NORTH FORK — The firefighters of Madera County Station 11 will be the beneficiaries of a generous donation from the Siderman Family Camp and Conference Center, formerly the Putney Ranch.
Rabbi Shlomo Menkes and Batsheva Williamson presented a check for $500 to the North Fork Volunteer Fire Department Auxiliary last Monday, a portion of the proceeds from last year’s Fall Festival & Firefighter Appreciation Day, held on Nov. 1 at the Camp.
Rabbi Shlomo expressed his deep appreciation to the work of the Auxiliary and the local PCFs (Paid Call Firefighters) who man Station 11.
“Volunteer service in general is important, but the work of all these volunteers saves lives and property,” said the Rabbi. “The greatest value of Judaism is the life of another person, and we appreciate very much what the Auxiliary is doing to support our firefighters.”
Rabbi Schlomo credited SNO Sales Manager Lisa Clark with being the driving force that made last year’s festival possible.
“She was the engine that pulled the train along,” he said, expressing his thanks to Lisa and to Auxiliary member Kit Teater who also put so much time and energy into making the event a success.
The Siderman Family Camp and Conference Center continues to expand their activities, including a horseback trail riding program scheduled to start in April, an 8-week summer camp program, and — with help from a group of local students — a garden.
The Camp is being transformed into a year-round facility available for weddings, reunions, festivals, and birthday parties. They offer archery, slip-and-slides, boating on beautiful Manzanita Lake, and even a gathering spot for outdoor movies. They also plan to build on the success of last year’s fall festival.
To learn more about the Camp, visit sidermancamp.org.
