The monthly meeting of the Widows and Orphans Aid Association of the Police Department of San Francisco, for November of 2013 was called to order by President Bob Mattox on Tuesday November 12, 2013 at 1:45pm, at room 150 at the Hall of Justice.
Roll Call of Officers:
President Bob Mattox, Vice President Al Luenow, Secretary Mark McDonough, Treasurer Dean Taylor, Trustees John Keane, John Centurioni, Sally Foster, Joe Reilly, and Leroy Lindo were present at the meeting. San Francisco Police Officer Ray Kane was also present.
Approval of the minutes of our October 2013 Meeting:
A motion was made by Trustee John Centurioni to approve last month’s minutes from the October 8th meeting. Trustee John Keane seconded the motion which passed without objection.
Receiving Applications for New Members; Suspensions and Reinstatements:
Leroy Lindo and I addressed the 238th recruit class on October 24th at the San Francisco Police Academy. We were able to sign up approximately 48 members, pending a couple of members who opted to possibly mail-in their applications in the near future. Trustee Reilly made a motion to accept the applicants pending their probationary status. Vice President Luenow seconded the motion which passed without objection. New applicants begin their membership at the start of the FTO program, and become full members upon completion of their probation.
The following members have been removed from the Suspension List and have been reinstated as members in good status, after receiving their back dues:
Mike Androvich, Darlene Ayala, Jeffrey Barry, Douglas Clennell, Paul Craib, Gerald Doherty, Maurice Edwards, Declan Flannery, Jack Girot, Lori Lamma, John Lanfranchi, James Maginnis, Angela Martin, Thomas Murphy, Deborah Neil, Anthony Scafini, Ken Scalmanini, Robert Springer, and John Stephens. Alfred Delacerda was suspended in error due to a bookkeeping error for which we sincerely apologize. A motion was made by Trustee Joe Reilly to reinstate the members which was seconded by Vice President Luenow. The motion passed without objection.
There are 26 members who remain suspended pending payment of back dues. Many of these member’s mailed suspension letters were returned due to an incorrect address. We research our member’s addresses through our records and the records of employment. If a members does not update their address and notify the WOAA, or the SFPD if still active, it creates a high level of difficulty to contact them when they haven’t paid their dues. Members who have not paid their dues for one years will be dropped from the membership. The current list of unpaid members wil be dropped starting in January. The names were printed more than once in our article, and I have asked for any assistance in contacting these members.
Communications and Bills:
There was no report of any communications. Our bills consisted of paying death benefits, and our annual bills from the bank, and our auditors, and monthly payments for services rendered. Our Non-Profit Registry status was declared to be in order by our Auditors who report to the Federal Government. Trustee John Centurioni made a motion to pay the bills. Senior Trustee John Keane seconded the motion which passed without objection.
Report of Visiting Committee:
None.
Report of Trustees:
At the time of this article, we received two reported deaths.
Joseph W. Miles age 92: Joseph William Miles was born on 4/13/21 in San Francisco, California, and was a graduate of Sacred Heart High School in 1939. Joe, a second generation San Franciscan, was a member of the United States Army and served as a Warrant Officer. After serving his country in WWII, Joe entered the San Francisco Police Department on 12-31-45 at the age of 24, and was assigned to Star#1061. Joe has stops in the SFPD at Ingleside (1946), Northern (47), Co.K (47), and a return to Northern Police Station in 1949. Joe Miles was temporarily detailed to BSS in 1951, and then was appointed to the Inspectors Bureau in 1953. Joe made Asst. Inspector in 1956, and was a Full Inspector on 2/9/59. Joe retired on a service pension on 2/1/72. After retiring from the SFPD, Joe served as an Investigator for the State of California and was a member of the Elks Lodge, the YMCA, the American Legion, the Purple Heart Association, veteran of WWII Army Infantry. Joe and his wife Dorothy were recipients of the “Abundant Life Award” from the Janet Pomeroy Center. He is survived by his wife Dorothy (Franz) of 67 years, sons Thomas and James Miles, daughter Marilyn Miles Petrich. Joe was a father to the late John Miles who served in the U.S.M.C. Joe was a father-in-law to Rick Petrich, and a grandfather to Megan Petrich. Joseph William Miles passed away on August 30, 2013.
Max Girard Age 99, born 7/14/14: Max was born in Philadelphia but moved to San Francisco at a very young age. Max, formerly Max Levin, attended Portola Junior High School and was challenged physically by upper and underclassmen who singled out the ‘new guy’ who wasn’t very strong. Max joined the YMCA and began to develop his body through a person who was to be a life-long friend, Jack La Lane. Max attended Galileo High School and was a member of the 1932 graduating class. Max joined many of the school’s athletic teams, and was a member of the YMCA boxing and wrestling teams. Max also developed his mind and upon graduation from Galileo, entered the University of California at Berkley to become a chemist. However, financial circumstances at home demanded Max to leave school and assist his parents and siblings by joining the workforce. After a series of odd jobs, Max joined the Muni as a conductor where he met his future wife, Anne Marie of New York City. Max courted Anne Marie while continuing to work for Muni. It was at this time that Max wanted to become a Police Officer and he was able to get on a waiting list for the SFPD. Max was drafted into the Armed Services in 1941 and awaited his orders as a Seaman, however, the San Francisco Police Chief was able to successfully stop any Police Officers from going to war and leaving the City unprotected. Max studied Basic Law and at the age of 28, and entered the San Francisco Police Academy. The year was 1942. Max was assigned to Star#430 and worked at Headquarters after leaving the Academy. On 10/26/45 Max was transferred to Co.K where he worked on the “Motors”. Max worked at Co.K until being transferred to the Bureau. Max was promoted to Asst. Inspector on 5-1-50 and to full Inspector on 12-08-53. Max was assigned to Robbery and was shot in the line of duty. Max’s partner Dennis Bradley was shot and killed during a Stakeout, and Max sustained a gunshot wound to his foot. Max did not seek treatment until after he assisted in capturing the shooter. Four of Max’s high profile cases were picked up by the production company of “San Francisco Beat”, which was a television series on the old black and white TV. Max donated his fee to the Widow and Orphans Aid Association. Max was a talented sketch artist and was commissioned to paint the SFPD Recruitment Poster which ended up on billboards around the city. Max and Anne lived on California Street in a duplex, and successfully invested in real estate which led Max to an early retirement. Max and Anne eventually purchased a 130 acre farmstead and Artisan Winery, Girard Cellars, in Mendocino County. Max, Anne and the children moved to Mendocino after Max’s retirement to pursue business and to live the life of a gentleman farmer. The Girard family had Walnut groves, and raised chickens and goats. One goat with horns was named “Ram-it”, and the hornless goat was “Damn-it”. In the 1080’s Anne’s health declined. Max and Anne then moved into town, which was Ukiah where Max continued his exercise regimen by swimming in Lake Mendocino and Blue Lakes. In. 2005 Max and his son M.J. started their small Artisan Winery which produces Port. Max suffered a stroke a day after his 98th birthday. Max was assisted in rehabilitation by his son M.J. and his family until his death on Columbus Day, October 12, 2013. Anne preceded Max in death, as did one of his son’s Andrew Denis in 1957 before his fourth birthday. Max is survived by his son M.J.
Report of Special Committee:
The re-write project for our Constitution and By-Laws was presented to the board by Bob Mattox who has received input and support from our Board Members, and from Ray Shine was has assisted in the project. Mattox has proposed changes to our Introduction, Article 1 the name and purpose of our Association, Article II our Place and Time of Meeting, Article III the Membership, Suspension, and Reinstatement section, Article IV Fees, Dues, Fines, and Assessments, Article V Funds and Assessments, and Article VI benefits, Article VII Amendments, and Changes. Most of the proposed changes are verbiage and updates to reflect the current time and place. A heavily discussed issue was the issue to ensure coverage of members who are on Military Leave. We are informed by the Department when members take Military Leave and will ensure that the Secretary will contact the member who will be taking leave. Trustee Riley made a motion to accept the re-write without making a change. It was seconded by Trustee Centurioni and passed the necessary two-thirds vote with only one objection. The re-write will be sent to our Attorney for review. If it meets specifications for our non-profit status, the re-write will be presented to the entire membership for a vote to approve or decline. I have taken steps to list and contact all members who are actively in the Military Reserve to resolve any future issues regarding dues and coverage.
Unfinished Business:
Our board members approved to have their names on the website, but not to add a photo and a biography. This issue can be revisited at any time.
New Business:
Nominations were opened for the Association’s 2014 Officers’ and Trustees by President Mattox. The offices of President, Vice President, Treasurer, and two Trustees will be open for January 2014. Al Luenow was nominated for President by Bob Mattox and seconded by Mark McDonough. John Keane was nominated for Vice President by John Centurioni and seconded by Mark McDonough. Treasurer Dean Taylor was nominated to stay in his position by John Centurioni and seconded by Al Luenow. Trustee Joe Riley was nominated to remain a Trustee by John Centurioni and seconded by John Keane. Ray Kane was nominated for Trustee by John Centurioni and seconded by John Keane. No additional nominations were submitted.
Good of the Association:
The annual President’s Dinner will be held on January 25, 2014 at IL Fornaio Restaurant in San Francisco. This dinner celebrates the outgoing President and his efforts, and all Past Presidents who are invited to attend. Board members and Bank Representatives are also invited to attend.
Adjournment:
President Mattox and the Board observed a “moment of silence” for our fallen members. President Mattox then adjourned the meeting at 1445 hours. Next month’s meeting will be held at 850 Bryant St Hall of Justice, Room #150, on December 10, 2013, at 1:45pm.,
All Members:
Please be sure that your beneficiary forms are up to date with your current information and your choice of beneficiary. Please send us any contact changes with your NEW address and telephone numbers. As mentioned above, we still have previously listed outstanding unpaid members who have not paid their dues for 2013, and/or were unable to be contacted due to outdated contact information. Any assistance would be greatly appreciated. January 2014 will begin with unpaid members being “dropped” from the membership. If you do not have direct deposit, please send your 2014 January payment to:
WOAA
P.O. Box 880034
SF,Ca 94188
Direct deposit is the most efficient way to pay dues and can be done through your financial institution.
Submitted by
Mark J. McDonough