The Bartlett Volunteer Fire Department had a busy and successful 2009.   Continuing to build on our almost 60 year legacy the corporation was active and visible within the community.   We provided assistance both financially and through use of the Fire Barn to area residents, civic organizations and charitable organizations.  The Fire Barn was the venue for many private rentals over the year and had a profit and the corporation finances are strong.   Some interesting 2009 statistics regarding the Fire Barn:

There were 48community or charitable (non-corporation) events where we donated or reduced   the hall fees.

   These 48 events would have rented for $12000 at normal rental rates.

Fifty years ago the Fire Barn was the original community building and today continues to serve the needs of the community.

The lease for the front apparatus area was renewed and continues with Hanover Township.  During the year 9 new members joined our ranks. 

Highlights of 2009 are as follows:

January

The 2008 Board of Directors elections resulted in Eric Shipman being elected to another term and Bob Bucaro rejoining the board.  Bob was previously on the board from 2001 – 2003. 

The annual Holiday Party was held at the Fire Barn.  The 2008 corporation service awards were:

                        A.C. Schick Award      -  Valerie Salmon

Bull Award                   -  Pat Kelly

Elmer Hecht Award      -  Brian McGuire

            Jimmy Jensen Award    -  Mark Sommers

February

The new BVFD website (bartlettvolunteerfiredept.com) debuted on the Internet

March

We continued the over 30-year tradition of a Harrington’s Corned Beef and Cabbage dinner at the Fire Barn during March.   This was also used as a membership drive dinner and 5 new members joined the Corporation.  Entertainment included A CPD Emerald Society bagpiper.  The participation by our members was outstanding and everyone had a great time.

April

The annual IRS Raffle and Dance was held at the Fire Barn.

May

Our May meeting was a very special event.  In recognition of Memorial Day we arranged for Michael Kuryla, a USS Indianapolis survivor, to speak about the historic event.  We invited Bartlett VFW 11018 and Bartlett American Legion 1212 members to be our guests at the meeting and dinner.  We are planning on making this an annual event by inviting the local veterans to our May meeting / dinner as a way to say, “thank you”.

July

In recognition of the 50^th Anniversary of the Fire Barn the Bartlett Lions Club selected the Bartlett Volunteer Fire Department as the annual 4^th of July Parade Grand Marshal.   With the help of several members and Lee Beattie a grand float was built and we lead the parade.    Many of our members walked the route handing out cards promoting the Fire Barn and our annual raffle events.  The warm reception we received from the community was phenomenal.   We discussed having a presence in the parade every year.

August

Fire Barn maintenance and clean up was held in conjunction with our August meeting.

September

Brian McGuire resigned from the Board of Directors to avoid any potential conflict of interest, as he became the Hanover Township Supervisor.  This seat on the Board will be filled during the annual elections to be held in February 2010.

With the Labor Day weekend came our 2^nd Annual Street Dance.  This year we combined the Money Raffle that was normally held later in September with the dance.  In just two years this has become a popular community event.  With Main Street closed and from a stage in front of the Fire Barn the group Route 66 provided the music for the evening.   With an estimated attendance of 1200 we doubled the number attending the first dance.  As with anything there is nothing better than experience and as we have learned from the first two years we are looking forward to an even better Street Dance & Money Raffle in 2010.

November

The tradition continued – our 51^st Annual Turkey Raffle was a success!

What is planned for 2010? 

The following are the planned events for 2010 and items that we will focus our attention:

Ø      02/26/10   -  Annual Meeting and Board of Directors Elections

Ø      03/26/10   -  Corned Beef & Cabbage Dinner & Meeting

Ø      04/10/10   -  IRS Raffle & Dance

Ø      05/28/10   -  Memorial Dinner & Meeting with guests Bartlett VFW and American Legion

Ø      07/03/10   -  4^th of July Parade

Ø      09/04/10   -  Street Dance & Money Raffle

Ø      11/20/10   -  Turkey Raffle

Ø      Getting better at everything we do

Ø      Who / What is BVFD and what is our mission

Ø      Membership benefits / requirements, member active status determination

Ø      Membership drive

Ø      Member involvement on committees

Ø      Financial planning / Finance Committee

2010 will be an exciting and eventful year and we need your help.  Monthly meetings are held the last Friday of each month with cocktails at 6:30 and dinner at 7:00 PM.

Respectfully Submitted,

Bartlett Volunteer Fire Department, Inc.

Board of Directors