Finally, we will be working with Father Anthony to devise Memorial service for members who pass away. Father Anthony has also offered his service being trained in dealing with PTSD. 

If you suffer with this please contact him. If you would like to assist on a Memorial committee please let me know.

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