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THE BOOSTER LINE A NEWSLETTER DEDICATED TO GREENE COUNTY FIRE VOLUNTEERS

Spring 2013

GCVFALA PRESIDENT FREMGEN

ANNOUNCES AUXILIARY COMMITTEES At the February meeting of the GCVFALA, President Mitzi-Su Fremgen named the following: Chaplain: Victoria Diechian Color Guards: Ruth Wood & Phyllis Raeder Historian: Allison Rivenburgh Parlimentarian: Marilyn Schrader Sunshine: River Towns: Maureen Murphy Valley Towns: Peggy Edwards MountainTop: Phyllis Raeder In addition, the following were named to GCVFA and/or GCVFALA Committees: Auditing: Chair Victoria Diechian Denise Skewes & Linda Stacey 25 Year Membership: Chair Linda Overbaugh Allison Rivenburgh By-Laws: Chair Cindy Lampman Nancy Ferretti, Dorothy Jennings & Linda Stacey GCVFA Booster Line: All Executive Board members Daily Drawing: Chair Nancy Ferretti GCVFA Fire Prevention: Allison Rivenburg, Cathy Spring & Lynn Wallace Fund Riasing: Chair Geri Schultz Pam Wright Guidelines: Chair Nancy Ferretti Cindy Lampman, Alison Rivenburgh & Marilyn Schrader GCVFA County Fire Disaster Fund: Marilyn Farrell, Linda Overbaugh & Dawn Palmateer Nominations: Chair Nancy Ferretti Kathy Gaspar & Amber Hunlock Parade Rules: Chair Roberta Spring Nancy Ferretti & Kathy Gaspar Past Presidents Dinner: Chair Diane Sala Catherine Johnson,Dawn Palmateer & Alison Rivenburgh GCVFA/LA Scholarship/Awards: Faith McKenna, Bonnie Pflegl & Cathy Spring

GREENE COUNTY DEPARTMENT of EMERGENCY SERVICES FIRE TRAINING SCHEDULE COURSE DATES TIME LOCATION INSTRUCTOR

Basic Rescue Tech Refresher

March 5 & 6 7pm Palenville Firehouse Dwon

Firefighter I Refresher March 9 8am Cairo Training Center Dwon

Fire Assist & Search Team (FAST)

March 12, 14, 18, 21 & 25

7pm Cairo Training Center Dwon

Electric Vehicle Safety for Emerg Responders

March 12 & 14 6:30pm Athens firehouse June

Apparatus/Pump Operator Refresher

March 16 8am Kiskatom firehouse June

Hazardous Materials 1st Responder Operation Annual Refresher Training

March 28 6pm Cairo Training Center Kilts

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TRAIN THE RECRUITER

Date: Thursday, April 4, 2013 Time: 7:00pm Location: Greene County EOC in Cairo Participants: Any volunteer firefighter in NY is encouraged to attend Registration: www.fasny.com Fee: FREE Details: The FASNY Volunteer Programs Office is proud to announce they will be offering a second round of Train the Recruiter seminars this spring. This is a FREE 90 minute seminar where volunteer fire companies will have the opportunity to receive proven tools and tips on recruitment and retention as well a toolkit and hand outs, just in time for Recruiting and National Volunteer Week. You will also learn about the FASNY Help college tuition reimbursement program, and the online auto-referral system at www.FireInYou.org. There will be one session held at the Greene County Emergency Operations Center in Cairo on Thursday, April 4. Recruitment Coordinators, Chiefs, and those volunteers interested in assisting with their fire company's recruitment and retention efforts are urged to attend, however all firefighters are welcomed. Pre-registration in recommended at www.fasny.com; walk-ins are accepted. You do not need to be a member of FASNY to attend, nor do you need to attend a session in your home county. This program is made possible via a federal SAFER grant. If your company or department has not already filled out their Annual Census, please do so immediately at www.fasny.com. The instructor for the Hudson Valley Region is Elizabeth Cahill, Assistant Volunteer Programs Coordinator for FASNY and member of the Hunter Fire Co. Liz is the Volunteer Programs Office representative for your county. Please contact her with any questions at ecahill@fasny.com or 518.788.0587.

CONVENTION 2013 NEWS: The Catskill Fire Company will be hosting the 125th GCVFA Convention during the week of September 3 – 7. The ad book is the primary means by which funds to help defry the convention cost are raised. Support the convention by purchasing an ad. Sizes/cost are: Full page $100 ½ page $50 ¼ page $25 Business card size $10 (Limited sections Center page $250 Outside back cover $200 Inside covers (2) $175 Please mail check payable to Catskill Fire Co. Convention Fund to 1 Central Ave, Catskill NY 12414. Deadline July 1, 2013. Any questions, contact Bob Wade at 821-3633. Remember to include ad wording on a clear copy. As that will include a photo must attach an actual photo. If you have a “copy-ready” ad, it can be submitted as is.

Support these convention fundraisers! April 18, 3pm – 7pm

Chicken BBQ Catskill firehouse, Central Ave, Catskill

Cha-ching raffle Drawing: April 18

Win $ 200.00 worth of scratch off lottery tickets See any Catskill convention committee member for tickets

Carnival - July 20 & 21

Fun for all ages.

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AROUND THE COUNTY:

ATHENS VOLUNTEER FIRE DEPT. LADIES AUXILIARY HOLDS ANNUAL ELECTIONS

Congratulations to the following for being recently elected officers of the Athens F.D. Ladies Auxiliary: Dawn Palmateer - President Tammy Greco - Vice President Patty Whiteman - Secretary Linda Stacey - Treasurer

CONGRATULATIONS USMC PRIVATE RYAN EARLE Ryan Earle, Athens Volunteer Fire Dept. and son of 1st Asst Chief Adam Greco and Aux. member Tammy Greco, recently completed his basic training in the USMC. Congratulations to the entire Greco family. He is presently attending tech school and awaiting his first permanent assignment in Hawaii. The family was able to spend this Christmas with Ryan as he managed to get leave.

ATHENS FIREFIGHTERS BECOME NATIONALLY CERTIFIED IN ICE WATER RESCUE

On Saturday, February 16, several Village of Athens firefighters attended an Ice Rescue and Awareness class hosted by the City of Hudson Fire Department. The class was held at Hudson’s Central Station with practical activities at the Oakdale Park. The day began with class taught by Micky Favino of Newburgh Rescue Supply of Newburgh, New York. The company is a full line supplier of rescue equipment and provides instruction and training in all aspects of technical rescues throughout the Northeast. After several hours of classroom presentations, it was time to put the classroom training into practical application. In the actual icy water of Oakdale Beach, students went through multiple scenarios, using various equipment and several different techniques to rescue victims. Firefighters from the Village of Athens, as well as numerous Columbia County fire departments, participated. It was a great opportunity for all departments to cross train with each other as well as share their own experiences and techniques. Many of these departments cover the coast line of the Hudson River, and several lakes in their jurisdictions. Athens fire department is now nationally certified in Ice and Water Rescue.

Photo & story courtesy of John Miller

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CAIRO HOSE CO. ELECTS 2013 OFFICERS

President: Brian Feml 1st VP: Dave Rivenburgh

2nd VP: Paul Scirico Secretary: Deb Reis

Treasurer: Pat Pugsley Financial Secretary: Miranda Buel

Chief: Gerry Buckley 1st Asst: Randy Buel 2nd Asst: Ray Feml

3rd Asst; John Buckley 4th Asst: Barry Feml 5th Asst: Brian Ruger

Courtesy of Yale Frank Jr

COXSACKIE HOSE CO. #3 ELECTS 2013 OFFICERS

President: Yale Frank Jr. Vice President: Stephen Salluce Sr.

Secretary: Donna Gianola Treasurer: Dawn Marie Smith

Financial Secretary: Robert Frank

Board of Directors Patrick Frank, Robert Frank, Sal Santonastoso, Leo Synakowski & Mark Vota

2013 HVVFA & FASNY Delegate: Yale Frank Jr.

Courtesy of Yale Frank Jr

GREENVILE FIRE DEPT. ELECTS 2013 OFFICERS

President: Clifton Powell Jr. Chief: Clifton Powell 3rd

Vice President: Raymond Gibbons 1st Asst: Eric Bear Secretary: Eileen Wells 2nd Asst: Clifton Powell Jr Treasurer: Fran Sickles 3rd Asst: Andrew Johannesen Sgt at Arms: Paul Augstein Captain: Brian Tumey Parade Captain: Robert Winnie Lt: Aaron Matthews & Frank Boertlein Fire Police Capt: Ed Tedla

Safety Officer: Raymond Gibbons

Courtesy of Yale Frank Jr

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KISKATOM FIRE COMPANY HOSTS WET-DOWN

On Saturday, January 5, 2013, Kiskatom Fire Department an Open House/Wet Down for their new fire truck. The new ETA 16-2 features a 1250 GPM pump and 1250 gallon water tank on an International Chassis. It was built by Garrison Fire & Rescue Corp. and Rosenbauer America Fire Apparatus. Among the dignitaries and guests in attendance were Congressman Chris Gibson and Assemblyman Pete Lopez.

Photos courtesy of Amy Hodor

ROUND TOP FIRE COMPANY SPONSORS 10TH ANNUAL GOLF TOURNAMENT

On Sunday, July 14, the Round Top Fire Company will sponsor their annual golf tournament at the Blackhead Mountain Lodge & Country Club. Registration will be from 12 noon to 12:45pm with a 1pm tee off. There will be a shotgun start and a 4-person scramble. An $80 per person registration fee covers golf and dinner. Registration includes beer, soda & hotdogs during play, as well as green fees, cart, buffet dinner with salad, carving board, dessert, coffee & tea. No experience is necessary and all are invited to come & enjoy the day. For those who wish to attend dinner only the cost is $25. For further information contact Barbara at 622-8938 or Eleanor at 622-8483.

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WEST ATHENS FIRE COMMISSIONER RETIRES Congratulations to Norm Fuller of the West Athens Fire District. Norm recently stepped down from the Board of Fire Commissioners after having served the “taxpayers of the district” for the last 35 years. On Thursday, January 9, Norm and his wife, Charlotte, were feted at6 a dinner in his honor at Pegasus Restaurant. Thank you Norm for a good well down and enjoy your time off.

PLEASE CONSIDER HELPING

Callen Farrell comes from a long line of dedicated firefighters. He is the son of Brian Farrell, a member of the West Athens Fire Company. All of his paternal uncles and aunt also belong to West Athens. In addition, his grandparents, John & Marilyn Farrell, are no strangers to the brotherhood of firefighting from the local level right on up to the state.

In January 2013, Callen was diagnosed with an Interstitial Lung Disease (ILD) called Neuroendocrine Cell Hyperplasia of Infancy (NEHI). This disease is a rare and fairly new disorder. Because of the lack of information and understanding of this disorder, it took 9 months to get a diagnosis for young Callen. On June 21-23, the 2013 chILD Annual Family & Physicians Conference will be held in Pittsburgh, PA. It is the family’s hope to attend so that Brian and his wife, Renee, can find out more about NEHI. The purpose of the conference is to talk to the top medical professionals that deal with this disorder; find out about new research and meet with other families whose children also have an ILD. Brian & Renee need to better understand their son’s illness in order to provide the best care for him. That is where you can help. It is their hope that you will be touched by Callen’s story and wish to donate. Please, go to the following website http://www.firstgiving.com/fundraiser/Farrell/conference to make a donation. It is simple, fast and totally secure. It is also one small way to support their fundraising efforts. The entire Farrell family has done so much for Greene County & firefighting . . . it is now time to do a random act of kindness to demonstrate your appreciation. On behalf of little Callen and the entire family . . . THANK YOU!

CLOTHING BINS

John Ambrosio from the clothing box company will give the GCVFA $100 for each new spot for a clothing bin drop-box. As a reminder, funds raised from these boxes not only to the general fund but a percentage also goes to the Scholarship/Award Fund and the Fire Victims Disaster Fund. Not only would it be great to have a new donation but remember this when you have clothes to get rid of. For new locations, contact a GCVFA officer.

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IN OUR THOUGHTS:

Gene Jennings & family (Oak Hill-Durham FD) on the death of his sister, Frances Partridge Tom Golden and family (Kiskatom Fire Dept) on the death of his father

Michael & June Overbaugh & family (Kiskatom FD) on the death of his mother, Marion Overbaugh And Carol and Bob Vollmer AM Osborn Hose, Catskill/Leeds) on the death of Carol’s sister, Loretta

Dale Lubera (Athens VFD); Linda Miller (PP GCVFALA) and Deb Miller (Sec’ty GCVFALA)

as they recuperate from recent surgery. GCVFA President Steve Salluce as he recuperates at home

Congratulations to Gene & Dottie Jennings (Oak Hill) on the birth of baby Liam . . . their first great grandchild!

IN MEMORY:

On behalf of the GCVFA and LAGCVFA, The Booster Line would like to extend heartfelt sympathy to the families of the following firemanic members who have recently passed away. We apologize for anyone that we missed and offer our condolences to their families.

Harry E. Rosenkranz – RoundTop Fire Co. Grant Gavin – Tannersville Carl Lawrence – RoundTop

Oliver Palmer – Kiskatom Fire Dept Firefighters Mike Chiapperini and Tomasz Kaczowka – West Webster Fire Dept.

Ted Rosko, Jr., Vice President, NYS Firemen’s Home Trustees Emily Feeney – RoundTop Fire Co Ladies Aux

Sue Minkalis – Palenville Fire Co Ladies Auxiliary Colleen Wade – Catskill Fire Co Ladies Auxiliary

Doris Low – East Durham Ladies Auxiliary Howard Tuttle – Ashland Fire Dept

Would you like to receive The Booster Line at home? If you would like to receive The Booster Line and do not have computer access, please send a note to The Booster Line, c/o 280 Vosenkill Road, Athens NY 12015 and we will add you to the postal mailing list. If you have email, we would love to send The Booster Line to you electronically. It would save printing &

mailing costs thus allowing the Greene County Volunteer Firemen’s Association to redirect the money to other core services. Just send a note to THEBOOSTERLINE@YAHOO.COM In the subject line please put subscription. State that you wish to receive The Booster Line electronically and remember to include your name

& address & so we know who we are sending it to.

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CALENDAR of EVENTS:

March 27th, 7:30pm Fire Police meeting Oak Hill-Durham April 15th, 7:30pm GC Fire Chiefs Assoc meeting Athens April 25th, 7:30pm GCVFA/LA Executive Committee Cairo Training center May 2nd, 7:30pm GCVFA Meeting East Durham May 20th, 7:30pm GCVFALA Meeting D M Hamilton, Coxsackie June 2nd Greene County Day NYS Firemen’s Home June 9th GCVFA Drill Day Hensonville

GREENE COUNTY FIRE POLICE NEWS 2013 Meeting schedule - All meetings start at 7:30

Mar 27 Oak Hill Durham Jun 26 Hensonville Aug 28 Hunter Annual Meeting: Oct 23 Round Top

March 23rd HVVFA Fire Police seminar - Coxsackie Hose #3. Registration 8-9 a.m. $7 per person for lunch

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BROOKS CHICKN & RIBS BBQ

SUNDAY MARCH 24 2pm – 5pm

EARLTON FIREHOUSE

$11 for full dinner

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION, CALL 731-6683

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NICKEL SOCIAL Sponsored by Medway-Grapeville Ladies Auxiliary

April 26 Doors open 6pm, Drawings start 7pm

Refreshments available

PIZZA & WINGS Every Thursday night

Athens Fire Dept

BREAKFAST: West Athens Firehouse: 3rd Sunday of each month, 8am – 12 Noon

DM Hamilton, Coxsackie: 4th Sunday of each month

ADVERTISORS: Please remember to support our advertisers. It is through their generosity that we are able to bring the Booster Line to you. Contact theboosterline@yahoo.com if you would like to take an ad. A $10 donation covers the entire year. Individuals and fire companies/auxiliaries are encouraged to consider taking an ad & helping the GCVFA with operating costs for The Booster Line.