1

1

THE BOOSTER LINE A NEWSLETTER DEDICATED TO GREENE COUNTY FIRE VOLUNTEERS

WINTER 2015

APOLOGIES TO THE KISKATOM FIRE DEPARTMENT & LADIES AUXILIARY

In error, it was printed in the 2015 convention issue of The Booster Line that Kiskatom would be the host for the 2017 annual G.C.V.F.A. convention. We apologize to anyone that may have been confused by this. In fact, Kiskatom is hosting the 2016 convention & are busy working on a successful one.

G.C.V.F.A.L.A. Nikki Hodor, President of GCVFALA, has appointed the following for the 2015-16 year. 25 Year Membership: Chair: Linda Overbaugh, and Alison Rivenburgh

Audit: Chair Victoria Dichian, Peg Snyder & Linda Stacey

*Booster Line: Chair Maureen Murphy, Diana Balling, Dorothy Jennings & Amy Katt

*Burn Fund: Marilyn Farrell, Catherine Johnson & Linda Overbaugh

By-Laws: Chair Cindy Lampman, Nancy Ferretti, Dorothy Jennings & Linda Stacey

Chaplain: Victoria Dichian

Color Bearer: Elaine Benware

Color Guards: Janice Harty & Julia Moore

Daily Drawing: Chair Nancy Ferretti

*Fire Prevention: Alison Rivenburgh, Cathy Spring and Lynn Wallace

Fund Raising: Chair Kathy Donovan, Tiffany Cerino and Pam Wright

Guidelines: Chair Nancy Ferretti, Cindy Lampman & Marilyn Schrader

Historian: Alison Rivenburgh

Nominations: Chair Nancy Ferretti, Kathy Gaspar and Ruth Pforte

Parade Rules: Chair Roberta Spring, Nancy Ferretti & Kathy Gaspar

Parliamentarian: Marilyn Schrader

*Past Presidents Dinner: Alison Rivenburgh, Catherine Johnson, Dawn Palmateer & Diane Sala

*Scholarship/Awards: Bonnie Pflegl & Cathy Spring

Sunshine: Mtn Top:Peggy Hommel River Towns: Maureen Murphy Valley Towns: Peggy Edwards

* Joint committee with GCFVA

2

2

CHRISTMAS PARTY at the HOME Although to look outside on Sunday, December 6, it was more like a good Halloween night eerie and filled with fog, it did not deter the volunteer spirit of Greene County firefighters from traveling to the NYS Firemens Home in Hudson for the annual Greene County Christmas party. This year’s gracious host was the Catskill Ladies Auxiliary. The ladies hosted a great party and the residents were very happy.

3

3

4

4

GREENE COUNTY EMERGENCY SERVICES HOST ANNUAL MEMORIAL SERVICE

On Friday, September 11, the annual memorial service in recognition of departed EMS, Police and Fire personnel was held at Greene County Emergency Services in Cairo. Greene County Legislator Bill Lawrence served as the Master of Ceremonies. After the posting of colors, the Pledge of Allegiance was led by Dan King (GCES) and was followed by

the National Anthem sung by Laura Marriott. Fred Van Loan, GCVFA chaplain, gave the invocation. Opening remarks were made to the crowd in attendance by Ron Camoratta (NYFD) who was present on 9-11-01 in New York City. The Guest Speaker for the day was Shawn Brimhall (NYS Homeland Securtity & Emergency Services OFPC). This year, there were no new names added to the monuments. A moment of reflection for those currently honored on the stones was held as each name was read by Lt. Adam Brainard (Greene County Sheriff’s Dept.) and Richard Frasco (Sr. Emergency Operations Dispatcher) followed by the tolling of the bell. The ceremony concluded with the Benediction by Rev. Karen Monk of the Kaaterskill United Methodist Church. Taps were played and the colors were retired.

5

5

PAST PRESIDENTS’ DINNER On Saturday, October 24, the four Greene County firemanic organizations joined together at VanWinkle’s Restaurant in Hunter to pay tribute to their Past Presidents. Honored that day were John J Farrell, GCVFA; Cathy Johnson, GCVFALA; Kevin Sattler, GC Fire Chiefs Association and Mark Dinkelacker, Fire Police.

6

6

CLASS B FOAM LIVE FIRE CLASS/DRILL A multi Greene and Columbia County hazmat Class B Foam Live Fire Claa/Drill was recently conducted at Columbia-Greene Community College and the Dutchmen’s Landing in Catskill. For Greene County, the class was restricted to three members each from Catskill, West Athens, Coxsackie, New Baltimore, as well as several Columbia County fire companies. This Class was brought to the area due to recent major incidents on the railways and major highways. This was an excellent opportunity & life saving drill for firemen learning to attack and control a hazmat fire with safety. The heat was intense with approximately 900 gallon of propane uses for the drill (according to the man who controlled the propane). Although this was a drill it was still a dangerous practice event, very realistic. Thank you to New York State Fire Control for providing the training and the firefighters who took the time to train.

7

7

CATSKILL HOLDS ANNUAL BANQUET-

OFFICERS & MEMBERS

John Darling was recognized for 50

Years of active service with Catskill

Hose Co. #1/Catskill Fire Department.

John and his wife Eileen are seen with Robert Overbaugh

and his wife, Christle. Bob has 57 years of fire service

and was celebrating their 50th

wedding anniversary.

Andrew Overbaugh Outstanding Officer

Most Improved Firefighter Firefighters of the Year Captain Patrick McCulloch

The Fire Police

8

8

THINKING of YOU

Speedy Recovery to

Cathy Frank (Coxsackie Hose Co #3)

Deepest Sympathy to

Karen Whitbeck (Greene County Emerg Services)

on the death of her brother

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.

Emil Maurer – West Athens-Lime Street Fire Company

Richard Overbaugh – Catskill Fire Company

Herb Jeune – Catskill Fire Co.

Floyd Prince Sr. – A M Osborn Hose Co #2, Catskill

Linda Miller – Past President GCVFALA

THE MAIDEN VOYAGE OF “BIG RED IV”

by John Balling

A few years ago, the officers and membership of the Hudson Mohawk Volunteer Firefighters’ Association saw the need to replace the FASNY BIG RED III Bus at the Firemen’s Home in Hudson due to consistent breakdowns. With FASNY’s OK,

HMVFA initiated a fund drive to raise $250,000 to replace it. The appeal went out statewide and was successful, but not quite fast enough as the need became more immediate to replace her; so FASNY assumed the additional funds to get the bus as soon as possible. The dream came to reality, as BIG RED IV was ordered and delivered. The final delivery was made to the Home on September 08, 2015, when it was finished being lettered and decaled; just in time for the Annual Wade Earl Firemen’s Home Boat Trip & Luncheon in Lake George, NY. The very next day, on a warm, sunny morning, several of the Home’s residents and support staff boarded the new BIG RED IV for the journey north to beautiful Lake George and BIG RED IV’s maiden voyage. Upon their arrival at the boat launch, everyone, including invited guests, seemed extremely satisfied with the new bus. Nice big comfortable seats, a cold, working air conditioner, and many other features seemed to satisfy the residents’ needs.

9

9

After a delicious luncheon and cruise on Lake George, it was time to start heading home to Hudson. As usual, the members of the Lake George Volunteer Fire Department showed up at the pier with three trucks to give the residents a ‘Royal Sendoff’ and escort out of town. One has to ask - Which do the residents enjoy more - the luncheon, the cruise, or the escort out of town?

NOMINATIONS NEEDED for 2016 GREENE COUNTY

SENIOR CITIZEN AWARDS

Nominations are being accepted for the annual Greene County Senior Citizen Awards, according to Richard Golden, Chairperson of the Citizens Advisory Council for the Greene County Department of Human Services. The two awards presented are the Senior Citizen of the Year and Outstanding Contribution by a Senior Citizen. The purpose of the awards is to recognize the outstanding contributions and achievements of senior citizens who have volunteered their time and energy to help other people, their communities, or special projects. The dedication of these volunteers helps make Greene County a better place for us all. The individuals chosen on the county level will in turn be nominated for recognition for New York State awards. Any Greene County resident over the age of 60 can be nominated for this award. Achievements must be voluntary in nature and not part of paid employment, and performed in Greene County. Past award winners may be nominated again only if seven years or more have passed since last awarded. If you know someone who deserves this recognition, contact the Greene County Department of Human Services for an official nomination form at 719-3555.

Greene County Department of Human Services Greene County Office Building

411 Main Street Catskill, New York 12414

DEADLINE IS JANUARY 31, 2016

2015 Winner Senior Citizen of the Year: Leon Goodrich, Hunter Volunteer Fire Department

1

0

1

0

FUNDRAISERS:

Sunday January 10, 17, 24 & 31 and February 7, 2016 – East Durham Vol. Fire Co.

8am – 12 Noon French toast, Pancakes, Eggs any style, Sausage & Biscuits

Freewill offering

3rd

Sunday of each month – West Athens Fire Company, 8am – 12 Noon

Freewill offering

4th

Sunday of each month – D. M. Hamilton Fire Company, Coxsackie

Pizza & Wings Athens Volunteer Fire Department – Every Thursday night 4pm – 7pm

------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

On behalf of the GCVFA/LA, The

Booster Line would like to wish

one and all a most Blessed

Christmas. May the new year

bring you peace,

happiness, health and stress-free fire service.

1

1

1

1

ADVERTISERS:

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 which are continually rising.

1

2

1

2

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.

If currently receiving The Booster Line, please make sure we have your correct mailing or email

address.

The Booster Line can also be located on-line through the Greene County Emergency Services page at

http://greenegovernment.com/departments/emergency-services/