Attention Local 500 FMBA Members:
Minutes from Local 500 Meeting: Local 500 Meeting Minutes
Volunteers needed for The Sandy Ground: Where Angels Play project. Call Bob Brower if you can donate some time at 732-499-9250. Visit www.thesandygroundproject.org for updates on times and locations on construction of playgrounds. Thank you to everyone that has already volunteered their time on the restoration and playground projects.
Any questions feel free to contact the state office at 732-499-9250. Thank you and stay safe!!!!
Local 500 consists of 1,000+ retired firefighters still actively involved in the NJFMBA. Local 500 was named NJFMBA’s Local of the Year in 2012 at the Annual Valor Awards banquet for their continued support and dedication.
Dues to join Local 500 are $55.00 per year with plenty of benefits, discounts, etc. For an application please contact the state office at 732-499-9250.
The Executive Board members for Local 500 include:
President: George Royston Phone: 908-456-3132 E-mail: ndtrustee29@comcast.net
Vice-President: Jim Stelman – jimstelman500@gmail.com
Executive Delegate: Anthony Deberto – bird038@aol.com
Alternate Delegate: Carl Paczkowski – cpaczkowski@aol.com
Secretary: Bud Heymann – hheymann@optonline.net
Treasurer: Bob Hill – bobhill50@yahoo.com
Sergeant at Arms: Mark Virag
Trustee Chairman: Whitey Dunlap – whitey6@comcast.net
Trustee: Rich Tremitiedi – rtremitie@aol.com
Trustee: Mike Downs – lynndowns3@hotmail.com
Trustee: Frank Isoldi – fisoldi@aol.com
Trustee: Joe DeNiscia – joebiggs49@comcast.net
Trustee: Rich Silvia – rsilvia@saddleriver.org
Trustee: Gene Dannenfelser – genecfm2@comcast.net
President Emeritus: Tom Tevlin 973- 762-6936
Upcoming Events
May 1tth: Fundraiser for Sandy Ground Project at Bar Anticipation in Lake Como, NJ.
June 12th: Mario Rossi State Picnic, Meeting at 10am and general membership meeting immediately after state meeting – nomination of officers. $55.00 a ticket
June 21st: Local 500 Day at the Races – Monmouth Race Track in Oceanport, NJ at 11:30AM
The benefits of belonging to the Local 500 for retired members:
- Continue to receive the FMBA Bulletin.
- Members have the right have access to State Meetings.
- They have all the same rights of active firefighter.
- Maintaining membership in NJ Manufacturers Insurance.
- Access to the Eastern Dental Plan for retirees.
- Met Life Dental Program. Good in all 50 states.
- VSP Vision Program and VSP Hearing Program
- Buyers Edge Program
- Perk Spot discounts and life insurance.
- Workers Advantage Program for discounts on tickets for all types of events, shopping, etc.
- Discount tickets for Great Adventure and theme parks through Working Advantage
- Access to discount rates through our sponsors in the mortgage industry.
- Networking and social interaction with other retirees with common issues and problems.
- Purchase capabilities for car shields.
- Ability to purchase FF License Plates.
- GreatWolfLodgeDiscounts.
- Seton Hall Scholarship Program.
- Earnest Ousley Scholarship Program.
- Buscio Program for comprehensive physicals.
- Discounts atRobertWoodJohnsonHealth andWellnessCenters andNew YorkHealth Clubs
- Discounts with Hertz car rental.
- Access toDeborahHeartand Lung center for diagnostic tests.
- Access to the FMBA Apparel Store
- Assistance Program for members and their families for alcohol and drug dependency or any other mental or health issues.
- Access to the FMBA Bookstore. FMBA members receive a 20% discount.
- Affiliation with NAGE/SEIU and access to the many benefits they offer.
- Access to our two Pension representatives for problems and or information.
- Attend FMBA Conventions and take advantage of different health clinics and vendors.
- Attend FMBA Picnic.
- Valor Awards Dinner.
- Participation in the 5K race.
- Hersheypark Discounts
- 500 local annual day atMonmouthPark.
- Discounts for laser eye surgery.
- AnnualScottGarberGolf Outing In September.
- STS Tire Discount Program
- Cove Haven,PoconoPalaceDiscount Program
- Heartscan Cardiovascular Screening discounts
- Free copies of Fire Is video for Safety Education
To all members:
There will be testing of all individuals who have registered for the hearing loss case on November 27 at the FMBA office in Rahway. If you wish to be part of this case please read the announcement below and call to have yourself registered. You must be registered in order to take part in the testing and or the case.
HEARING LOSS SHOULD BE A CONCERN
Call 1-800-Law-Help (1800-529-4357) to register for the Firefighter Hearing Loss Lawsuit
For the better part of the last three decades study after study has shown that being a firefighter is hazardous to your hearing. In fact, “the data suggest that firefighters tend to lose hearing at an accelerated rate, especially in the frequency ranges characteristically affected by excessive noise exposure”
(Firefighters’ Hearing: A Comparison With Population Databases From the International Standards Organization, JOEM Volume 43, Number 7, July 2001)
It is strongly suspected that one of the major causes of this Occupational Noise-Induced Hearing Loss is the extremely high decibel level attributable to the Siren of the Rig. Sirens produce 120 decibels at 10-Feet and levels of 80 decibels have been shown to damage hearing.
The front row of a rock concert is typically about 110 decibels. Your eardrums will rupture at 160 decibels. Consequently, firefighters and paramedics suffer significant hearing impairment when compared to the general population. Studies have shown that the narrow band high frequency noise created by sirens has contributed to mild to severe hearing loss among firefighters and paramedics.
The National Institute of Occupational Safety & Health (NIOSH) has conducted numerous studies over the past 15 years with respect to this very issue. Their findings are startling and include the fact that on the average Firefighters and EMTs suffer continual hearing loss on a yearly basis.
In 2009 a verdict and judgment was obtained in Illinois against Federal Signal Corp., a siren manufacturer. This verdict was the first in favor of firefighters who have been suing the company since 1999. Recently, in a 69 page decision the Appellate Court in Chicago upheld this verdict on all counts. We are very encouraged by this news.
In addition, there was an additional victory within the last year when (after years of trying) an Order directing a joint trial on several key issues was granted. That trial is currently scheduled for December of this year.
We encourage all firefighters both active and retired, who were not provided hearing protection, to call the number below and register for this claim.
If you are already registered with another law firm for this case there is no need to call. Your case will fall under the same umbrella as new cases.
You can register for this Nationwide Lawsuit by calling toll free 1-800-Law-Help (1-800-529-4357).
Edward L.C. Marcowitz, Esq.
Barasch McGarry Salzman & Penson
Attorneys at Law
11 Park Place Suite 1801
New York, New York 10007
Phone: 212-385-8000
Fax: 212-385-7845
