TRR photo by Chris Conroy SMVFD member Joe Tierney helped sell raffle tickets for a fully decked out child’s fire truck at the fire department’s annual open house. (Click for larger image)

Reveling in community

By CHRIS CONROY

SMALLWOOD — July 7 was a full day for members of the Smallwood-Mongaup Valley Fire Department.

It started before 9:00 a.m. as they put the final components in place for their first annual 5K Run/Walk. The event was a success with over 100 participants. Awards went to Kathleen Rifkin of Middletown for “Overall Female” and Matt Manzi of Parksville for “Overall Male.” In the walking category, Janet O’Hara of South Ozone Park and Smallwood’s own Bob Barret were awarded the overall prizes for their genders. Numerous other awards were given out in age groups ranging from 12 and under, to 70 and over.

By the time the afternoon rolled around, hundreds of hot dogs were being warmed up and the soda and beer dispensers were being chilled. At 1:00 p.m., the department’s annual open house began. People packed the pole barn, enticed by the free flowing hot dogs, soda and beer. Some stayed just long enough to grab a bit to eat, but most lingered, meeting new people and catching up with old friends.

Throughout the afternoon, raffles and drawings took place, adding to the number of winners the day began with.

This successful open house, complete with its sale of commemorative mugs and shirts, is expected to be dwarfed by the fire company’s 50th Anniversary Celebration, which will take place on August 3 at 1:00 p.m. A full carnival and parade are planned for that day.