The membership drive is under way. Myself, Jim Ward and Eric Robinson visited many of the Courts in Brooklyn and Manhattan recently. I am proud to say that we people's interest in our organization was beyond my expectations. We handed out thirty new member applications to interested people. A total of seventeen people signed up and paid their dues that day. I feel it was a positive step in spreading our membership through out the state.

   Our recent "Night At The Races" fund raising event went well. The Loyal Order Of Moose were extremely welcoming and willing to teach us how to host such an event. Our turnout was not as great as I hoped it would be but thanks to the Moose, The Grand Council and my family we raised over $800 dollars that we split with the Moose.

   I have recently joined the Courts "Ceremonial Unit". Although a tough four days the program was great and should be helpful in arranging this years parade detail. I spoke with a few of the people in charge of the unit about having them join us with their flags and rifles. I am optimistic that they will.

 On December 14, we were invited to attend the "Association Day" at the Academy. Thanks to F.O.C.O. the academy now sets aside a day for all of the Court Officer related clubs and Associations to set up a table and meet the graduating Officers. It was as interesting as it was fun and I'm optimistic that it has and will continue to bring more positive exposure to our organization. I look forward to meeting each class in the future as well.

 As of April we're well over 100 members and have recently connected with white plains and have the okay to allow the Sheriffs and Corrections Departments to join our association.

 I'm proud to say that we are growing in leaps and bounds. After the new year I expect to have enough funds to start the member assistance program and will be exploring the possibility of a "cooperative assistance program" as well.

 Recently we marched in the 50th annual Steuben day parade on 5th avenue in Manhattan. We weren't a large group but we did great !  I'm very proud and thankful of the Members who sacrificed their Saturday to put on their class A's and march. We had both a Jury bus and an MSP unit backing us up. Much to my surprise we were a big hit with both the crowd and the German and Austrian Police Officers that were there. After the parade we joined them at the NYPD Steuben's post parade party and had a blast. We received such a warm welcome from everyone there and traded just about our entire uniforms with the German and Austrian Police Officers. After that we stopped at the Plattduestche and spent some time with the folks from NCPD Steuben. It was a GREAT time over all and I cant' wait to do it again. I'm told FDNY fed around 1400 people at their Central Park party. Next year I think we need to stop by ! Next year we hope to be bigger and better and are trying to raise enough money to have the Courts Pipe & Drum band join us. They're not cheap but it would be great to have them join us.

 We also worked along side NCPD Steuben as the Honor Guard for the annual German Flag Raising Ceremony in front of the County Executive's Office in Mineola. We we're both appreciated and praised by Judge Ute Wolfe Lally for our participation and on growing success.

 Despite the monsoon like weather the Oktoberfest fund raiser went well. We had over 80 guests and earned about $1000. for the association. I know it doesn't sound like much but considering how small we are and that it was our first I think we did pretty good. The goal was not as much to make money as it was to make sure everyone had a good time. That's what's going to build our reputation and attract more interest in our organization. We handed out glasses with our logo and some real cool stuff from Warsteiner and Jagermiester. The 50/50 winner took home $940 and the prize raffle went great. We also raffled off a nice Harley Davidson mountain bike that was donated by F.O.C.O. All in all it was a great night. Everyone enjoyed themselves and at the end of the night everyone said it was more than worth the $50.