There seems to be a bit of freshness in the air this summer. I think it comes from the freedom we are all experiencing in our everyday lives with COVID-19 coming under control. 

Thanks to the unseen people who developed the vaccines we needed and the medical teams who distributed them, we are starting to see the end of this pandemic and our lives return to normal.  As we breathe in the freshness we must remember that the high cost in lives worldwide has been staggering.  

I am sure that there are many lessons to be learned and better ways to handle a pandemic like COVID-19, but that is way beyond my pay grade.  For now we should be thankful, get vaccinated, and enjoy good health.

To cope with social distancing last summer, the team changed the way we conducted the Andover Fire Department’s annual Chicken Barbecue. The team set up a drive-through serving line. All things considered, the plan worked really well. 

The feedback from you has been amazingly in favor of doing the drive-through serving line again. Who knew?  Firemen are not people who are likely to change what works, so drive-through serving will happen again this year. 

The barbecue is set for July 31 from 5 to 7 PM at the East Andover Fire Station. The menu includes chicken, potato salad, corn on the cob, cole slaw, and beans. There will also be many kinds of dessert. 

The cost is $12 for adults, $8 for kids 5 to 12. Children under 5 are free. The kayak will be raffled off at 7 PM. Tickets are currently available from any firefighter and will also be sold the evening of the barbecue. 

Please come and take advantage of the drive-through or stay and eat. Tables will be set up in the station, or you can enjoy the picnic tables outside.

Fire stations have a home-like feel to those of us who have been around them for some time.  Sitting around the meeting table, reading the paper and enjoying a cup of coffee, or chatting with the other firefighters is a no-stress nice time. There is always something to do in the apparatus bay. Firefighters love to tinker, check equipment, and make sure all is in readiness.  

For many months, we’ve had to all but abandon our stations. The work that needed to be done to keep the apparatus and equipment in service was accomplished, and then we all separated. 

Thankfully, those dark days are over. The stations have come alive again.  Meetings are taking place by several groups during the day and in the evenings.  The home-like feel has returned to our station.  For this old fireman, you can go home again.

See you at the barbecue!