Happy Holidays and welcome to this month’s edition of the Montauk Fire Department Corner. I hope everyone had a safe and pleasant Thanksgiving, even though we are still in social distancing mode, and I am sure you are all gearing up for the continuing Holiday season and the New Year.
I think it is important to note that, since there has been a recent “spike” in COVID-19 cases in some parts of Suffolk County, we should stay vigilant during the Holiday season, and take extra precautions to keep our families and friends safe.
As I am sure that most Montauk Citizens are aware, every year the Montauk Fire Department and the Montauk Point Lions Club co-sponsor the Holiday Dinner for Montauk Seniors. This event has been a great success for over thirty (30) years, feeding well over 10,000 Seniors during this time. Usually, the dinner is held at the Montauk Fire House and entertainment is provided along with a fabulous “soup to nuts” dinner. This year however, as with so many things, we must adapt to this COVID-19 era. So, this year we are doing things a bit differently.
The same great meal will be prepared by Chefs Joan Franzone, Sam Joyce, Ed Lightcap, Sara Newberry, and their staff, but the meals will all be prepared and ready “to go” only. Over 500 dinners, with all the trimmings, will be prepared and boxed for either delivery to people at their homes, or for pickup in their vehicles outside the Fire House. The dinner is scheduled for Sunday, December 6, 2020. If you want your dinner delivered, please call (631) 668-5695. If you would rather swing by the Fire House to pick up your dinner, we will have two pick up stations set up in the front between 1:00 and 3:00 p.m. I apologize for not being able to throw the party that everyone has become accustomed to, but I guarantee that the food will be just as good as always, and that next year’s party will be back inside. I want to thank all the Fire Department personnel, Ladies Auxiliary, Lions, and the many volunteers of all ages, that help to put on this great event.
Also, Santa will be coming to the Montauk Fire House on Sunday, December 13, 2020. Starting at 1:00 p.m. Santa will in the front of the Fire House to greet all the children and their parents as they drive by.
One last item for this month. I urge all citizens to check out the Montauk Fire Department web site (montaukfiredistrict.org). It is informative and has links to many subjects that may help you regarding fire safety, etc. in your homes. Please check it out and let us know what you think.
Have a safe and happy holiday season.
~ Mitchell Valcich, Chief, Montauk Fire Department