HELLO EVERYONE: [June 13/11]

Get the calendars out again!

I have been informed there is to be a memorial at the home of NORM SINCLAIR for his late wife, Liz. This will take place on Saturday June 25^th from 1:00 – 5:00 p.m. at 91 Hemmingford Place, Whitby. Main crossroads are Rossland Road East and Brock Street. It’s off Garden Street. NORM’S telephone number is 905-668-3844 if you have any questions.

DAVE WINKLEY is retiring folks and there is to be a celebration for him on Monday, June 27^th at 2:00 p.m. – Harp and Crown 300 Kingston Road (at Altona), Pickering. Tickets can be purchased at the door for $10.00. Hope to see everyone there.

I am sad to announce that MOE ZUBATIUK is under the weather in hospital and we all pray for a speedy recovery for him. Joanne, please pass on everyone’s good wishes to MOE and please keep us posted at to his progress.

RAY GREEN is sending out an invitation to all to join him and a group of SPFF Retirees the first Thursday of every month (next one – July 7) at J.W. Coops Pub, Water Street and Highway 7A in Port Perry. RAY reports that about 26 turned out for June’s luncheon. Everyone welcome!

I received and e-mail from BARRY MARTIN who now lives in Vancouver and will be travelling to Ontario in early July to attend the Highland Games in Haliburton. There will be a refreshment tent, lots of food, events happening all day and a parade at 11:00 a.m. on Saturday July 9^th . BARRY and Virginia look forward to meeting up with some of the old guys to reminisce the old days. It sounds like a good way to spend the day if you can make your way to Haliburton. BARRY will likely be with the Bracebridge Pipe Band. He is a member of the Nanaimo Scottish Pipes and Drums. Come on out for some fun folks and you will most likely get to see what BARRY looks like in a skirt!!! If anyone is interested, it’s all explained on the following web site: http://www.haliburtonhighlandgames.com

This is a final reminder for the unveiling and dedication of a plaque in honour of AL COUSINS - - next Thursday, June 16^th at the old Hall #1, Birchmount and Highview (north of Danforth) at 11:00 a.m. sharp. Coffee, tea and cake will be served. Hope to see everyone on Thursday.

Thanks everyone,

Regards,
Al

HELLO EVERYONE: [June 7/11]

I have some more dates for you to mark on your calendars.

Plaque Unveiling
Everyone is invited to the SCARBOROUGH FIREFIGHTERS RETIREES MUSEUM at old Hall #1, Highview and Birchmount Avenues (just north of Danforth ) on June Thursday June 16^th at 11:00 a.m. for a plaque unveiling and dedication in honour of the Museum founder, AL COUSINS. For those who have never visited the Museum, this is a great opportunity for you to come out and enjoy browsing through the old artifacts of firefighting as well as many old photographs. Members of the COUSIN Family will be on hand for this event. Light refreshments will be served.

Scarborough Firefighter Golf Day
TOM KRISTENSEN and AL FLETCHER are holding their 3^rd Scarborough Firefighter Golf Day on Friday June 24^th at the Pine Ridge Golf Club. Tee off times are between 11:00 a.m. and 12:00 p.m. and is limited to the first 24 golfers to sign up. There are no prizes but a great day of golf and laughs is guaranteed. The cost of the golf cart and a steak dinner (this is real steak, not the “ground and round” we use at the barbecue luncheons) is only $42.00. Pine Ridge Golf Course is on Highway 30 between Brighton and Campbellford. If you are interested, contact TOM KRISTENSEN at 705-653-3295 or
AL FLETCHER at 613-475-0746.

Best regards,

Al

Hello Everyone: [June 5/11]

It’s time to remind you once again of the next luncheon which will be held Thursday, June 9 at Legion # 258, Lawson Road Highland Creek. A barbeque is planned and ROY FLETCHER will require a head count so he will know how many steaks to order for this event. Please r.s.v.p. ROY at 416-261-0661, JOHN at 905-509-2953 or simply e-mail me and I will pass your message on to ROY. The fun begins any time after 11:30 ish and we hope everyone will be able to attend.

Please mark Sunday June 12 on your calendars. Toronto Fire Services and Toronto Professional Firefighters Association (Local 3888) will host the annual Fallen Firefighters Memorial. Among four new names to be added this year is our own, District Chief JOHN LALONDE from Scarborough Fire Department, February 2, 2010. The ceremony will take place at 399 Queen’s Quay West (beside Station #334, east of Spadina) at 11:00 a.m. Full dress uniform is preferred.

I have received an e-mail from Chuck West with information he feels may be of interest to some of our members. This is a letter from Ed Kennedy, President of Local 3888 and Is with regard to the City of Toronto instituting a service review programme in advance of the 2012 Operating Budget process. Community focus groups are ongoing at various locations across the city and a website has been established with a link for interested individuals-residents or employees to complete an online survey with their opinions on which services the city should prioritize and which ones could be privatized or phased out. It also asks to provide input on how those services should best be delivered.

Certain elements of Council and senior city staff have been advocating for reducing services and have mobilized their supporters to complete surveys for the purpose of advancing an agenda promoting cutting key services.

While initially, it was believed that core services (Police, Fire, and EMS) would be spared close scrutiny, it is now apparent that every service the city delivers will be looked at with the intent of reducing service and department budgets as a means of addressing a shortfall in the 2012 Operating Budget.

As outlined in FCC 11-124, the City Manager has directed all division managers, including the Fire Chief to show what a 10% reduction from their approved 2011 operating budgets would look like for 2012. If you wish to visit the city’s service review website at http://www.toronto.ca/torontoservicereview and take part in the survey to voice your opinion and show support for the service firefighters provide to the citizens of Toronto, please fill out the short survey.

The ladies’ luncheon last month was very successful with quite a few in attendance and the kitchen staff provided us with a delicious meal. Once again it was wonderful to see TOM CRAIG in attendance.

I am pleased to report that no one seems to be on the “sick list” this month and those with metal replacement parts seem to be working alright. This is a good thing because if we were all still working and received a call to a wrecking yard, half of us would be hanging from the scrap yard magnet. That would definitely NOT be “a good thing, Martha!”

Play safely everyone and hope to see you all on Thursday.

Best regards,
Al

HELLO EVERYONE:  [May 5/11]

Time to get your calendars ready to record the following important dates:

It’s time once again to remind you of the May luncheon next Thursday, May 12. - LADIES’ DAY . This is NOT a couples only occasion; everyone is welcome. You don’t even have to be retired yet in order to attend. Come on out and enjoy the camaraderie. If anyone requires transportation, please let me know and I will do my best to make arrangements. The fun starts somewhere around 11:30 a.m. and all we ask is that you r.s.v.p. so ROY will know how much food to order. You may call ROY at the FLETCHER residence – 416-261-0661, JOHN VONK at 905-509-2953 or you may simply e-mail me and I will see that your message is passed on. We always have a great time catching up on everyone’s news, looking at pictures of grandchildren, etc. Our ladies in the kitchen always do a wonderful job of providing a delicious meal. Hope to see all the retirees out on Thursday, as well as all the “wannabe” retirees.

Just a reminder folks of the CELEBRATION OF LIFE for BARRY WHITE on Friday, May 13^th – 5:30 p.m. – 8:30 p.m. at the Westshore Community Centre, 1011 Bayly Street, Pickering – west of White’s Road. As well, I would like to remind you of the CELEBRATION OF LIFE for Janice Ansell, wife of TOM on Friday June 3 at LVIV Hall – 38 Lviv Blvd. Oshawa. The doors open at 6:30 p.m. and there will be a “meet and greet” from 7:00 p.m. – 8:00 p.m. A Celebration of Life Presentation is planned for 8:00 p.m. – 8:30 p.m. and a dance to follow to 1:00 a.m. Refreshments will be served throughout the evening - - cash bar. TOM requires an r.s.v.p. and you may call him at: 905-725-6599 or e-mail: tojakani@hotmail.com .

We would like to extend on behalf of all members, our heartiest congratulations to our newest retirees - - JOHN POIRIER and WAYNE PARSON. Celebrations are on the horizon for these two as follows:

JOHN (a.k.a. – Inspector Poirot) - - Thursday, May 19^th – 2:00 p.m. – Harp and Crown – 300 Kingston Road Pickering – (at Altona Road). Tickets are $10.00 and can be obtained through MIKE OGLE – East Training or (416) 948-9598 OR DAVE COSSITT 232 “A” or (905) 449-2373 or East Platoon Office “A” Shift. Tickets are also available at the door. JOHN’S seniority number is #586 and he began his career with SFD in June 1982.

WAYNE - - Tuesday, May 24^th – 2:00 p.m. – Also at the Harp and Crown. As well, tickets are available at the door. WAYNE’S seniority number is 577 and he began his career with SFD on September 15, 1981.

We hope everyone is on the “well” list and can only assume since I have not received any notice of anyone not “well.” RON NICKLE had a nasty flu bug and we hope he didn’t have to pass it on to Sharon in order to rid himself of it. It will be great to see you both out next Thursday.

Finally - - don’t forget folks – Mothers’ Day is Sunday May 8 and I don’t recommend you combine this celebration with the upcoming perch derby at Lake Simcoe.

See you all next Thursday.

Play safely kids!

Al

HELLO EVERYONE: [Mar 3/11]

It once again is time to remind you that our next luncheon will be held next Thursday, March 10 at the Lawson Road Legion, Highland Creek – commencing approximately 11:30 a.m.  An R.S.V.P. by noon on Tuesday, March 8 would be most appreciated so ROY will be able to order enough food.  Would you please call ROY FLETCHER at 416-261-0661 or simply e-mail me and I will pass your message on to ROY.  BARRY WHITE has asked that you respond to ROY or me in this regard and it is with very heavy heart that I have to inform you that BARRY is currently battling a recent diagnosis of inoperable stomach cancer.  He is very optimistic, in good spirits and I’m certain he knows he has the love and support of every one of us.  In fact, he told me if he is feeling up to it, he WILL attend the luncheon next Thursday.  We all hope to see you then BARRY.

 In further news; Edward Johnston, son of JIMMIE JOHNSTON has found some old SFD photos and has forwarded them to CHUCK WEST for inclusion in the photograph section of his web site and you can find them on   www.scarboroughfirefighters.org.   Thank you so much Edward and CHUCK for sharing these photos with everyone.

 It has also come to my attention that CAPTAIN DOUG TAYLOR #580 will be retiring and a celebration is planned for Thursday, March 31^st 2011 at 2:00 p.m. at the Harp and Crown, 300 Kingston Road (at Altona).  Tickets for this event are $10.00

Watch the bad weather folks and hope to see everyone out next Thursday.

Keep BARRY and PAT in your thoughts and prayers.

Best regards,
AL

HELLO EVERYONE: [Feb 15/11]

 We had a large turnout for last Thursday’s luncheon (Feb. 10) where our guest speaker, Holly Murphy answered our questions with regard to retiree benefits.  For those who could not attend and those who have more questions, Holly is encouraging you to e-mail her at:   holly.e.murphy@encon.ca   .  She also has a web site - - www.encon.ca  that might also answer your questions.  Her office is ENCON GROUP INC.  1900 – 11  King Street West,  Toronto, Ontario M5H  4C7 - -  Telephone:  (And Fax)  416-682-3148 - - Toll Free:  1-877-732-2879  Ext. 3148 .  Holly advises that she is often out of the office and may not be able to answer your mail or call immediately but to have patience – she will get back to you as soon as possible.

 It has come to our attention that we have three new SFD Retirees as of January 31, 2011 - - DOUG MENARD  # 499 who started with SFD on July 11, 1977,  BILL CRUICKSHANK  # 514 who started February 11, 1980 and DOUG TAYLOR   #580 who started September 15, 1981.  Congratulations to you all and hope to see you out to the luncheons. 

Our executive committee has approved a donation of $500.00 to JOHN MCDERMOTT HOUSE,  Sunnybrook Hospital Veterans Centre- Palliative Care Unit.  Their mission is to promote the highest quality of life for Veterans, Military, First Responders and community patients facing the final stages of a terminal illness.  One of the goals is to create an environment that enables the patient and family members to make informed choices and to develop the best possible plan for care.  They envision single rooms with additional accommodation for the family member who wishes to stay overnight.  All rooms will have a private washroom.  Office space will be created for individuals to access a computer, printer, phone and web cam.  These tools will also enable patients and their family members to connect with relatives and loved ones who live out of the country.  A space is also planned that could be used for social gatherings.  Often families are unable to take their loved ones out of the facility and therefore a space could be used to celebrate birthdays and other significant events.  If you wish to learn more, you can access information on the McDermott House web site:   www.mcdermotthousecanada.org  .

 It was great to see TOM CRAIG out on such a blustery February day to attend the luncheon.  He is still up for communication with everyone and his e-mail address is:   tccraig@rogers.com  .  Keep those cards and letter coming in folks.  TOM would love to hear from you! 

HAPPY  HEARTS  DAY,

Al

HELLO EVERYONE: [Feb 7/11]

This is a final reminder of the February 10^th luncheon at the Lawson Road Legion, Highland Creek.  HOLLY MURPHY from Encon Group will be on hand to offer advice and answer any questions you may have with regard to retirement plans.  YOU DO NOT HAVE TO BE A MEMBER OF SFD RETIREES, OR RETIRED TO ATTEND.  Many have already responded but if you have not and plan to attend, could you please R.S.V.P. before noon tomorrow so BARRY will be able to order enough food.  You may call him at 416-438-2458,  ROY FLETCHER at 416-261-0661, or e-mail me and I will pass your message on to BARRY. 

Sadly I report that EARL CLULOW passed away on Monday, January 31 and his funeral was held on Thursday, February 3 at Jerrrett Funeral Home, Kennedy Road in Scarborough.  Our condolences to the CLULOW family.  EARL’S seniority number is 052 and he started with Scarborough Fire Department on April 12, 1954, retiring (LTD) on May 8, 1984 after 30 years of service. 

We also send condolences on behalf of all members to the CANNON family on the passing of JIM’S father, James Cannon on February 4^th in his 91^st year.  There will be a visitation at McEachnie Funeral Home, 28 Old Kingston Road in Ajax today, (Monday February 7) from 2:00 – 4:00 p.m. and 7:00 – 9:00 p.m.  A funeral mass will be held tomorrow, (February 8) at 11:00 a.m. St. Isaac Jogues Church in Pickering

I am happy to report that TOM CRAIG is well and back up on the computer and would love to hear from everyone.  He has authorized me to publish his new e-mail address:  tccraig@rogers.com

Hope to see you at the luncheon on Thursday Tom.

I have another reminder - - next Monday (February 14) is Valentine’s Day.  Make your plans early folks.  I will share some good advice with everyone and that is, I don’t think she will appreciate a subscription to Field and Stream.  By the way, if love is blind why is lingerie so popular? 

Hope to see as many as possible on Thursday and as always, please watch the weather and drive safely.

Best regards

Al

HELLO EVERYONE: [Jan 9/11]

Hope you all had a fan-Tabulous holiday enjoying many overindulgences.  May all your problems of 2011 last only as long as your “new years’ resolutions.”  Most don’t bother with resolutions at our age, but I made two this year;  one is to NEVER walk past a washroom without taking advantage of it and the other is to NEVER assume it will only be a “fart.”

We are fast approaching the first luncheon of 2011 which will take place on Thursday, January 13^th at the Lawson Road Legion in Highland Creek, commencing approximately 11:30 a.m. – ish, or whenever the sun is over the yardarm – whichever comes first.  JOHN VONK has asked me to remind all members who have NOT yet paid their 2011 membership dues to please do so, perhaps at this luncheon.  It is still a great bargain folks at $10.00 per annum and may be paid on Thursday or mail to JOHN at   460  Rosebank Road,  Pickering, Ontario  L1W  2N5. 

In order to prepare enough food for everyone, could you please respond NO LATER THAN Tuesday, January 11 if you are planning to attend.  You may call BARRY at the WHITE house – 416-438-2458,  ROY at the FLETCHER residence – 416-261-0661  OR,  simply e-mail me and I will pass your message on to BARRY.

We enjoyed a great turn-out for our December luncheon, of nearly 50 retirees, many of whom we hadn’t seen in a long time.  Just remember - - you DO NOT have to be retired to come out and enjoy the camaraderie of the old SFD.  If for any reason you are no longer able to drive, your friends or relatives (designated drivers) are also welcome to attend.  You will most assuredly have a wonderful time, particularly if you wear your hip waders, because it gets pretty deep at times.  If you do not have anyone who can help you with transport to the luncheons, PLEASE. . . let me know and I will try to find someone in your area who would be available to bring you. 

Our news this month includes the GLEN CARTERS who have in 2010 become the grandparents of two beautiful grandsons.  I saw GLEN in December and received this news from him.  Although there was a huge grin on his face, we have only to assume that these wee ones are absolutely cute because “GRANDPA” did not - - I repeat, did not have any 8x10 glossies with him at the time.   FOR SHAME GLEN!  On behalf of all members I send congratulations to GLEN, PAT, Paul, Cara and families.  Speaking from experience, you will have many, many opportunities for exciting memories with these wee ones. 

Our illustrious executive has suffered a tremendous “hit” over the holidays with Vice President, ROY FLETCHER having undergone a recent knee replacement surgery and we wish him a speedy recovery.  Our President, BARRY WHITE’S wife, Pat is awaiting an appointment for surgery with a problem of fluid behind the eye.  We all wish you much good luck with this Pat.  JOHN VONK, our able bodied treasurer seems to have had an unsuccessful audition for RIVERDANCE because of a “bummed” hip and is scheduled for replacement surgery on March 14^th.  If we could PLEASE request that everyone send remittance for 2011 dues before JOHN enters hospital, he will undoubtedly convalesce much faster.

A number of our members have visited TOM CRAIG at his new residence at Centennial Retirement Residence and found him happy and in good health with hopes to be able to attend luncheons in the new year.  He most certainly welcomes visitors and phone calls at 259 Hillcroft Street  Oshawa Ontario  L1G  8E4  -  -    Room  213  - - Telephone number:  905-571-3688. 

Hope to see as many as possible attend the luncheon on Thursday (January 13). 

Best regards, 

AL

HELLO ALL: [Dec 6/10]

I am sure everyone is busy these days with the hustle and bustle of the season - - where the women shop in the malls and their husbands wait patiently (?) on the benches outside the stores.  Take a walk in any mall and you will see all the guys sitting there with scowls on their faces, or in most cases, asleep.  A word of warning at this time of year; watch out for nasty bugs or your celebrations with “Oh Be Joyful” juice might just be a hot toddy.  Don’t forget to wash your hands frequently, avoid people who are coughing in your direction and most important of all is something your mother must have told you many times over - - - DON’T SIT ON THE SEATS!  Stay healthy everyone so you can enjoy this festive season.  If we have any members already under the weather, we hope you recover quickly.

This month’s luncheon will be held on Thursday, December 9 at the Lawson Road Legion – Highland Creek, commencing approximately 11:45 a.m.  I want to thank Chuck West for bringing it to the attention of all those who read his web site:   www.scarboroughfirefighters.org  that you don’t have to be retired to attend the luncheons.  Come on out, enjoy the camaraderie and we will make you most welcome.  We simply ask that you r.s.v.p. by noon on Tuesday, December 7 so BARRY will know how much food to order.  To make it easy for you, we offer the following numbers to call:  BARRY at the White House:  416-438-2458,  ROY at the Fletcher Residence:  416-261-0661 or if you prefer, you may e-mail me and I will pass your message on to BARRY.  We hope to see as many attend as possible. 

The end of the year is fast approaching and this means it’s once again time to remit your membership dues.  This is still a bargain at $10.00 and you may pay at the luncheon on December 9 or if you prefer, you may send your remittance to JOHN VONK (Treasurer) at 460 Rosebank Road  Pickering, Ontario  L1W  2N5. 

We wish to thank some of our members for sending interesting reading we will share with everyone.  BILL WRETHAM sent a  video clip entitled, “Why The San Francisco Fire Department Builds and Restores Their Own Wooden Ladders.”  If you wish to see this, the web site is:   http://www.dump.com/2010/11/03why-the-san-francisco-fire-department-builds-and-restores-their-own-wooden-ladders-video  .  RICK PICKETT sent an interesting article on “Omers Executive Salaries and Benefits” that you might like to read:  http://money.canoe.ca/money/business/canada/archives/20101115/-094605.html  .   With RICK on board, we have our own Wikipedia Leaks!  We have also received e-mails from FRANK MCPHERSON and RANDY RAINTHORPE with regard to a scam (yes, another) occurring in many retail stores.  Check all your receipts folks, particularly prior to leaving the check outs because once you leave it’s difficult to rectify.  It seems some are adding “Cash Back” advances to the tally of purchases, unbeknownst to the customer and then pocketing the cash.  Seems there’s a new scam every day.  Be very careful and DO check your receipts. 

The Lions Club is once again selling their delicious Christmas Fruit Cakes and Cherry Cakes.  ROY FLETCHER will have them for sale at the luncheon.  These cakes are 900 grams (for those still working in the imperial measurement, this means two raisins and a cherry short of two pounds) and come in two styles; one is in a decorative tin without marzipan icing and the other comes in a package of two – one with icing and one without.  The prices are:  $11.00 for the Cherry Cake and $13.00 for the Fruit Cake and the Fruit Cakes are offered in dark or light.  We have purchased these cakes in the past and can attest that they are the next best thing to grandma’s home made and they make wonderful gifts. 

Play safely kids and hope to see you all on December 9 

Best regards,

Al

HELLO EVERYONE: [Nov 10/10]

Just a reminder that there will be NO LUNCHEON tomorrow (November 11^th) due to Remembrance Day Services at the Legion.  The next luncheon will be held Thursday, December 9.

As always, we have to be extremely mindful of the many viruses trying to infect our computers.  Caution and diligence are the keys to avoiding these dratted “bugs.”  We have recently received warnings from many of the members with regard to this subject and I can’t stress enough, the importance of being very careful which e-mails you choose to open.  “Hackers” seem to find candidates in which to infect by invading our “address books.”  They somehow then use names we are familiar with in order to infect our computers.  When we open messages that have been forwarded from many others and they in turn have also received mail from others (i.e. – fwd, fwd, fwd, we are then putting ourselves at great risk of infection; to say nothing about the enormous inconvenience of trying to rid our computers of viruses.  As well, we can also be passing these viruses on to others.  Fair warning everyone - - Tom Powell warns of us anything coming through marked, “POSTCARD or POSTCARD FROM HALLMARK.”  He cautions we do not open this even if we are familiar with the sender.  This could indeed be the work of a hacker.  Frank Gordon warns of mail with the words, “HERE IT IS or THERE YOU HAVE IT.”  Phil Currell says Osama Bin Laden has not been hanged no matter which of your “friends” sends message stating otherwise.    A-B-C  FOLKS!  (Always  Be  Careful)

It seems after 33 years of service THE  BIRD, (Jim McIntosh, #498) has finally retired and will be celebrated at the Harp and Crown, 300 Kingston Road in Pickering on Thursday, November 25^th at 1:30 p.m.  Tickets can be obtained at the door for $10.00 or from Dave Winkley – Station 232 “C”  (Hall #8)  - - 416-281-9893.  CONGRATULATIONS JIM!!

I had a nice chat with Tom Craig yesterday and he seems to be feeling quite well these days.  So much so in fact, that he is now looking forward to visits and telephone calls.  He is at:  CENTENNIAL RETIREMENT RESIDENCE,  259  Hillcroft Street,  Oshawa, Ontario  L1G  8E4  -  Telephone Number  905-571-3688.  His room number is 213 but Tom said he will be moving to another room soon and I will pass on the new number when I receive it.  Keep up the good work Tom! 

Hope you all have your poppies - - wear them proudly!  THANK YOU TO ALL VETERANS.

Best Regards, 

Al

HELLO EVERYONE: [Sept 7/10]

Hope you all had a safe and enjoyable labour day weekend.  Just a note to remind you that this month’s luncheon will be held this Thursday September 9, same location (Lawson Rd Legion) and time (11:30 ish).  Hope to see as many out as possible.  Don’t forget to r.s.v.p.  BARRY at the WHITE HOUSE:  416-438-2458,  ROY at THE FLETCHER RESIDENCE:  416-261-0661 or e-mail me and I will pass your message on.

RICK PICKETT sent me an e-mail to inform of the death of JIM DUGAN, Seniority number 095 and started with SFD on June 5, 1956, retiring on LTD December 12, 1981 (25 years)  JIM’S son, Larry told RICK there will be no funeral, just a private family memorial sometime in the future.  Our condolences to JIM’S family. 

Mark your calendars folks - - Thursday October 14^th will be LADIES DAY at the Legion and we hope many of our girls will be able to attend the luncheon.  Will send a reminder as it gets closer. 

Play safely kids, 

Best regards,
Al

HELLO EVERYONE: [Aug 7/10] 

Once again it’s time to remind you that the next luncheon will be held next Thursday, August 12 – same location – Lawson Road Legion, Highland Creek.  BARRY informs me that we will be having another barbecue so you won’t want to miss this.  The fun starts anytime after 11:30 a.m.  The staff will need to know how many lobsters to thaw so could you please RSVP before noon on Tuesday August 10 - - BARRY at the White House – 416-438-2458 - - ROY at the Fletcher Residence – 416-261-0661 or simply send me an e-mail and I will pass your message on to BARRY.

Sadly I have to report that TOM CRAIG is still in Oshawa General Hospital but I understand he is up for visitors.  Our thoughts and prayers are with him.  BILL WRETHAM has informed me of the passing of CLIFF SMITH’S wife, Barbara on June 7^th  and we send deepest sympathy to the family.

On a more pleasant note we send our heartiest congratulations to our newest retirees, DAVE SPENCE #502 who started with SFD on July 11, 1977 and GREG POTTER #543 who commenced employment on July 21, 1980.  We hope they will join us at the Legion next Thursday.  Your first lunch is FREE if you join the club. 

Jessica Phoenix, granddaughter of CLIFF FERGUSON is once again on the rise.  Forced to withdraw from the 2008 Beijing Olympics in the field of Equestrian Eventing due to an injury her horse sustained, she has persevered and is now short listed for Canada’s Eventing squad and the World Games, with sights set on the 2012 Olympics.  The biggest hurdle Jessica and her horse face is funding.  To compete in Beijing, Jessica had to raise almost half of the estimated $100,000.00 cost.  To help her continue on, a fund raiser BBQ is scheduled for August 15^th.  Tickets are $20.00.  For more information you can visit her website at  www.jessicaphoenix.ca  and you may also wish to browse Jessica’s achievements at  DurhamRegion.com

I wish to thank all the “Sherlocks” who helped track the elusive GENE DIONNE.  There were sightings at many localities and he was even spotted attending a car show with BOB TAYLOR in Fenelon Falls.  It’s rather reminiscent of that little globe trotting  Gnome of TV fame who shows up in some of the darndest places.  It’s great to know you are alive and well GENE.  Hopefully you will join us on Thursday for some great camaraderie while we all catch up on YOUR gossip.  Your lunch too is FREE !

Don’t forget to play safely kids and hope to see everyone out on Thursday.

Best regards, 

Al

HELLO EVERYONE:  [July 2010]

I am forwarding an e-mail from GEORGE TOPPLE with regard to a recognition notice for former SFD member, ED CROUCH.  Thank you GEORGE! 

As you know, TOM CRAIG has been experiencing some difficulties with his health and I have been informed that he is currently a patient in Oshawa General Hospital.  Will forward more information when we receive updates from his family.  We all wish you a speedy convalescence TOM and hope you will soon be back up on your feet, hopefully in time for the August 12^th Barbecue. 

Mark your calendars everyone and if you see GREG SIMERSON on July 28^th, wish “THE OLD ROOT BEER BEAR” a happy 80^th birthday.  Don’t worry GREG; age is merely a number and as you prepare to become an octogenarian, just remember - - - after you reach 80 years of life, you will first begin to forget names, then you will forget faces, and oh dear, you will sometimes forget to zip up your fly. . . . .AND . . . . .ultimately, you will forget to Unzip your fly.  HAPPY  BIRTHDAY  GREG!  My invitation to your party hasn’t yet arrived so as a “heads up,” thought I should caution you that I don’t like my lobster over cooked.  CHEERS!

Regards,

AL

George Topple attachment

April 30/10

HELLO EVERYONE: 

I thought if I called you all tonight I would catch everyone at home - - finishing up your Income Tax Returns.  I’m not trying to rush you here - - you still have almost six hours in which to complete this.  Good Luck everyone! 

We celebrated two retirements this week – JOHN MCGIVERN on Wednesday and DAVE STEVENS on Thursday.  Congratulations gentlemen and welcome to the wonderful world of retirement.  We hope you will join us on the 2^nd Thursday of every month for a delicious luncheon and a couple of hours of terrific camaraderie. 

It was great to see SUE BROWN attend the retirement party without her foot cast for a change.  You will have to take very good care of that for quite some time, so you might consider kicking Bob down the stairs rather than up for a while.

STAN AMOS informed me that Sharon is struggling with the affects of knee replacement surgery and joins a large number of members who have undergone this procedure.  They will most likely agree that it is certainly no fun and we all wish you a complete and speedy recovery.

The next Retiree we will celebrate is RICK TURNER, seniority number 419 who started with SFD in July 1974 and has served 35 years.  His party will be held on Thursday, May 6 at the Royal Canadian Legion #258, 45 Lawson Road (Highland Creek) at 7:00 p.m.  For more information you may contact JOHN ZANCANARO     AT 905-721-9328 OR 416-951-9328.  Congratulations RICK! 

SUE BROWN is once again soliciting assistance on Saturday, May 8 for IODE Geranium Day.  They require help unloading geraniums off the truck and request you arrive at Stephen Leacock Arena, 2500 Birchmount Avenue Scarborough,  at 6:30 a.m.  No, this is not a typo - - it IS 6:30 a.m.  If you are worried about your alarm malfunctioning and you might not wake in time, you might try what I usually do - - - - just prior to retiring, I drink a very large glass of water and you won’t have to worry; you wake in plenty of time to make the 6:30 appointment.  If anyone can help out with the flowers, could you please call Margo MacKinnon at 905-839-5789.  Thanks very much. 

I’m giving you a much earlier reminder of May’s luncheon since it’s LADIES’ DAY and we hope as many as possible will be able to attend.  The venue is the same – RCL #258 – Lawson Rd. (Highland Creek) and we usually begin approximately 11:30 a.m.  It has been brought to my attention by a few now, that some are under the impression that this event is a “couples only” function.  This is indeed NOT SO.  Sadly, many of us (men and women) have lost spouses and find it difficult to socialize.  Please consider coming out on the 13^th to catch up on everyone’s news and have a great few hours.   If you would like to attend but for any reason are not comfortable with navigating on your own, e-mail me and I’ll do my best to find someone in your area who could pick you up (and/or car pool).  We do appreciate r.s.v.p. as soon as possible and you may call BARRY at the White House – 416-438-2458,  ROY at the Fletcher Residence – 416-261-0661 or you may simply e-mail me and I will see that your message is passed on. 

FRANK MCPHERSON contacted me with regard to Firefighter Calendars and the best I could do for him was to offer a picture of Mr. December 1966 or put him in touch with the Union Rep at TFS.  I haven’t heard if he has had any success in this venture.  If not, I might suggest a SFD Retirees calendar.  Since Frank stipulated he wanted one with lots of muscle and skin, I thought perhaps we Retirees could at least come across with the skin part.  Muscle tone may not be overly abundant though.  If anyone thinks this may be a good idea, feel free to bring along (to the luncheon), your “speedoes” or Y-fronts if you prefer and a bottle of baby oil so we could have some try-outs.  The girls can act as judges for us. 

May is a busy month folks and we also have notice of the ROSS FORFAR 5^th ANNUAL GOLF TOURNAMENT on Tuesday, May 25 at Sleepy Hollow in Stouffville.  Proceeds will go toward Firefighters Cancer Research Fund at the Princess Margaret Hospital.  If you plan to attend, registration forms can be obtained by clicking on   www.scarboroughfirefighters.org  and scroll down to the article and you will be told where to “click” in order to print out a form.  Hopefully we will see NANCY FORFAR out at the LADIES’ LUNCHEON on the 13^th.

Friday, May 28 is SCARBOROUGH DAY 2010 and everyone is invited to Jack Astors (right beside Scarborough Town Centre) for a celebration.  The party begins at 1:00 p.m. - - - onwards. 

I know there is a lot of information for you all to put on your calendars but there’s still one more you shouldn’t forget - - Sunday May 9 is Mothers’ Day and I’m certain we all know somebody’s mother whom we should acknowledge. 

Take care folks!

Best regards, 

Al