Archive of: 2003
The Internet Source for news concerning the Alert Hose Company of Adams, Massachusetts.
Kids
Christmas Party Held 12/21/03
The annual Alerts kids Christmas party was
held over this past weekend. This year, the party was a joint effort with
the Adams Police. Children from both groups enjoyed the performance of a
mime before pizza from Domino's as well as other refreshments were served.
The big guy from the North Pole stopped in as well to hand out gifts to the
thrilled children. Check out some photos.
President Signs New Benefits Law 12/16/03
WASHINGTON (AP) - President Bush signed the "Hometown Heroes Survivors
Benefit" legislation Tuesday. The measure offers federal aid to the
families of fire, police and emergency medical personnel who die of heart
attacks or strokes on duty. Under the federal Public Safety Officers Benefits
program at the Justice Department, families of these workers can receive a
one-time benefit of $267,494 when their relative is killed or permanently
disabled in the line of duty.
The bill was among seven Bush was signing during the day, measures that will
also seek to stop the growth of "spam", help needy families buy their
first homes and give flight attendants lessons in self-defense.
Kolomay Featured at Firefighter Survival
Class 11/25/03
For
a second time, the Alert Hose Co. was lucky to secure Lt. Rick Kolomay as a
guest instructor for a weekend firefighting class held in Adams. A 23-year
veteran of the fire service, Kolomay instructed members in ladder and rescue
tool techniques as well as emergency ladder rescues. Kolomay is a nationally
renowned instructor of firefighter safety and survival, and has taught at the
Illinois Fire Service Institute, the Chicago Fire Academy, and the Fire
Department Instructor's Conference. He has instructed at many major fire
departments, including Milwaukee, Chicago, Dallas/Fort Worth, Phoenix, Tucson,
and many others, as well as the Massachusetts Firefighting Academy. He also has
published many articles in Fire Engineering and Firehouse magazines and has
co-authored a book on firefighter safety and survival. He presently serves
with Rescue Company 1 of the Schaumburg, Ill. Fire
Department. Kolomay was joined for this class by Lt. Vin Russell, a Boston
firefighter serving with Engine Company 10. Firefighters from Cheshire,
Clarksburg, Florida, Savoy, and Williamstown also attended the three day class.See associated photos.
Alerts March in Fall Foliage Parade 10/6/03
With
weather conditions ranging from sleet, to rain, brilliant sunshine the Alerts
participated in the annual Fall Foliage parade in North Adams. The theme of
"Childhood Memories" was well represented by the many floats including
the John Deere Express train which was directly in front of the Alerts. Despite
the weather and the conflict of the Red Sox playoff game, the large crowd in
attendance gave enthusiastic applause to all participants. Click here for photos!
Public Education Fundraiser 9/8/03
On Friday,
October 17, the Alert Hose Company will be sponsoring an "evening out"
of fine dining and entertainment. The event, to be held at the newly renovated
Bounti-Fare Restaurant will feature dinner at 7:00 followed by comic hypnotist Frank Santos
Jr.at 8:30. Tickets are $25 per person and include both the dinner and the
show. They can be purchased at the Bounti-Fare or by calling 743-4468. All
proceeds to benefit the Alerts Public Education program. Come on out and enjoy a
fine evening while supporting this very worthy cause!
Alerts Schedule Open House 9/8/03
The Adams Fire Department and The Alert Hose Company will hold
their annual open house Tuesday October 7 from 5-8 pm at the fire station in
coordination with National Fire Safety Week. Among the many displays
scheduled include the always popular "Hall of FLAME" featuring items
collected from years of fire incidents, apparatus displays, informational
materials, website info and more. Many door prizes will be raffled off to
lucky attendants. For more information on National Fire Prevention Week visit
our Public Education Section!
Alerts Elect New Member 9/2/03
Fred Meczywor, Jr. was elected to the Alert Hose Company at its monthly meeting
this week. Congratulations to Fred!
Alerts Present for Street Fair 7/30/03
Thousands of people attended the annual
Susan B. Anthony Street Fair formerly known as Hi-Jinx Night. Three bands
played, numerous dancers preformed, and countless vendors offered everything
from trinkets to the ever-popular fried dough. Members of the Adams Fire
Department and the Alert Hose Company took to Park Street to display its
apparatus. The trucks were given the once over by many young members of
the community to universal approval and the more than occasional comment of
"cool...". In addition to the apparatus, the company's sold mini
hotdogs, soda, water, 50/50 raffle tickets ,cash calendars to benefit the
fireworks and the company's tee-shirts. Sales were brisk for
everything. Click here for photos from the
evening and here for tee-shirt information.
Annual Golf Tournament Held 6/7/03
The annual Alert Hose Company Golf Tournament was held
Saturday despite the weather as over 100 golfers competed in a best ball format
at the North Adams Country Club. As usual, the generosity of the local
businesses who sponsor the event contributed to overall success of this fund
raiser. We sincerely thank them for their contributions and continued
support. See associated photos.
Alerts Respond to Early Morning Cellar Fire
4/8/03
The Alert Hose Company was called out
early Monday morning for a reported cellar fire. Upon arrival, the basement was
issuing heavy smoke. It was later determined that a faulty hot water heater had
caused the fire and that smoke detectors had functioned and alerted the
residents to the condition. For more information, read the Berkshire Eagle article.
Annual Water District Election and Meeting 4/8/03
The Adams Water District will hold its annual elections and meeting Monday,
April 28 at the fire station. In the elections, incumbent Ed Capeless is
running against Richard Pizani for Prudential Committee. The Alert Hose
Company supports Mr. Capeless and urges district residents to vote in this
important election.
Annual Solicitation 3/22/03
It is time, once again,
for the Alerts Annual Solicitation.
During the year 2003, the Alerts will be celebrating 127 years of community
service. For over a century, the annual solicitation has been and
continues to be the company's largest fund raiser due to your generosity.
All monies collected through this drive are used to support the numerous
efforts of the company and its volunteers who donate their time and energy in
protecting Adams. Residents should expect to receive their mailing during
the first week of April and are reminded that all contributions are
tax-deductible.
The Fourth Annual Alerts Kids Ice Fishing Derby was held today at
Plainfield Pond. Due to the frigid weather, the turn out was down.
The kids didn't have much luck on the ice as the fish weren't biting again for
the second year in a row but they managed to have fun snomobiling and eating the
endless amount of food cooked on the open fire. Thank yous are in order
for organizers P.J. Goyette, Dan Williams, Mark Therrien and Dana Labbee and
also for Tim Ziemba which provided the bait for the event free of charge.
Awards were presented to all the kids who participated.
The Adams Fire
Department recently acquired through a state grant, a new Bullard TI Thermal
Imaging Device and participated in a demo of the unit at the station. Members of
departments from other communities thinking of purchasing the unit also were in
attendance. This tool will allow members of the company to "see" in
conditions that will not allow normal vision and is a great resource to the
community of Adams. See Photos from the
demo.
The 126th Annual Alerts Ball, "Up In Smoke",
will be held Saturday, February 8, 2003 at the St.
Stan's Hall. Last year's band, "Phil 'N The
Blanks", a five piece band playing ball standards as well as
today's popular hits, will be back. Dinner choices are Prime Rib or
Boston Baked Scrod. Cocktail hour is from 6-7 with dinner to follow.
Dancing is until 12:30. Tickets are $35.00 per couple and may be purchased
by calling 743-0700 (day), 743-0634 (any time) or contacting any
member. Call for your ticket now as last year's event sold out. The
proceeds from this event support the numerous efforts of the Alert Hose Company
and its volunteers who donate their time and energy in protecting the town of
Adams. See photos from the event.
Archives of the Alert Newsletter
In order to keep the load times down on the Newsletter page, an archive section has been set up. News from previous years are available by clicking on the appropriate year.