Friends of SFD, organized just two months ago, has held four board meetings, so far largely focused on operations and activities. We've obtained our IRS 501c3 status, incorporated with the Commonwealth, set up a bank account and a web site (visit us at FriendsofSFD.org), and have been getting educated on current initiatives by Select Board budget sessions and by the Fire Department itself.

Save the Date: Our first fundraising event will be Saturday, July 25 at the Sandisfield Orchard from noon to 4:00 p.m. Enjoy BBQ brisket/chicken, apple-themed desserts, and fun activities for kids and adults. More about this special event coming soon.

This year, we'll focus on raising funds for a HEARTSafe Community initiative to improve cardiac-arrest survival. Through community-wide CPR training and education and the placement of Automated External Defibrillators (AEDs) in public areas, we can strengthen our "chain of survival."

We are grateful to the following donors for their contributions to Friends of SFD:

• Paul & Alexia Adams
• Anonymous
• Jeff Bye
• Michael Grillo
• Jerry Herman
• David Hubbard
• Steve Kopiec
• Douglas Miner
• Bob Platt
• Liana Toscanini