Our event committee has recovered from the hugely successful Heart & Soul Summer Social we held at Sandisfield Orchard in September and is already thinking about our next fundraiser.

In keeping with our commitment to financial transparency, we're happy to report Heart & Soul event expenses of approximately $6,000 (against ticket, sponsorship and donation revenue of just under $24,000) netting Friends of SFD $18,000.

Thanks to all of our supporters and a special bulk purchasing agreement that happily includes a Cardiac monitor, we have enough to purchase up to fifteen Automatic External Defibrillators (AEDs). On July 27, the Select Board agreed to accept the gift of the portable defibrillators from Friends of Sandisfield Fire Department (including maintenance costs of about $1,000 annually).

A special shout out to our hardworking and resourceful committee members Melissa and Jeff Bye, Barbara Cormier, Patricia Hubbard, Zoe Nelson, Cailin Rocco, Laurie Seddon, and Susan Van Sickle. Additional thanks to all those who jumped in to help, including Calvin and Joe from the Orchard, Jim Ruocco on raffle tickets and breakdown, and Fire Department volunteers Cam Nearey, Tommy Curwen (with Bagpipes!), Brian Reynolds, John Boulais and his son Jack who so ably directed the parking for the 230 attendees.

Since inception earlier this year, Friends of SFD has spent a total of $7,571 (including start up and insurance costs) against $25,962 raised through donations and sponsorships. More information about the organization is available online at FriendsofSFD.org.

The Firing of Chief Grillo