Columbia Association of the Police Department, City of New York

COLUMBIA NEWS

Hello all of Columbia, Welcome Back! I hope that you all have had an enjoyable and safe summer. From July 31, 2011 until August 5, 2011 the Columbia Association held its annual Lake George Trip. The weather was beautiful! All who attended this event had a wonderful time and the cherished moments with families will last a lifetime. Personally, I had a wonderful time with my family. This year, my brother John attended the event and had a spectacular time with his girlfriend Sue and her kids. Board Officer Tony Quagliariello attended the event with his family and had an excellent time. I would like to thank Columbia members Mark Marino and John Giangrasso along with their families for their continued support and for helping to make this year’s event successful.

On September 13, 2011 we held our nominations for the next Columbia Association Board of Officers. I am happy to announce that I was nominated as your President for another term. The

Columbia Association Board of Officers will do the very best job possible and continue to serve its members.

On September 29, 2011 we held our annual Columbia Association Cigars Under the Stars event at the beautiful Battery Gardens. It was an excellent event and everyone that attended had a wonderful time. There was a four-hour open bar, passed appetizers, a three course sit-down filet mignon dinner all topped off with coffee and deserts. There were plenty of top grade cigars at the event. I want to thank Louis Balsamo and Chris Pizzo and all of the Board Officers that attended and helped out that night for making it a successful event. I would be remiss if I did not thank John Giangrasso and the entire Patrolmen’s Benevolent Association Board for their continued support of the Columbia Association events. Unfortunately, I could not be there because I had to attend another event. It was my privilege and honor to be chosen as one of the Grand Marshals in the Howard Beach Columbus Day Foundation Parade. I attended the Howard Beach Columbus Day Foundation’s Gala. It was held at Russo’s on the Bay. I would also like to congratulate all of the other Howard Beach Columbus Day Foundation Grand Marshals and the Gala honorees. I would personally like to thank the President of the Howard Beach Columbus Day Foundation, Mario Faulisi, and his entire Board of Officers for bestowing this honor upon me. It was a humbling experience that my family and I will never forget.

On October 2, 2011 we held our 4th Annual Motorcycle Tour in remembrance of Detective Anthony J. Venditti. This year marked the 25th anniversary of Detective Anthony J. Venditti’s passing. The Columbia Association will never forget our fallen heroes. Detective Anthony J. Venditti’s mother, Anna Venditti, participated in this event and it was our honor to have her with us. The post-party barbeque was held at The Elks Lodge located at 3250 Richmond Avenue in Staten Island. Detective Anthony J. Venditti was one of the founders of the Blue Knights Bronx chapter. I would like to personally thank the Blue Knights for their participation in this event. A special thanks goes to Board Officer John Peruffo for making this event memorable.

On October 9, 2011 we held the annual Columbus Day Wreath Laying Ceremony in Columbus Circle. I want to thank all of the Columbia Association civil service groups that participated in this event and the Italian Consulate General, Natalia Quintavalle, for her attendance. Respectfully, congratulations are in order for the new Italian Consulate General, Natalia Quintavalle Auguri. The Columbia Association wishes Natalia the very best in all of her future endeavors. A special thanks to Joseph A. Guagliardo, the President of the National Council of Columbia Associations in Civil Service, for coordinating the entire event.

On October 10, 2011 we held our Columbus Day Parade on 5th Avenue. The Columbia Association celebrated mass at Saint Patrick’s Cathedral with the Most Reverend Timothy M. Dolan, the Archbishop of New York. We then gathered on 47th Street and 5th Avenue. This year’s Columbus Day Parade was a huge success! The weather was beautiful. I think it hit 85 degrees on the thermometer. I want to take this opportunity to thank this year’s Columbia Association’s Columbus Day Parade Grand Marshal, New York State Assemblyman, Peter J. Abbate Jr., for accepting the Grand Marshal honor and marching in the parade with us. New York State Assemblyman, Peter J. Abbate, Jr., a lifelong resident of Bensonhurst, Brooklyn, has been elected by the people of Dyker Heights, Bath Beach, Bensonhurst and Borough Park to represent them in the New York State Assembly since 1986. He is currently the Chairman of the Assembly Committee on Governmental Employees, a position he was elevated to in 2002 after serving as Chairman of the Committee on Real Property Taxation and the Committee on Cities. Additionally, he is the Chairman of the Subcommittee on Safety in the Workplace, a member of the Assembly Workers’ Compensation Task Force and a member of the Distressed Cities Task Force. He is treasurer of the New York Conference of Italian American State Legislators.

His standing committee assignments are Aging, Banks, Consumer Affairs and Protection and Labor. His outstanding work in the community has brought him honors from the Coalition of Italian American Associations. He was honored as “Man of the Year” by the Federation of Italian American Organizations of Brooklyn and the Council of Neighborhood Organizations. We want to thank him for his support of the men and women in the New York City Police Department Columbia Association. I also would like to express my gratitude to the following people who marched with the Columbia Association along 5th Avenue; The Mayor of New York City, Michael Bloomberg, Brooklyn Criminal Court Judge, Honorable George Grasso, the New York City Police Commissioner, Honorable Raymond W. Kelly, the First Deputy Commissioner, Rafael Pineiro, the Chief of Department, Joseph J. Esposito, the Chief of Organized Crime Control Bureau, Anthony J. Izzo, the Chief of Internal Affairs, Charles V. Campisi, Chief of Manhattan South, Executive Officer, John A. Sassano, and the Chief of the Queens Detectives, Louis M. Croce, Jr. I would like to thank the Italian Police Officers that marched in the Columbus Day Parade from different parts of New York, such as Suffolk County, Nassau County and different parts of this country, such as New Jersey, Boston and Connecticut. I would like to thank the Police Officers that marched from different countries, such as France and especially the Italian Carabinieri and the Italian Polizia di Stato. I would be remiss if I did not thank the whole Columbus Citizens Foundation that puts this whole Columbus Day Parade together. Most of all I would like to thank all the members of the Columbia Association who marched along 5th Avenue and showed support to their organization. The luncheon held this year took place at Wallace Hall. This was a brand new location and it was enjoyed by all that attended. The air conditioning was an excellent touch! I would like to thank Cono Colombo, the owner of LaLocanda Restaurant in Brooklyn, who catered the event. The food was excellent. The event would not have been a success if not for the generous donation made by Jason Rapport of ICC Mortgage Services. The Columbia Association would like to express its biggest gratitude to Manny Rossi and his family for all that was done to make this event a successful one.

On October 16, 2011 the Columbia Association attended the re-dedication of Detective Anthony J. Venditti Square located on Myrtle Avenue and Saint Nicholas Avenue in Ridgewood, Queens. The square was revitalized. The most recent project created more open design elements and planting areas around the plaza. The Detective Anthony J. Venditti Clock Tower is finally working after being broken for several years. On the memorial plaque is the inscription “Down these mean streets a man must go who is not himself mean; who is neither tarnished nor afraid”. As a final touch to the Venditti Square Clock, the Myrtle Avenue Business Improvement District is investing in the installation of a Carillon that will play Westminster chimes on the quarter hour. It was a moving ceremony with Detective Anthony J. Venditti’s mother, Anna Venditti, his wife Patricia and their four daughters in attendance. The end of the year is right around the corner! It is the time of year for happy events. Take the time out to enjoy family and friends during this holiday season. The Columbia Association would like to wish all of their members a Happy Thanksgiving. The next General Meeting will be held on Tuesday November 22, 2011 at the Italian Charities of America building located at 83-20 Queens Boulevard. There will be 10 turkeys raffled off at this meeting.

Let us push for memberships! If you have not paid your dues for 2011 please see your delegate or any Board Officer and support your organization. The expression goes: “we are only as strong as our weakest link”. You can download a membership application on the Columbia website which is www.nypdcolumbia.org. You can now register online through NYCAPS Employee Self-Service (ESS) for automatic payroll deduction for membership in the Columbia Association. The website is www.nyc.gov/ESS. We are the first fraternal group that has automatic payroll deductions for its members. Please take advantage of this historic option! Instructions on how to get registered for the automatic payroll deduction are on the Columbia Association’s website.

Until next time, stay true to the Columbia Association.

Affiliated with the National Council of Columbia Associations

In Civil Service, Inc. and the National Coalition of Italian American Law Enforcement Organizations

Fraternity n Integrity n Charity

VOL. 45, NO. 5 September — October 2011 SINCE 1932 ONLINE ISSUE

Our President’s Message...

PAGE 2 Columbia News September– October 2011

Editor’s Spot New York City Police Department Columbia Association

Board of Officers wwwnypdcolumbia.org

Executive Board President ..................................Anthony Cesarano........................ (212) 620-8930 1st Vice President ....................Rich Angeletti...............................(718) 822-5815 2nd Vice President ...................Paul A. Capotosto.........................(212) 226-2180 Executive Secretary .................R.J Coleman................................. (212) 258-2840 Treasurer ..................................Kendra Damante......................... (718) 972-7871 Recording Secretary.................Christopher Pizzo......................... (718) 657-8181 Corresponding Secretary .........Tony Quagliariello........................ (646) 210-9170 Sergeant At Arms .....................Frank Tornetti...............................(212) 239-9801 Editor ........................................Emanuel Rossi............................ (845) 902-0175

Financial Secretaries Manhattan …………….……...Anthony Burgio……………….… (212) 741-4811

Brooklyn……………….……..Louis Balsamo…………………... (718) 965-6336

Queens …………………….....Matthew Cioffi………………….. (718) 476-7595

Bronx………………………....Steven Berger…………………… (718) 548-1250

Staten Island ………………....John Peruffo……………..……… (718) 876-7606

Retiree’s………………….…..Nat Infurna……………………… (516) 747-1389

Life Member………………….Phil Repaci Sr…………………... (718) 758-4475

Trustees Manhattan………………...….Russ Maturo…………………...…(212) 239-9801

Manhattan………………...….Louis Corrente………………...…(212) 477-9275

Manhattan…………………….Andrew Carraro…………………(212) 927-3200

Brooklyn……………………..Sal Ferrante…………………..….(718) 875-6850

Brooklyn…………………......Vincent Aprea……………………(718) 629-1220

Brooklyn……………………..Michael Mongelli………………..(516) 732-5961

Queens…………………….…Stephen Salazer………………….(718) 533-2011

Queens…………………….…Dyanne Marzano…..…………….(718) 279-5200

Bronx………………………...Richard Citarella…………...…….(718) 292-6161

Bronx………………………...Rocco Ruscitto…………………..(914) 755-0606

Staten Island ………………...Michael Alfieri...………..……… (917) 575-0009

Citywide………………….....Alessandro Pizzirusso…………….(718) 876-8959

Directors & Advisors Special Assistant to the President: Phil Panzarella …..……….…(631) 965-7290

Public Affairs................................John DelGaudio.......................(718) 494-3801

Travel............................................John Martini............................(718) 848- 1858

Health……………………………Dr. Brian Mignola…...………(718) 816-9056

Legal…………………………….Stuart Salles…..……………...(212) 267-9090

Legal…………………………….James Moschella…..…………(212) 233-3800

Spiritual……………………DC Msgr. Robert Romano…….…..(646) 610-6472

Spiritual………………………...Msgr. David Cassato….………(718) 259-9146

Past Presidents

Frank Ventura…………………….…………………………...… (212) 610-6910

Paul DiGiacmo……………………....………………………..….(212) 587-1000

Giovanni Porcelli………………………………………………....(718) 702-2200

Stephen P. Chiarini.........................................................................(516) 887-5737

John Bucalo....................................................................................(631) 669- 9023

Vincent Colangelo..........................................................................(516) 795-5095

Pasquale Cama................................................................................(718) 463-0797

Pantalea Palladino...........................................................................(914) 968-7892

Hon. Mario Biaggi...........................................................................(718) 796-9708

To my fellow brothers and sisters, I hope your summer was truly enjoy-able as mine was to me, unfortunately as the old cliché goes “the party is over”. Before we know it the year will be gone as summer is coming to a close and fall is rapidly approaching. With the changing of the seasons, I am beginning to reflect on this summer with fond memories. During this sum-mer I had the pleasure of playing an old sport at one of the Association’s func-tions. The sport I am talking about is of course, “Bocce”. I hold this sport near and dear to my heart as I had played it

often with my father prior to his passing four years ago. During this particular game, some of the guys on the team were novice in their “Bocce” experience. Those who were well-seasoned in their “Bocce” talents explained to them how the game is played. This reminded me of how my father showed me the ins and outs of the game. Playing “Bocce” may seem like not such a big deal, but for me, it was one of the standout times of my summer. I had a blast knocking the other team out, having to bring out credit cards as measuring tools because we didn’t have a string handy, improvising and sharing laughs. We had so much fun that it was suggested by Richie that the Association hold a picnic/Bocce tournament in the future. I truly think this is a great idea!

Another game I used to play with my father was “Scopa”. I recently was able to play a few hands of this entertaining Italian card game. Referring to Wikipedia, Scopa is “an Italian fishing card game and one of the two major national card games in Italy. It is also popu-lar in Brazil, brought in by Italian immigrants, mostly in the Scopa di Quindici variation. It is played with a standard Italian 40-card deck, mostly between two players or four in two partnerships, but it can also be played by 3, 5, or 6 players. The name is an Italian verb mean-ing "to sweep", since taking a scopa means "to sweep" all the cards from the pool. Watching a game of scopa can be a highly entertaining activity, since games traditionally involve lively, colorful, and some-what strong-worded banter in between hands. However, skill and chance are more important to the outcome of the game.” Playing such games like “Scopa” and “Bocce” truly bring be back to my Italian heritage. I am very thankful that the little things like these can make me feel so close to home and family. I encourage all my fellow broth-ers and sisters to keep a look out for a future Bocce game and a quick game of Scopa before or after a meeting.

Looking forward to creating new memories in the fall,

2011 Bocce game L/R: Bx Trustee Richard Citarella, Bklyn Trustee Sal Ferrante, Editor Manny Rossi, 1st Vice President Rich Angeletti and on his back Michael his son, past President John Bucalo and past board officer Pat Mendola. Not shown is Queens F/S Matt Cioffi. (The winners were myself and Sal) better try next year guys...

PAGE 3 Columbia News September– October 2011

Financial Secretaries Corner

Manhattan Anthony Burgio Great turnout at the Police Academy for Recruitment day we signed up over 100 new members thank you all that helped out.

Brooklyn Louis Balsamo (Mr. Italy) Hello My Brooklyn Paisans, Hope everyone had a great summer like I did. The newly elected Brooklyn Financial Secretary will be Salvatore Ferrante. For those of you who attended the Columbus Day Parade this year I thank you. The weather was perfect, our new hall was awesome and the food was delicious. Re-member the delegates’ party is in late December so check your email frequently. Don’t forget to check out brand new redes-igned website. I look forward to seeing you all at our meetings. The next meeting is November 22 just before Thanksgiving.

Our top delegate this year so far is Vincent Dauge of Narcotics Borough Brooklyn North and right behind him is Mary Ann Petrizzo of the 73 Pct.. Thank you Vinny and Mary Ann. Thank god for Brooklyn North.

Queens Matthew Cioffi Greetings from Queens ! Atten-tion all delegates: please return any and all outstanding dues. Also I hope that your Columbus day parade ways truly amazing as mine was. Finally , I have a very special upcoming event that I hope as many mem-bers and friends are able to participate in . It is a street renaming in honor of P.O. Vito Mauro of the 67 pct, who passed away from an illness sustained from his work at Ground Zero. Vito was a great police officer and a great patriot who served in the United States Marine Corps. Vito was also an active Co-lumbian member who marched in almost every Parade even his last one before he passed away. That Vito made the effort to

leave his bed even as he was battling cancer is a testament to his loyalty and love to the Columbian association. God bless you Vito

Financial Secretaries Corner

Bronx Steven Berger To my fellow Bronx Columbia members,

This past Monday, October 10th, 2011 marked another successful year at the Columbus Day Parade, with a great luncheon for our members, friends and family. Although our organization is strong, it can be stronger. Membership is the back-bone to this organization for the past and the future. I ask any member of the Columbia Association to recruit any members of the NYPD with Italian heritage and tell them to give us a try.

Staten Island John Peruffo The summer is over and fall is here. What a summer it was to remember. Good-bye to Hurricane Irene. The Det.Anthony J. Venditti memorial Motorcycle event was memo-rable. Pray NO snow. All the best to our mem-bers.

Life Member Phil Repaci Sr. Well another summer has passed and and we are entering autumn. Sunday the 25th of September we marched down Cross Bay Blvd in the Howard Beach Columbus Day Parade. This year we as Columbians were very proud as our President was Grand Marshal. It was a prestigious event and I would like to thank the retired life members for attending and supporting the President.

PAGE 4 Columbia News September– October 2011

2011 Columbia Association Summer BBQ

NYPD COLUMBIA ASSOCIATION ANNUAL CHILDREN’S

CHRISTMAS PARTY

LOCATION: ITALIAN CHARITIES BUILDING

83-20 QUEENS BLVD

DATE:

SUNDAY, DECEMBER 11TH, 2011

CHRISTMAS MASS STARTS AT 10:00 A.M.

PARTY STARTS 11:00 A.M.

MUSIC, FOOD, GAMES AND

AN APPEARANCE BY SANTA HIMSELF WITH TOYS FOR THE KIDS.

CONTACT DET. KENDRA DAMANTE @ 347-247-3327 and

DET. STEVEN BERGER @ 917-440-6206 FOR MORE INFORMATION

PAGE 5 Columbia News September– October 2011

Two of our board officers patrolling the city sky Det. Vincent Aprea, Aviation Unit and P.O. Dyanne Marzano,

111 Pct.

Vinny will be flying Santa in from the North Pole for the Christmas party

PAGE 6 Columbia News September– October 2011

PAGE 7 Columbia News September– October 2011

COLUMBUS DAY PARADE

OCTOBER 08th, 2012

NYPD Columbia Association

Please take note of our NEW location NEXT YEAR

**Church of St. Ignatius Loyola**

WALLACE HALL

980 Park Ave. & 84th St.

See the NEW Columbia Association Web Page for more photos…

nypdcolumbia.org

PAGE 8 Columbia News September– October 2011

Health & Fitness Section Study: 9/11 Firefighters at Higher Risk for Cancer 10 Years Later, Illness Rates High Among Many First Responders By Denise Mann WebMD Health News

Reviewed by Laura J. Martin, MD

Sept. 1, 2011 -- Sept. 11, 2011, will mark the 10-year anniversary of the terror attacks on the World Trade Center in New York City and the Pentagon in Washington, D.C. For many, the

physical and mental scars are still very real. Two new studies in the Lancet show just how real these health effects are for our first responders. Male firefighters who were at Ground Zero are

19% more likely to develop cancer than firemen who were not at the site. This finding directly contradicts a federal report released in July that found there was not enough evidence to link

toxins from the fallen towers to increased cancer rates among the firefighters. This means that cancer would not be covered as a medical issue under funds set aside to help with the medical

bills of first responders and volunteers. Another study shows that rescue and recovery workers are still experiencing breathing issues and mental health problems one decade after exposure to

the toxic dust and debris at Ground Zero.

Firefighters at WTC Face Greater Cancer Risk

There were 263 firemen at Ground Zero who were diagnosed with cancer in the first seven years after Sept. 11, 2011. This is more than would be expected in the general population of

same-aged men, and more than what is seen among firefighters who were not at the disaster site. The study only looked at male firefighters. It did not include other groups of people

who were also exposed. It also only tracked firemen for seven years. This may not be long enough to get a firm handle on any potential increased risk for cancer, the researchers say.

“Prior to our study, very little was known about the 9/11-cancer connection,” researcher Mayris Webber says in an email. She is a senior epidemiologist at the WTC Medical Monitoring

& Treatment Program in New York. This study comes in the wake of the $4.3 billion James Zadora 9/11 Health and Compensation Act that was passed last December. This bill provides

health care to 9/11 first responders for a host of illnesses thought to be related to time spent at Ground Zero. As stated, cancer care was not included in this bill, to great controversy.

Going forward, it may be, Webber says. “The bill requires periodic review of scientific and clinical data to determine if cancer or certain types of cancer should be added to the applicable

list of WTC-related health conditions,” she says. But not everyone is convinced that cancer risk is higher among first responders. “The firefighter study goes against everything that has been

known until this point, including the findings of studies funded by the federal government,” says Jeff Stier, a senior fellow at the National Center for Public Policy Research. His

organization is a conservative think tank based in Washington, D.C. “This is an emotionally driven issue and everyone wants to help the heroes,” he says. But “we should not turn a blind

eye to the science just because we have affinity toward the heroes.” The second Lancet study included 27, 449 people who took part in the WTC Medical Monitoring and Treatment Program.

After nine years, rescue and recovery workers are at risk for:

Asthma

Chronic sinus infection

Acid reflux/heartburn

Depression

Anxiety

Panic attack

Posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD), which can develop after witnessing or surviving a traumatic event, such as the terror attacks. Symptoms may include vivid flashbacks and sleeping

difficulties, including nightmares. The more time the responders spent at Ground Zero, the greater their risk for most of these health issues, the study showed.

Jacqueline Moline, MD, chair of population health at North Shore University Hospital in Manhasset, N.Y., was one of the researchers of this study. “We shouldn't have to justify that these

people are still sick anymore. They are.” Furthermore, “We need to keep following these people and keep treating them,” she says. Another study researcher, Juan P. Wisnivesky, MD,

agrees. “We need to continue to periodically follow rescue and recovery workers with physical and mental health examinations to ensure early diagnosis and appropriate treatment of

WTC-related conditions,” says Wisnivesky, who serves as the vice chair for research in the department of medicine at Mount Sinai School of Medicine in New York City. This includes

amped-up prevention efforts, he says. “We should make sure these workers receive state-of-the-art preventive medicine (including screening for cancer) to minimize the potential impact of

exposure,” he says. “Many responders have lung function abnormalities, so effective smoking cessation efforts should be key in this population, particularly among those who were exposed

the most.” As far as the controversial cancer-9/11 link, “We need to do more research in this area and continue to follow up rescue and recovery workers,” Wisnivesky says. “It is difficult to

assess rates of cancer and find appropriate comparison populations.” What’s more, “many cancers have a relatively long latency and may not be diagnosed for many years after exposure,” he

says. “We need to be vigilant about this potential consequence of exposure.” Mental Health Problems Build Up, Linger Many of the first responders are also still coping with the emotional

aftermath of the terror attacks. Depression, anxiety, panic, and other symptoms may stick around for a long time, says Anand Pandya, MD. Today Pandya is the interim chair of psychiatry at

Cedars-Sinai Medical Center in Los Angeles. In 2001, he was working at Ground Zero. “Some people get better and others don’t,” he says. “We know that a lot of people may have symp

toms for years before acknowledging that they really interfere with life.” PTSD can appear at any time after a trauma, he says. Help is available and this study shows that it is still needed, he

says. E.J. Suh, PhD, assistant professor of clinical psychology at Columbia University School of Medicine in New York, says that she still sees people who need help coping with the linger

ing effects of the terror attacks. “It is an ongoing recovery in terms of New Yorkers who were affected by 9/11

We will never forget

Restaurant Corner

Home Cooking A recipe from past board officer

Det. William Petraglia

PAGE 9 Columbia News September– October 2011

TRADITIONAL OSSO BUCCO:

2 pounds veal shanks, cut into short lengths 1/4 cup flour

1/4 cup Butter 2 cloves garlic, crushed 1 large onion, chopped 1 large carrot, chopped 2/3 cup dry white wine

2/3 cup beef stock 1 (14.5 ounce) can diced tomatoes

salt and pepper to taste

1/2 cup chopped fresh parsley 1 clove garlic, minced

2 teaspoons grated lemon zest

Directions:

Dust the veal shanks lightly with flour. Melt the but-ter in a large skillet over medium to medium-high heat. Add the veal, and cook until browned on the outside. Remove to a bowl, and keep warm. Add

two cloves of crushed garlic and onion to the skillet; cook and stir until onion is tender. Return the veal to the pan and mix in the carrot and wine. Simmer for

10 minutes. Pour in the tomatoes and beef stock, and season

with salt and pepper. Cover, and simmer over low heat for 1 1/2 hours, basting the veal every 15 min-

utes or so. The meat should be tender, but not falling off the bone.

In a small bowl, mix together the parsley, 1 clove of garlic and lemon zest. Mix into the veal just before

serving.

Manny...I'd recommend this served over a nice bed of Fettuccine.

Bill - Chief of Detectives Office ...Ciao!!

The New Cats Café is an interesting place to visit, located on 2027 Emmons Ave #8 in Brooklyn, NY. Allow me to tell you about what a great time I had there. I took my family to New Cats after a sum-mer trip to the New York Aquarium. After a long day of looking at aquatic life, we were ready to dig into some grub! It was also a time to celebrate my daughter, Elena's, thirteenth birthday. The staff at New Cats treated us like gold! A quote from the menu reads, "The aromas of French cuisine and the nuance of fine wines. They are the ingredients of a special dining experience that is New Cats Café. From a casual lunch or special night out to an impor-tant business meeting, New Cats Café invites you to experience the warmth and elegance that is sure to stir your senses." My family and I decided to enjoy our dinner in the outside dining area with great views of the water ahead. The indoor area is beauti-fully decorated with dark undertones making it a cozy and romantic environment. We ordered some drinks from an interesting drink menu as well as some delectable appetizers. The hummus appetizer

was passed around and enjoyed by all. While my younger daughters sipped on "virgin" daiquiris, the "of-agers" sipped on some delicious alcoholic drinks with some very humorous names. Then our main courses arrived - there was fish, duck, and steak - all wonderful dishes. We could barely find room for dessert but of course it was Elena's birthday! The whole staff joined in on singing "Happy Birthday" and Elena was able to blow out some candles. We ended the night with a very strong and warming cup of coffee and headed home after a wonderful evening spent together. If you are ever in the Coney Island area, I suggest visiting this location - enjoying some low jazz playing in the background while trying some of the amazing dishes at The New Cats Café.

YOU NOW CAN DEDUCT YYOU NOW CAN DEDUCT YYOU NOW CAN DEDUCT YOUR DUES RIGHT FROM THE NYCAPS PAGE OUR DUES RIGHT FROM THE NYCAPS PAGE OUR DUES RIGHT FROM THE NYCAPS PAGE HERE ARE SOME HERE ARE SOME HERE ARE SOME

SIMPLE DIRECTIONS TOSIMPLE DIRECTIONS TOSIMPLE DIRECTIONS TO FOLLOW FOLLOW FOLLOW

• YOU MUST LOG INTO NYCAPS WITH YOUR USER I.D. AND PASSWORD.

• ONCE THERE SELECT DEDUCTION INFORMATION.

• YOU WILL NOW BE ON THE PAGE WITH SEVERAL OPTIONS. PICK NYPD FRATERNAL ORG. DUES.

• THE PAGE WILL MOVE TO “ENROLLMENT ” NOTE: IF YOU WISH MORE INFO ABOUT THE COLUMBIA

ASSOCIATION CHOOSE “FRATERNAL ORGANIZATION INFO” OR SIMPLY CHOOSE THE “ENROLL” BOX (SEE BELOW)

• THE NEXT PAGE AFTER THIS WILL BE “CONFIRM APPLICATION”, PRESS CONFIRM.

Congratulations now you’re a member... Just remember, signing up is for that year only. So if you sign up in November 2011, you still must pay in January 2012. After that you don't need to worry any further it’s taken care of each year. The City will be deducting the dues automatically till you retire. You must seek out your delegate at your precinct he/she will have a list of paid members and your new card.

ENROLL

PAGE 10 Columbia News September– October 2011

RETIRED DESK: By Nat Infurna

Retired Financial Secretary

MEMBERSHIP AS OF APR. 31, 2011 RETIRED.....................411 LIFE............................1120 DELINQUENT............. 32

Delinquent Members 2011 Don Aquino, Joe Lazarich, Joe Caldarera, Nick Ligreci, Ralph Carone, John Lombardo, Dom Colavito, Amelia Loretoni, Francis Coppola, John McCarthy, Tom DeFrancesco, John Picone, Tony Dimichele, Rich Pinto, Tom Frangipani, Gerry Pitti, Jamie Giambrone, Guy Gismondi, Lenny Santeufemia, Garry Gorton, Frank Squicciarini, Pete Inzerilla, Enrico Trongone, Mike Jioia, Neil Tuzzio. Scholarship Donation Life Member Al Uggeri Please consider donating your $400.00 death benefit to the scholarship fund for a one time tax deduction.

Prayer for the Sanctification of Illness Pray for Life Member Dom Cotugno: Sanctify, O Lord, the sickness of your servant, that the sense of his weakness may add strength to his faith and seriousness to his repentance; and grant that he may live with you in everlasting life; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

UNTIL THE NEXT ISSUE - CIAO!!

Retired Board Members

John Scalamandre & John Briganti

at National 10-13 Convention

Thanks Johnny Bee

**REMINDER** The association has a Facebook page

Columbia Association NYC

We have over 135 members logged in! It’s a great place to get updated information, to just chat, or to catch up on

what's happening. So don’t be shy - come join us on Facebook - see you there….

PAGE 11 Columbia News September– October 2011

Death Announcements

The Columbia Association Mourns The Loss Of: Pray for the repose soul of John Mione, father of retired P.O. Matt Mione. Pray for the repose soul of Annette Moribito wife of retired Sergeant Al Moribito. Pray for the repose soul of Carol Bonnie, mother of past board officer Ed Bonnie. Pray for the repose soul of life member Benjamin Dugo. Pray for the repose soul of Orsola D’Onofrio, grandmother of past board officer Detective John D’Onofrio. Pray for the repose soul of life member Louis DeMartino. Pray for the repose soul of Francesco Mezzoiuso former Police Officer in Sicily- he is the grandfa-ther of Gianfranco Mezzoiuso- A Columbian dele-gate at QN BLAST. Pray for the repose soul of Dora Sanez grandmother of Detective Rob Sanez CSU. Pray for the repose soul of retired Police Officer James Schneider.

Birth Announcements

Congratulations to Manhattan Trustee Police Officer Andrew Carraro and his wife on the birth of Nicholas Anthony born on Aug.

16th, 2011.. 8lbs. 9oz and 21-1/2 inches.

Congratulations to retired Police Office Vincent Yanni and his family on the birth of Vincent III born on 10/25/2011

7lbs. 15oz.

Congratulations to Sgt. Alessio Bono and Rosaria his wife. On their newborn son Angelo Joseph Bono, born July 19th, 2011

weighing in at 7Lbs. 8 oz. Alessio is assigned to Highway District A.I.S

Everyone LOOK it’s the birth of our NEW web page, it’s bigger and better than ever. I want to personally thank Frankie Q. for all his time and efforts in giving this organization our new look

THANKS Frank….so come and visit us at www.nypdcolumbia.org

PAGE 12 Columbia News September– October 2011

BIOS LIFE SLIM *LOWERS CHOLESTEROL

*LOWERS BLOOD SUGAR

*LOWERS TRIGLYCERIDES

*REDUCES YOUR APPETITE AND BURNS AWAY EXCESS FAT SO YOU LOSE WEIGHT

*ALL NATURAL NO STIMULANTS

TO ORDER OR QUESTIONS VISIT OUR WEBSITE FOR THE LINK

WWW.SLIMNYPD.COM

OR CALL DR. JAMES A. DI GIUSEPPI (718) 356-6955

A PORTION OF ALL SALES WILL BE DONATED TO THE NYPD COLUMBIA ASSOCIATION