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Events, Help, Fundraisers & Benefits:
Change to November Union Meeting Date!!!
As was announced at the October Union Meeting, the Thursday, November 13th union meeting noted on your UFA Calendar is cancelled. The new date is Thursday, November 20th at10amat the JFK Ramada, as indicated in the November Meeting Notice. The October Fire Lines Calendar of Events page does not reflect the new date. Please insure you note the change. Back To Top
Battalion Delegate Meeting November 7th
A Battalion Delegate meeting will take place on Friday, November 7th10am, at theUFAoffice in the 4th floor meeting room to discuss a variety of major issues affecting the membership. Survey your delegates and members prior to attending. If you cannot attend for some extremely important reason, try to send the next most knowledgeable / reliable Delegate from your battalion. There will be no meeting excusal time granted. Back To Top
Proposed Amendments Pass Delegate Vote: Ballots Go Out
At the October 9th General Membership meeting, the below amendments were discussed and voted upon. The proposed amendment to Article VI – Section 6 (Vacancies on the Executive Board) passed and takes effect immediately. The proposed amendment to Article XII - Section 1 (increase in basic dues) was overwhelmingly approved by over 95% of members present. It must now pass a referendum vote, as required by the UFA Constitution, by the entire membership to become effective. See 65-2 #67 for important info on the ballot dates. The complete text of the above amendments can be found in
65-2 #62, dated September 26th, 2003. Back To Top
Important: New IRS Regulations for Pension Loans
Effective January 1, 2004, new IRS regulations will significantly change the procedures utilized in calculating pension loans. These changes result in increased taxability and/or higher loan payments for members that combine outstanding loan balances with new loans. Members will no longer be permitted to refinance an existing loan with a new loan and extend the payment schedule beyond the original five-year period without incurring additional tax liability. Instead, multiple loans, with separate maturity dates and repayment schedules, will be implemented. As a result, higher loan payments will be required under the new regulations.
Any member who submits a loan application prior toNovember 28, 2003will have their loan payments and taxability calculated under the regulations currently in effect. Members with an existing pension loan, who are contemplating a refinanced pension loan afterNovember 28, 2003, should consider submitting an application prior to this date. Members taking out a pension loan, with no existing outstanding loan, will be subject to the regulations currently in effect.
The UFA strongly cautions any member about the dangers of taking pension loans. Anytime a loan is taken a deficit is built up in your pension. You could end up paying off the loan for the rest of your life since the deficit is not repaid unless you make additional contributions to your pension account. Pension loans should only be considered for emergency purposes, or if recommended by your professional pension advisor. Current interest rates for bank loans are low and may be a better alternative to pension loans. If you have any questions please contact your Delegate or a pension professional. Back To Top
Reminder: Leary Firefighter Foundation BASH for NY’s Bravest
Last Chance!!! The Leary Firefighters Foundation “The 3rd Annual BASH for NY’s Bravest†will take place on Monday, October 27th at 8pm at The Hudson Hotel in Manhattan. Proceeds will be donated to the FDNY for equipment, training and other resources. Ticket prices for FFs and officers are $50 ($300 for non-FFs) on a first-come, first-serve basis. Limited availability. Two ticket limit. Purchase tickets at the Leary offices at 594 Broadway, Suite 409 (between Houston & Prince Streets) in Manhattan. You will need FDNY ID. You may pay by cash, check payable to “The Leary Firefighters’ Foundationâ€, or by credit card. For credit card purchases, please call the Leary office at 212-343-0240. FFs and officers attending must wear Class A uniforms. Many flyers for this event have been faxed to all houses over the past several months. Back To Top
Health Benefits Fall 2002 Transfer Period--Don’t Miss It!!!g
The 2003 Health Benefits Transfer Period beginsOctober 15, 2003and ends onNovember 15, 2003. Health plan changes requested during the Transfer Period will be effective the first full payroll period in January 2004. During the Transfer Period, you may transfer into another health plan offered by the City, add or drop Optional Rider coverage, add or drop dependents. To transfer, add or drop an Optional Rider, or add or drop dependents, you must submit a Health Benefits Application to the Health Plans Unit, 6th Floor, Bureau of Personnel Resources. The health care providers had literature tables set up at the October 9 union meeting. Check with your Delegate for available info. Or, if you need an application, call the Health Plans Unit at (718) 999-2196/2171, or you can download from the City's website, www.nyc.gov/html/olr. Back To Top
Free Weekend Marriage Conferences for FDNY Members
Family Life, the nationally known leader in marriage conferences, offers again this Fall, an opportunity for all FDNY members to attend a free marriage conference. It offers you an opportunity to improve communication, inspire commitment and increase closeness in your marriage. Topics include: Threats to great marriage, Purpose for marriage, Effective communication, Conflict resolution, Marriage roles, Parental responsibility, Developing a satisfying sex life, Modeling a healthy relationship for your children. Feedback fromUFAmembers and spouses who have attended has been excellent. The conferences will be held at the locations and dates listed below: - New York: November 14-16CrownPlaza,Albany, November 14-16 Hyatt Regency,Rochester
- New Jersey: November 7-9 Parsippany Hilton, Parsippany, November 14-16 Parsippany Hilton, Parsippany
Note: underlined dates will also have alumni sessions for those who have attended the conference before.
Come for a weekend away where you and your spouse can totally focus on each other, and on building a strong family and a lasting, loving marriage. FamilyLife covers cost of hotel and conference registration. For information and to register for one of these conferences contact Battalion Chief Tom Byrne, Union FD (NJ) at 908-233-8675 or 908-482-9470 (cell). Back To Top
Ebbets Field Wall of Remembrance Re-dedication
The Ebbets Field Wall of Remembrance Unveiling Ceremony and Re-dedication will be held atKeySpan Park,1904 Surf Avenue, Brooklyn on Sunday, November 16, 2003, at1:00pm. Honors 134 firefighters, 11 NYPD, and 7 PAPD from Brooklyn and Brooklyn locations, who perished on September 11, 2001. Each FF family will be presented with a memorial plaque by the uniformed firefighter they have chosen. RSVP by November 3 to (718) 999-2653 with the number of guests attending. WTC victim families please provide the name and contact number of the FF you wish to present the plaque. Back To Top
Nursing Workshop for FFs Given at FDNY HQ
“Nursing as a Career: Explore the Possibilities†is an informational workshop to help you take your first step towards considering whether nursing (Registered Nurse or Licensed Practical Nurse) might be a second career choice for you. NYC Firefighters who are RNs will be available to answer your questions. The workshop will provide info about the requirements necessary for entry into a nursing program, the difference between educational programs leading to RN or LPN licenses and the steps you need to get started. Following the workshop, reps from local nursing programs will be available to meet and answer your questions. Workshop: Thursday,October 30, 2003,10am – 11:30am, Nursing College Fair:11:30am – 2pmat 9 Metrotech Center in the auditorium. Back To Top
Tin House Turkey Trot Run
25th Anniversary Tin House Turkey Trot Run to benefit the NYC Firefighters Burn Center, Family Transport and the Thomas Elsasser Fund will be held on Tuesday, November 25th in Flushing Meadow Park (Avery Ave & the Van Wyck Expressway) at11:30am. Pre-registration is $15. $20 on the day of the race. Includes t-shirt, run fee, refreshments and post race food. For registration form, call Ladder 176/Engine 233 at 718-965-8233. Checks made payable to: E-233
L-176 Turkey Trot, 25 Rockaway Avenue, Brooklyn, NY 11233. Back To Top
FF Ryan W. Duryee Benefit
Fundraiser to benefit the widow and daughter of Ryan W. Duryee (who was tragically killed in a car accident) will be held at Our Lady of Good Counsel Church, 230 E 90th Street, NY NY (between 2nd &3rd Ave) on Sunday, November 16, 2003 from 12 – 5 pm. $25 admission includes food and beverages. Drawing for $10,000 raffle, 50/50, door prizes. All checks are payable to Ladder 26/Engine 58 Commissary Fund. Due by November 5th. Mail to L-26/E-58,1367 Fifth Avenue, New York, NY 10029, attention Michael Callahan or Brian Currid. Back To Top
Fraternally, Stephen J. Cassidy
President
Joseph A. Miccio
Recording Secretary
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