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Community Corner

Mineola Junior Fire Department Holds 15th Annual Pasta Dinner

Junior firefighters serve pasta and auction prizes to raise funds for their programs.

The Mineola Junior Fire Department held its 15th annual Pasta Dinner/Auction this past Sunday at . 

Members of both the Mineola Junior Fire Department and the staffed the event, feeding a multitude of members of the Mineola community and residents in the neighboring villages, with food provided by La Parma, , and .

Currently celebrating its 35th anniversary of service to the Mineola community, the junior fire department also sponsored a Chinese auction and a silent auction to raise money for some of their current programs. Some of the prizes included baskets with expensive toiletries, children’s toys, gift certificates, and an overnight stay for two at the Oheka Castle.

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Former-Chief Gary Mazur, one of the head advisors for the Mineola Junior Fire Department program, believes that these events help the young firefighters develop a sense of service towards the community.

“The money that we raise through the junior program helps the kids donate to various organizations throughout the community and the state, like the New York State Firemen’s Home, the Wounded Warrior’s program, as well as 9/11 funds,” he said. “The kids really try to do community service and help out.”

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All funds raised go to help fund the junior programs throughout the year. One of the more exciting aspects of the program is the , German Junior Fire Department, which is now in . 

Village Trustee Scott Strauss, the first member of the junior department to become a Chief, praised the young men and women for their commitment and volunteerism.

“The junior firefighters, they’re serving, cooking, they’re selling tickets, getting people seated,” Strauss said. “They’re even helping some of our older residents by getting their food. It serves a great purpose for them to get them involved with the community.”

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