Fairville Fire Auxiliary celebrates 50 years
By Beth Hoad  

October 6, members of the Fairville Fire Department Auxiliary met at Studebaker's Grille in Lyons, to celebrate 50 years of service to their community.

Four of the original 32 charter members were present at the banquet where NY State Senator Michael Nozzolio and Assemblyman Bob Oaks presented service awards to 50-year members Arlena Jordan, Jan Sapp, Dolores Willemsen, Irene Mackey and Bertha Stockman (absent).

Oaks described the group as good people looking out for their community. According to information from Treasurer/Sunshine Chairman Donna Jordan, the Auxiliary was formed July 10, 1957 in the fire hall, which was a renovated one room school house, with Newark Auxiliary members Norma Ehrhardt and Amelia Blann attending to assist the formation.

Officers chosen in 1957: President Pauline DeBlaere; VP Delores Willemsen; Secretary Janice Kotvis Sapp; Treasurer Emily Vanderlinde; Conductress Evelyn Witt; Publicity Chair Martha DeRue; Sunshine Chair Verna Kotvis; Chaplain Myrtle Huntley; Color Bearer Bertha Stockman.

In addition to the officers the following were charter members: Elnora Brevet, Alice Dresser, Sue DeVolder, Winonna DuBois, Jane Hockenburger, Ida Israel, Agatha Jansen, Mary Kotvis, Dolores Little, Mary Nephew, Mary Orbaker, Violet Overslaw, Evelyn Porter, June Smith, Clara Turner, Eloise Talbot, Irene Vercrouse, Catherine VanCamp, Ella Vienna, Arlena Jordan, Alice Palone, Catherine Bodine, and Blanche Feiock.

2007 officers

Auxiliary President Teena Johnson introduced her new officers: VP Karen Cunningham, Secretary Brenda Donk, Treasurer/Sunshine Donna Jordan, Conductress Phylinda Gonyou, Historian Amy Bender, Chaplain Janet Norrison, Color Bearer Sandi Jordan, and Publicity-Norma McIntyre. In addition to the 50-year members, special recognition was given to 45-year member Donna Jordan and 40-year member Helen Hartnagel.

Since their formation, the Auxiliary members have donated to the American Red Cross, American Cancer Society, Special Olympics and the Open Door Mission at Thanksgiving. In January of 1985 they started donating a daily newspaper to Ella Vienna, who was a patient in the Wayne County Nursing Home and have donated the newspaper every year since her death.

Other donations have been made to Mercy Flight, Hurricane Katrina aid as well as assisting with costs of keeping the Fire Department running.

The Auxiliary has also developed their famous Lenten fish fries into a tradition for families throughout the area and boast serving as many as 1400 dinners in one evening. This year their well-known cake booth at the Firemans Carnival earned a profit of $765. Their many work projects keep the women involved and connected with each other, but it is not all work.

One tradition they've kept is their Secret Pal Project. Another event where they promote family fun throughout the department is their Social Night, which this year will be held on December 7.

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