Fire company gearing up for centennial events

Firemen and Ladies Auxiliary members

will be busy raising money
to fund a gala event.
By: Mary Ellen Zangara
   A car wash held by Manville Fire Company No. 1 on Sunday at the South Street firehouse kicked off the members’ quest to raise funds for their 100th anniversary.
   The firefighters and the members of the Ladies Auxiliary washed many cars and trucks during the four-hour event, but Chief Jim Monto noted the wash is just the first step in the groups’ plans for a big celebration in 2015.
   "(On) June 15, 2015, we will be celebrating our 100th anniversary of Manville Fire Dept. Company No. 1," the Lost Valley resident said. "Today is the start of our fundraisers, as we only have eight years to raise the money we need."
   The firemen and Ladies Auxiliary members are going to be very busy over the next eight years trying to raise the funds so they can have a gala event. An anniversary committee will be meeting this month to decide what events and fundraisers they will hold, but the group is thinking big.
   "Talking to other towns that had their 100th, we need to raise over $100,000," Mr. Monto said. "It is going to be very, very hard to do."
   The money could be used for parades, dinner events and other community celebrations.
   So, the auxiliary will be selling amber sticks at Manville’s annual Community Day and a spaghetti dinner is also being planned, along with a bowling tournament in late October.
   The next car wash has already been scheduled for Aug. 26.
   "We are going to try to do them as frequently as possible. We also have other fundraisers coming up," he said.
   Donations can be made to help the firemen plan for the anniversary by sending them to Manville Fire Company No.1 c/o 100th Anniversary, 20 S. Third Ave. To check for updates on all the planned events to raise the funds go to www.ManvilleFireco1.com.