12/19/2024
Letter from your President, December 2024.
That is another year in the books. We made some big changes to the way our Lodge runs this year and today is proof that our efforts were productive.
This year we overhauled the Lodge’s bylaws, setting up better fiscal planning and management. Before, we just kind of winged it and it somehow worked out. We also closed 2 bank accounts and combined the Lodge’s assets in one checking and savings account, simplifying reconciliation. Our primary goal with the financial changes is to be in a better position to serve our members when in need and to be able to contribute to a worthwhile charity that supports local children at the end of the year with 100% of the unused income. After settling all bills, we were able to donate $4803.86 to our local Children’s Hospital and Ronald McDonald House.
Regular Membership dues of $25 are due at the first meeting of every year (January 14th). The new bylaws provides for a late fee of $25 if they are not paid by the end of the February meeting (February 11). Our Lifetime Members now tote the load of their $18 membership dues that the National FOP and State FOP require. If you cannot attend the meetings due to your work schedule, mail it in to the Lodge’s PO Box. The address is FOP Lodge 58, PO Box 215, Pleasant Grove AL 35127. Joe Tew will mail your card to you. Don’t wait until your car tags are due later in the year to handle it.
Regular members pay only $25 a year to be affiliated with an Alabama FOP Lodge, getting them access to National and State FOP benefits such as personalized FOP car tags, moonlighting insurance, prescription medication programs, prescription weight loss programs, low cost life insurance, a free life insurance program, and input/support for pro-FOP legislative changes at our state level.
Lodge 58 membership also gets you free use of the FOP Range Inc’s main range 4 times a year for practice prior to qualification, reduced cost membership to the FOP Range ($75 instead of $300), an invite to a meal at a local restaurant after attending any meeting, and a Christmas Dinner at the Bright Star if you attend one meeting during the year. The $7 in profit from your membership payment goes a long way here. There are no plans to increase dues.
I have enjoyed serving the Lodge as President for 28 years and look forward to the new year.
Jon Grigsby