Have you noticed the banners at the entrance to our neighborhood and at the corner of Highway 395 and Pinenut Road announcing the upcoming barbecue on July 8 at the Ruhenstroth Volunteer Fire Department? If you want a really fun family event, this is what you are looking for. Hamburgers, hotdogs, corn on the cob, watermelon and an assortment of drinks will be served from 4-8 p.m. After the food is cleared away, then the Hula Hoop contest begins. We are giving you enough time to be practicing ... so no excuses for not being prepared. Dyna Mic is returning to "spin the records" for all to enjoy either dancing or while visiting with new and old friends.
Carol Hill, wife of firefighter Mike Hill, is the chairperson for getting the food, door prizes, etc. together for the event. Each of the wives is responsible for a different task, which is in keeping with the tradition of "a family affair." On the day of the barbecue, you'll find the firefighters and some of their wives and children doing the cooking and serving. They really do have it operating like "a well-oiled machine" and the camaraderie amongst the many families is contagious.
"We are still gathering some of the auction and raffle items, which include a two night stay including dinner and show at either Harrah's or Harvey's at Lake Tahoe as well as a one night stay at Carson Valley Inn, a bicycle and ten yards of gravel, dirt, etc. The price of an adult ticket is $6 and a ticket for a child is $3; and if you buy a ticket and can't be at the barbecue, you still can win a door prize because you don't have to be present to win them," Carol said.
If you also want to make a donation, that is acceptable, too. Remember, this is a community event - all are welcome.
With fire season rapidly approaching - we've had two fires this week alone - we need to be proactive on maintaining our defensible space around our homes, barns, etc. and be extra careful when out in the mountains enjoying the great outdoors. Remember, it only takes a spark to ignite the dry grasses around here and that spark can come from a stray bullet during target practice or from an improperly extinguished campfire, just to name a few. The best advice is to simply be aware and don't be in a hurry. The house you save could be your own.
The American Red Cross is a vital asset in an emergency - from a single family home fire to a major forest fire or hurricane. While we have not had a major fire in our area in many years, that doesn't mean we should wait until it happens to deal with it. There are many ways of preparing for a disaster so that when it does happen, you are able to minimize panic. The local chapter provides training for the volunteers so they can help in almost every phase of handling and coping with disasters as well as CPR and First Aid training and certification for babysitters and other caregivers. If you are interested in volunteering with the local Red Cross Chapter, contact either Yvonne Liddell at 265-2577 or myself at 265-1947 as well as the Reno office at 856-1000.
Hope you have a ramblin' good week.
n To reach Gail Davis, e-mail hilltopranch97@charter.net or call 265-1947.
