Received the following email from Jon Luysterboroughs and President Coubrough thought it would be very informative for our members and Retirees. Good Luck Jon.
Bill H.
Hi Bill-
I hope that all is going well for you and the guys there during this heat wave and the added load and risk that it puts on all of you. I'm just writing today with a short update on the pension issues that I've been trying to resolve regarding benefits for my spouse. As of August 1st 2006 my lawyer, Jonathan Klein, has filed civil action against
the Pension and Retirement Board and the City of Milford for me to receive:
1. an order of mandamus requiring the City to accept my enrollment of my wife, Yiling Qi (Crystal) as my dependent wife under the City of Milford retirees health insurance plan, retroactive to (when I filed the enrollment form) May 25, 2006.
2. a declaratory judgment declaring my right to enroll my wife, Yiling Qi, as my dependent wife under the City of Milford retirees health insurance plan, retroactive to May 25, 2006.
3. money damages
4. the costs of this action
5. such other and further relief to which I may be entitled at law or equity.
As much as I know that what I am asking for is only what our retirees deserve under the terms of our contract, it really feels bad to be suing the City. We all joke about the City; but I think that as firefighters we all really do love the city that we are committed to serving more deeply than we often realize; so I'm really kind of sad about this whole thing. I didn't expect to feel that way. I'm confident that we will win this case in court and I'm committed to seeing it through to that conclusion, regardless of the cost; but I really hope that the suit is settled quickly and we can finally put this issue behind us.
Be Safe!
Jonathan Luysterborghs (Lusty)
A photographer recently stopped by Headquarters and wanted some shots of the truck and the guys. The above is his "best" shot. Its amazing that everybody was "uniform" all wearing the same T shirt, shorts and black socks. Everyone following the uniform policy to the letter! By the way, nice truck, the new Engine 7.
Social events:
The Annual Thimble Island Booze Cruise was again a success for those that attended. The turnout was slightly less this year but still everyone had a good time. No one got seasick or were made to walk the plank. Nice job Jason Dombrowski and Brad Ross.
The Rumrunners/Hudd post Oyster Festival party was again the high point of the Summer season. Even though it rained most of the evening it still had no effect on the festivities. This year Carlos Rios was the star of the party. Thanks to everyone who contributed and especially to Mike and Jess Hudd and the Rumrunners for sponsoring the annual soiree.
The Rumrunners next engagement will be September 30 at the Stonebridge Restaurant. See you there.
Union news:
Dave Heenan Jr. is again serving as the Chairman of Local 944 "Fill the Boot" drive that will be at various intersection throughout the city. The funds raised will be donated to the Muscular Dystrophy Association during the Jerry Lewis Telethon over the Labor Day Weekend. All members are requested to support this Union cause in every way possible.
The all powerful Dunk Tank Committee raised a whopping $4,808.55 at the Oyster Festival. All of the proceeds go to the Connecticut Burn Care Foundation. Thanks to Bernie Begley and his crew for another successful year. The competition from the bikini clad females across the street at the SBC Restaurant proved so futile that they turned over the few dollars they raised to our mighty machine. Everyone got a bit nervous when Ed Burwell challenged Governor Rell but she was a good sport and moved along with a politically correct "no comment". Thanks Ed, you insult Governor Patacki that way?
Brian Colwell has been appointed by President Coubrough to take Mike Gardella's place on the joint City/Union Safety Committee. Good luck Brian, that's a very difficult and frustrating job. Thanks Mike Gardella for all you have done to make our job safer.
On June 25 the Fairfield Half Marathon road race was held and Milford Fire was represented by Steve Mantie, Jason Dombrowski and Chris Zak. The members won first place as a team in the Fire and Police category and Steve Mantie won first place as an individual in the Fire and Police division. Excellent job!
The next time you are on the Union Web Site, go to the photo section, check out some of the shots under the heading "Back in the day"This month's contest is if you can name everyone in each picture. The winner will receive a lifetime supply of ice from our "new" ice machine at Headquarters. Lots of Luck and no "team" entries.
Still Tom Piskura has the cement mixer if you need it.Just let us know who is the temporary caretaker so when the next one needs it, we can point him in the right direction.
The Milford Fire Softball team was again beaten into submission by the Milford Yankees by a score of 9-6. The score this year was much closer but never in doubt. The Fire team seemed to do much better after Chief Lou was called away. A great time was had by all. The fan base was one of the largest this year for both teams, thanks for your support. A big tip of the helmet to the Dinosaurs who as usual provided a great supper of hot dogs, chips and drinks. The unreported donor of cake for desert made it extra good. The "Kids" thank you very much for the special night.
The Milford Yankees.
The Fire Dept. Losers
The Mighty Dinosaurs!
Upcoming events:
The Union Softball team will be traveling to Maryland for the annual IAFF Muscular Dystrophy Tournament the weekend of Sept. 8-10. Good luck guys. Try to make ALL of the games ok? It is reported that this year there will be a curtailment of alcohol consumption in effect and enforced by the Park Police. The Union has limited bail bond money available, so choose carefully who stays behind in jail. Good luck and have fun. No pictures please.
The 35th Annual Engine 260 Fire Muster will be held on September 9 at Eisenhower Park. All funds raised by this event benefit the special needs children of Milford's Camp Happiness. Come support this cause that helps the children of Milford.
The Fire Dept has also been invited to participate in a round robin softball tournament to raise funds for MDA over Labor Day weekend prior to the New Haven Cutters games. More information and notices will be posted in the stations and sent out as email when its available.
The Annual Holiday-Retirement Party is scheduled for FRIDAY December 1 again at the Grassy Hill Lodge. Mark your calendars. More information as it becomes available.
Retirees Corner:
The Summer has been quiet, so some pictures from the collections of Chuck Osgood and Steve Racz are in order. Enjoy.
The next Union Meeting will be September 19 at 5:30 at Station 2. This will be the first meeting after the Summer hiatus. Please note the meeting time will remain 5:30 until further notice.
The next Retirees Association meeting will be September 27 at 2:00 PM at Station 2.
The next Dinosaur meeting will be September 26 at 6:30 at Station 2.
Sports:
The Connecticut Sun of the WNBA folded up like a lawn chair last Sunday in the Eastern Conference finals. I believe there will be a totally revamped team next year in Uncasville.
Of course the Mets are running away with the East Division of the National League 15.5 games ahead of their nearest rival. They are almost tied with the Tigers for the best record in Major League Baseball. The Sports talk shows are already hinting about a replay of the 2000 World Series. That will be the best revenge!
The Red Sox were victims of a Boston Massacre recently when the Yankees came to town. Its interesting to see that K-Rod has contributed nothing for his overblown salary. When you have to be thankful having Bernie Williams carrying your team your in BIG trouble. The Yanks are out in the first round. As I predicted early in the year, Mets vs. Tigers. The 2 best teams belong in the series.
Football season is getting under way and none of the "local" teams are going anywhere.
See you in early November when College Basketball starts. Cleveland Rocks for the WBB Final Four.
Myrtle Beach Golf Extravaganza sign ups shortly. Start saving your bottles and cans.
Until next time. BE SAFE!
Bill
|