CFC dance, fundraiser Feb. 16

NORTH CANAAN — The annual Canaan Fire Company Dance will be held Saturday, Feb. 16, 8 p.m. to midnight at North Canaan Elementary School.Mardi Gras is this year’s theme and, as always, it promises to be a good time for the entire community, with dancing and prizes. Music will be provided by DJ Ryan Long of Jam Shack Entertainment. This is a BYOB (and food) event with setups provided. Tickets are $10, available from CFC members and at the door. Partygoers must be at least 18 years old.The dance kicks off annual fundraising for the Canaan Fire Company (CFC). Its volunteers train regularly to be able to ensure a safe community, from fighting fires to responding to motor vehicle accidents and rescues and natural disasters. CFC is one of the few emergency organizations that manage operating expenses without tax dollars. The cost of maintaining the firehouse and equipment, paying for fuel and utilities, outfitting firefighters — required turnout gear for just one person costs $2,500 — and meeting ever-increasing demands for training and capital upgrades now costs about $80,000 per year.There are all sorts of ways to help, especially when it comes to fundraising. Volunteers do not have to be emergency responders. There is also the Ladies’ Auxiliary and Junior Firefighters. Many members of the community, and beyond, help simply by buying dance tickets, whether they can go or not. CFC officers ask that everyone take a few moments to read their annual appeal letter, and consider what the town’s emergency responders mean to the quality of life here. Or, consider what CFC has adopted as a motto; What if volunteers didn’t?Donations may be sent to PO Box 642, North Canaan, CT 06018 or go to www.canaanfirecompany.org.