Jan 3 12
December 2011 Meeting Minutes
M.T.A. Lodge 88 Minutes
December 13th, 2011
Barrack “O” Hagerstown, MD
In attendance: (7) President B. Blubaugh, Vice President R.S. Miller, Treasurer C. Steffy, Secretary S. Cain, D. Bittinger, D. Seiler, C. West, J. Barnes, A. Swope
This meeting, held at the Western Sizzlin Restaurant, was called to order by President Blubaugh at 6:17 p.m.
President’s Report:
- President Blubaugh attended the State Lodge Meeting in Pikesville. Col. Brown was in attendance and discussed several issues.
- Vehicles: The Colonel is attempting to get a 6 year vehicle rotation started to alleviate the high mileage/older patrol vehicles currently in use. Barracks with the worst vehicles will be given first consideration. Another option being considered is leasing vehicles.
- Firearms: 1623 firearm changeovers have been completed and Beretta sent 150 extra handguns to take care of any future problems. The issues with the PX4 Storm continue. There were numerous misfires during night qualification across the State. They were as follows (by region): Eastern Shore – 14, Southern – 12, Central – 3, Western – 1. Beretta believes that the issue lies with the spring guide assembly, due to the fact that it is plastic. There was consideration of replacing it with metal but in testing there were numerous issues with that as well. Beretta is currently testing a new locking pin system to take care of the problem. Further, they are testing a 3rd generation magazine with a locking floor plate to replace the current magazines.
- More retirees are being sought for the contractual trooper positions. The program has apparently worked well up to this point and the MSP is looking to expand.
- Emphasis was again placed on getting troopers to sign up for the MTA Capitol 1 credit card. The MTA receives $50.00 when the first purchase is made and a percentage for all purchases there after.
- The MTA would like to remind everyone to keep their dependants and beneficiaries up to date on any life insurance policies. This is extremely important issue and must be kept current.
- TFC Greg Harrington, who has been deployed to the Middle East for 4 ½ years, is now back in the United States. He is currently in the process of retiring. Thank you for your dedicated service to country.
- Anyone having vehicle or firearms issues is asked to contact your local State Legislators. The only way to fix these issues is to let them know they exist.
- The drawing for the Henry Golden Boy rifle has been pushed back to the February MTA meeting. Anyone interested in buying tickets should contact an MTA officer. Several members have tickets as well.
Vice President’s Report:
- Nothing to report
Treasurer’s Report:
- Account balances:
- Checking account: $13, 229.13
- Community Donation Fund: $1110.00
- Death Relief Fund: $6,368.00
- Recent Expenses
- $750.00 for Teresa Poffenberger
- $35.00 to Farmers and Hunters Feeding the Hungry in memory of Nevin Lewis
Secretary’s Report:
- Nothing to report
New Business:
- A motion was made to donate $35.00 to the K-9 training fund in memory of Rich Poffenberger. The motion passed. It is Teresa Poffenberger’s hope that donations will be made to the fund. If anyone is interested in making a donation, please contact President Blubaugh for information.
Old Business:
- Nothing to report
Good of the Order:
- Nothing to report.
Next MTA Lodge 88 Meeting: Tuesday January 10th, 2011 at the NEW TIME of 5:30p.m. To be held at the Hagerstown Barrack.
Meeting adjourned at 6:32 p.m.
Respectfully submitted by Secretary S. Cain
Jan 2 12
Retired-TFC Richardson Update
MSP Retired “Jerry” Cleason Richardson of Hagerstown Barrack has been released from the hospital after suffering a stroke to his left side. He is recovering at his home at17626 Meadowood Drive, Hagerstown, MD 21740. Jerry will be undergoing extensive stroke rehabilitation therapy at home and at Robinwood Medical Center.
He welcomes vistors at home and telephone calls at 301-797-1790. Cards, thoughts and prayers will help Jerry with a speedy comeback and recovery
Allen E. Swope
Dec 31 11
TFC. Jerry Richardson in Hospital
MSP Retired TFC Cleason “Jerry” Richardson of Hagerstown Barrack has been hospitalized December 27, 2011 at Meritus Medical Center, Hagerstown as a result of a stroke to his entire left side. He is currently undergoing stroke rehabilitation therapy. Jerry is in Room 3108 West and his room telephone number is 240-469-6308. Visits and telephone calls and prayers will help him with a speedy recovery.
Cards may be sent to Jerry’s home at 17626 Meadowood Drive, Hagerstown, MD 21740
Al Swope
Dec 19 11
Sick Call-Gary Gruber
MSP Retired TFC Gary L. Gruber of Hagerstown Barrack is at his home after spending many days in early November in the hospital under critical care and treatment for Pulmonary Fibrosis which is a serious incurable lung condition which leads to eventual respiratory failure. Gary’s activities are now limited because of severe breathing difficulty and he is on oxygen 24 hours day.
Gary welcomes any cards and visits. Prayers and support would be most helpful in getting Gary through this very debilitating condition.
Gary’s Address is 113 South Artizan Street, Williamsport, Maryland 21795 and his telephone number is 301-223-9771
Submitted by: Allen E. Swope
Dec 9 11
Wally is out of the hospital!
Wally Malkiewicz has been released from the hospital after his bout with a bursted appendix.. He is recuperating at home at 20616 Emerald Drive, Hagerstown, Maryland 21742. He is back to solid foods and in the greatest of Polish tradition, much kielbasa.
He welcomes any visits and telephone calls at 301-739-1935.
Al Swope
Dec 8 11
Death Notice of Lester Lewis
December 7, 2011
Lester V. Lewis [Cumberland]CUMBERLAND — Lester V. Lewis, 73, of Cumberland, passed away on Wednesday, Dec. 7, 2011, at home surrounded by his family. Lester was born on June 5, 1938, the son of the late Genevieve E. (Thrasher) and John J. Lewis. He was also preceded in death by his sister, Nina L. Conway. Lester served with the United States Air Force, being stationed in Germany until 1961. He was a Maryland State Police Officer for 20 years. Upon his retirement with the State Police, he became the Chief of Police of the Town of Luke, a position he held for over 13 years. While a member of the Maryland State Police, he was a certified scuba diver and also held his pilot’s license. Lester was a member of the Fraternal Order of Police, the Cresaptown Eagles, the McCoole Veterans of Foreign Wars, and the Frostburg American Legion. He was a member of St. Ambrose Catholic Church in Cresaptown. Lester was an avid hunter in his earlier years, enjoyed a good card game at the Cresaptown Eagles and was a collector of model trains. He also always enjoyed working in his garden. Lester always looked forward to Sunday dinners with his family. He dearly loved his little dog, Max. He is survived by his loving wife, Renate K. Lewis; his four daughters, Martina E. Bascelli, Patricia A. Tichnell, who lovingly and unselfishly took care of her Dad for many years, and her husband James, Angela M. Turner and husband Billy, and Kristina S. Swank and husband Scott; eight grandchildren, Tara (Bascelli) Strother and husband Jeremy, Joseph Bascelli, Jordan Tichnell, Jessica Tichnell, Jason Turner and wife Julie, Alivia Turner, Cullen Swank and Lydia Swank; and four great-grandchildren, Ava Strother, Emma Strother, Myla Turner and Colson Turner. He is also survived by his brother, John Lewis and wife Jean and his sister, Pat Yeager along with many nieces and nephews. Lester also had many special friends whom he cherished, especially Ruby Nee and the late Bing Nee, Joey and Jim Stakem, and Bill and Phyllis Dixon. Also a special thanks to Joel and Dr. Anthony Bollino for their unending care and concern through the years and to the Hospice staff at WMHS for their care and support. Friends will be received at the Scarpelli Funeral Home, P.A., Cresaptown, on Thursday from 5 to 9 p.m. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated in St. Ambrose Catholic Church, Cresaptown, on Friday at 10 a.m. with Father Steve Fernades, O.F.M., Cap. as celebrant. Interment will be in Maryland State Veterans Cemetery, Rocky Gap, Flintstone. Pallbearers will be grandsons, Joseph Bascelli, Jordan Tichnell, Jason Turner, and Cullen Swank. |
It is with regret to inform of the death of Estella Yohman, mother of Retired MSP Captain David Yohman, 13622 Dixie Drive, Hagerstown, Maryland 21742 and Grand mother-in-law of MSP Corporal Phillip Martin of 12530 Ashton Road, Clear Spring, Maryland 21722. Below is the obituary:
Estelle ‘Stella’ Cheserena Yohman, age 90, of Uniontown, Pa., passed away peacefully on Friday, December 2, 2011 in Hillside Manor. She was born on July 7, 1921 in Crucible, Pa. Stella was the daughter of the late Peter Geni and Amelia (Regimantio) Geni
She was also preceded in death by her husband, Edward David Yohman.
Stella was a member of Saint Mary Nativity Roman Catholic Church and retired from the Watergate Hotel where she was a Food and Beverage Manager.
Left to cherish her memories are her son, David Yohman of Hagerstown, Md.; grandchildren, Tammy Watson and husband David and Theresa Martin and husband Phil of Hagerstown, Md.; great grandchildren, Cassidy Watson, Zachery Watson and Austin Martin; two sisters: Madelyn Yohman of Uniontown, Pa., Janet Califano of Florida; two brothers-in-law: William Yohman of New Salem, Pa., and Robert Yohman and wife Maxine of Valley City, Ohio; a sister-in-law, Mary Walsh of Phoenix, Ariz.; and many nieces and nephews.
Friends will be received in the STEPHEN R. HAKY FUNERAL HOME INC., 603 N o r t h Gallatin Avenue Extension, Uniontown, Pa., today (Sunday, December 4) from 7 to 9 p.m.
Visitation will continue on Monday, December 5, 2011 from 10 a.m. until 11 a.m. at SAINT MARY NATIVITY ROMAN CATHOLIC CHURCH. A Funeral Mass will follow at 11 a.m. at Saint Mary Nativity Roman Catholic Church with Rev. Father Stephen R. Bugay as Celebrant
Interment will follow at Mount Macrina Cemetery, Uniontown, Pa.
Your personal written tributes and memories are welcomed and encouraged at www.hakyfuneralhome.com
Submitted by Allen E. Swope
Dec 4 11
MSP Retiree Breakfast – 12/7/11
Our next breakfast will be on Wednesday, December 7, 2011 at Shoney’s Restaurant, Valley Mall, Halfway Blvd., Hagerstown. We will meet at 9:00AM.
Wally Malkiewicz will be unable to join us and eat with us. He is suffering from a sudden bursted appendix on his way back from Williamsburg on Saturday, December 3rd with his wife Rose. He has been operated on and is currently admitted to the Intensive Care Unit at Meritus Medical Center, Hagerstown, Maryland where no visitors are accepted. Updates will follow when received.
Up date 12/5/11
InfBetter news. Wally Malkiewicz has been transferred from intensive care to Room # 3316 Wing 3E at Meritus Medical Center, 11116 Medical Campus Road, Hagerstown 21742. He is in good spirits, walking and is generally improving from his emergency operation for a bursted appendix and resulting infection. It is expected he will be in the hospital at least 5 more days.
He would be glad to have visitors or a telephone call. His room telephone number is 240-469-6346 and he can also be called on his cell phone at the hospital – 301- 582- 8917.
Any further updates will follow.
Information submitted by Allen Swope
It is my sad duty to report that retired MSP and MTA Lodge 88 member Cpl. (Retired) Richard Wayne Poffenberger, Jr. died at the Meritus Medical Center in Hagerstown, Maryland today December 1st at about 5:00 am. The cause of death was reported as a heart attack. Our sincere condolences go out to the Poffenberger family.
Services for Cpl. (Retired) Richard Poffenberger, Jr. are as follows:
Viewing:
Sunday, December 4, 2011
1300-1600 hours, and
1800-2000 hours
Douglas A. Fiery Funeral Home
1331 Eastern Blvd.
Hagerstown, MD 21742
Funeral
Monday, December 5, 2011 at 1000 hours
Douglas A. Fiery Funeral Home
Burial
RestHavenCemetery
1601 Pennsylvania Ave.
Hagerstown, MD 21742
Reception following the burial
Clear Spring Fire Company
12323 Big Spring Rd.
Clear Spring, MD 21722
With deep sadness, below is the obituary for MSP Hagerstown Retired Corporal Richard Poffenberger Jr. son of MSP Retired TFC Richard Poffenberger Sr. of Hagerstown Barrack.
Richard Wayne Paul Poffenberger Jr., 51, of 11813 Big Spring Road in Clear Spring, Md., passed away Thursday, Dec. 1, 2011, at Meritus Medical Center.
Born Sunday, May 1, 1960, in Hagerstown, Md., he was the son of Richard Wayne Paul Poffenberger Sr. and Dorothy L. Golden Poffenberger of Hagerstown.
He graduated in 1978 from South Hagerstown High School, where he was president of his class.
He was employed as a corporal by the Maryland State Police K-9 Unit, retiring after 28 years of service. He was currently employed as sergeant by the Boonsboro Police Department, and at TWI Security for the IRS in Martinsburg, W.Va.
During his short time on this earth, Rich was a devoted family man, and touched many people’s lives through his many activities in the community. He will especially be missed by his many canine companions.
Besides his parents, he is survived by his wife, Teresa L. Poffenberger; daughters, Jamie Christina Poffenberger of Clear Spring, and Jordan Danielle Hayes and husband, Joel, of Clear Spring; sisters, Vickie Humphries of Boonsboro, Sherri Priest and husband, Tyler, of Hagerstown, and Kellie Poffenberger of Hagerstown; granddaughters, Julia Hayes and Mollie Hayes, both of Clear Spring; grandson, Wyatt Huntzberry of Clear Spring, and numerous nieces and nephews.
Nov 11 11
MTA 88 November 2011 Meeting
M.T.A. Lodge 88 Minutes
November 8, 2011
Barrack “O” Hagerstown, MD
In attendance: (6) President B. Blubaugh, Vice President R.S. Miller, Treasurer C. Steffy, Secretary S. Cain, D. Seiler, K. Cain, G.R Turano
This meeting, held at the Hagerstown Barrack, was called to order by President Blubaugh at 5:55 p.m.
President’s Report:
- President Blubaugh will be attending the Executive Board Meeting on November 15, 2011. Col Brown is still scheduled to attend. Notes from the Executive Board Meeting will be discussed at the next Lodge meeting on Dec 13, 2011.
Vice President’s Report:
Nothing to report
Treasurer’s Report:
- Account balances:
- Checking account: $13,232.85
- Community Donation Fund: $1,110.00
- Death Relief Fund: $7,118.00
- Recent Expenses
- $40.28 – Meal: Pizza from Dino’s
Secretary’s Report:
Nothing to report
New Business:
It is with great sadness that we report the death of Sgt. Steve Hassett (Ret.). Sgt Hassett passed on November 8th, 2011, at home with family. Funeral arrangements are as follows:
Viewing: Dailey’s Funeral Home, 1201 North Market St, Frederick, MD on Thursday, November 10, 2011 from 1500-1700 and 1900-2100.
Funeral: St. Johns, 116 East 2nd Street, Frederick, MD on Friday November 11, 2011 at 1100hrs. Interment will immediately follow at Glade Cemetery in Walkersville, MD.
Troopers are requested to wear Class “A” uniform with white gloves and to utilize marked MSP vehicles to the extent possible.
Details regarding the engraving and purchase of bricks from the soon to be “old” Hagerstown Barrack will be forthcoming. There is currently no date as to when the new building will be opened.
Major Turano was asked about the future of the Hagerstown Barrack PCO’s and if there was any possibility that the MSP would resume dispatching our personnel when the new Barrack is opened. There has been no decision made by Col. Brown reference this issue. Col Brown is waiting for the Washington County Sheriff’s Office to get all of their MDT’s on line to see if any airtime opens up. There has also been discussion with the Colonel and Lt. Colonel about the increased response time and lack of trooper safety since the combined dispatch was implemented. The outcome of these discussions is still uncertain.
.Old Business:
Raffle tickets for the Henry Golden Boy rifle should be available some time on November 9, 2011. The drawing will still be held at the Lodge meeting on January 10, 2012.
Good of the Order:
Nothing to report.
Next MTA Lodge 88 Meeting: Tuesday December 13th, 2011 at 6:00 p.m. This will be the Christmas celebration and will be held at the Western Sizzlin’ Restaurant. Family and guests are welcome.
Meeting adjourned at 6:20 p.m.
Minutes are respectfully submitted by Secretary Stacey Cain on November 9, 2011.