CLIFTON – City firefighters and their families will once again give residents something to be thankful for – a holiday meal among friends.
For the 14th year in a row volunteer firefighters will be serving a free Thanksgiving dinner to City residents who need a place to go or a bit of financial help.
Anyone wishing to break bread with the firefighters and other City residents on Thanksgiving Day, Nov. 27, must register before Nov. 20 by calling Ann Marie Lancaster at Fire Headquarters, 973-470-5802.
The event will be held at the Senior Citizen Center, 900 Clifton Ave. Doors will open at 10:30 a.m. and food will be served at 11:30 a.m.
The firefighters have thought of everything, including transportation.
At 10:15 a.m., a shuttle will arrive in front of Evergreen Manor, at 50 Sade St., and at 10:30 a.m., another shuttle will arrive in front of Senior Horizons at 714 Clifton Ave.
Recently-retired Deputy Fire Chief Thomas Lyons initiated the "feast" in the early 1990s. Last year, Lyons turned the reigns over to firefighter Antonio Latona and Deputy Fire Chief George Spies.
"I like getting involved," said Latona, "I also work the Christmas parade, Fire Prevention Week, Action Clifton [and other events.]"
Deputy Spies was unavailable for comment, and that’s to be expected, Latona said, adding with a laugh, "He refers to himself as the silent partner."
The International House of Pancakes (IHOP) has always supported the event by donating turkeys, stuffing, apple pies, apple cider and other classic Thanksgiving dishes, while Baskingers Catering has been there to provide extras such as plates and cutlery, Latona said.
The F.M.B.A Local 21 funds any remaining costs and the firefighters handle the cooking and serving on-site.
"We pick up the food the day before. That morning, at 5:30 a.m., we get there to begin cooking," said Latona.
Latona has been working the Thanksgiving feast since he joined the department seven years ago.
"The type of person we generally see are those less fortunate; people with little or no money and people who have no family. Since it takes place in the elderly care center, there are also a lot of seniors," said Latona.
"A lot of firemen bring their families," said Latona, "Starting around 9 a.m., we let the kids take care of setting the tables and, then, serving the food. It’s great because it teaches the value of helping others and being with family."
As far as the turnout is concerned, Latona said that, surprisingly, the biggest determinant is the weather, "Last year, we had between 100 and 150 people. If it’s really cold or [inclement,] we might have less."
However, with the current state of economic crisis, Latona admits that weather might not be the only deciding factor. "Not only are food pantries low, but people are having their cars and homes repossessed." With the cost of living being particularly high, more people may be thinking about how a free Thanksgiving lunch will be easier on the mind, body and wallet.
