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The True Meaning of Community

The Chester Hose Company would like to thank the community at large for supporting its efforts over the past few weeks. The community support at both our food drive and the rescheduled Chili Cook-Off/Carnivale exceeded our expectations. We have a great community here, and it was made apparent by the donations we received at the annual Firehouse Food Drive, which supported the Shoreline Soup Kitchens & Pantries. We not only had donations from residents and department members, but Whelen Engineering joined forces donating to the cause. We were very pleased to observe the true meaning of community as we witnessed neighbors helping neighbors during these difficult times.

We also hosted the 15th annual Chili Cook-Off, which benefited the Hose Company. A special thank you to all who participated and congratulations to the following winners: Best Table Display: The Wheatmarket of Chester; People’s Choice Award: Wade’s Country Store of Deep River; and Most Unique Chili: Chester’s BBQ of Groton (soon to be opening in Clinton). We welcomed Madison Hose Company #1 as a newcomer and winner of the Best Firehouse Chili. Not only did our community come out to compete; the neighboring fire departments of Deep River and Old Lyme as well as local businesses Aaron Manor and Chester Village West joined with Chester Hose Company to compete in the fun and festivities. We could not have done this without their support as well as the more than 500 people who came out to taste the chili. As always, our volunteer department is proud to serve this community. Ours is truly a great!

Kim Tiezzi

Chester Hose Company Public Relations Committee