The membership arrived at the NJ State Firemen’s Home to find the home decorated for the upcoming Halloween and Thanksgiving holidays. It seemed like yesterday we were up here for the Summer Barbecues.

The outside grounds of the NJ State Firemen’s Home

We had a lot to talk about at our October meeting with the Annual Convention behind us. There had been discussions on the Home and its expansion, renovations going on and the upcoming holiday season. I thought it was one of the best meetings we had in a long time.

The outside of the home decorated for the upcoming holiday season

Our fundraising has been coming along really well and we have exceeded our drive from last year. I think the word getting out about what we do and the Social media has been a huge help. We not only want to show our fellow fire companies where their money is being spent but how it is being spent.

We discussed also our upcoming reorganization breakfast at the Wyckoff Fire Department in November and the Annual Christmas party in December. Our Secretary, Tom Simpson discussed the gift this year and a planned lunch for both the staff and the membership. Everything is underway and planned for a great holiday season.

After the meeting was over, we joined the residents in the main meeting room where refreshments were being served and the entertainment had started.

Gigi entertained the residents on a stage decorated for the upcoming Halloween season

Gigi performed a series of Classic rock and Country music

Gigi performing Dean Martin’s “That’s Amore”

Gigi performing the song “That’s Amore”

Gigi performing the Patsy Kline hit “Crazy for you”

After ending her performance with ‘God Bless America’, we got up and introduced ourselves to the residents. We let everyone know about our upcoming Christmas party, which is always a huge hit with the residents and staff alike. We also we wished them well and for their years of service to the fire service, which they seemed touched by. Then we took our group picture.

The members of the Bergen County Firemen’s Home Association

We ended the program with one of the employees of the home, Eleanor, singing with Gigi a heartfelt song., “I Believe”.

Eleanor singing “I Believe”

What I thought was interesting was one of the guys told me she had once been a backup singer to Michael Jackson. I thought that was really gift that this woman shared her voice and love for these guys.

It really was a wonderful afternoon and I want to thank everyone who made it possible. This is our gift to our fellow firefighters.