Message From The President
By Thomas Willhite

Brother and Sisters, I am overwhelmed and proud of the way our Lodge is growing in numbers. We have 137 new members who have never belonged to the FOP, this brings our membership total to 228 regular members and 23 associates.

There is an article in the Peace Officer, the State Lodge magazine in regards to the need for new members, by Vice-President John Kirkpatrick, “Wanted Active Members”. A quote from Vice-President Kirkpatrick’s article; “Do you know what goes on in your local lodge? Take the time to find out! Don’t like what goes on in your local lodge? Change it! You can not do it by sitting at home complaining or not caring”.

I have a very distinct feeling the members of Lodge 187 do care!, and that is why we are having great turnouts at our monthly meeting. Please keep up the good work of bringing in new members and participating in monthly meetings.

In closing I would like to again thank the AMVETS Post #72 for their hospitality to the members of Central Macomb Lodge 187, God Bless and Thank You.

Sgt-At-Arms Daniel Heythaler presents Father Michael Cooney of St Peters Church in Mt Clemens an Honorary Mmeber plaque. Father Cooney was sworn in as a member at the January 8th, 2003 membership meeting. Father Cooney will also serve as Lodge Chaplain.

Secretary’s Report
By David Willis Jr.

I would like to start out by welcoming all the new members to the Lodge. There are a few people who have not paid their 2003 dues and late notices have been sent to them. The Lodge is in the process of starting up a web site (www.foplodge187.org), which should be on line in March. Keep in mind the Golf Outing on August 22nd, it is our big fund raiser for the year. We need hole sponsors and golfers. It’s first come on the golfing, so don’t delay and get your tickets early. If there are address changes or spelling errors, please contact me.

From the Executive Board

The following is a list of our members who are eligible for a Gold Card from our lodge. If your name does not appear on this list and you think it should, please contact the Lodge Secretary immediately. If your name does appear on this list please attempt to make the April 2nd meeting. National Trustee David Hiller will be on hand to pass out the cards. We will also take a group photo.

Treasurer’s Report
By Al Beindit

Hello fellow lodge members, best wishes for the New Year. Its starting out to be a busy but exciting year and the calendar of events is slowly filling in. The membership numbers are growing at a consistent pace with many new faces and many familiar colleagues, but most significant is the camaraderie had by all. Dues collection has ended and our check from the state has been received for our sales of the State FOP Super Raffle Tickets, which went well. Our financial year ending will be based on a fiscal year, ending June 30th, 2003. Soon after that date, I hope to have a budget to submit to the membership and executive board for 2003-2004.

Our monthly 50/50 raffle tickets sales are also doing well. Tickets are available at the end of each monthly meeting. It also appears that our lodge will have a nice showing at this year’s state convention as a direct result of our members.

Our Golf Outing is scheduled for August 22nd, and will be our biggest event this year. Information is now out, so organize your foursome for a day of fun. I’ll see you on the green!!

Get All that’s Yours

Now most members are aware that there is some monetary benefit with being a member of the FOP, this being the Accidental Death and Dismemberment Insurance. Now what I’m sure you didn’t know is that due to some recent changes you will not get the full $2000.00 unless a new form is on file with PLEA, the insurance carrier for this benefit. If you wish to receive the full amount entitled to you, you must fill out an insurance form; otherwise the benefit is cut by ½ to just $1,000.00.

Also, there was some question as to the eligibility of Associate members in this program. After checking with Art Dickinson of PLEA, I have discovered that Associate members are eligible and have full entitlement to these benefits, as long as there is a form on file with them.

FRATERNAL ORDER 0F OPLICE
LODGE #187
1ST Annual Golf Outing
Friday August 22, 2003

Check In 8:00am     Shotgun Start 9:30pm

Four Person Scramble
Cost $100.00 Per Golfer

Cracklewood Golf Club
18215 24 Mile Road
Macomb Twp

Cost Includes: 18 Holes of Golf With A Cart
Continental Breakfast-Lunch-Steak Dinner
Beer & Soft Drinks Served On The Course
Cocktails In The Club House From 2:30pm To 5:30pm

For Tickets or Additional Information Before August 8th, 2003:
Keith Ray
Bobbi Jo Craft
Thomas Willhite

Members Corner

The following is partial reprint of a letter received on January 10, 2003 from Brother Paul Pointer Sr. who now resides in Mesa Arizona:

I joined Lodge 112 in 1953- retired from Mt Clemens PD in 1977 with 25 years of service, and proudly can say that as of Sept 2002 I have been retired 25 years and hope to see many more.

I like the idea of a new Lodge for more reasons than one, Lodge 187 will be a shot in the arm for us old FOP members. As you can see I now live in Arizona and only return to Michigan once a year. I will support Lodge 187 as much as I can. I made a new FOP Lodge 187 file to keep all your letters in.

Sincerely,
Paul Pointer Sr.

Editors note: Paul has 50 years as a FOP member

AMVETS Post 72 Commander James Brain presents Lodge 187 President Tom Willhite with a FOP placard for Lodge 187 which will be affixed on the outside of their building.

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