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THRU STRENGTH AND PURPOSE

Volume 88, November 2007 Bi-Monthly Voice of the Retired Detroit Police and Fire Fighters

PRESIDENTDon Taylor

The court cases continue, and the City of Detroitcontinues to do everything possible to delay.

In my last article I mentioned that the SupplementalReimbursement Benefit for members with Cops Trust /Us Health was scheduled to go into effect on October1st. Because of the action taken by the City of Detroit,that being the two countersuits and the unfair laborpractice, the Trustees of the Cops Trust have decidedthat it was in the best interest of the Trust to put thisBenefit on hold until the court cases are resolved. Wewill keep you updated regarding this matter.

On our original lawsuit regarding our health carebenefits, our attorney, Chris Legghio, is still workingon getting Judge Torres to agree that the countersuitsare a separate matter and not related to the originalcase, and should therefore be removed from the origi-nal and handled as a separate matter. Also, Judge

Torres requested all parties connected with the originalHealth Care Benefits lawsuit, be in his court room fora settlement hearing on October 26th. As expected, theCity of Detroit did not present any written proposal,nor did they make any meaningful verbal proposals.Judge Torres has ordered all parties to return to hiscourt room on November 21st and has directed theCity to present their settlement proposal in writing.Don’t get excited, we don’t expect any serious propos-al from the City.

On one other Health care suit against the City, inwhich the City overcharged members with Cops Trust/ US Health for their monthly deductions from July2005 through February 2006 for Health Care andDental premiums. A settlement hearing was held inJudge MacDonald’s court room, also on October 26thand once again the City did not present any meaning-ful proposal to settle and Judge MacDonald has direct-ed all sides back in her court room on November 30th,to once again attempt to resolve this case.

Regarding the countersuits filed by the City againstthe Cops Trust and the DPOA, a hearing date has beenset for mid December on the motion to dismiss. A datehas also been set in November for a hearing on theUnfair Labor Practice against the DPOA and CopsTrust.

So the court cases continue to mount with no end insight. We will continue to monitor all these cases and

EDITORIALOnce again we are getting close to the end of 2007. We cannot let that happen without wishing you and your

families a Happy Thanksgiving, a Merry Christmas and a Happy and Prosperous New Year.Looking forward to 2008 will be an experience in itself. Let’s hope it will be a favorable one! Your

Association is working toward that goal and with your continued support we hope to succeed.Think Positive!

(continued on page 8)

VICEPRESIDENT

Gregory Trozak

To start off I would like to talk about the “Windfall”legislation. There are now 331 House Members signedon as co-sponsors and 34 Senators, which include bothU.S. Senators from Michigan. There are still seven (7)Representatives from Michigan who have not signed onas co-sponsors. It is very important that we contactthese Representatives and let them know that we needtheir support on this bill, they are:

The Honorable Vernon J. Ehlers, United StatesHouse of Representatives, 2182 Rayburn HouseOffice Building, Washington, D.C. 20515-2203.

The Honorable Peter Hoekstra, United States Houseof Representatives, 2234 Rayburn House OfficeBuilding, Washington, D.C. 20515-2202.

The Honorable Joe Knollenberg, United StatesHouse of Representatives, 2349 Rayburn HouseOffice Building, Washington, D.C. 20515-2209.

The Honorable Sander M. Levin, United StatesHouse of Representatives, 1236 Longworth HouseOffice Building, Washington, D.C. 20515-2212(Ways and Means Committee).

The Honorable Mike Rogers, United States Houseof Representatives, 133 Cannon House OfficeBuilding, Washington, D.C. 20515-2208.

The Honorable Fred Upton, United States House ofRepresentatives, 2183 Rayburn House OfficeBuilding, Washington, D.C. 20515-2206.

The Honorable TimWalberg, United States Houseof Representatives, 325 Cannon House OfficeBuilding, Washington, D.C. 20515-2207.

For all our members from out of state, check withyour Congressional members both in the House andSenate. The House bill is HR-82 and the Senate bill isS.206. A simple e-mail or phone call may help get thesebills to the floor for a vote.

The office renovation is near completion and it isreally looking good. We are trying to schedule an openhouse for all our local members to stop in and take alook. We will try and schedule the open house aroundthe holidays so keep an eye on the web site for updates.

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Retired Detroit Police & Fire Fighters Association Inc.2525 E. Fourteen Mile Road • Sterling Heights, MI 48310-5969

(586) 795-1734 • Fax (586) 795-2183Monday - Thursday 9:00 a.m till 3:00 p.m.

OFFICERSPresident

Donald TaylorV. President

Gregory TrozakRecording &

Financial SecretaryCharles Master

TreasurerKenneth Gidner

OFFICE E-MAILrdpffa@hotmail.com

E-MAILrdpffa@yahoo.com

WEB SITEwww.rdpffa.com

SERGEANTS AT ARMSJames P. BardelWalter Moore

PUBLICATIONS COMMITTEEPaul Mitchell

Charles MasterDominic Catanzaro

Rick Lancaster

POET LAUREATERoy Moerschell

McIntyre’s SuperiorCADILLAC GMC HONDA

8282 W. GRAND RIVER • BRIGHTON, MI 48114at Exit 145, I-96 Expressway

Bus. Phone (810) 227-11001-800-472-1627

Direct Phone (810) 225-1246Fax (810) 227-2762

Barb NovakSales Consultant

(continued on page 6)

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RECORDINGFINANCIALSECRETARY

Charles Master

The face of our Association is ever changing andwith the old stalwarts leaving the Board of Directors,this Association has taken on a new beginning by thosewho have been chosen to fill those vacancies. Only thefuture will record their success or failures, but unfortu-nately, they will no longer have the benefit of a closepersonal relationship it took many years to establishwith the previous Mayors and City Council members.

We have supported many of the present elected offi-cials in the past but it now appears that we are the for-gotten ones who have become a burden to the City. Nolonger can we expect any improvements, special con-sideration or benefits from this Mayor or City Council.

We have become a hindrance and an obstacle to thisAdministration regarding healthcare. Their objective isnot to improve conditions but to take away benefitsalready gained while increasing the cost to the mem-bers.

It is unfortunate that we must turn to the Courts andthe legal system to protect and defend our benefits. Thetask becomes even more difficult when theAdministration pleads poverty and the Courts are sym-pathetic to their pleas.

It is a dilemma that was generated by fiscal mis-management and should have been addressed by this

and prior City Administrations long before it became amajor issue, a situation we did not create and it wouldbe unfair to expect us to make sacrifices to correct theproblem.

It is a problem they must resolve but not at ourexpense.

GREENE’SLAWN AND GARDEN MAINTENANCE

SNOW PLOWING · FIREWOOD · CEMENT

KEVIN GREENE 16414 WALCLIFF

(586) 790-7908 CLINTON TOWNSHIP, MI 48035

Eastside DetroitDr. Ray Kaminski10575 Morang

313-884-5477Clinton Twp.

Dr. Ray Kaminski43297 Garfield

(In the Campus PlazaNext to Dunkin Donuts)

586-286-1100

Southwest Detroit

Dr. Tom Moses

6807 W. Vernor

313-843-5433

Northwest Detroit

Dr. Tom Moses

14243 W. Eight Mile

313-342-5433

Dearborn

Dr. Tom Moses

6549 Schaefer

313-582-5433

“The Police Officer’s and FireFighter’s Chiropractor”

Honorary MemberL.S.A. and D.P.F.A.

NO OUT OF POCKET EXPENSEFOR FIRE FIGHTERS

AND POLICE OFFICERS

Each Office Independently Owned And Operated

FIREMEN’SFUND

ELECTIONFinal ballots will be sent out starting

November 20, 2007 and will bereceived by December 4, 2007. At thattime, the ballots will be counted and theresults known.

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PENSIONCHAIRMAN

Gregory Trozak

Just a few items from the Pension System to updateeveryone on. It appears that the anticipated purchase ofproperty for the relocation of the pension system maybecome a reality. The Police and Fire Pension Systemis moving to purchase land for a new building that willhouse both systems. The location will be between twolocations, the first is a parcel of land across from theCredit Union along Jefferson. The second is anotherparcel along Jefferson near Van Dyke. The first loca-tion, across from the Credit Union, seemed to be thefront runner between the two, but since this piece ofproperty is considered a City park it may end up beinga problem since the City Council passed a resolutionprohibiting the sale of any park land. The Jeffersonproperty near Van Dyke is riverfront property thatwould have a possible financial advantage for futuredevelopment. The Police and Fire system passed a res-olution to purchase the riverfront property for approxi-mately 1.9 million dollars. If problems continue withthe City regarding the park property the pension systemhas the Jefferson, Van Dyke property to fall back on. Iwill keep everyone updated.

There has been no talk of any negotiation betweenthe Pension Trustees and the City concerning the over-ages in the pension monies. The City is paid up on itsannual contribution for the fiscal year. On a good notethe Police and Fire Pension System, as of October 31,2007, has assets of $4,369,203,223. So this alone isgreat news.

The pension systems are continuing to set up theprogram and the proper handling of our hospitalizationpremiums for deductions on our 2007 Federal IncomeTax. This is necessary to comply with the new federallaw that allows public safety officers the ability to usethese premiums as a pre-tax deduction up to $3,000.00annually when filing our taxes. I will have more infor-mation prior to tax season.

In getting around to my usual talk of direct deposit,the trustees passed a motion which pertains to everyonewho has direct deposit. When the 1st of the month fallson a weekend or holiday this causes deposits to be madeon the first day after the weekend or holiday. It waspassed that the deposits will now be made on the Friday

before the weekend or holiday. This will help withmembers who have automatic payment made on the 1stof the month. So the trustees are aware of these prob-lems we occasionally have and are making the correc-tions.

I will close with saying again, if I can be of anyassistance to anyone with problems or questions feel freeto let me know with an e-mail at trozdpd@comcast.net

Take care until next time.

Theodore I. CohenCertified Public Accountant

30300 NORTHWESTERN HIGHWAY PROVIDING THE RETIREDSUITE 323 DETROIT POLICE & FIREFIGHTERSFARMINGTON HILLS, MI 48334 ASSOCIATION WITH PROFESSIONALPHONE 1-248-539-7428 ACCOUNTING, TAX & CONSULTINGFAX 1-248-932-3521 SERVICESTICCPA@aol.com

R.D.P.F.F.A.Hello everybody! I just wanted to take a

quick moment to introduce myself to those ofyou that do not know me.

I am a retired Battalion Chief and currentSecretary for the Firemen’s Fund. Because theFund has such a close relationship with theR.D.P.F.F.A., Rick Lancaster and myself havebeen asked to become volunteer directors. Wewill be working Building and MembershipCommittees respectfully. I am proud of boththe Fund and the Retirees and hope to work forthe benefit of both.

In the Firemen’s Fund, I am co-chairman,along with Arn Nowicki, on the Memorial RigCommittee and find it exciting to let you knowthat our project will be in the International AutoShow at Cobo this January. So stop by and seewhy we are so proud.

See you at a breakfast.

Tom SuchoraNewly Appointed Director.

ASSOCIATION CALENDAROF EVENTS*

2007 General Membership MeetingGeorge P. Monaghan K of C #-2690

19801 Farmington Rd. - Livonia, MichiganPhone: 1-248-476-8383 – Time: 7:00 P.M.

THE FIRST THURSDAY OF EVERY MONTH

EXCEPT JULY AND AUGUST

West Side Silver Ladies*2nd Tuesday of the month at 1:00 P.M.

Archie’s – 30471 Plymouth Road – LivoniaBetween Middlebelt and Merriman Road

East Side Silver Ladies*1st Tuesday of the month

Meeting at Filippa’s – Time: 2:00 P.M.Mound North of M-59, Utica, MI

Police & Fire Club of Florida*Meetings held 1st Sunday of the month 12:00 P.M.“October to May” at Brandon Community Center

502 E. Sadie St. - Brandon, Florida

Snowbirds Of Michigan*2nd Sunday of the month

at “BJ’s” Restaurant in Gaylord, MISocial Hour 11:00 AM – Meeting at 1:00 PM

Nevada Jackpots*Refer to column for next meeting’s location.

Arizona Roadrunners*Next Meeting: January 13, 2008 at 12:00 noon

Wild Horse Casino RestaurantMembers will be notified of time and place by mail.

*Refer to columns for specifics or program changes

Articles for theJanuary, 2008 Issue

should be “submitted” byDecember 17, 2007

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AugustMihal, MichaelWooden, MarquisRobinson, BarbaraRichardson Jr., LeeSmith, Gerald C.Chennault, CurtisLaw, JillNelson, Floyd

Harvey, ThomasBowman, Alvin

SeptemberCrawford, ReginaldEnglish, FrankArbuckle, RussellWillis, Jacquelyne

Welcome New Members!

UPCOMINGSPECIAL EVENTS

A.P.B. Retirees LuncheonThird Monday of every month

For Information call: Joe Borri at (586) 791-5552

5th Precinct Oldtimers LuncheonSecond Monday of every month at 11:00 A.M.Big Boy’s at Garfield and Hall Rd. (M-59)

7th Precinct Oldtimers LuncheonSecond Tuesday of every month – 11 A.M. to 1 P.M.Big Boy’s on E. Grand Blvd. and E. Jefferson Ave.

11th Precinct Retirees LuncheonSecond Wednesday of the month at 1:00 P.M.Buddy’s Pizza - 13 Mile Rd. and Van Dyke

14th Precinct Quarterly BreakfastContact Ron Smolka at

734-442-8258 for future schedules

Fire Fighters BreakfastsFirst Monday of the month at 9:00 A.M.Voyageur Restaurant – (810) 329-4101

525 Riverside Dr. – St. Clair, MIFirst Tuesday of the month at 9:30 A.M.

Step Inn Restaurant325 N. Main St., Downtown CheboyganFirst Thursday of the month at 10:00 A.M.

Lil’ Chef Restaurant (I-96 & Grand River) Brighton, MI

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Carey, Mildred T. in memoryof Richard F. Carey

Chakan, Sharron A. inmemory of John Chakan

Cobane, Robert L.Ewing, Juanita A. in memoryof Harold Ewing Sr.

Lingeman, Sylvester ‘Bud’Miliken, Brenda L.

Monahan, James D.Pattwell, John M. in memoryof Robert J. Miles

Sind, JoAnn & family, inmemory of William J. Sind

Sroka, Ronald A.Winkler, Frank P.

REMEMBRANCE ANDTHANK YOU

The following supporters, their names and in the namesof their loved ones, have contributed most generouslyto our Appreciation, Building and P.A.C. Funds. Yourcontinued support of our Association is the encourage-ment we need and reflects your recognition of theAssociation’s efforts in your behalf.

Once again I am reminding all our members abouthealth coverage. Make sure that the doctors, hospitals,clinics and laboratories all participate in the type ofhealth coverage you may have. This pertains to allhealth programs. By doing this, you are protectingyourself, your spouse and dependents. Every fewmonths I remind you. It is very important. Help your-self.

The new Medicare book for 2008 is out. When youreceive the book, it should be read thoroughly so thatyou will know what your benefits are. If you are onMedicare your cost for Part “B” starting in January2008 will be $97.00 per month.

Have a nice Thanksgiving, a Merry Christmas and aHappy New Year.

See you at the meetings.Oh! By the way, don’t forget the Firemen’s Fund

election. Remember Lancaster, Montgomery andNowicki.

HospitalizationJohn Devoy

VICE PRESIDENT (continued from page 2)

The office was a total mess for a few weeks and Iwould like to say thank you and good job to the guys inthe office and a special Thank You to the volunteerswho worked in total confusion and still managed to getthe work done and begin our annual membershiprenewal on time.

Because of the renovation of the office a lot ofthings that we had hoped to have up and running havestill not happened. Hopefully this will change soon. Afew of the things that we talked about are the web siteupdates, a list of members who provide services thatwould benefit our members and the payroll deductionfor our dues.

As I mentioned above our annual membershiprenewal is in progress so when the notice arrives in themail be sure to send in your dues. There are still toomany retirees out there who refuse to join yourAssociation. This may be because of misplacing thenotice or just refusing to join. If you know some ofthese people let them know.

In closing I again would like to stress to everyone tonotify your Congressional Representatives about yourconcern with the passage of the change in the“Windfall” bills.

With the Holidays approaching fast I just want towish everyone a safe and happy Holiday season.

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IN MEMORIAMOnce again we call the roll and acknowledge thosefriends and associates who have left us since our lastpublication. It is hard to let go of good friends but it iseasy to remember the good times we shared and realizethat now they rest in peace.

Date Name Dept. Rank of DeathBenvenuti, Emil Police Sgt. 8/14/07Clark, John F. Police Lieut. 8/9/07Donati, Donald J. Fire Chief 8/29/07Emery, Robert D. Police P.O. 9/10/07Leonard, James C. Police P.O. 8/24/07Morton, George E. Police P.O. 8/24/07Owen, Gerald S. Police Sgt. 8/30/07Quinn, Mickey H. Police P.O. 1/16/07Russell, Jacob E. Police Sgt. 8/19/07Siegel, John R. Fire F.E.O. 9/15/07Simonds, Nellie M. Police Lieut. 8/7/07Slatcher, Kenneth E. Police P.O. 8/23/07Sznewajs, Leonard L. Police Insp. 9/6/07Taylor, Jack R. Police P.O. 8/24/07Wegrzyn, Stanley P. Police P.O. 8/16/07White, Waddell Police P.O. 8/8/07Withers, Charles W. Police P.O. 9/2/07Woodside, Edward B. Police P.O. 8/21/07Zukowski, Erwin Police P.O. 8/29/07

SurvivingSpouses

(Associate Members)Fern Garner

The past month or more the Detroit area waswatching the UAW negotiations with the auto compa-nies and of interest to members of the RDPFFA wouldbe the settlements regarding health care. At the time ofwriting this article the casinos are in negotiations also.Health care in both instances seems to be a big factor,but especially for retirees of the auto companies.

The GM and Chrysler settlements included a newconcept for managing and paying for those benefits.The new system will be eased in over the next coupleof years and it will be closely watched by many peo-ple. As of the writing of this column,Ford is still innegotiation. The funding of these new programswould not be feasible for the City, but the amount ofemployee contributions for the various services offeredmight give some insight into trends.

With our enrollment dates differing from the calen-dar year to fiscal as the basis for our contracts, wemight have time to see how the other contracts workout before our enrollments take place. It does not seempossible that the City would make more changes notcovered by contracts, but anything is possible. So keepalert to any increase (decrease highly unlikely) andquestion any changes you do not understand. TheRetiree’s office is available for questions, and if theydo not have a ready answer can direct you to someonewho can answer your questions.

If you read all the columns in the Unity you canpick up quite a bit of information covering pensionsand insurance. And do read the Silver Ladies articles,surviving spouses of Detroit police and firemen. Boththe East side and West side are looking for new mem-bers. Call and join, but do find out about us and giveus a trial run, you would be surprised how much weenjoy one another’s company.

Rick Ingels

FEATURINGVinyl Tile, Linoleum, Carpeting, Ceramic Tile,

Wood Flooring, Laminate Flooring

FREE ESTIMATES • EXPERT INSTALLATION23423 Gratiot Avenue Phone (586) 771-6140Eastpointe, MI 48021 Fax (586) 771-0853

HOSPITAL EQUIPMENTAVAILABLE!

The Association has accumulated hospital equipmentincluding wheel chairs, walkers, crutches and even a pottiechair which are available to our members free of charge.Please take advantage of this offer if you are in need.

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R.D.P.F.F.A.:My father James W. Cahill will be 94 years old

tomorrow so I wrote this check for dues.He still carries his badge in his wallet.

Yours truly,Sandra Cahill Kraskiin

R.D.P.F.F.A.:Please accept this contribution, to be used as

needed, as a thank you for all the time and effort putforth by the officers of the Association to protect therights of all of us retirees.

Hopefully, one day, all retirees will se the lightand do their part by joining.

Sincerely,Bob Beebe

R.D.P.F.F.A.Dear Mr. Master:

Thanks to you all for helping us retired officersand widows to have the finances we all need to livewell.

All my husband’s financial needs were met, manystays in Beaumont Hospital and after his deathFebruary 10, 2003, mine are taken care of also. MayGod Bless you all (husband Gordon).

Beulah Gillis

R.D.P.F.F.A.:I’m writing to thank you all for working to keep

us from losing all our benefits.I am sending an extra check for expenses.Thank you again and God Bless all of you.

Mrs. Katherine Briney

R.D.P.F.F.A.:I have paid a lot of dues to various organizations

and made a lot of contributions to those organizationsover many years.

The Retired Police and Firefighters Association isby far the most worthwhile and has the most to showfor its efforts.

Keep up the good work and use this contributionin whichever way the Association feels it will bestbenefit all of us.

William J. Corbett

Doug ZackAssistant Vice PresidentSenior Financial Advisor

CALL ABOUT YOUR MORTGAGE OR RETIREMENT ACCOUNTS

PRESIDENT (continued from page 1)

do our best to keep you updated. You can assist us withthis by signing up for our e-mail notifications, just go toour web-site or call the office and sign up. Remember,if you don’t have an e-mail address, you can always usea family member’s. With e-mail we are able to notifyyou almost instantly of any changes or updates.

On a lighter note we have just returned from ourEducational Conference in Las Vegas, and once again Ibelieve everyone had a great time, rekindled some oldfriendships and also learned a little. As always with anew location you learn and make adjustments. Thisyear’s conference was held at the South Point Casino,and if we return next year we will make some changesto improve on the conference activities. A decision willbe made shortly regarding next year’s conference loca-tion and dates.

The Association continues in its efforts to updateand modernize the office to better serve and representthe members. Most of the office renovations have beencompleted and several of the changes to our web-sitehave taken place, but we have a number of changes andadditions which are still in the works. So keep check-ing the site. Remember also that you can still check outour photo site by going to rdpffa.com and clickingPhoto Gallery and then Webshots.

In the near future we will once again be notifyingyou of our intent to switch our dues collection to deduc-tion from your pension check ($2.50 per month), andrequesting that you participate and sign up. This is avery important part of our effort to streamline thisprocess and reduce cost.

Stay in touch, and take a few minutes to check outthe list of non-members on our web-site. If you recog-nize any names and you have contact with any of them,you might want to mention to them that there is anAssociation working to protect the rights and benefitsof retirees and they should be a participating member.

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R.D.P.F.F.A.Just a note and a token to thank you for all the hard

work you do to protect our benefits, and the Unitynewsletter to inform retirees. I appreciate you.

Brenda Miliken

R.D.P.F.F.A.Dear Charlie!

There are no words, to express my gratitude for allyour help.

Thank you so much.Please accept the enclosed contribution.

P.S. I am ever so grateful for my Blue Cross Coverage!Sincere thanks,Mildred P. Carey

D.P.F.F.A.I want to thank all the members of our Association

for a job well done. From all indications the ensuingyears will be much more demanding.

We members are so fortunate to have competent anddedicated people on committees safe guarding thepromises made prior to retirement and those won after.

Jerry Maisano

R.D.P.F.F.A.I want to thank you so much for keeping me updat-

ed as to what’s going on with our Health Care. WhenBob passed away, almost three years now, we wereassured nothing would change as far as our coveragewas concerned. Having two kids still in high school,and myself having some health issues, the health Carethat was promised to Bob for his family is of great con-cern to us. I truly appreciate the updates.

Sincerely,Diane Sheehan

R.D.P.F.F.A.My name is David J. Toepel. I am a proud member

of the RDPFFA. I was not able to join you in the court-room because I am still in full time employment andwill be for years to come. However, I want to applaudyour efforts and offer my prayers and total support tothe fine organization called the RDPFFA. Thanks forall you do for me and all the others and shame on anyretired person from our ranks that is not at the very leasta dues paying member and staunch supporter. Keep upthe good work.

Thank you so very much and God Bless you all.David J. Toepel

R.D.P.F.F.A.Thank you for all the work you are doing.I am grateful that there are people like you to work

for us.Barbara Magel

R.D.P.F.F.A.Enclosed please find a check, not much but I hope it

helps for the fine job you guys and gals are doing for allof us retirees. I am sure that those few who are notmembers have a guilty conscience by taking and givingnothing back. Their day will come.

Thanks,Ed. Kuhnlein

R.D.P.F.F.A.As always, thanking you for the ongoing, never end-

ing effort on our behalf. Enclosed is a check to assistyou in the task ahead.

Sincerely,Edward Gale

R.D.P.F.F.A.Please accept this small donation in appreciation for

your efforts in our behalf, especially the Medicare ben-efits.

Floyd and Dorothy Preston

R.D.P.F.F.A.I thought it about time to contribute something more

to help with your ever present fight on our behalf.Thank you for your tireless efforts and dedication on

behalf of all retirees. Keep up the good work, it ismuch appreciated.

Sincerely,Sylvester “Bud” Lingeman

PLEASE VOTEfor

Rick Lancasterfor Firemen’s Fund Trustee

Retired • Department Historian • HonestMember RDPFFA • Hard Working

Paid Political Advertisement

- 10 -

Detroit Police DepartmentRetired Badges

Silver – $30.00 EA.* Gold – $40.00 EA.*

Available to R.D.P.F.F.A. MembersContact Retired Detroit Police Officer George Toy at:

(313) 527-3914*Add $5.00 for Shipping & Handling. Allow 6-8 Week for Delivery

Vote ForTerrill HardawayDETROIT FIREMEN’S FUND TRUSTEE

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ARIZONAROADRUNNERS

Al Helquist

I received a telephone call from Moselle Taylor whoinformed me that her husband, Jack Taylor P.M. hadpassed away at the Mayo Hospital in Scottsdale,Arizona of a heart attack. Jack retired from theAccident Prevention Bureau in October of 1975. SOMOTE IT BE.

Jan and I made the Convention in Las Vegas lastmonth at the South Point Casino and SPA and we had agreat time. We saw many persons that we had not hadthe privilege of seeing in many years, like many menwho retired from TMU, John Kastner, Chet Opolski andof course Don Taylor, Charles Master, Dick Alkema andPaul Mitchell. I even had a surprise phone call from ole#13 cruiser partner, Ed Gardocki. Although theRoadrunner contingency was small I am sure that it waslarge in heart.

I spoke with Bob and Darlene Greenwald on the tele-phone, both sounded upbeat, but Darlene did say that shewent to the doctor on October 1st to have the castremoved from her left ankle as a result of breaking itupon their return from Denver. The doctor told her tostep down on the foot and try the ankle out. Darlene didand promptly fell and broke her left wrist. Unbelievable.Bob did say he was going to do his best to be at our nextRoadrunner meeting on the 21st of October.

Larry Brown called and informed me of a letter hereceived from the Pension Bureau demanding that he signthe form and have his signature notarized, then return thesigned articles to the Pension Board or they would cut offhis pension and his direct deposit. He said that was all thatthe letter contained. He had already complied.

Larry further stated that he is 81 years young nowand he went out and played golf and shot a score of oneunder his age last week. Congratulations to ya Larry.

“The date of the next meeting of the ArizonaRoadrunners shall be January 13, 2008, starting at 12:00Noon at the Wild Horse Casino.”

Till later, take care and have fun.

In the words of Robert Half:

It’s rare that patients ask for a second opinion whenthey’re happy with the first.

RETIREDDETROIT POLICEAND FIRE CLUB

OF FLORIDAWallace W. Hamer

All Detroit Police and Fire retirees, members andguests are invited to join us at the Brandon CommunityCenter in Brandon, Florida at 502 E. Sadie Street.Doors open by 11:00 A.M. and meetings start at 12:30P.M. Coffee and doughnuts are served.

Meetings are held on the first Sunday of eachmonth through May, 2008. Our Annual Banquet isheld during the March meeting, which will be onMarch 2, 2008, at Banquet Master in Pinellas Park.Dues for the coming season can be paid at the meet-ings, or can be mailed to our Treasurer, Edith Caufieldat 4934 Pleasant Hollow Trl., Lakeland, Florida 33811,Phone (863) 701-0330.

Hope you all have had a good summer. Looking forwardto seeing you.

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NEVADAJACKPOTS

Tom Hulkkonen

We had to postpone the September 15th meetinguntil September 22nd to accommodate the FourQueens. Even that small conflict couldn’t prevent 16stalwart members from attending the meeting.Unfortunately, our President For Life had a schedulingconflict and couldn’t attend.

Vice President Bruce Watt started the meeting at9:45 a.m., leading us in the Pledge of Allegiance, fol-lowed by a moment of silence for our fallen membersand our troops. He passed around the September 6thRDPFFA minutes for the members to read. He remind-ed us of the upcoming RDPFFA EducationalConvention and dinner. He requested input for our nextmeeting date. It was set for November 17th at 9:30a.m., same location. With that set, he opened the meet-ing to the floor.

Terry Hilden informed us that he couldn’t hold thenext card party, as he had to go back to Detroit to helphis mother with his father who has Alzheimer’s. Hewasn’t sure how long that would take. It was decidedthat we, Tom and Di Hulkkonen, would hold the party.The date was October 27th.

Vice President Watt mentioned that the VolunteerHomeland Reserve Unit, of which he is a member,would be holding a Christmas Party at the BoulderStation Casino. If anyone is interested please contactBruce.

Tony Pakula suggested that the train ride that runsthrough Boulder City would be a great get together. Hesuggested that perhaps we set a date to all take the trainride and get together at his home afterwards. Soundslike a good idea, so we will get further info and try toset a date.

On the medical front, Marilyn Watt attended themeeting with a cast on her right hand. It seems shetripped and fell, breaking a bone in her hand and cut herface. Ironically, Jim Hudson did the same thing inCalifornia. He fell and broke a finger and cut his faceseverely. It prevented him from attending the meetingand the RDPFFA dinner. Delores Kotowicz is sched-uled to have her carotid arteries rotor-rooted. Ed Smith

looked exceptionally well at the meeting even thoughhe underwent a recent surgery. He’s a tough buzzard.

As this newsletter was finally typed after the RDPF-FA convention, I had some feedback from some of themembers who attended. I guess that once you haveattended a Stardust dinner everything else might be sec-ondary.

Remember: November 17th, next business meeting.December 22nd, Christmas Party at the Downings.

Vote ForChristopher Dixon

FOR FIREMEN’S FUND TRUSTEEPresident of Firemen’s Fund Honor Guard

20 Years experience working hardfor the Fund Members.

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- 12 -

Summer Has DepartedIt’s sad, but summer has departed,

With its warm breezes and sunshine all the day.Fall has now crept in without much ado,

Pushing the puffy white clouds away.

Falling leaves are swirling round.Colors of every kind from different trees,

Pushed around by a chillier breeze.Now Long pants cover my bony knees.

So I guess it’s time to move along,Greeting the Holidays that are just ahead.With cheerful thoughts and kinder deeds,

Good times for all instead.

Then Thanksgiving soon will take the lead,With thoughts of meals galore.

Then Christmas follows with bright colored lights,Crowds of people shopping from store to store.

New Years Eve really tops it off,With celebrations of the passing year.

And resolutions you are bound to break,People always do, don’t you ever fear.

By Roy H. Moerschell

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WestsideSilver Ladies

Geri Henningsen

I’m finding it hard to believe as I write this articlein October that this is my last article of 2007!!! I guessthat means we’d better talk about our Christmas lun-cheon.

George at Archie’s has made us a generous offer,again for this special occasion - $10.00 plus tax andgratuity per person with a choice of one of five entrees.Price includes your non-alcoholic beverage anddessert. I will have the entrée list in November. Let’stry to make this special luncheon as successful as lastyear’s when 28 members attended.

I wasn’t able to be at October’s meeting but I’mtold there were 14 members in attendance and MarilynNoseworthy won our 50/50. I hope all of you missedme as much as I missed all of you.

Shirley Brandt is still recovering from her surgery.Shirley, we’re hoping you will be completely healedsoon. Nancee Hay has been in the hospital twice sincemy last article. Nancee, we hope you’re back to goodhealth now.

Our happy Birthday wishes go out to PatTomasaitis on 11/4, Bonnie Klisz on 12/13 and LouiseProgar on 12/19.

All my best wishes to all of you for a beautifulThanksgiving and Christmas.

Silly thought for the day: “If you can find a pathwith no obstacles, it probably doesn’t lead anywhere!!!By writer Frank A. Clark.

Let’s meet at Archie’s!Geri Henningsen, 734 334-6778

RE-ELECTJim Montgomery

forFiremen’s Fund Trustee

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- 13 -

Our annual election of officers was held at theSeptember meeting. Our former President WaltDewaelsche retired after his years of service. Thanksfor everything Walt. Our new officers for the next 5years are (just kidding) Moe Gekiere President, MikeKniaz Vice President, Harry Rudeen Treasurer andmyself Dan Zemaitis Secretary.

I am sorry to announce that our long time memberand friend Charlie Groh has passed away. He willsurely be missed. We all offer our deepest sympathiesto his wife Paulette and the family.

Get well wishes and prayers to Leon Buda – newaorta – wanted to play golf the week after and BarbeWhiting a bionic knee so she can resume line dancing.Georgette Gekiere brought her 90 year old sisterSimone to the meeting along with her friend PamBarnsley we welcomed both.

Jey spoke about the picnic and bridge walk that wedid and some of the next year events: The Au SablePaddle Boat with the color changes, FrankenmuthOldies Show and overnight stay and the return to theMackinaw Island Trip that everyone enjoyed this year.

September Birthdays: Jey, Joann Buda and IseNinelist. September Anniversaries: Ed and AnnPodczervinski (61), Leon and Joann Buda and Johnand Ginny Rogers and Dave and Marlene Ambrose.

50-50 winners: Mary Stano, Leon Buda and JerryBrehm.

A big “Thank You” to Kathy Campbell who madeup all new “Snowbird membership cards in the amountof 1000. Now we want all new members to sign upand get them. We really appreciate this Kathy.

Do you remember when—we bought our kids littlepedal car fire engines and police car? Well you canstill get them for about $395.00 in a box (some assem-bly required).

Thank you also to Beverly Van Den Driesche the longtime LSA Secretary who has helped in getting our articlespublished. We wish you the best in health and life.

SnowbirdsDan Zemaitis

ElectArnie NowickiDetroit Firemen’s Fund

TrusteePaid Political Advertisement

Helen C. Malkowski

Plans for Christmas too soon? Not for the EastSide Silver Ladies. Our Annual Christmas Party isSunday, December 9, 2007, at Fillipa’s at Mound andHall Roads. Plans are all ready in full swing, withSophie Zielinski, Delphine Marciniak and BerniceHall as chairpersons, what more than a good time ispromised for all. See you there?

Our hope is that Jennie Matusz is recovering wellfrom her recent surgery.

Widows of Police and Fire Fighters are most wel-come to join our happy group. For further information,you are invited to call our President, Brooks, at 1-586-749-8894.

AMERICAN LEGIONPOST 161

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- 14 -

When you contribute to a grandchild’s John Hancock Freedom 529 plan you’re doing something that will benefit you and your grandchild.Our multi-managed 529 savings plan not only helps you save for college, it helps create opportunities for your heirs that will last forgenerations. It also helps you remove significant assets from your estate without having to pay federal gift taxes or give up control of thoseassets.* You can fund up to five years of future gifts in the current year, up to $55,000 per beneficiary.*

Donald B. Whelan, Registered Representative333 E. Jefferson, Suite 295 • Detroit, MI 48226 • (313) 963-4004

* If the donor elects that the gift be treated as having accrued over a five-year period, donor may make single gift of up to $55,000 without triggering a gift tax. If additional gifts are made to the same beneficiary during this five-year period, a gift taxwill be levied.

Manulife College Savings became John Hancock Freedom 529 effective June 1, 2004.John Hancock Freedom 529 is distributed by Manulife Financial Securities LLC, through other broker/dealers appointed by Manulife Financial Securities LLC, managed by T. Rowe Price,and sponsored by the Education Trust of Alaska. Manulife Financial Securities LLC is a member of the NASD and is listed with the Municipal Securities Rulemaking Board (MSRB). The John Hancockname and signature logo are registered service marks of John Hancock Life Insurance Company and are licensed for use by its parent company, Manulife Financial Corporation, and its subsidiaries. TheOlympic rings are used with the John Hancock service mark by agreement.

Registered Representative/Securities offered through Signator Investors, Inc. Member NASD, SIPC 2855 Coolidge Hwy. Ste. 204, Troy, MI 48084 (248) 280-2444.©2004. The Manufacturers Life Insurance Company (U.S.A.). All rights reserved. Information included in this material is believed to be accurate as of the May 2004 printing date.

529 plans are not FDIC insured, may lose value and are not guaranteed.

DO YOU HAVECATARACTS?NOW YOU HAVE A CHOICE!

You may be a candidate for the newAcrySof ReStor intraocular lens. This

remarkable new lens makes it possible, formost patients, to have great vision, after

Cataract surgery — WITHOUT GLASSES!CALL the office of Dr. Robert A. Sklar TODAY

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Peter C. Rageas, C.P.A., M.S.T.Attorney at Law

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800 Buhl BuildingDetroit, MI 48226

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EYE CARE UPDATE 2007Metropolitan Eye Center will always provide the latest andbest treatments available for our patients. As a full-service eyecenter with an on-site optical studio, you can be assured wewill do whatever we can to make your vision the best it canpossibly be. Here are some services we provide.

VITAMINS

According to the SeddonHarvard University study, Luteinand Zeaxanthin have been correlatedto a 43% lower prevalence of Age-related Macular Degeneration(AMD). Lutein protects the retinaby functioning as an antioxidantand by blocking harmful ultravioletradiation that can damage the delicatemacular tissue.

Antioxidants from Vitamin C, Vitamin E, Zinc, andSelenium have been shown to stabilize and prevent furtherprogression of AMD. Patients who have already developedthe disease are encouraged to take a vitamin with high dosesof Lutein and antioxidants to minimize further loss of vision.Vitamin supplements designed specifically for the eye(MaxiVision) are available in our Optical Studio. Specificdietary components, particularly the carotenoids found indark green leafy vegetables have shown great promise inreducing the incidence of AMD. Vitamin supplements arereadily absorbed from the gastrointestinal tract resulting inincreased blood serum levels and macular pigment density.

LASER VISION CORRECTION

We are delighted to be using the Bausch & LombZyoptixTM Personalized Laser Vision Correction System for thetreatment of nearsightedness and astigmatism. This revolu-tionary technology is enhanced by the use of an additionalspace-age laser, INTRALASE R that creates the LASIK flapwithout the use of a blade. We call this ‘High DefinitionVision’! The advanced diagnostic system used analzyesthousand of data points across the entire eye - to produce apersonalized vision treatment plan.

Whether it’s using the B&L Zyoptix System,traditional LASIK, PRK or LASEK, our doctors are able totreat most patients who desire to eliminate or reduce theirneed for glasses.

The good news is that the LASIK procedure may becovered by U.S. Health and Life for current and retired DetroitPolice and Fire Fighters.

CALL TODAY

Our doctors are experts in all conditions of the eye and look forward to helping you protect your most precious gift of sight!

586/774-0393 � 800/774-7565WWW.METROPOLITANEYECENTER.COM

NEARVISION CK

Are you at least 45 years old? Have you had goodvision all of your life without glasses? Would you like toeliminate your reading glasses most of the time? If youanswered yes to all of these questions, then you may be acandidate for NearVision CK. CK is an exciting advancementin vision correction because it is a simple, painless procedurethat uses radiofrequency (RF) energy instead of a laser. Tofind out more about NearVision CK, contact our office at 800/774-7565.

CATARACTS

If you believe you may have a cataract, don’t worry.Every year, some 2.5 million Americans have cataract surgery.Modern cataract surgery has developed into one of thesafest, most successful and most patient ‘friendly’ surgicalprocedures available. In some cases, bifocal intraocular lensimplants can reduce the need for reading glasses aftersurgery. It is quick and painless and almost always results in adramatic improvement in vision for the patient. That’s goodnews since cataracts are a normal part of the aging process!

MULTIFOCAL LENS IMPLANTS

When our patients have cataract surgery, theimprovement to their vision can be life changing. With thelatest advancements in multifocal lens implant technology, weare able to offer even more dramatic vision changes toimprove not only your distance vision, but also your interme-diate and near vision, as well. The first step is to have acomplete eye examination and determine if this tyep of implantis right for you!

GLAUCOMA TREATMENT

It is estimated that almost 50% of people who haveglaucoma don’t even know they have it because they havenot had a comprehensive eye exam. The pressure in the eye isusually elevated in patients with glaucoma, but there is nopain or visual loss until it is too late. Left untreated, visiongradually declines and eventual blindness will result.

Fortunately, glaucoma can be detected by yourdoctor during your comprehensive eye exam. Early treatmentcan prevent visual loss. Advances in treatment include neweye drops called prostaglandins and a revolutionary new lasertreatment called SLT. Using SLT to treat glaucoma, doctorscan eliminate the need for eye drops in some cases! You havea higher than normal risk for glaucoma if you are AfricanAmerican, have a family history of glaucoma, or had an eyetrauma. For more information, go to our website, or call for anappointment.

RETIRED DETROIT POLICE & FIREFIGHTERS ASSOCIATION, INC.2525 E. Fourteen Mile RoadSterling Heights, Michigan 48310-5969(586) 795-1734

NONPROFIT ORG.U.S. POSTAGE

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