Winter chicken dinner benefits firemen

AMENIA — The 11th annual Winter Barbecue Dinner was held at the Amenia Firehouse last Saturday, Jan. 31.

Out back the fire pits had been going since much earlier that morning, grilling chicken and potatoes. Corn, beans, rolls, green salad and homemade desserts were also served.

The dinner is fireman John Macura’s brainchild, who said that they chose a winter barbecue to add something different to the various fundraisers held throughout the year.

Macura said their first venture was a smashing success, serving more than 350 people. Since then they have averaged between 250 and 300, and he said the event looked like it was on track for that number again this year. A total of 300 chickens were purchased from Freshtown; Macura thanked the store for always giving the fire company a good deal.

Macura also thanked the public for showing up and supporting the department, as well as Judge Manning for storing the large fire pit tanks in his garage every year.

Windy and Marion Milton are from Millerton, but said they’ve gone to every chicken dinner the Amenia firemen have put on.

“They need the support,†Marion Milton said. “They’re all volunteers and what they get is given to them.â€

“The chicken’s good, but they’ve been doing it so long it better be,†joked Windy Milton, who has been with the Millerton Fire Department for 50 years.

The Miltons also mentioned they attend many of the pancake breakfasts that the local firehouses hold monthly. The first Sunday of the month is in Millerton, the second in Sharon, third in Amenia and the fourth in Pine Plains.

In addition to the winter barbecue and pancake breakfasts, the Amenia Fire Company will hold its ham dinner in March. More information on the fire company can be found on its Web site at amenia-fire.com.

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