November/December 2012 Newsletter

Columbia Association of the Police Department, City of New York

COLUMBIA NEWS

Hello all of Columbia, I hope that you all had a Happy Thanksgiving. The November General Meeting was exciting. There were ten turkeys that were raffled off. There was plenty to eat and the mood was festive. Members are preparing for the Christmas season. Cono Colombo, the owner of La Loconda Restaurant, did another wonderful job preparing the food for the November General

Meeting. A year has transpired since the vote to increase the annual membership dues from $20.00 to $25.00 was passed. On Sunday November 25, 2012, the Columbia Association attended the Associazione Nazionale Carabinieri Sezione di New York’s 42nd annual Dinner Dance at Maestro’s in the Bronx. We would like to congratulate all of the honorees, but especially one of our very own, the Columbia Association’s 1st Vice-President Sergeant Richard Angeletti. Also, the 1st Vice-President of the New York City Patrolmen’s Benevolent Association, Police Officer John Puglissi. Officer Puglissi was also a past Man of the Year recipient of the Association. Congratulations and Buona Fortuna! On Friday November 30, 2012, the Columbia Association held its annual “Cigars Under the Star’s” event at the lovely Battery Gardens Restaurant in lower Manhattan. Everyone that attended had a wonderful time. Cigars were enjoyed along with a delicious filet minion steak dinner. The staff at Battery Gardens did an excellent job attending to everyone’s needs. I would like to thank board officers Chris Pizzo and Louis Balsamo for their hard work and for putting this whole event together. I would also like to thank board officer Rocco Ruscitto for DJ’ing the event. A special thanks to board officer Andrew Carraro for taking all of the pictures. Lastly, I would like to thank board officer Anthony Burgio and Russell Maturo for lending a helping hand. On Sunday December 9, 2012, the Columbia Association held its Annual Children’s Christmas Party at the Italian Charities Building. Monsignor David L. Cassato celebrated the annual Christmas Party Mass. Santa Claus was on hand and was flown in from the North Pole. Santa Claus distributed gifts to all of the children that attended the Christmas Party. A great time was had by all that

attended. I would like to thank Monsignor David L. Cassato for celebrating the annual Christmas Party Mass and for making the Mass special for the children. He got them all involved with the Mass and then afterwards he interacted with them by asking questions. This time of the year is a tough time for Monsignor David L. Cassato because it has been 2 years since he lost his mother. Monsignor Cassato will always have our deepest condolences and his mother will always be in our heart and in our prayers. I also would like to express my sincere gratitude to all of the specialized units that participated in this event and helped to make it a great success. A special thanks to Pat Grande, because every year his generous donations help our organization purchase the toys that we distribute to the children. Again a special thanks to Cono Colombo, for donating the delicious hot meal for this event. Thanks to former board officer Joseph “Mr. Lo-Jack” Rainone, for donating cookies to the annual Party. The Columbia Association Delegate Party was a huge success. It was held at Fino’s Restaurant. I would like to personally thank Fino’s owner, Peter, and the entire staff at Fino’s for making the Delegate’s Party a night to always remember. A special thanks to Jason Rappaport from ICC Mortgage Services for his continued support of the Columbia Association. His company’s generous donation contributed to help the funding of the Delegates Party. This is the Columbia Association’s way of thanking all of the Delegates for the hard work that they perform throughout the year. If your command does not have a Columbia Association Delegate then notify a Columbia Association board officer immediately. If you are interested in becoming a Columbia Association Delegate you should notify a Columbia Association board officer immediately. The Columbia Association is always looking for dedicated Columbia members of the service to assist in distributing membership cards, posters and upcoming event fliers in their commands. 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 Merry Christmas and a Happy and Healthy New Year. The next General Meeting will be held on Tuesday January 22, 2013, at the Italian Charities of America building located at 83-20 Queens Boulevard. I would like to express my sincere gratitude to all of the Columbia Association Board of Officers for another successful year and a job well done.

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.46, NO. 5 November — December 2012 SINCE 1932 ONLINE ISSUE

Our President’s Message...

These board officer positions are done on a voluntary basis. The officers takes valuable time out of their daily lives to complete any tasks they are assigned to for this organization. It is not an easy job, especially with busy work schedules and not being able to spend extra time with family and friends, but the job is rewarding. As an officer of the board you are able to bolster fraternalism and Italian heritage to the new members of this great organization. Let us push for memberships. If you have not paid your dues for 2013 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. The 2nd annual Texas Hold-em Tournament will be held on Saturday January 19, 2013, at 6:00 PM at the Italian Charities of America building located at 83-20 Queens Boulevard. It is $100.00 to buy into the tournament and all proceeds from this event will go to the Children’s Scholarship Fund. There will be food and beverages included and some great prizes. If you like to play cards then this is the place to be. Last year was the first time we had a Texas Hold-em Tournament. Everyone that attended the event last year had a wonderful time. Don’t be left out. Fliers can be downloaded from the Columbia Association’s website. Spread the word. Anyone can play. It is open to everyone, not only members of the service. Also this month we had a terrible storm which killed and displaced many families, so please pray for the families that were hard hit by Hurricane Sandy. Check the Columbia website frequently to keep abreast of all pertinent information. And check the photo section of the Association website. Your photos can be downloaded and added to your collection.

Until next time, stay true to the Columbia Association.

Merry Christmas and Happy New Year!

PAGE 2 Columbia News Novermber – December 2012

New York City Police Department Columbia Association

Board of Officers wwwnypdcolumbia.org

Executive Board

President ..................................Anthony Cesarano........................ (212) 274-4142 1st Vice President ....................Rich Angeletti...............................(718) 822-5815 2nd Vice President ...................Emanuel Rossi…..........................(845) 902-0175 Executive Secretary .................R.J Coleman................................. (212) 258-2840 Treasurer ..................................Kendra Damante......................... (718) 972-7871 Recording Secretary.................Christopher Pizzo......................... (646) 872-6454 Corresponding Secretary .........Tony Quagliariello........................ (646) 210-9170 Sergeant At Arms ....................Sal Ferrante….………………..….(718) 875-6850

Editor ........................................Louis Balsamo..............................(718) 845-2201

Public Relations Director ........John DelGaudio..............................(917) 757-1456

Financial Secretaries

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

Brooklyn……………….……..Vincent Aprea…………………... (718) 629-1230

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

Bronx………………………....Steven Berger…………………….(718) 325-1913

Staten Island ………………....John Peruffo……………..……… (718) 815-8608

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) 477-9790

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

Brooklyn……………………..Brett Raso……...……………..….(516) 476-2752

Brooklyn…………………......Michael Spezio…………………..(718) 694-1301

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

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

http://www.nypdcolumbia.org

November Meeting: Photos By Sgt. Matt Cioffi

NEW YORK — tourist's snapshot of a New York City police officer giving new boots to a barefoot homeless man in Times Square has created an online sensation.

Jennifer Foster, of Florence, Ariz., was visiting New York with her boyfriend on Nov. 14, when she came across the shoeless man asking for change in Times Square.

As she was about to approach him, she said the officer — identified as Larry DePrimo — came up to the man with a pair of all-weather boots and thermal socks on the frigid night. She recorded his generosity on her cellphone.

It was posted Tuesday night to the NYPD's official Facebook page and became an instant hit. More than 360,000 users "liked" it as of Thursday afternoon, and over 100,000 shared it.

Thousands of people commented, including one person who praised him as "An officer AND a Gentleman."

The photo shows the officer kneeling beside the man with the boots at his feet. A shoe store is seen in the background.

The NYPD Facebook page on Thursday posted a comment from DePrimo saying "I didn't think anything of it" and updated it with a photo of DePrimo taken in 2011.

"'I have these size 12 boots for you, they are all-weather. Let's put them on and take care of you,'" Foster quoted DePrimo as saying to the homeless man. "The officer squatted down on the ground and proceeded to put socks and the new boots on this man. The officer expected NOTHING in return and did not know I was watching."

Foster, who is a dispatch manager at the Pinal County Sheriff's Office, said she's worked in law enforcement for 17 years and has never been more impressed.

"His presentation of human kindness has not been lost on my-self or any of the Arizona law enforcement officials with whom this story has been shared," Foster wrote on Facebook. She said she never got the officer's name.

DePrimo, who is assigned to the Sixth Precinct and lives on Long Island, told Newsday that the homeless man "smiled from ear to ear" after getting the boots.

"It was like you gave him a million dollars," he added.

He told The New York Times that he keeps the receipt for the boots in his vest to remind him "that sometimes people have it worse."--The Associated Press

Officer Larry DePrimo


Editor’s Spot To my fellow brothers and sisters, As you may have noticed that I am not Louis. I will

be filling in for him this month because Louis, along with many of our members, have been displaced by Hurricane Sandy. To see if you qualify for our relief fund please fill out the association application. I'm going to keep my message short and simple, so during this holiday season remember to be thankful of what you have and try to give back to your community, friends and family. This is the season to give back! Be safe. Emanuel Rossi 2nd Vice President

Great Job done by Police Officer Larry DePrimo Columbia

Association member.

Columbia News Novermber – December 2012

Financial Secretaries Corner

Manhattan Anthony Burgio On behalf of the President and entire Board of Officers of the Columbia Asso-ciation, the Manhattan Board would like to wish everyone a Blessed Christmas season and a Happy and Healthy New Year! The delegate's "thank you" Christ-mas party is scheduled so please call for your RSVP. Contact either myself or any Manhattan Trustee for further informa-tion,

Brooklyn Vincent Aprea Bongiorno Season’s greetings to all my Brooklyn members. The holiday season is a time of giving and with the recent events of hurricane Sandy we need to adhere to that principle especially during this Christmas. Many of our members have been affected so reach out and offer a helping hand or make a donation to one of the many relief funds that have been set up for victims. With a new year rapidly approaching I want to especially urge the members and delegate body to bring in new members and increase the overall numbers in Brooklyn. We're Italians, from a proud and colorful culture. Let’s represent what it means to be an Italian American officer in the NYPD by bringing more members on board.

C'è la forza nei numeri Buon Natale

Queens Matthew Cioffi Greetings from Queens! I hope everyone is recovering from Hurricane Sandy . My thoughts and prayers are with all MOS members and their families who were affected. I know the 100 pct Columbian delegate , John Bellico, was one of those who continues to struggle with its after-math. Pat Mendola, Louie Balsamo, Tony Q, John Giangrasso and Brian Fusco were affected as well. God Bless you all and continue to be strong ! I wish everyone a Merry Christmas and look forward to making 2013 a better year for membership! Ciao !

Financial Secretaries Corner

Bronx Steven Berger To the fellow members of the Bronx this October was a hard for us as you may know Hurricane Sandy effected many MOS, if you know of some-one that was effected please help out. The Associa-tion started a relief fund for it’s members please speared the word. May God bless you, Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year. Be Safe to all.

Staten Island John Peruffo

Staten Island sustained major damage during hurricane "sandy". Columbia Members were present in their official capacity saving lives the night of the storm. The members of this organi-zation prove time and again that we are the greatest Police Department to walk the earth. I'm proud of all our membership. If you know of a Columbia member in need here on Staten Island or anywhere. Please contact me. There is always a way to help. Keep Christ in Christmas. "Buona Natale"

Life Member Phil Repaci Sr. What can you say after hurricane Sandy. Al-most everyone was affected one way or an-other. So many people are trying to put their lives back on track and only faith and determi-nation will help in achieving their goal. May I suggest that we donate to the Columbia Asso-ciations "Hurricane Sandy Relief Fund" to assist in reaching out to so many. Just click onto our web page www.nypdcolumbia.org. Merry Christmas to all.


Bronx Street Renamed to P.O. Anthony DiGiovanna Way

Photos taken by Det. Rocco Ruscitto

Bronx, NY - State Senator Gustavo Rivera (D, WF-Bronx) today introduced and passed Resolution J3305, honoring Officer Anthony "Tony" DiGiovanna, a Community Affairs police officer from the 48th Precinct in the Bronx who recently and suddenly passed away. Officer DiGiovanna's family was present in Albany today when the resolu-tion passed, including his wife, Joanna, and his daughters: Jessica, Melissa, Rebecca and Sabrina. "Officer DiGiovanna was very committed to his work in the Bronx and to the community he served in West Farms and East Tremont," said Senator Rivera. "As a Community Af-fairs officer for the 48th precinct, Tony always made everyone feel very comfortable and was always extremely responsive. He referred to the community members he worked with in the Bronx as his "second family" and I know he is very much missed by that second family. Tony was a local hero - as one of the first individuals to volunteer as a first responder on September 11th, he spent the first 20 hours after the attack at Ground Zero. Like many others who worked at Ground Zero, Officer DiGiovanna was diagnosed with respiratory difficulties and a rare form of cancer in 2002. He fought off cancer and returned to the 48th precinct to continue to serve the people of the Bronx." Posted by Gustavo Rivera on Thursday,


I loved this so much I had to bring it back .Yum Yum…...Thanks Bill

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 butter 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 minutes 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.

The story of Befana

The twelve days of Christmas begin on Christmas Day and end on January 6,

which is called the Day of Three Kings or Feast of Epiphany. Befana, an old woman is said to bring gifts to children, hoping that one of them is the child king that she re-fused to acknowledge years ago. As the legend goes, Befana lived near Bethlehem. One night while preparing her supper of beans and bread, she heard a knock at the door. Before her stood the three kings in search of the Christ child. They asked Be-fana if she knew where He could be found. "I know of no king," she told them and quickly shut the door. As time passed, Befana kept thinking about the strange visitors and their quest to find the Christ child. So, with a sack filled with bread, she set out on her own in hopes of finding the child king. Every time she saw a baby boy, she broke off a crust of bread and gave it to the child, hoping that he might be the Child. Accord-ing to the legend, Befana is still wandering the towns and villages looking for the Christ child. Every year on the Feast of the Three Kings, the children of Italy await the arrival of Befana, who still leaves each child a small gift. Befana Cake is tradition-ally made for the Feast of the Three Kings. Before the cake is baked, a large dried bean is added to the dough. The cake is presented on a crown and whoever receives the slice with the bean is king (or queen).

REMINDER THE YEAR IS NEARLY OVER PLEASE REMINDER THE YEAR IS NEARLY OVER PLEASE REMINDER THE YEAR IS NEARLY OVER PLEASE PAY YOUR $25.00 DUESPAY YOUR $25.00 DUESPAY YOUR $25.00 DUES FOR 2012 & 2013!!!!!!FOR 2012 & 2013!!!!!!FOR 2012 & 2013!!!!!!

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 December 2012, you still must pay in January 2013. 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. KEEP YOUR ESS NUMER!!!!!!!!

ENROLL


RETIRED DESK: By Nat Infurna

Retired Financial Secretary

Retired: 436 Life: 1027 Delinquent: 19

Delinquent Members:

Valerie Buscemi, Paul Muschitiello, Mark Capaldo, Nick Pandolfo, Mike Ciaburri, Rita Pearl, Dom Console, Mike Pioli, Anthony Franzese, Frances Rella, Beverly Gross, Mike Spagnuolo, James Guma, Al Vacarro, Joe Lorio, Dave Vigada, Nick Lapadula, John Zerillo, Rich Lorenzo.

Please consider donating your $400.00 death benefit to the Scholarship Fund for a one time tax exemption.

Prayer for the Sanctification of Illness

A Pray for all Life Member that are ill: Almighty and Eternal God, You are the everlasting health of those who believe in You. Hear us for Your sick servant for whom we implore the aid of Your tender mercy, that being restored to bodily health, he or she may give thanks to You in Your Church. Through Christ our Lord. • My God bless all and a Merry Christmas and a

Healthy and Happy New Year.

UNTIL THE NEXT ISSUE - CIAO!!


Death Announcements

The Columbia Association Mourns The Loss Of: Pray for the repose soul of life member Jerry Vitolo. Pray for the repose soul of life member Anthony Mangiaracina. Pray for the repose soul of life member Joseph N. Gandolfo. Pray for the repose soul of life member Thomas Laresca.

Birth Announcements No births this November or December expect for

the birth of Christ God bless all

We wi

From The President Anthony

Cesarano and all of the Columbia

Association Board Officers Merry Christmas and a Happy

New Year

PAGE 9 Columbia News November – December 2012

November/December 2012 Newsletter

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