Dear Fellow Retired Sergeant,
As Fall fast approaches, I hope all had a healthy, enjoyable, and relaxing summer. I want to thank those who were able to attend our June General Membership meeting which was held at the American Italian Club in Westchester County. It was great to see so many new faces. I want to thank the SBA for attending and taking questions from our members. In attendance was the SBA Fund Administrator, Errol Ogman; who addressed our members and spoke about the upcoming SBA Dental improvement, SBA Health and Welfare Secretary, Donald Kipp and SBA Treasurer, Edward Geary. POPPA’s Kevin Goghan, training director, addressed the membership in regards to resources available to our members, Retired Helpline# (800) 599-1085. In attendance was special guest, author of “Circle of Six”, Randy Jurgensen.
It is essential for the RSA and the membership to be involved. I am pleased to report that the RSA has increased our retiree presence among numerous organizations and are working closely with all fraternal organization. To have accomplished this, our number one priority was to establish an improved communication system. Having achieved a successful phone system we are now focusing on website improvements and instituting an electronic newsletter.
Over these past 8 months, the RSA has accomplished so much and our partnership with the SBA continues to grow. In the past the norm was always the SBA supporting the RSA. We believe that our partnership with the SBA is a two-way street. For the first time ever, the RSA provided entertainment for the children including face painting, slime, and Lego making at the SBA Family Picnic. Many RSA Board members were present at the picnic and had an opportunity to socialize with our members. The RSA also sought to include the SBA to participate in a Christmas in July BBQ for the children and families, battling cancer at the Ronald McDonald House of Long Island. Participating were the FOP Lodge 69, and NYPD Policewomen’s Endowment Association. At this event, the RSA was personally acknowledged by CBS2, ABC7 and Long Island Channel 12 News. The RSA’s Sergeant at Arms, Norman Horowitz was interviewed and acknowledge for his volunteer services. Great job Norm, keep up the hard work! This year, the RSA Scholarship was a tremendous success, providing $4,000 each to three children/grandchildren of our members entering college. I am also excited to report that by modifying the process of our JetBlue raffle we were able to raise additional funds. This enabled us to make much needed donations. Including POPPA, Police Relief Fund, and Police Centurion Car Show for the MOS’s, Wilbert Mora and Jason Rivera, who were killed in the line of duty. We plan on making additional donations as we move forward. Please see photos contained inside the Chevron.
We will be having our September meeting on Wednesday, September 28th at 6:30pm. It will be held at the Irish American Hall in Mineola. The RSA Executive Board’s 4-year term is coming up. I am happy to report that the entire current Executive Board will look to be re-elected. I believe that in the last (8) months, this current board has served the membership well and has made tremendous strides in the functionality and service provided to the membership. Because of their efforts, membership has grown to record numbers. I urge all members whom do not furnish us with an email address to please consider supplying us with a family or friends email who could pass along the important information. We look forward in continuing our services to this great organization and in Keeping Retirees Informed!
It is our pleasure to serve you,
Fraternally,
Robert Cotumaccio
President
