The annual summer gathering of Nicasio Volunteer Fire Department supporters blossomed the evening of Sept. 19, with weather more reflective of a solstice than an equinox.
The Ladies Auxiliary has been sponsoring this event since the 1970s, when the fire department needed a new fire truck. Prior to this the firefighters had their own barbecue, usually behind the Rancho, but it had not really focused on raising money. This combined fun/fundraiser event has been held in various places through the years and frequently draws friends of Nicasio from several Bay Area counties and beyond. In recent years local residents have generously hosted the event, yet all the trappings of a Nicasio-style shindig remain pretty much intact.
This year a congregation of gentlemen again did their magic with their barbecued chicken special recipe complementing slices of juicy tri-tip. A long table featured an oversized bowl of delicious homemade guacamole, giving people of nearly every dietary persuasion more choices than their plates could hold. The no-host bar doubled as a social gathering place for those not ready to find a seat amongst the handsomely decorated tables. In the meantime the three silent auction items, two separate cords of wood and a Puerto Vallarta vacation, beckoned.
The Ladies Auxiliary organized the raffle so expertly that the seemingly endless flow of donated items didn’t crowd out activities yet to come. Nicasio’s fire chief, Eric Blantz, had plenty of time to honor a few of those who contribute so much to the department and the community. This included Tom Forster, who nabbed the “Friend of Nicasio Volunteer Fire Department” award. Tom has a long history with Skywalker and that fire department’s support of Nicasio’s. Almost since Skywalker was built, he has contributed to our first responder planning and effectiveness.
Christopher Barnes was honored for his thorough and dedicated work in the establishment and organization of the Nicasio Disaster Response Team. He is now officially the “Master of Disaster.” The annual Fireman of the Year award went to two dedicated volunteers, Assistant Chief Joe Runyon and, much to his surprise, Chief Blantz. Trophy Axes are awarded each year to a volunteer who has stood out among volunteers, though all stand out in their own right. Robyn Burton was recognized for the year 2013 and Kent Grady for 2014.
Finally, the Nicasio community loves to dance, and Steve Eckert’s band, 5150, supplied listenable and danceable music until 11 p.m. Throughout the evening our newly wetted (July of 2014) and well-supplied red fire truck stood in the ready.
Kudos to Catherine Barnes, president of the Ladies Auxiliary; the many auxiliary members who are the geniuses behind the planning; and to the men and women of the fire department itself, who give so much of themselves towards our safety and well-being.
Grace Rogers, a retired psychologist, lives in Nicasio, where she has been active in local affairs since the 1970s.