The Bergen County Firemen’s Home Association: August Meeting & Barbecue August 21st. 2022

The Bergen County Firemen’s Home Association sponsors two barbecues at the NJ State Firemen’s Home in July and August

It was a spectacular day for a barbecue!

After having to cancel our June Barbecue because of bad weather (there was a rain storm all day on our date in June), we lucked out on our first barbecue on July 10^th, when we had the most spectacular sunny and warm day with no humidity. It was the same for our second barbecue on August 21^st. Clear sunny skies and low 80-degree weather had the residents of the NJ State Firemen’s Home coming out in droves to enjoy good music and delicious food.

The August barbecue was especially special.  The crowd included a large contingent from the Maywood Fire Department to help celebrate the 99^th birthday of Maywood’s own George Steger, a guest at the firemen’s home and member of the Bergen County Firemen’s Home Association.  Maywood delighted the crowd with their 1938 Ahrens Fox pumper and their Truck 17 aerial.

The Maywood Fire Department with member George Steger celebrating his 99th birthday at the barbecue.

The menu included hamburgers, hot dogs, barbecue ribs and chicken, corn on the cob, baked beans and chili, macaroni and potato salads and fresh watermelon prepared by the home’s chef. Baked goods were prepared by a member’s wife for dessert and residents and members had a wonderful lunch under the shade trees and tents that were set up on the lawn outside the home.

Members assisting the staff at the grill

We followed all COVID protocols to keep the residents and their family members safe (there were not too many of them due to COVID rules) by wearing masks and gloves when cooking and serving food.

Members assisted the residents and their guests with their choices for lunch

We were entertained by the Bloomingdale Jazz Big Band during lunch and the Bergen County Pipe and Drum during the break making it a festive and engaging afternoon for everyone. It was an afternoon of good food and conversation and a real uplifting afternoon for everyone who after long lockdowns and wearing masks needed an afternoon outside to enjoy fresh air and sunshine.

Thank you to all the members of the Bergen County Firemen’s Home Association for making this possible and to all the firehouses who contribute each year with donations to make these wonderful events happen.

The members of the Bergen County Firemen’s Home Association in front of the Maywood Fire Department’s antique truck at the NJ State Firemen’s Home for the barbecue.

Have a good rest of the summer everyone!