M.T.A. Lodge 88 Minutes
October 11th, 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
This meeting, held at the Hagerstown Barrack, was called to order by President Blubaugh at 5:10 p.m.
President’s Report:
- o President Blubaugh attended the MTA Convention in Ocean City on October 1st and 2nd. Also in attendance were Lodge 88 members D. Caldwell (w/wife) and C. West (w/wife). It was noted that the convention has a wonderful Hospitality Room and that the hotel has many amenities including ice skating, restaurants and an ice cream parlor. The MTA store sets up a room and attendees receive free mini-golf and movie passes and other free gifts. There is also an all-u-can-eat dinner on Saturday night.
- o C. Sasse was elected as State Lodge Vice President
- o A proposal was brought forth at the MTA Convention that the Alumni, Aviation and MTA conventions be consolidated instead of each holding separate events as is currently done. The Carousel Hotel is very hospitable to police and is willing to help out in any way possible.
- o The MTA has a new website, www.mdtrooper.org , for the first log-in the user name will be “Md Trooper” and the password will be “admin”.
- o The MTA has introduced a new credit card. It is a Capital One Visa. Everyone is urged to apply for a card. Upon first purchase, the MTA will receive $50.00. The card has 0% interest for the first year and percentages back on purchases which can either be donated to the MTA or be received by the card holder.
- o The next MTA Board meeting will be held Nov 15, 2011. Col. Brown has been invited and at this point it appears he will be attending.
- o SLEOLA is currently in the bargaining process to possibly get a legal plan for members so that they can be represented during grievances, etc. Further, they are considering making the minutes to SLEOLA meetings available on their website.
- o President Blubaugh has been appointed to the Scholarship Board, which runs from January – March.
Vice President’s Report:
- V.P. Miller stated that there was no interest shown in the Executive Protection training. He contacted the MSP E.P. Unit but still there was no interest shown. V.P. Miller will be attending.
Treasurer’s Report:
- Account balances:
- Checking account: $13, 695.49
- Community Donation Fund: $1110.00
- Death Relief Fund: $7,118.00
- Recent Expenses
- $54.55 – Meal: AC & T
Secretary’s Report:
- Nothing to report
New Business:
- A motion was made by D. Seiler that any Lodge 88 officers that wish to go to the MTA Convention be fully reimbursed for the cost ($325-$350). The motion was passed.
- Discussion was held on any ideas to boost attendance at the monthly meetings. A motion was made by D. Bittinger that those attending the monthly lodge meetings be granted $15.00 per meeting attended, which would go toward the cost of attending the MTA convention. A running tally will be kept by Secretary S. Cain and will be posted by D. Seiler on the website. The motion was passed.
- Further to boost attendance, President Blubaugh announced that 50/50 drawings will soon be held at the monthly meetings.
- Friends of the NRA have donated a Henry, “Golden Boy”, .22 leaver action, NRA Limited Edition rifle to the Lodge for raffle on January 10, 2012. There will be 300 numbered tickets sold. The tickets should be available sometime the week of October 17th. There will be incentives for ticket sales: $100.00 gift card for the most sold and 1 free ticket for every 10 sold.
- The December 13th meeting will be held at the Western Sizzlin Restaurant at 6:00pm and will be the Christmas gathering. Members and Spouse/Guest will pay $5.00 each. Lodge 88 will pay the rest of the cost for the meal.
Old Business:
- President Blubaugh is still trying to locate a company that will engrave bricks from the current Barrack once it’s torn down. The bricks would then be available for sale.
Good of the Order:
- Steve Hassett is currently in very poor health. Caring Bridge has set up a webpage for anyone who would like to send wishes to the family or post a story involving Steve. https://www.caringbridge.org/visit/stevehassett If you know Steve, please visit the site.
Next MTA Lodge 88 Meeting: Tuesday November 8th, 2011 at the NEW TIME of 5:30p.m. To be held at the Hagerstown Barrack.
Meeting adjourned at 5:50 p.m.
Respectfully submitted by Secretary S. Cain
Sep 18 11
September 2011 Meeting Minutes
M.T.A. Lodge 88 Minutes
September 13th, 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
This meeting, held at the Hagerstown Barrack, was called to order by President Blubaugh at 4:52 p.m.
President’s Report:
- President Blubaugh congratulated the new officers
- Last month’s MTA meeting held at the Potomac River Fish and Game Club went well. Attendance was high and the food and camaraderie were enjoyed by all.
- There will be no MTA Executive Board meeting in Pikesville this month. This month’s meeting will be combined with the Ocean City meeting at the end of September.
- The Children’s Village Golf tournament was still played on September 9th, in the rain/wind. It was cancelled after 9 holes. All who participated received a free round of golf at Black Rock.
Vice President’s Report:
- V.P Miller advised that there is training available in Advanced S.W.A.T. with an emphasis on Executive Protection. The training will be held October 17th through the 21st. MTA members may be eligible to receive assistance with the $400.00 tuition. Anyone interested should contact V.P. Miller.
Treasurer’s Report:
- Account balances:
- Checking account: $13,786.95
- Community Donation Fund: $1,110.00
- Death Relief Fund: $7,119.00
- Recent Expenses
- $28.33 – Meal: Pizza from Pizza Hut
- $8.58 – Snacks: Shell Station
Secretary’s Report:
- Nothing to report
New Business:
- No new business
Old Business:
- No old business
Good of the Order:
- As a reminder to all, the MTA meeting held at the Bittinger Family River Lot, Potomac Fish and Game Club, is a benefit for MTA members only. Current dues paying members are welcome to enjoy the day. Non-members are asked to refrain from attending.
Next MTA Lodge 88 Meeting: Tuesday October 11th, 2011 at 4:30p.m. To be held at the Hagerstown Barrack.
Meeting adjourned at 5:05 p.m.
Respectfully submitted by Secretary Stacey Cain on September 16, 2011.
Aug 21 11
Ceremonies for Tom Keckler
Tom Keckler’s Celebration of Life events for August 27, 2011 2:00 PM
Former State Police Corporal Thomas Keckler’s Celebration of Life Ceremony will be held at Holy Trinity Lutheran Church located at 201 East Main Street Sharpsburg, Md. 21782 at 2:00 PM.
At 5:00 P.M. there will be an informal catered dinner at the FOP Lodge 88 Clubhouse, where Tom’s friends and acquaintances can gather and share a meal in celebration of Tom’s life.
Aug 18 11
Death of Thomas Keckler
It is with sadness that I report the sudden death of Thomas Keckler, retired Maryland State Police. Tom died today while riding his bicycle 9 miles from his home in Great Cacapon, West Virginia. The preliminary indications are that Tom died from natural causes. His remains were transported to Morgantown West Virginia for an autopsy.
Keeping with Tom’s wishes, no formal viewing or funeral will be held and his remains will be cremated. There will be a memorial service in his honor on a later date. Details will be posted on the MTA Lodge website www.mta88.org when these arrangements are known.
Feel free to add comments of condolences to this post.
Aug 10 11
Annual River Meeting (UPDATE)
Hello everyone,
The official date of the Bittinger River meeting will be held on AUGUST 23, 2011. The cookout will start around 1400hrs but the official meeting and election of new officers will take place at 1630hrs. Please contact any Lodge 88 members that you know and make them aware of the meeting date and time. I know there are some out there who do not have internet. I look forward to seeing everyone at the River.
Thanks,
Brian Blubaugh
Aug 5 11
Annual River/ Steak feed
I am posting this message to advise everyone that the River Meeting has to be changed due to the death of a close friend of the Bittinger’s. There will be a regular meeting on August 9th at the Hagerstown Bk at 1630hrs. The river meeting is probably going to be moved to August 23rd but we will get an exact date as soon as possible. Please let everyone know about the change that usually attends the Steak feed at the river.
Thanks, Brian Blubaugh
Jul 29 11
Lodge President Election
Just for everyone’s information, I will be asking for your vote as the Lodge 88 President at the August river meeting. I have talked to Brian Kloos and I’m willing to accept the position if I get the vote. I will be giving up the Treasurer position and we will be needing someone to step up to the plate and take over that job. I will help the new Treasurer with a smooth transition into the position. I was thinking about Charlie West for the Treasurer position if he is interested.
Thanks,
Brian Blubaugh
Jul 13 11
Hassett Thank You Letter
May 20th 2011
M. Kirk Daugherty -President
Maryland Troopers Association
1300 Reisterstown Road
Pikesville, MD 21208
Dear Friends:
I wish to express my sincere and humble appreciation to the Maryland Troopers Association, the Executive Board and individual lodges for the support given me, both financial and otherwise, which provided me and my family an appreciation gathering at Martin’s, Walkersville, MD, on May 16th 2011.
Until I heard comments at the ceremony itself, describing the efforts of those at the MTA who made this event possible, I was unaware of the measures taken to make it possible. In fact, I was informed only days before the event that it was planned to occur, and until I was brought to the event, I had no idea the size, scope, and, quite frankly, the purpose of the gathering. I am acutely aware of the financial resources required to allow for a function like this and am humbled that anyone would consider me worthy. Despite my efforts since then, I have been unable to discover the identity of all of those responsible because they politely refuse to reveal themselves. I hope this letter serves to at least acknowledge the involvement of the members of the MTA, without whose support, the event would likely not have occurred.
In April 2006, I was diagnosed with Neuroendocrine Carcinoma, a very rare form of terminal cancer where 80% of those diagnosed do not survive 5 years. With the loving support of my family, friends, and co-workers, I have managed to continue on living as normal a life as possible and surpassed that milestone while continuing to work full time with MSP.
Throughout the last 5 years, I have received complete and total support and encouragement from members throughout the Department. I have been blessed with the good fortune of choosing a career that exposed me to so many people of exceptional character and virtue, a direct reason for the strength and determination which has motivated my continued survival to this point.
Until the last few weeks, I had intended to continue working for the foreseeable future, for as long as my health would allow. Very recently however, my health has rapidly declined , and I was informed that I should make final arrangements. Consequently, I will retire from MSP on July 15t 2011. Given the choice, I would begin my career anew and happily relive the last 26 ~ years at a vocation that I have loved. With few exceptions, I have enjoyed every minute of my experience as a trooper.
On behalf of my wife, Patty, my children and elderly parents, and my large extended family, thank you for providing us such a wonderful event, the memories of which I hope will long endure and serve as a source of strength and encouragement to my family and friends for years to come.
Sincerely,
Stephen J. Hassett
Sergeant (soon to be retired) MSP
Jul 13 11
July 2011 Meeting Minutes
M.T.A. Lodge 88 Minutes
July 12th, 2011
Barrack “O” Hagerstown, MD
In attendance: (8) President B. Kloos, Vice President D. Seiler, Treasurer B. Blubaugh Excused, Secretary J. Barnes Excused, P. Morris, Ed Schlotterbeck, Edie Burke, Chris Barnard, Major Turano, Stacey Wallace
This meeting, held at the Hagerstown Barrack, was called to order by President Kloos at 4:30 p.m.
President’s Report:
- President Kloos advised that he attended the MTA Executive Board Meeting on June 21. He reviewed the MTA Finance Committee’s Report dated July 6, 2011 with members in attendance. He also requested that a “Thank You Letter” from Stephen Hassett be posted on the MTA 88 website.
Vice President’s Report:
- V.P. Seiler as always urged members to spread the word that all Lodge communication is conducted via email and the Lodge website. If you have not already signed onto www.mta88.org please do so to get current information about lodge activities. For any members not receiving information, have them email Dan at: Dan.seiler@copscorp.com.
Treasurer’s Report: (Information presented by President Kloos)
-
Account balances:
- Checking account: $13, 992.98
- Community Donation Fund: $910.00
- Death Relief Fund: $7,377.00
- Checking account: $13, 992.98
-
Recent Expenses
- $48.00 – Meal: Subs
- $48.00 – Meal: Subs
Secretary’s Report:
- Nothing to report
New Business:
- No new business.
Old Business:
No old business.
- Request for donation: None
- Reminders:
- The August meeting, the Cecil Bittinger Memorial Meeting, will again be held at the Potomac Fish & Game Club on August 9th. The activities start at 2:00 PM and the lodge business meeting will be held at 4:00 PM. This is a free stake and crab feed for members only. A gun will be raffled off after business meeting and you must be present to win.
Good of the Order:
- The retirement luncheon held on July 7th, 2011 at 11:00am at the Hagerstown Barrack for TFC Jonathan Crawford was a big success. Special thanks to Ruth Shawyer and others who made this lunch very special.
Next MTA Lodge 88 Meeting: Tuesday August 9th, 2011 at 4:00p.m. To be held at the Potomac Fish & Game Club.
Meeting adjourned at 5:00 p.m.
Respectfully submitted by Dan Seiler – 7/12/11.
Jun 29 11
WMTA Scholarship Winner
Stephen Coccodrilli
Congratulations to Stephen R. Coccodrilli this year’s Western Maryland Troopers Association scholarship winner. Stephen is a graduate of North Hagerstown High School and will be going to the University of Pittsburg this fall. Stephen will major in Criminal Justice and will be following in his father’s foot-steps with a career in law enforcement. Stephen is the son of retire Maryland State Trooper Ronald Coccodrilli.
Good luck in college…