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THE BOOSTER LINE A NEWSLETTER DEDICATED TO GREENE COUNTY FIRE VOLUNTEERS

SPRING 2018

A FIRST RESPONDER’S SWEET SURVIVAL KIT

LIFESAVERS to remind you of the many times you have been one

STARBURSTS for the burst of energy that you always need

HERSHEY KISSES to show love for you

GUM to help everyone stick together

TOOTSIE ROLLS for when you have to roll with the punches

PEPPERMINT PATTIES to help you keep your cool

SMARTIES to give you the wisdom for split second decisions

DUM DUMS because you will encounter a lot of them

LAFFY TAFFY to remind you that laughter is a great stress reliever

SNICKERS to help you keep your humor

Thank you to St. John the Baptist Church in Greenville

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Dear Firefighters and Auxiliary,

On Sunday, May 20, 2018, the Kiskatom Volunteer Fire

Department and the Palenville Volunteer Fire Department will be

co-hosting this year’s annual Greene County V. F. A. Drill Day. The

location has not been finalized.

A Captain’s meeting will begin the day at 8:30 a.m. to break

down the order of competition, answer questions that were not asked at a preliminary

Captain’s meeting, and to meet the judges. Competition will start at 9:00 a.m. Lunch will

be available before the start of Nozzle Control, and awards will follow at the conclusion.

A preliminary Captain’s meeting will be held at the Kiskatom Firehouse, 4838

Route 32, Catskill (next to the former Friar Tuck Inn) on March 22 at 7 p.m. The location

for Drill Day will be announced at this time. Any changes to the Drill Day events will be

discussed at this meeting. A secondary meeting can be scheduled for April, should you

miss or not be signed up by the March meeting.

At the bottom of this letter is a registration section. To participate, please complete

and mail back, along with a check for $25.00 (payable to Kiskatom Fire Department) to

KFD, 4838 Route 32, Catskill, NY 12414. All pre-registered teams that show up at Drill

Day to compete will receive their check back

Events for Drill Day will include Equipment Drill, 3 Man Ladder, Modified Dry

Hose Lay, Wet Hose Lay, Portable Pump, Bucket Brigade, and Nozzle Control.

There must be at least 3 teams enrolled by May 1st or else we will need to

cancel.

We look forward to another successful Drill Day and seeing you there. Should you

have any questions, please don’t hesitate to contact myself or Blake Garrison.

Sincerely,

Donald MacCormack

518-369-2631

Drill Day Co-Chairman

Blake Garrison, Drill Day Co-Chairman

518-858-0211

Name of Department or Auxiliary: ___________________________________________

will participate in the annual GCVFA Drill Day hosted by Kiskatom Vol. Fire Dept. and

Palenville Vol. Fire Dept.

Team Captain: ____________________________

Contact Number: _________________________

Contact email: ___________________________ Registration Enclosed

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THE 130TH ANNUAL GCVFA CONVENTION

IS COMING TO ATHENS!

The Athens Volunteer Fire Department is proud to announce they will be hosting the 130th annual GCVFA Convention in September (Sept. 4 – 8, 2018). Plans are in the works for the entire week but our hosts do have one request . . . plan on attending and having a good time celebrating with fellow firefighters and auxiliaries. AVFD has been busy raising funds for the convention and have several projects underway. One is a 50/50 raffle that is ongoing and will be drawn prior to the parade awards on Saturday, September 8. Another is a raffle for a brand new MSA Cairns NSA Leather New Yorker Helmet with shield. The full schedule of events has yet to be announced, but please watch for details as they become available. Packets have been mailed out to all fire companies and auxiliaries with requests for ads for the annual program, as well as Mardi Gras and Dress parade applications. Be sure to check your mail. The deadline for the dress parade is May 30, 2018 so please return prior to that date with the requested information. If questions, please contact Dress Parade Chairman Robert Schrader at 518-634-2035. The theme of the Mardi Gras parade is “Come one, Come All to the Fire Department Circus”. It will be held on Friday, September 7. Line-up will begin on South Vernon Street at 4:30 p.m. and will go back to Third Street. Parking will be available at EJ Arthur School. The parade itself will kick off at 6:00 p.m. It is asked that participants come into the village via Leeds-Athens Road. As children are always at this parade, it is asked that there be nothing scary or creepy. Violation of this would disqualify participation. Also, no water or use of pressurized projectiles. Remember, we are looking forward to having a good time and enjoyment. Applications for the Mardi Gras are to be returned by June 1, 2018. As with all conventions, a good percentage of funds raised are done through an annual convention program. This year is no different. Ads start at $5.00 per name for a Booster and go as high as $175 for a 2-page spread. Sizes and rates are: 2-page spread $175 Inside back cover $150 Full page $100 ½ page $50 ¼ page $25 Patron $10 per line, maximum 30 characters Booster $5 per name Deadline for ads is July 31, 2018. If you do not have an ad book contract, contact a member and ask for one.

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MEETINGS: GCVFA EXECUTIVE BOARD Thursday, April 26 7:30 pm Greene County Emerg. Services, Cairo Thursday, July 26 7:30 pm Greene County Emerg. Services, Cairo GCVFA Thursday, May 3 7:30 pm Kiskatom Thursday, August 2 7:30 pm New Baltimore GCVFALA Monday, May 21 7:30 pm D. M. Hamilton, Coxsackie GREENE COUNTY FIRE CHIEFS Monday, April 16 7:30 pm Windham Monday, July 16 7:30 pm East Durham GREENE COUNTY FIRE POLICE Wednesday, April 25 7:30 pm Hensonville Wednesday, July 25 7:30 pm Hunter

OTHER EVENTS: Thursday, March 22 7pm Kiskatom – Drill Day Captain’s Meeting

Sunday, May 20 8:30 am Greene County Drill Day

Sunday, June 3 Details to be announced – Greene County Day @ NYS Firemens Home hosted by West Athens-Lime Street Fire Company

September 4 – 8 GCVFA Annual Convention hosted by Athens Volunteer Fire Dept. & Auxiliary Tuesday, September 4 Ladies Auxiliary Annual meeting Wednesday, September 5 Ladies Auxiliary dinner Thuresday, September 7 GCVFA Dinner, Memorial & Meeting Friday, September 7 Mardi Gras Saturday, September 8 Dress Parade

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Greene County Department of Emergency Services 2018 Fire Training Schedule

Vehicle Rescue, Operations Level

March 12, 14, 19, 21 & 26

7:00 pm

Catskill Firehouse

Powell

Basic Exterior Firefighting Operations (BEFO)

Orientation March 13 April 10, 12, 17, 19, 24 & 26 May 1, 3, 8, 10, 15, 17, 22, 24, 29 & 31 June 5, 7, 12, 14, 19, 21, 26 & 28

6:30 pm

Training Center, Cairo

June

Rescue Tech Basic

April 3, 5, 9, 16, 19, 23 & 25 May 1

7:00 pm

Tannersville

Dwon

Hazardous Materials 1st Responmder Operation Annual Refresher Training

May 14

6:00 pm

Training Center, Cairo

Kilts

Firefighter’s Guide to Lightweight Wood Construction

May 21, 23 & 30 June 4

7:00 pm

Training Center, Cairo

Kilts

Apparatus – Pump Operator

June 4, 6,11,13, 18, 20, 25 & 27

6:30 pm

Training Center, Cairo

Brockway

Apparatus – Emergency Vehicles

July 10, 12, 17, 19 & 21

7:00 pm

Tannersville

Brockway

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Oh the weather outside is frightful . . . Yet it does

not stop our volunteer firefighters from performing required duties. This past winter saw structure fires in the worst of weather conditions. As the flames roared under bitter cold temperatures and snow, the dedication of the firefighter to serve his/her community was evident. They left their warm and comfortable homes to help those in need.

This photo was taken after one fire and shows frozen turnout gear. You can only imagine the conditions the firefighter wearing it endured.

To that we say THANK YOU!!!

Sunday, February 4 was more than just Super Bowl Sunday. On that date, a group from Greene County Blue Star Mothers traveled to Windham Mountain to participate in the Adaptive Sports Program, Warrior Weekend (honoring our military personnel wounded warriors). Several members of the group are also involved with Greene County fire companies. Thanks to Peg Snyder, Donna Greiner and Maureen Murphy from West Athens, GCVFA 1st VP Pete Kuminsky, Joan Kuminsky from Kiskatom Ladies Auxiliary, and last but not least, Greene County Legislator Aidan O’Connor. It was a fun-filled and rewarding day for all.

D. M. HAMILTON STEAMER CO #2 WELCOMES HOME ARMY HERO

On December 21, 2017, D. M. Hamilton of Coxsackie welcomed home Private Marcus Dunckle from Army basic training. Marcus was home for the Christmas holiday. He is the son of Hamilton’s Vice President, Jennifer Ann McKeon. A parade was held in his honor and to welcome him back to Coxsackie. Thank you Marcus for your service to America.

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PRATTSVILLE ELECTS 2018 OFFICERS The following were elected as officers for the Prattsville Hose Company for 2018: President David Rikard Vice-President Eric Dymond Secretary Ray Braciello Treasurer Deb Dymond Stewards Brandon Brainerd & David Lee Chief Jim Dymond 1st Asst Tom Olson 2nd Asst Steve Haight 3rd Asst Ted Weingates Fire Police Captain Robin Haight Safety Officer Crystal Soule-Cornell

CATSKILL PRESENTS PTSD TRAINING

On January 23, the Catskill Fire Department hosted a program on PTSD (Post Traumatic Stress Disorder) by Jack Curran. PTSD has gone by many names – during WWI it was called Shell Shock; in WWII - Battle Fatigue, later in Korea - Operation Exhaustion and recently PTSD. No matter what it called, it is a condition after a person is exposed to a traumatic event or events. Most often it associated with military combat. However, most don't realize or recognize PTSD in the fire service which is defined as a traumatic physical condition after observing a traumatic physical event. The program explained the disorder and how to recognize PTSD. The bottom line is that first responders have to stop thinking they are tough guys or girls and don't need any help after a traumatic occurrence. It is important to look out for each other and be alert to the tell-tale signs so as to provide assistance to those in need. Catskill Fire Department would like to thank Jack for taking time to present this program and share his experiences. .

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IT’S THAT TIME OF YEAR . . . SHUFFLEBOARD!

Once again, members from the Catskill Fire Department have challenged residents of the NYS Firemen’s Home to an annual shuffleboard tournament. Who the winner will be is unknown at this time but one thing is certain . . . both sides

have a very enjoyable, fun evening during the competitions. Action began on January 5. The defending champs from Catskill maintained their title at the home with a challenging round and a 5 - 4 game win.

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OAK HILL-DURHAM INSTALLS 2018 OFFICERS The 2018 officers for the Oak Hill-Durham Volunteer Fire Company were recently installed at a dinner at the firehouse. Congratulations to: President Victoria Crowley Vice President Randy Sattler Secretary Kevin Sattler Treasurer Lillian Beechert, Chaplin is Ray Mahler Trustees are: Warren Wagner, Robert Haller, Connie Whitbeck, Randy Sattler, and Bruce Stock.

Chief is Connie Whitbeck First assistant Chief Charlie Fremgen Second Asst. Chief Robert Haller Third Asst Chief Kevin Sattler

Auxiliary officers: President Lillian Beechert Vice President Sarian Gleeson Secretary Mitzi Su Fremgen Treasurer Connie Whitbeck

IN MEMORY: On behalf of the GCVFA and LAGCVFA, The Booster Line would like to extend heartfelt sympathy to the families of the following firematic members who have recently passed away. We apologize for anyone that we missed and offer our condolences to their families. Alvin Dallas – Catskill Fire Department

Tom Marchesani – A. M. Osborn Hose Co, Catskill Norman Fuller – West Athens – Lime Street Fire District

Julius Baehrel Jr – Earlton Fire Company Brian Whiteman – Athens Volunteer Fire Dept.

Virginia Kellegher – East Durham Fire Dept. Ladies Auxiliary

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THINKING of YOU

Congratulations to James Robinson (Athens Volunteer Fire Dept.) and his wife, Natasha, on the birth of their daughter

Congratulations to Kris Carlson (Palenville Fire Dept)

and Samantha Orser on the birth of their daughter

Congratulations to Pete and Joan Kuminsky (Kiskatom Fire Dept/Auxiliary) on their recent marriage

Speedy Recovery to John Holt (Catskill Fire Dept).

Deepest Sympathy to Aaron Hodor (Kiskatom Fire Dept) and Ed Dolan (Catskill Fire Dept.) on the death of their grandfather

Deepest sympathy to Bonnie Pflegl (West Athens Auxiliary)

and Miranda Buel (Cairo Fire Dept.) on the death of their mother-in-law/grandmother

Deepest sympathy to Randy and April Ormerod (Catskill Fire Dept/Aux)

on the death of her father

Congratulations to Ray Feml and Joe Feml (both from Cairo Fire Dept.) on receiving the Greene County Sheriff’s Department Life Saving Award

Congratulations to Donna Overbaugh (Catskill Fire Dept. Ladies Auxiliary)

on her retirement

Congratulations to Shirley Wase (Catskill Ladies Auxiliary) on being the featured resident in the February “Volunteer Firefighter” magazine

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PLEASE HELP OUR OWN WHO ARE DOING THINGS TO HELP OTHERS . . .

2018 POLICE UNITY TOUR

On May 9th, 2018, Greene County Sheriff’s Department Deputy Kristopher Danko and Deputy Joseph Feml, a volunteer firefighter with Cairo Hose Company, will be starting one of the most difficult journeys that they have ever done, both physically and mentally. At that time, they will be participating in the 2018 Police Unity Tour, a 400 mile bicycle journey over the course of 4 days from Florham

Park, New Jersey to Washington D.C. at the National Law Enforcement Memorial. The two deputies are doing this to honor the memory of Deputy Kevin Haverly, who lost his life in the line of duty on February 28th, 2017. Kevin was a very important part of the sheriff’s office and touched many lives on and off duty. His loss still weighs heavy on his family and all of the officers from the Sheriff’s Department. It is an honor to be a part of bringing his name down to the National Memorial and to participate in the memorial events in Washington D.C. There will be expenses for equipment need for the tour and a registration fee of $1950 per rider. Donations are greatly appreciated to help cover all expenses. Any excess funds collected will go to the National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial. If you would like to contribute, donations can be sent to the Greene County Sheriff’s Office, Attn: J Feml, 80 Bridge Street, Catskill, NY 12414. Checks can be made payable to Joseph Feml or Kristopher Danko. In the memo, state Police Unity Tour.

Please show your support of their efforts and to honor Deputy Haverly’s memory!

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An Appeal from

Brian (West Athens-Lime Street Fire Company)

and Renee Farrell

This year our family will be participating in the Eversource walk for Boston Children’s Hospital. All money raised by our team will go into the Children’s Interstitial Lung Disease (chILD) Fund. This fund was set up at BCH to help support families of chILD. Two of our children, Callen and Charlotte, have both been diagnosed with unknown forms of chILD. To be honest, we have no idea what this means for them. Since the very beginning, we have been told our kids are “mysteries” or “puzzles”. These are not the words you want to hear when describing your kids.

As you can imagine, having children with a disease where there is so little known, can be very scary and lonely. We want to help other families navigate this journey and make it a little easier. It is our hope that with the money raised, we can educate, bring families together and ultimately, we can raise money to help find a cure. Our team goal is to raise $10,000. If you would like to walk with us on June 10th, please join our team, “chILD Champs”. Any donation is very much appreciated. If you are not able to donate please share our page with your friends and family. Please visit our web page to donate: http://fundraise.childrenshospital.org/site/TR?px=1559746&fr_id=1702&pg=personal

Thank you for your support!

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Remember this is YOUR Booster Line. Please feel free to submit photos, articles or fundraisers. Without your news, we have nothing. Email to theboosterline@yahoo.com

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FUNDRAISERS:

KISKATOM FIRE DEPT.

FRIDAY NIGHT FISH FRY RETURNS!

Eat-in, Take-out

or Delivery (within the district)

EVERY FRIDAY NIGHT OF LENT

February 16 - March 30, 2018

5:00 p.m. - 7:30 p.m.

Choice of Fish Fry Dinner or Clam Roll

with Cole slaw, Handmade fries

Tarter or cocktail sauce

Chowder every “fryday”

$10

Call 678-9986

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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.

In Loving Memory of

Gene Jennings