Starting the set up for the annual barbecue

The new barbecue grill has been the center point of our barbecues.

We could not believe how fast time had come and it was time for our second barbecue for the summer. These barbecues have become a huge hit with the residents and their families alike. One of the employees told me that the guys always look forward to our barbecues and that really made me feel good. Our members and their family members also have a good time.

The Maywood Fire Department organized George Steger’s 102 birthday party with a cake and a flyby by the State Police Department.

The front lawn of the New Jersey Firemen’s Home

We really lucked out with the weather. It was sunny, clear and warm and no humidity. The perfect day for a barbecue and we were packed with residents and their families.

The house’s Chef, Chef Prince, manned the grill again.

The Barbecue menu included hamburgers and cheeseburgers, barbecue ribs and chicken, hot dogs and bratwurst, baked beans, corn on the cob, macaroni salad and Cole slaw. I will tell you, people had quite the appetite that afternoon including myself. It was a combination of the wonderful smells of cooking food, excellent weather and wonderful entertainment on a relaxing Saturday afternoon that set the mood.

The chef cooking lunch

After myself and the other guys running around getting everyone their food, I finally got to sit down to eat and there was not much left. Not a lot of food ever goes back to the kitchen.

My lunch that afternoon and it was as good as it looks

Yum! What a great lunch! The Cheeseburgers were so perfectly cooked

Our entertainer that afternoon was resident favorite, Kelly Carpenter, who has entertained at our events many times. She played from the songbook from the 1950’s to the 70’s and really engaged the crowd.

Singer Kelly Carpenter entertaining the crowds

(for information on Kelly Carpenter)

https://www.facebook.com/KellyCarpenterVocalist/

https://www.instagram.com/kellsingz/

https://www.facebook.com/kellsingz/

Then it was time to bring up member, George Steiger, who is now a resident of the home. The members of the Maywood Fire Department really brought out the bells and whistles for their member and Kelly sang himself a very happy birthday to George.

Kelly Carpenter singing ‘Happy Birthday’ to George

Then the members of the Maywood Fire Department came up and read off proclamations and dedications in George’s honor including naming a street after him.

Our Vice-President Roy DeYoung of the Maywood Fire Department reading off the proclamation and holding up the sign for the road in George’s honor.

Then the State Police did a flyover in George’s honor which was a lot of fun to watch.

The video of New Jersey State Police flyover

All good things come to an end though and we started to clean up around 2:00pm. Some of the residents and their families lingered on this beautiful day. All our members wished George a very happy birthday and we took a group shot with him. This is what the Brotherhood is all about.

The Bergen County Firemen’s Home Association at the end of the picnic

Our Executive Board: Vice-President Roy DeYoung, President Justin Watrel, Treasurer John Kinner and Secretary Tom Simpson

It was another wonderful afternoon and the residents had a wonderful time. Another great event sponsored by the Bergen County Firemen’s Home Association.