NOVEMBER, 2001.  The Halloween party came off very nicely, and we'd like to thank everybody who braved the blustery afternoon for the opportunity to take to the streets of Ingomar (street, actually) and show a little Halloween spirit.  True, it was brisk, but at least we didn't have to deal with snow like our good friends at Franklin Park VFD, who held their own parade earlier that day.  We got some positive response to our holding the parade on a Saturday, as opposed to a work/school day (on which the 31st fell this year); we think we'll do it again that way next time.  We also plan to serve some sort of dinner next year...probably simple fare such as hot dogs and chili, but with the intention of relieving parents of having to decide whether to feed the kids at 4 o'clock or try to feed them at 7 after we've stuffed them full of candy.  The apple-bobbing and pin-the-nose-on-the-pumpkining seemed to go over well.  If you were at the party, or even if you weren't, we'd like to hear from you and find out what you'd like to see us do next year to make the party more attractive and convenient for you.  Drop us a line at halloweenie@ingomarfire.org.  A special thanks goes out to the young people of Mrs. Casey's first grade class at Ingomar Elementary School, who kindly made for us some nice jack-o'lanterns with which we decorated our hall for the party. Looking ahead, make sure you mark Sunday, Dec 23d on your calendar, as we have it on good authority that once again a certain "right jolly old elf" will be visiting the children of Ingomar courtesy of one of our proud fire engines.  keep an eye out, or perhaps an ear, that afternoon, for the sound of Christmas coming to your neighborhood.
	OCTOBER, 2001.  To describe September as "eventful" would, at this point, be a bit mawkish. If you would like to lend financial or other assistance to the many victims of this national tragedy, you may find information by clicking here. Nevertheless, Life Goes On and the month did provide an opportunity for we of the Fire Department to interact with you, the community, on several occasions.  The McCandless 150th anniversary celebration went off as planned and by all accounts was very successful. We still have copies of the Ingomar Fire Department 75th Anniversary Commemorative Issue, featuring 22 pages of photographs and accounts of Ingomar (both the community itself and the Fire Company).  If you'd like to obtain a copy (or copies: they make great gifts, you know) at one dollar apiece plus postage, drop an email and we'll arrange something.  There were a couple more opportunities for you to render financial aid to our injured comrade, Lt. Ron Migyanko, whose financial situation continues to worsen during his recovery at Harmarville Rehabilitation Center.  The first featured the debut of our recently re-activated Fire Department Auxiliary, who held a combination "Candle Party" and Bingo on Sept. 9th, which was well-attended and is likely to reoccur at some point.  The second fundraiser was held Sept. 29th and took the form of a Spaghetti Dinner held on the grounds of Saint Alexis Church which managed to raise well in excess of $4000 for Ron, and we deeply thank everyone who played a part in that affair.
	SEPTEMBER, 2001.  Courage.
	AUGUST, 2001.  Hey now.  That certainly was an uncomfortable patch of weather, no?  Well that's summer for you, enjoy it while you can.  The big event of the season is just a few short weeks away...the dual-purpose celebration being held in the vicinity of McCandless Town Hall on September 8th, which is a Saturday.  Some of the things you can expect:  Parades, food, games, food, entertainment, food, fireworks, food, and...a 5 kilometer run, for you health nuts.  We hope to see you there!
	JULY, 2001.  Summertime, and the living is ...as easy as it's likely to get anytime soon.  The hot, wet spring has given way to an unusually cool summer.  There's plenty of time for that to change though, and no doubt everybody who's now kvetching that it's not hot enough will change their tune around the end of August when it's 95 degrees outside and the humidity settles down on you like a wet, wheezy gorilla.  We've been blessed with no major structure fires in Ingomar lately, but there have been a couple of unpleasant automobile accidents, so this is a good time to remind everyone that, as you go about your summertime activities, you want to be very careful on the roadways.  Wear that seatbelt, and make certain everybody in your car does, too.  By now only the willfully stupid have failed to learn that drinking and driving is a no-no of epic proportions, but we know how sometimes a few beers can sneak up on a person after a day of fun and sun, so keep your wits about you and if you do wind up in the bag, have somebody else drive you home, please.
	Later in the summer, September 8th to be exact--or the 15th, if it rains on the 8th--we'll be celebrating several important milestones here in McCandless: the 150th anniversary of the town itself, and the 75th anniversary of the Ingomar Volunteer Fire Department #2.  (It's also the 75th anniversary of the Highland department, but you'll have to go to their website to find out more about that.)  The plans are still being finalized, but you can look forward to a massive celebration to be held near the Town Hall which will feature games, entertainment, lots of food and (of course) a parade. Oh, yeah, and fireworks.  I mean, it just wouldn't be right for more than ten people from this area to get together and not have fireworks.  Both the Town of McCandless and your fire department will be issuing commemorative books marking their respective anniversaries, to give everyone a chance to learn some history of their home and see some great photographs of where it's come from, and how far. (You'll even finally learn why there's an "Ingomar #2" fire department but no "#1!")   Keep watching this page for more details, but make plans now to attend this momentous event.
	The IngomarFire "EasterEgg" archive is now online.  But, you'll have to find an "EasterEgg" on this page to get there (there are a bunch of them).
	One aspect of our history that seems to have fallen by the wayside is the use of the fire hall as a center for community activities, but we're trying to change that.  Our Halloween Parade and Open House was a big hit last year, and we plan to do it again in 2001.  But you don't have to wait that long to come out for some fun at the fire hall--and help out a worthy cause at the same time.  To that end, we announce:

The Ingomar Volunteer Fire Department Auxiliary
Partylite Gift Bingo
Sunday, SEPTEMBER 9th, 2:00-4:00 p.m.
at the Main Fire Hall,
West Ingomar and Harmony Roads
All Proceeds will benefit injured firefighter Ron Migyanko

This is not like "regular" bingo. Winners will win gifts from Partylite, purveyors of fine candles 'n'nat, instead of money. All participants will be able to purchase Partylite Items and light refreshments will be served.  The Auxiliary would like to have you R.S.V.P.;  To do that, or if you have any questions, please feel free to call Patty at 364-8553 or Leslie at 367-2137 (don't forget to dial the "412" bit first).  If you like candles, or bingo, or enjoy the company of those who do, then this is the place to be.  And, gentlemen, believe me: I tried very hard to lobby for this to be one of those "lingerie party bingo" things but they just weren't going for it.  Maybe next time.