From Jefferson City Volunteer Fire Department

     Saturday, August 21, under sunny skies and the smell of hamburgers and hot dogs being grilled, the third annual Kid’s Day at the Jefferson City Volunteer Fire Department and the first annual Jefferson City Community Picnic took place.

     The event was held on the fire department grounds to give residents a fun opportunity to be involved in supporting their fire department and the development of the old one room school into a community center, according to fire chief Bud Siderits.    

     “We know the kids like to come to the firehall to spray water from the hoses and turn on the sirens but we were not sure how many parents, grandparents, residents and guests would come to the old school,” said Siderits.  

     “We were pleasantly surprised and pleased to welcome more than 100 people who came to learn about the recent developments taking place at the old school and share memories of the school which was constructed in 1911,” he said.

     Fred Bell, Jim Madison, Lois Reilly and Marge Reilly, all former graduates of the Jefferson City school, were on hand to share stories of their schooling back in the mid 1930s and 1950s.  Frank Bost, who also attended the Jefferson City school in the 1930s was unable to attend, but did share many interesting events which occurred back then with Siderits and others so they could be shared with the guests at the picnic.

     Especially pleasing to the kids was the arrival of Smokey the Bear, hosted by the US Forest Service fire team from Helena. At lunch time, while the Forest Service fire group was having lunch with the residents, a considerable amount of explanation had to be given to the children by JCVFD firefighter Jonathan Heslip why Smokey was not at the picnic table sitting with the firefighters.  

     According to Jefferson City Community Center Board chairman Fred Bell, there are plenty of opportunities for residents and those new to the area to become involved in supporting the development of the Jefferson City community center.  

     “Right now we are going to finish the plumbing and electrical so we can utilize the one room school building,” said Bell.  

    Those who would like to find out about ways to get involved, including contributing much appreciated donations, should contact fire chief Bud Siderits at 461-7466.  

     Thanks to the many folks who provided advertising for the picnic and Kid’s Day activities and to those who volunteered their time, the day was a great success. Organizers are already looking forward to a repeat next year.