THE NEXT UNION BLOOD DRIVE WILL BE IN OCTOBER.  If you missed our drive earlier this month, police & fire personnel (only) can donate on June 23rd from 0830-1400 hrs at the PSB ... and there will be more than 56 days in between so you (and anybody else!) can donate again in October.  Right now there is a critical need for O Negative, so please check your blood type and donate to save a life!

LOCK LACES A close friend of mine is a sales rep for Lock Laces. They are an elastic shoe/boot lace which provide a secure, snug fit while allowing easy removal of your shoe or boot when it’s time to turn out. He gave me a pair to try out and I have been quite happy with them. No longer will you be walking around with your shoes tied too loosely, your boots un-zippered, or having things knot up when you are trying to turn out. These are also great for everyday wear on your regular shoes as well and are available in many colors for off duty use. The laces sell to us for $5.00 which includes shipping. You can email Shane at shane@locklaces.com  nd check out the website at www.locklaces.com. I think you will be pleased. Tim Wilson 8-A

CONGRATULATIONS TO BROTHER LARRY TRUMP:  LT Larry Trump received the prestigious Leon W. Hayes Award for Excellence in Emergency Medical Services on May 20 in Annapolis.  Congratulations Larry; we're proud to know ya!

MESOTHELIOMA AND ASBESTOS EXPOSURE RISKS:  More than most, fire fighters are certainly susceptible to Asbestos Exposure.  Please visit either of these sites (http://www.asbestos.net/occupations/firefighters.html or http://www.mesotheliomaweb.org/firesection1.htm) to learn about how to better protect yourself, and so much more.

UPDATES ON JACK LUDWIG:  Please check out the updates from Jack's Family!

CF TAGS:  The MVA will NOT release the next batch of tags until the folks who have applications for assigned number GET THEM PROCESSED.  Please, if you have already received your app, take it to the MVA and get your tags.  We have about 35 people/apps holding up progress!!!  In the interim, new folks who come in for ads will have to take unnumbered forms to the MVA and get whatever's available, which means those of you who think you're still getting your outstanding lower numbers won't!  If you want a tag app, please see Elizabeth at the Union Office. 

SPRINT/NEXTEL USERS:  After many years of satisfactory service with Sprint, for whatever reason, one of our members switched to another carrier.  He was due a refund from Sprint, but when the check arrived it was written out to "BCFD EMERG PREP."  Our member contacted Sprint to say that while Sprint had (on its own) used that title on our member's account, all of the bills were paid by personal check and the refund check needed to be made out to him personally.  That was last November.  Now, finally, in March, the problem MAY have been resolved, but not until after MANY emails and phone calls, both by our member and the Local.  Supposedly Sprint will check all records from our members and confirm that they did not do the same thing to other members' accounts.  In the meantime, YOU may want to check your own records.  Apparently the "BCFD EMERG PREP" was used by Sprint's sales rep way back when to help identify Local 1311 accounts for the discount.  That backfired when Sprint insisted on writing the refund check to that bogus title.  Before you have to get stuck in the same situation, check your statement now.  If Sprint is using any alias on your account, get it resolved now while you're still an active user.  If you have any problems, please call any of the following numbers:  Customer Care for Government Accounts (800-390-7545) or Business Inside Sales (866-634-3843). 

LETTER FROM DAN JARKIEWICZ:  A sincere and beautifully written letter regarding his daughter Ally; please read. 

TAXES and your UNION DUES
Based on the advice of your own tax consultant, union dues are usually tax deductible.  For 2009 the total dues for full-time active dues-paying members were $503.28. 

DISCOUNT FOR FIRE FIGHTERS & FIRST RESPONDERS:  The Grand Hotel in Cape May, NJ, offers Fire Fighters, First Responders, EMTs, and Law Enforcement Officers a "show you our appreciation" rate of just $75 per night midweek.  Call 800-257-8550, mention "Heroes," and show your valid service ID upon check-in any Sunday through Thursday now through April 2010.  (Not valid holidays, weekends, or black-out dates.)

MFRI Transfer Requests:  Click here for the required form in .pdf.

PAMPERED CHEF:  Lori Rupp (wife of Mike Rupp, FS 10-D) wants to show you the tricks of getting "Dinnertime in No Time!"  Please see the attached flier (in Word), or just email Lori or call 443-386-8069. 

NEWS:  Local 1311 has a new email account that is expressly and solely for the purpose of sending and receiving NEWS. Please add “local1311news@gmail.com” to your address books now. When you have something of interest to share with the Local or the membership, send it there. This new email address will be used exclusively for Straight Stream articles and timely announcements, news breaks, etc. It is NOT to be used for any other communication, like grievances, smoke detector requests, golf registrations, requests for information, etc.

SOURCE MATERIAL:  You can now get the new MIEMSS Protocols at DPI for $27.02 (2-sided, 3-hole punched) for $28.95 (1-sided, 3-hole punched)

AN AMERICAN SOLDIER ...
Retired FADO Alvin Euler sent this to the Union Office ... thought you might appreciate it.  Turn up the volume.  -ELG

LETTER FROM ROBERT LIM
Please take a few moments to read this heartfelt letter from one Brother to the entire membership.  Click here for the letter.

UNION HALL RENTAL - Updated March 2009 and Hall Alarm Form - Updated March 2009
First, check with Elizabeth for date availability.  You will need to complete both of these forms to reserve the hall (click on form titles, above).  They are provided here in .pdf.  Confirm your date, print, sign, and send the Union a completed Lease Agreement; be sure to keep a copy of the lease for yourself, as well as the Hall Alarm form.  PLEASE NOTE THAT THE LEASE & CHECKS MUST BE RECEIVED BY LOCAL 1311 AT LEAST TWO WEEKS PRIOR TO EVENT; otherwise, the Hall will NOT be available, period.  THE KEY MUST BE PICKED UP WITHIN FOUR DAYS OF THE EVENT (on a mutually convenient date).

HELPS
HELPS is a new retiree health care benefit that provides a tax-free distribution of up to $3,000 from retirement plans to help retirees pay for health insurance or long-term care insurance.  Follow the link for more information.

BCoFFF - Baltimore County Fallen Fire Fighters Foundation
"The purpose of this fund is to try to alleviate the burden of financial hardship while recovering from a catastrophic illness or injury. The fund was organized and is being administered by career Baltimore County Fire Fighters."  Please visit their web site for more info.

DONATIONS in Memory of TOMMY (TR) RICE
Please make donations in Tommy's name to the Metropolitan Fire Fighters Burn Center Fund, P.O. Box 480 Pasadena, MD 21123-0480 (410-426-2876).  Note correction to ZIP code from original notice.

DONATIONS for BRIAN NEVILLE'S CHILDREN
Please make donations to the Brian D. Neville Children's Trust Fund, and mail them to 7230 Lee Deforest Drive, Suite 203, Gateway Centre, Columbia, MD  21046-3249 (Contact person is John E. Day, 410-290-1000).  Thank you.

Recession Busters
From the Enoch Pratt Free Library's Business Center ... click here!

Special Request from the FIRE MUSEUM of MARYLAND
We are planning to open the Fire Museum to the public during March and April on Friday afternoons from 12-4 pm, if we can find volunteers to help staff those hours. the fire Museum of Maryland needs retired and/or active firefighters to help man the Fire Museum of Maryland, Friday afternoons from 12-4 pm in March and April. We are looking for a couple of volunteers who would be willing to help visitors learn about the Baltimore Fire Department’s history, heritage, and role in the community. In addition, volunteers with mechanical skills are welcome to come on Tuesday nights volunteer to help keep the fleet running, starting in January. Contact Rob Williams, FMM Asst. Director, at 410-321-7500, or at rcwilliams@firemuseummd.org.

SHIFT CALENDARS
The 2010 Shift Booklets have been sent to the stations.  Additional copies are $1 each.

The 2010 Pocket Calendars (4.25 x 5.5 cards cards made in-house) are available at the Union Office, and can be printed here (in Excel ... print double-sided on cardstock for 4 calendars).

The 2010 Shift Schedule can be printed out one month per page here (in Word). 

Full Size Shift Calendars (one page per month) for 2008, 2009, 2010 and 2011 in MS Word.  (Thanks, Giz!)   

Union SOFTBALL TEAM Seeking Players
L-1311 softball team is currently seeking players for league ball and tournaments for the upcoming 2009 season.
Contact Scott Dundas or Station 18-C (0768).

MDA TEE SHIRTS FOR SALE
Jarrett Dixon Memorial Softball Tee Shirts, just $15 each.  Contact  Wayne Simmons at 5-C.

TINNITUS?
Ringing in your ears?  Well, not exactly ... click here to read the entire article on what could be a disabling brain disorder.

UNION-MADE IAFF Clothing & Accessories
Visit this site for more details:  http://www.iaffaffiliatestore.com/email/iaffaffiliatestore.html.

Elliott's Sportswear Online!
Elliott's Sportswear, 8327 Harford Road, is now available on the web.  Of particular interest, they have fire custom, fire stock, and workwear sections to suit all of your needs.  They also offer a large variety of leisure, sports, outerwear, athletic, and corporate attire.  You can also call them at 410-663-3966 or 877-882-9988.  Be sure to check out their new clearance items -- they're smokin' hot!   

FUND RAISING EFFORTS
Members, please be aware of the fund raising efforts organized by the Local which include having an authorized third party make phone calls soliciting financial support, as well as their publication of a semi-annual magazine ... click here

BENEFICIARY FORM - for the Union's Survivor's Fund. 
This link NOW takes you to a Word doc with TWO half-page forms.  Send one to the Union and keep the second copy in your personal files.  If you have any question whatsoever about who may or may not be currently designated as your beneficiary with the Union, don't wait to call the office to check -- just complete, sign, and send in a form today.  (For the Retirees'  Form, which must be notarized, click here.)

FF BASKET
Longaberger Customized FF Basket - a great gift idea (delivery after the holidays) ... click here

BOWMAN'S APPRECIATES YOU!
"Hello there! To show our appreciation for the job that you do, the Bowman Restaurant is having a Fire Fighter's Night every Tuesday evening, featuring a $1 off of regularly priced drinks, plus other great specials. 9306 Harford Road in the Carney/Parkville area. Please check out the attached calendar for other specials and again, we thank you for everything that you do for our community. Sincerely,  Bowman Staff"

DRIVE SMARTER
With global warming and a tight economy, not to mention the need to just clear the air, we all need to be more proactive in how we help take care of the environment.  One way is to maximize your car's gas mileage.  Visit www.FuelEconomy.gov for more information.

SEARCH BETTER!
Use GoodSearch when you look up stuff on the Internet, and help benefit the Metro FF's Burn Center Fund ... www.goodsearch.com 

DONATE WISELY
Now more than ever we have to make our dollars stretch.  Be sure to check out the groups you financially support.  An easy way to do that is via Charity Navigator, an excellent web site which helps you carefully choose which organizations you want to help.  Click here

HISTORY OF THE MALTESE CROSS
For your reading pleasure; click here.

CLARIFICATION FOR RECLASSIFICATIONS
The "SALANN" in OLTA is your Salary Anniversary Date which is when you get your reclassification per the new MOU.

CELL PHONE DISCOUNTS & CONTACTS

• Nextel:  Call the Government Accounts Customer Service at 1-800-390-7545.

• Verizon:  Call Verizon directly.

NATIONAL MARROW DONOR REGISTRY
In support of Michael Iwashko, the 19 year old son of Marta Iwashko (Balt. Police Crime Lab) and George Iwashko (Balt. City Public Schools) who has Leukemia.  Please click here for the flier (.pdf) to post at the stations, and for more information.

LETTERS TO THE SS EDITOR
Please click here for a Letter to the Editor on THE BROTHERHOOD, submitted by “Brother Bones” John E. Schreiber Sr., Fire Specialist 5-D.

BALTIMORE COUNTY SEARCH DOGS FEATURED ON FOX 45
"Members of a local K-9 team were on site to search debris of the Pentagon after the 9/11 attacks."  Visit the link above and see Boomer and Zeus in action (oh, and FADO Mike Rehfeld!).  Click on "Cover Story" and select "A Hero With Paws"

In Memory of those we lost on 9/11 ... Always Remember, Never Forget ... visit the IAFF Web Site for more.

"OPT OUT" OF UNWANTED CONSUMER OFFERS - *Updated 08/16/2007
Call 1-888-5OPTOUT to OPT OUT from Credit Bureaus sharing your contact info; here are some online and postal options as well.

LOCAL 1311 GETS NEW EMAIL ADDRESS 08/01/2007
Members, please make a note of Local 1311's new email address (click here ... imbedded to avoid spammers), effective immediately.

Baltimore County Federal CREDIT UNION
Click above for special offers for Members Only

Kid's FIRE TRUCK QUILT Set
Great gift idea for the little firefighter at heart! 100% cotton handmade Fire Truck quilt & sham set.  Cozy and soft, it features a great mix of sky blue, red, white and yellow and is appliqued with fire engines and Dalmatians at the wheel.  For more details or to place an order, please Click Here or  Email Us .  Call Mike Ruppert 6-B or  443-623-3725.