×

Ice cream social season

Salem Volunteer Fire Department event kicks off season

DOUG LOYER Special to the Times Edward Hinzman, 4, of Marietta, enjoyed an ice cream cone at the Salem Township VFD Ice Cream Social.

Warm, sunny weather, great food, a chance to catch up with friends plus helping support the fire department all made for another successful ice cream social for the Salem Township VFD.

The Salem Township VFD ice cream social is the first one of the year for Washington County. The event has been held annually since 1974. The social offered a country store, raffles, dinners, bingo, entertainment, a bounce house, games for kids, Smokey Bear and, yes, ice cream.

“This is one of our bigger money makers that we have,” said Salem Fire Chief Jay Handschumacher. “The community supports us really well. I can’t thank the community enough. If it wasn’t for them, we wouldn’t have the equipment we have today.”

The Salem Township VFD just added 10 new members to its crew and is now up to 43. It now costs about $10,000 to fully dress a firefighter. The state of Ohio now also has a lot of mandates on training and that is expensive as well, according to Marcella Fleming, EMT, Secretary and Squad Chief.

Fleming has been with the department for 29 years and said she does whatever needs done.

“I’m a people person and I like helping people, that’s why I do it,” acknowledged Fleming. “It’s sort of in my blood.”

Fleming stressed that the community supports the department 100 percent. Not just at this social, but also when they have fish fries during Lent. The events help with fundraising and gives the community a chance to get out and socialize.

Long-time member Joe Fouss, of Dalzell, has been with the Salem Township VFD since 1974 when the department was formed and he is still active.

“I’m kind of backing off from what I used to do, but I still help out quite a bit,” stated Fouss.

Fouss said he remembers when they first started out and it seemed a lot simpler, but now the regulations are tougher. Fouss said that he volunteers because he likes to help people out. He also emphasized how much he likes his community and how very supportive they have always been.

“I think this is great helping out the fire department. You never know when you’re going to need them,” reminded Whipple resident John Wells.

Wells knows this firsthand as he explained that his wife fell and broke her arm and they took her by squad to the hospital.

This year, Smokey Bear made an appearance and mingled with the crowd.

“We’re promoting fire prevention here today with Smokey (the) Bear,” said Jeremy Waite of Wayne National and U.S. Forest Service.

“Smokey helps promote fire safety with the kids to prevent wildfires,” added Jason Bew, Wayne National Engine Captain. “We’ve all seen the commercials on TV. “When in doubt, put it out.”

“We’re all trying to promote the same message. We want people to think about what they’re doing with fire,” emphasized Bew. “We’re here today to help the fire department to promote that message.”

Entertainment was provided by Big D Karaoke owned by Deidre Hendershot.

“They seem to enjoy Karaoke here,” said Hendershot. “There’s always a few regulars that like to participate.”

Karaoke regular Gisele Miller, of Marietta, commented that she does a little country and a little rock and roll. Miller said the first time she sang, she could feel her heart pounding and it was scary. But she just keeps improving.

“A lot of times you don’t get to see everyone all year and this is a great community get-together,” continued Miller. “Plus, you get to eat ice cream.”

Another Karaoke regular is Roger Walters of Dalzell who loves singing Willie Nelson songs and Prince’s “Purple Rain.”

“This social is a good thing. Every fire department needs the help,” said Walters. “It’s time to get out and enjoy the community and see friends you haven’t seen in a while. This is a lot of fun.”

The 2017 Salem Township VFD Coronation winners were decided by who sold the most tickets. This year’s winners are Queen: Brooke Haas, 17; Jr. Fire Queen: Keara Haas, 12; Little Miss Flame: Natalia Montgomery, 5; and Fire Chief: Joe Anderson, 6.

Anderson, of Wingett Run, just graduated kindergarten and had a speech that he perfected and went out and sold tickets.

“I am selling tickets to help my fire department so they can help people who are hurt or sick,” said Anderson.

Jeff Knowlton grew up in the Lower Salem area and now lives in Warren Township and is involved with the Warren VFD. He commented that he likes going to as many ice cream socials as he can. Saturday, he took is mother to the Salem social. Knowlton said the socials are important because they raise a lot of needed money for the departments.

“This is one of the best ways for fire departments to raise money and look at all of the people,” stated Paul Bertram. “It’s a great way to bring the community together.”

Royal court

Queen: Brooke Haas, 17

Jr. Fire Queen: Keara Haas, 12

Little Miss Flame: Natalia Montgomery, 5

Fire Chief: Joe Anderson, 6

NEWSLETTER

Today's breaking news and more in your inbox

I'm interested in (please check all that apply)
Are you a paying subscriber to the newspaper? *

Starting at $4.15/week.

Subscribe Today