FEBRUARY 2010

We hope that you all made it through the cold weather well. It has certainly been a winter to remember. Spring is just around the corner, the bluebirds and goldfinches are already in town.

MEMBER REPORT:

Buddy Harris’ mother passed away at home on Wednesday, February 24, 2010. Viewing will be Sunday February 28, 2010 from 6:00 to 8:00 PM at jacksonville Memory gardens 111 Blanding Blvd. O.P Florida. Funeral services will be at the same location on Monday March 01, 2010.

George Thornton had a heart cath done and is doing well. He is now having a few problems with his bladder and he says “my plumbing is stopped up”. We wish him well.

Dale Walters has gone back on chemo treatments and the doctor says they can’t do anymore radiation because it is too close to his carotid artery. Dale is a meticulous yardman. On many occasions he won “Yard of the Month” by his homeowners association. Not only did Dale keep his yard up but he helped several of his neighbors do the same thing. Dale was able to go play golf with Howard Salter on Tuesday, Feb. 23. Not only was it nice for Dale to play golf but to fellowship with another retiree was a real treat for Dale.

Dan Hadden’s, (M-1) wife had surgery on both her eyes and is very excited to be able to see normally again. We wish her continued health. However, on February 4, 2010 Dan and his wife lost their daughter. Our prayers and thoughts are with them.

Joe Deloach had a knee scoped and cleaned. He is home and is walking with a cane but he says he is ready to throw the cane out in the back yard. Now that Joe is able to move around better maybe he can come out and play more often.

Richard Miller had a hip replaced by the Hencken group from St. Vincent’s. Richard says he is doing fine and he is looking forward to seeing everyone at the March breakfast.

Billy Sands had surgery to repair a detached retina in his left eye. Billy says he is doing well but the doctors still don’t know if he will have sight in the eye. Billy said that we all have heard that justice was blind but the statement was not so “damn funny” now.

Fatz Harden is at home and enjoys reading the e-mails and news on the computer. If you would like to e-mail Fatz his e-mail address is papafatz@aol.com.

As always we wish the best for all of our members in their recovery.

EVENTS:

Monthly Retiree’s Breakfast, March 11, 2010 at Piccadilly.

The Jacksonville Fire Rescue Department will hold its annual Awards Ceremony at the Firefighter’s Hall. The ceremony will begin at 6:00 on Friday, March 5, 2010. All retiree’s are invited to attend.

Jacksonville Firemen’s Credit Union will hold its annual business meeting on March 27, 2010 at Firefighter’s Hall beginning at 9 a.m. Refreshments will be provided and free goodies and raffle tickets will be given to attendees. All are invited.

Don’t forget all you fishermen the Firefighter’s Fishing Tournament March 15, thru the 19th in Suwannee, FL. If you did not receive a registration form, please call Tournament Manager, Wayne Doolittle at 228-9795. The registration cost is $50.00. A good time is expected to be had by all.

On Saturday, April 17, 2010 at 6:00 the Annual Guns and Hoses fundraiser will be held at the Jacksonville Arena. This event is expected to be another sell out so if you want tickets call ticket masters soon. For any of you retirees that wish to participate and fight please call Captain Earl Acosta at Rescue 1. His phone number is 904-626-2630.

On Monday, February 22, 2010, Bob Carver, President of the Florida Professional Firefighters came to Jacksonville to present a check to Kendrick Meek from the International Association of Firefighters. Mr. Meek is running against, Charlie Crist and Marco Rubio for U. S. Senator. Local 122, President Randy Wyse hosted the event at Firefighter Hall.

Due to enormous and busy schedules of key personnel, donuts and coffee at the Fire Museum will not be held on the two paydays in the month of March. It seems as though skiing and fishing take precedence over sugary and greasy donuts.

The Firemen’s Death Benefits Fund was reported by John Peavy, President, that the fund has now grown to almost 900 members. It is important to promote this benefit.

On Saturday, February 20, 2010 the weather was perfect for motorcycle riding and the REDKNIGHTS surely took advantage of it. The club rode to Waycross for lunch then spent 2 ½ hours riding the back roads of Georgia. The ride was led by retired Rescue Captain David Ash. The group consisted of 14 motorcycles and 19 people. If interested in joining the fun. Call David at 631-9794. For those of you that ride remember that Daytona Bike Week starts Friday, February 26 and closes on Sunday, March 7, 2010.

The 5th Annual Firefighter’s Widow’s Luncheon will be held at Firefighter’s Hall on Wednesday, April 7, 2010. The Luncheon fund lost one of its major contributors this year, so if you would like to make a donation to this cause please call Linda Treadwell at 630-0618 or 210-6799. The luncheon is a fun time for this widow’s to re-establish friendships and honor their late husbands.

SPECIAL MILESTONE

Retired Captain Charles Lee, Sr. and his bride Ann celebrated 50 years of wedded bliss. They were married on December 19, 1959. The Lee’s have three children and four grandchildren. We want to wish the Lee’s many more good years’s because as we all know this is a milestone that not a lot of firemen ever reach.

If you would like to have something put in the newsletter please contact Linda Treadwell, 630-0618