6/30/26-135 Members at Our Meeting:

Lauren Sheets talks about Esoguard

Lauren Sheets once again spoke about Esoguard. Click on the link to read all about it. It may prove to save your life.

Mike Barasch & Staff brings us Up to Date

Michael Barasch from the 9-11 Law Firm of Barasch McGarry along with Richie Alles and Staff were very professional and informative.

After distributing a bag of goodies to all of our attendees, Mike gave a distinct talk about the many issues about 9-11 and how they affect each and every one of us. He stressed to all in attendance to constantly get checked for the various afflictions that could besiege us.

Whether it be your dermatologist to check for skin cancer, a gastroenterologist to check for Colon Cancer and problems with the Esophagus, the pulmonologist to check for Lung Cancer, the urologist to check for Prostate Problems and the list goes on and on. And above all to make sure you attend your World Trade Center Medical Annually!

He gave credit to Lauren Sheets and her test for determining Esophageal Cancer and Barretts Disease. Yes!, by all means get tested for this aggressive disease. Many did just that at this meeting and signed up for the July 28th Test.

JUNE MEETING MINUTES CONTINUED...

Yes we had many incredible Guest Speakers; Lauren Sheets, Michale Barasch, Richie Alles, Marty Tighe, Sal Bianchita, Ed Moriarity, Mike Hyland and of course our own Jimmy Hayhurst. Our elite staff was also in attendance beginning with Mike O'keeffe, Richie Fuerch, Paul Mallery, Bill Romaka and Bill Schillinger. We always try to keep our membership informed, that's why it's very important to check this website often and to attend our meetings. You will not be disappointed.

Now here are the remaining minutes of the June 2026 Meeting:

Our President, Jimmy Hayhurst opened the meeting at 8:05pm with

welcoming all of the 135 in attendance and led us in the Pledge of Allegiance.

"It's our 250th year of Freedom, let's hear it!" remarked Jimmy.

Next a moment of silence for all that have gone before us, the 343 on 9-11-01

and the 450 since due to exposure. Mark Keller, a devout member had his

WTC Funeral in the morning. He is listed as # 450.

Jimmy then asked all to keep Mark Dzieman in their prayers. Mark suffered

a heart attack on March 17th, 2026 and has been in a coma ever since.

{CLICK HERE TO HELP MARK'S FAMILY OFFSET EXPENSES}

Recently there was a Fund Raiser for him at the NY Mets Game last week.

The tailgate and fund raiser were a tremendous success unlike the playing of the NY Mets who made 6 errors in a double header loss.

Jimmy then passed out a few envelopes for members to donate to.

#1 Envelope was for Building Homes for Heroes, of which Jimmy is a proud

supporter. They plan to build their 500th Home by year's end.

The #2 Envelope was to donate to Marianne Pizzitola's Cause to secure

our Promised Free Health Care for all retirees. Her 5 year battle continues

and so does her expenses. Click here> To Donate <

After Thanking the Executive Board for their hard work, Jimmy then informed us of Everett Wabst continuing battle with his ills of exposure from 9-11.

He hopes to be at a future meeting and sends his warmest wishes.

Vinny Doherty was also absent because of a previous engagement.

Our Sgt at Arms; Dick Webb is also battling sickness.

We wish them all well.

Our First Guest Speaker was then introduced:

LAUREN SHEETS

She thanked us for being given the opportunity to speak at our June Meeting.

She had previously been at the Brooklyn Meeting in April.

She gave a short rendition of what ESOGUARD is.

This brief Test can prove invaluable to determine if you require

further treatment for your Esophagus. It can determine if you have

Barretts Disease. She then informed all that she will be in the foyer

to sign up anyone who wants the test. It will be held at the Elk's Club, right here at this location on Tuesday July 28th. I, myself will be attending the 12 Noon session. Anyone taking the test cannot eat for 2 hours prior to the test.

She then said there are a few symptons which would qualify you to take the test:

#1 You were a Firefighter and you are over the age of 50

#2 You are overweight

#3 You have GERD and or Acid Reflux

#4 You are or were a smoker

#5 You have a Family History

If you have these symptons you are 62% more likely to develop

Esophageal Cancer. The age bracket that it hits most is 59-69.

If you are having trouble swallowing or have pain when you swallow

then you need to address this further. See your Doctor!

QnA: "Is this covered on my Insurance?"

Answer: No it is not but it's a free test, there is no charge, but bring

your Medicare Card with you, so that some pressure can be put on

Medicare to get this test qualified, the more data they have, the better it

is to get the test as part of a WTC Check-Up. You will receive

your results in 3 weeks. If you have Barretts, don't worry because it can be treated. Mark DiMaggio has it and takes the pills now.

He found out early he had it and is being treated for it.

UFA Rep. Marty Tighe said he also has it and is being treated for it.

He hopes to one day get the test at the WTC medical.

Marty then continued and informed all that the GLP-1 injection

(for Diabetes and weight loss) is now available (as of 7/1/26)

for a $50.00 co-pay. For more info on this go to: https://ufanyc.org/

Sleep Apnea is also being addressed by the UFA.

Retired Firefighters should check the UFA website for further updates.

{go to the next page to see our next guest speaker>

MICHAEL BARASCH & RICHIE ALLES were the next Guest Speakers

Mike Barasch thanked us for letting him speak to the crowd of Retirees. Mike then informed all to keep up to date through organizations like the RMA.

Read their Newsletter-its very informative, don't just read the Headlines.

Go to their website and keep up to date too:

VCF ATTORNEYS FOR THE 9-11 COMMUNITY

Mike said it was worth it with 14 trips to Wash. DC to get the

Zadroga Health Bill signed into Law in 2010. He also stated

that its worth it to keep up to date with your WTC Medical and to

have a full body scan prior to the Summer Months and then after the Summer to

detect to see if you have any skin cancer. {Go See your Dermatologist!}

Early Detection is the key! 69 cancers are now qualified for WTC Exposure.

And anyone who volunteered at the site is also covered, so tell

your friends to make the call into the Law Firm and get represented!

Mike then introduced Richie Alles to speak to the membership:

Richie started off by praising associate Briget Gormley who is from a

Firefighter Family. Her Dad a firefighter had recently passed in 2016.

{Appplause for Bridget}

Richie also told all to have friends call them if they were down there.

There still are many who haven't signed up because they have no symptons.

But be on the safe side if you ever develop symptons.

Use the WTC Health Plan to fulfill your prescriptions, the money is there

for our benefit, stop being so stoic! You're not Superman!

He said to go to Rob Brown at FDNY Heart and Lung and get tested there.

The Tests are free and they may one day save your life.

Richie further stated that the Death Benefit to your spouse if you die of a 9-11

disease is limited to 25 years from the date of your retirement.

However maybe Michael and his Firm can make a 15th trip to DC to

extend it to 30 years, since many are continuing to die from 9-11 exposures.

He then said that they are trying to get ALS, Dementia, and Rheumatoid Arthritis

on the List. His work continues. If you feel your loved one was rejected

you may ask for an autopsy to get him or her qualified for the Death Benefit.

Mike then came back on and told everyone he had Prostate Cancer but because

he detected it early he didn't have to remove it instead

he is on "Active Surveillance" and see's his Prostate Doctor frequently.

Again, Early Detection is the key!

{Go to Next Page for Our Next Speaker>

REMAINING SPEAKERS AT THE JUNE 2026 MEETING:

Our next Guest Speaker was Ed Moriarity who informed us to attend the Head & Neck Screening, which will be held at Memorial Sloan Kettering Koch Building; 530 East 74th Street on Friday July 30th, 2026 from 9am to 12 Noon. No Appointment is needed,

just Walk-In! The test is Free!

Many Cancers can be detected such as Throat, Thyroid, Tongue, Mouth and Laryngeal Cancers. Retiree Member Mike Hyland then came up to speak and to remind everyone to get detected early. Mike is a survivor of Throat and Neck Cancer.

He also had prostate cancer and has survived that one too.

On July 31st you can also visit the MSK Ralph Lauren Bldg.

located at 1919 Madison Ave (@124th St) from 10am to Noon for the scan.

For more info, call 646-658-9541 or go to their website: https://www.mskcc.org/

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Next Up: Sal Bianchita who is trying to secure a location at Fort Totten

where all of us can go and reflect on 9-11-01.

He has a Sculptor that he wants to place there, it weighs 44 tons.

There's only one obstacle denying him from having this and its someone at the Parks Dept.

He hopes he will have a change of heart soon, for the 25th Anniversary is almost here.

He has the backing of Chief Esposito and City Council Woman Vickie Paladino.

It won't cost the city any money for it is privately funded. It's a No-Brainer.

Come On, NY Parks Dept. Let There Be a Monument at Fort Totten!

Maybe everyone should ask their constituents to help Sal get this finished...

~~~~

Our Final Speaker was Enrico-he asked for volunteers to help with cleaning the headstones

at LI Nat'l Cemetery on 9/12/26.

Also he mentioned that 83 wounded vets will be coming to Rockaway on

Thursday July 9th. Anyone interested in welcoming the Vets can come to the Marine

Parkway Bridge at 5:30pm to wave flags.

~~~~

Jimmy then ended the meeting asking anyone who wanted to donate to Marianne

Pizzitola's Cause by putting money in the envelope that was passed around at the

beginning of the meeting. To donate once again,

Go to: https://nycretirees.app.neoncrm.com/forms/donation

~~~~

Jimmy entered a motion for the meeting to be Closed, it was seconded.

CHOW WAS ON!

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

June Meeting Minutes, Respectfully Submitted at 4:30pm on Monday July 1st, 2026

To all:

Have a Great Summer, keep cool, we want to see you back in September

on Tuesday Sept. 29th, right back here at the Elk's Club...

OUR APRIL MEETING-VERY INFORMATIVE

The Brooklyn Meeting held the night of April 28th, 2026 was one of the most interesting meetings of the year. Attended by only 45 members, well they got an earful. Many Board members were there; the list included-

Vinnie Doherty (Trustee), Mike O'Keeffe (Editor), Paul Mallery (Treasurer),

Richie Fuerch (Asst. Editor) "Welcome Back, Richie", Jimmy Hayhurst (President) and yours truly, Bill Schillinger (Website Mgr.)

Jimmy started off by welcoming everyone and standing for the Pledge of Allegiance followed by moments of silence. A separate moment of silence was held for Donna Dempsey wife of Dan Dempsey who is a member of the Executive Board of the Emerald Society. Her funeral arrangements can be viewed by clicking here: Mrs. Donna E. Dempsey | Fairchild Sons Funeral Home

Jimmy then reminded everyone to recruit new members.

"We need more new members because many of our existing members are moving on to the next plateau" Please ask any of your friends to join us.

You can be our personal recruiters. Jimmy then asked for donations for Building Homes for Heroes, of which he is heavily involved with.

Jimmy then gave us an update on "Marianne Pizzitola's", continuing battle with protecting our Healthcare. She now has a bill in the New York State Senate #9945 which will protect our Healthcare just like Our Pensions are protected up there. Again she needs donations to help continue the fight. A similar bill is in the City Council #1096 with the help of Council Member Marte it will be re-introduced and hopefully be protected in NYC. The Senate Bill would protect us in New York State.

To donate to her (our) cause go to https://www.nycretirees.org/

Jimmy then mentioned that the Mayor wants to "borrow" some money from our 4 Billion Dollar Bank. "Hands Off Mayor Mondani" should be our next slogan for the mayor. Hands Off our Healthcare too. Let's see what the Unions will say...Hey did you get your Medicare Part B Reimbursement yet? Well you should have gotten it the 2nd week of April in your direct deposit account.

Also you need to register every year for your IRMAA Refund, unlike the Medicare Part B Reimbursement which you only have to register once. Yes there are refunds that are coming your way but you must register.

Part B:Next year the refund will increase from $4400 per couple to $4845.00

So go to our Medicare Page on www.fdnyrma.org and register!

~~~

The meeting continued with a bevy of Guest Speakers that included:

Lauren Sheets discussing Esogard which is a test that you take to see

if you have further damage of your Esophagus.Michael Barasch and Staff discussing the benefits of the World Trade Center Health Fund and related subjects pertaining to 9-11-01 andRob Cefoli (E-211 Retired) discussing his organization FYR Tribe.

See below for what the Guest Speakers had to say:

MINUTES OF THE BROOKLYN MEETING 4/28/26

Our first Guest Speaker: Lauren Sheets to discuss "Esoguard"

Lauren Sheets was our first Guest Speaker. She was there to discuss a test you can take to diagnose any damage to your esophagus by swallowing a pill which allows a small camera to take pictures of the inside of your esophagus. She was very informative in explaining this new procedure. The test does not have to be done in a doctor's office. A meeting can be arranged with a group where this could be held, say before the next meeting.

You can also go to their website and register. You will need to be a little computer savy to register for you will have to take pictures of your Insurance Cards and submit them.

Lauren is scheduled to come back to the June Meeting where she wants to get the word out to more of our members. Maybe then we can all register with her and then set up a meeting to get the test done. Through Medicare the test only costs $10.00.

To register go to: https://www.esoguard.com/

TO SEE WHAT THE TEST INVOLVES,

GO TO THIS LINK FROM YOU TUBE:

EsoGuard Procedure – What to Expect

Our 2nd Speaker at the Brooklyn Meeting:

Michael Barasch and Staff Update Us on the WTC Health Fund

Richie Alles, pictured to the left of Jimmy Hayhurst, Michael Barasch, Lee London and Bridget Gormley, was the first speaker of the night from their firm. Richie urged all retirees to get and stay involved in a Retirees Group such as the RMA for which he had high praise. Do what Jimmy said to do and talk to your fellow retirees and tell them to join wherever they may hail from. The RMA E-newsletter is very informative and will keep you up to date with what is going on with that specific organization as well as with Barasch McGarry and your Healthcare. He also told our membership to continue to see your dermatologist to keep an eye on your skin cancer which is the number one cancer out there, "Melanoma!" See your doctors regularly, every 6 months and of course attend your WTC Physical yearly. Richie gave us the true fact regarding how long your wife would still receive your pension if you die from a World Trade Center related disease, it's only 25 years from the date of your retirement, NOT when you got re-classified-it's from your original retirement date! Also if you do get re-classified make sure its registered with NIOSH. Any ailments you have should be listed with them. When you see your WTC Doctor after your WTC Physical at Fort Totten make sure he or she lists you with NIOSH. Make sure your wife knows to put those ailments on your Death Certificate too if you should die from say "Cancer". This is imperative! (Jimmy Hayhurst also mentioned that if the husband should pass that the wife needs to re-register for Catastrophic Insurance, also your kids can get their own plan when they turn 30) For other questions Call Richie directly at Barasch McGarry (212) 385-8000...Lee London was the next speaker Lee urged any member that did not sign up to sign-up and never wave your rights.

He also re-reminded everyone to keep up to date with all of your doctors, early detection is the key in this battle. (I, personally go to see my dermatologist twice a year, in May before the summer months and in October after the summer)... Next up we heard from Michael Barasch who also urged everyone to see their doctors and to attend the WTC Annual Physical. He himself has had to battle Prostate Cancer so make sure you see a Urologist twice a year for early detection of any cancer. The blood test that you get at your WTC Annual includes a PSA Test which is a marker for Prostate Cancer. If you have anyquestions,

Call the firm! (Thank You Mike for going to Wash DC 14 times to make sure our Healthcare is protected under the WTC Bill!)

Our 3rd Guest Speaker at Our Brooklyn Meeting 4/28/26

Rob Cefoli (Ret. E-211)

Rob returned to talk about his organization https://fyrtribe.org/

"FYR TRIBE" Their Mission:

OUR GOAL IS TO NURTURE A CULTURE OF EMPATHY, HEALING, AND PROACTIVE SUPPORT FOR BOTH MENTAL AND PHYSICAL WELL-BEING

WITHIN THE COMMUNITY OF FIRST RESPONDERS AND THEIR NETWORKS

WE ARE DEDICATED TO EMPOWERING THESE INDIVIDUALS TO ADDRESS & RELEASE TRAUMA, MANAGE STRESS, AND ADOPT HEALTHIER LIFESTYLES

They have monthly workshops to battle the effects of many years of stress and trauma that we as NYC Firefighters faced over the years. The 25th Anniversary of 9-11 is one of those stress factors that we faced and carry the PTSD till this day though we may not show it, it's there deep down inside of us and any other situations that you may have faced through your long-term careers. Rob is here to help you cope with that through a procedure he calls "TRE": "TENSION, "RELEASE" and "EXERCISE". He went on to say he doesn't want to charge anyone so he is trying to raise money to keep this service free of charge. Go to the website to donate.

End of Guest Speakers, Jimmy then had the floor;

He informed us that the Job will be putting 154 names up on the Monument at Metrotech on June 9th. They will be arranged by Boro. They are the names of the members that have passed from exposure due to 9-11...

Mike O'Keeffe then reminded everyone that if you have or know someone with Special Needs to get in touch with the Special Needs Organization within the Job. Go to this website: https://www.fdnyspecialneeds.org/

The 50/50 Raffle then took place, 3 awards were handed out; $100.00, $50.00 and $50.00. then Chow was called. All members remarked on how good the meeting was. See you all in June on 6/30/26 at the Elk's Club in New Hyde Park...

[Minutes Submitted 11:25am 4/30/26 by Bill Schillinger]

FEBRUARY 2026 MEETING MINUTES

After President Jimmy Hayhurst led us in the Pledge of Allegiance,

we continued standing for moments of silence for those who have passed since our last meeting and for all World Trade Center related deaths.

Jimmy then asked all to keep Mark Dzieman in their prayers. Mark

continues to breathe on his own but shows no signs of brain activity.

Let's all pray for a Miracle!

Jimmy then asked for donations to Building Homes for Heroes by passing around an envelope for members to make donations.

BH4H has built 460 homes for our returning war heroes and will complete by year's end their 500th home. Visit their website to donate to this great cause!

Jimmy then introduced our first speaker to the 61 members that showed up;

Dominick DeRubbio-Executive Director of the FDNY Fire Museum

{Dominick R. DeRubbio is a lifelong New Yorker with deep ties to the New York City Fire Department. His three uncles and father all served in the FDNY and his uncle, David P. DeRubbio, was killed in the South Tower of the World Trade Center on September 11th 2001. Mr. DeRubbio is a graduate of John Jay College of Criminal Justice where he received his bachelor’s and master’s degrees in fire and emergency management studies. He also served as an adjunct lecturer at the college for multiple semesters. Mr. DeRubbio is a member of the National Fire Protection Association, Association of Safety Professionals, International Society for Respiratory Protection, Fire and Life Safety Director’s Association of Greater New York, and the Fire Bell Club of New York. Prior to assuming the position of director, he managed a New York based health and safety consulting firm, where he provided occupational health and safety services, with a concentration in fire safety planning, education and training.}

Dominick requested volunteers to come to the Museum and help

with a few tasks. If you are interested get in touch with him.

He would like to have a list of Vollys when the Museum opens up

to the Public. He once relied on retired FDNY firefighters, who assisted in conducting our children's fire safety tours and sharing the rich history of New York City's Bravest with visitors from all over the world. We believe volunteers are the heart and soul of the Museum.

If you're interested in becoming a volunteer, please submit your interest via our contact form.

Dominick went on to say:

We hope to open in just two short months; Yes April of 2026!

Progress in the Building:

They plan to dedicate the 2nd floor to a Library and our 3,000 square foot third floor is rented for private functions ranging from corporate meetings to weddings and other parties. We also have special children’s “Junior Firefighter” birthday party packages.

We are a Not for Profit Organization, we accept donations.

To Donate, >Click Here<

FEBRUARY MEETING MINUTES (cont'd)

Our next guest speaker was Jake LeMonda from the UFOA.

Jake opened up by informing us all that Jack Hughes' (Hero of the

USA Hockey Team and dedicated forward of the NJ Devils)

Grandfather was a retired BC from the 46 Battalion.

He then told us that the recent "New" Pre-Medicare Health

Plan was under the control of United Healthcare. He said it

had an abundance of Doctors waiting to assist you.

Regarding Express Scripts, they recently reduced the

Co-pay from 100% to 60%.

(Editor's Note: Those of us in Medicare should keep

their receipts if you had to pay a Co-pay since last year,

Marianne is involved in a court case to defeat the Co-pay.

She said you will be able to get a refund once the

decision is rendered in our favor)

Jake continued, The Dental Program continues to

thrive. Now $2500.00 per tooth.

~~~~

Our Next Guest Speaker was Mike O'Connell. Mike was pleased to announce that the WTC Health Care Program is in full force till 2035. Thru the efforts of Barasch/McGarry and many other people, and by making 20 trips to Washington DC; HR 1410 Passed!

Mike went on to say to go out and get checked for Skin Cancer which is the number 1 form of cancer and that it is preventable-Go See a dermatologist to get checked up. Another Good Person to see is Rob Brown and take the free tests that he offers....

Jimmy then spoke about the Trip to Albany which is run by Marianne Pizzitola. The trip goes to Albany for the day (3/24/26). She is fighting for us. She also wants all of us to keep your receipts when you pay a co-pay at your doctor for the year of 2022 to 2023. She has hope that you will be refunded this money but just for that year.

To sign up for the Bus Click Here:> www.nycretirees.org

To Donate, send your check to:

NYC Retirees

C/o JSH Accounting

PO Box 143538

Fayetteville, GA 30214

~~~

Mary Travers spoke next.

Mary currently works for the FDNY. Previously, she worked for the UFOA and the IAFF. She discussed a few important topics:

Medicare Part B and IRMAA Reimbursement: Recent retirees may be unaware that the city reimburses Medicare Part B expenses for retirees and their spouses. The 2026 Medicare Part B monthly base premium is $202.90 per month per person. Some people pay more than this under IRMAA (The Income-Related Monthly Adjustment Amount). The federal government bases your Medicare Part B cost on your modified adjustable gross income (MAGI) from two years earlier. For tax year 2025, IRMAA applies to you if your 2023 MAGI was over $106K for individuals or over $212K for couples. Retirees who receive a required minimum distribution (RMD) often fall into this category. You only need to file for regular Part B reimbursement once, but IRMAA reimbursement requires you to file annually. You can go back and file for the past three years if you missed either reimbursement. See our website for forms and additional information. We also have a link to nyc.gov/olr which is the primary source.

Catastrophic Insurance

Many retirees have retained their catastrophic insurance policies. There are many benefits that are unknown to policyholders that are not mentioned in the policy documents you received from the insurance company. Note the following:

· The policy covers the member, the spouse and children under 30.

· UFA members often pay the premium through a pension deduction. This stops upon the death of the member. It is critical that the premium payments continue to ensure coverage for surviving family members. The company will not notify you that the premium is due. Call them at 800-503-9230.

· Once the member (or a family member) or their medical insurance pays over $10K for a medical event, catastrophic insurance will reimburse medical costs for that person for the next three years (co-pays, medications, etc).

· There is a benefit for convalescent care and for home health aides who are hired through an agency.

· To get started, call AMDA, the plan administrator, at 800-503-9230. State that you are opening a claim and request a claim form.

Death of Member

Notify Fire Dept Operations Center at 718-999-xxxx. They will make other notifications, including to the Ceremonial Unit for funeral honor guard.

Contact the union: UFA 212-683-4832 UFOA 212-376-8400

When member dies, the health insurance stops for the spouse. The UFA pays for COBRA for one year. COBRA is available to be purchased by any surviving spouse for life.

If the member had any 9/11 health conditions, it is important that they somehow get mentioned on the death certificate. Item 1 will probably say member’s heart stopped. Items 2-4 should contain any WTC-related condition that could have been a contributing factor.

Misc Info

Members who retired prior to 9/11/01 but who died due to WTC-related illnesses are considered “volunteers.” The surviving spouse is not eligible for a WTC pension but can file with the Victims Compensation Fund (VCF). There are plans to establish a separate wall at HQ to honor the volunteers.

If you retired prior to 2008 for lung disability, check your pension letter. You were probably put out under the lung bill. You should have that changed to indicate a WTC disability, because of the extra benefits you may be entitled to.

You can see more info. on this website. Go to the Health Care Page and read under the heading of: FUNERAL DECISIONS AND PLANNING FOR THE FUTURE...

She then informed us about what the wife would get if you died from a WTC Related Disease, she would get your pension. However, you would have to die within 25 years of your date of Retirement or your date of Re-Classification.

{Minutes Respectfully submitted by

Mike O'Keeffe & Bill Schillinger}