Submitted to Dorchester Banner/Neck District VFC
Many turned out on Sunday for the Neck District Volunteer Fire Company’s first Shoot for the Neck goose hunt. The well attended event was a fundraiser for the VFC.[/caption] CAMBRIDGE — When the crew at Neck District Volunteer Fire Company was trying to think of new ways to raise money for their organization, member Eddie Dayton came up with what turned out to be a winning idea - a goose hunt. The first Shoot for the Neck event took place on Saturday, and was deemed a success by organizers and participants. “This has turned out to be an awesome fundraiser and we have already had inquiries about next year,” a statement from the fire company said. “Eddie Dayton came up with this idea, as we had been looking for new ideas for fundraisers,” Vice President Brian Holliday said on Sunday. “Eddie not only came up with the idea, but was also our chairperson for the committee that put this together.” So special gratitude went out to Mr. Dayton, the statement said, continuing, “Also a big thank you to all of our guides, we couldn’t have done it without you guys. And last but not least, thanks to all of our local businesses for the donations and door prizes.” President Mike McKinley explained what’s behind all the work, saying, in a message to the Banner, “We are an all-volunteer organization trying to raise money for several pieces of capital equipment that will be very costly. Many people do not understand that we are self-funded and need to buy fire trucks that cost several hundred thousand dollars each. We are committed to the safety of our community and are doing everything we can to ensure they have the best services we can provide.” Steve Gilland took part in the hunt and thanked the VFC in a post online, saying, “Thanks to everybody involved. Broc and I had a wonderful time. It shows real class in your organization for working so hard for a father and son to try to kill a goose. A special thanks to Brian and Dave for working so hard for us and Mr. Floyd for allowing us to hunt his property. We will be back next year.” Bruce Jones wrote, “Had a great time. Will Harper and Justin were great guides! Food was awesome, saw some old friends and made some new ones. First class event. Thank you.” The event was fully guided, with valid licenses and stamps required. Afterwards, hunters enjoyed a lunch of roast beef, turkey, mashed potatoes, green beans, and corn in the fire house, paid for as part of their registration fee. An 870 Remington shot gun was also raffled off. A couple of groups did particularly well. “Congrats to the Jones on a successful hunt. Good shooting, guys,” the VFC’s statement said. “Congratulations to Mike Wheedleton, Tom and Jacob Bialk on their success,” the statement said. “Way to ‘Shoot for the Neck,’ boys, we hope to see you next year.” Art Smith let the VFC know how much he enjoyed the outing, saying, “Nicely done! What a great, well run event.” EMT Class As the members of the VFC wrap things up from the hunt, they continue planning for their next event, an Emergency Medical Technician (EMT) class. “We are very excited to say that we have two new EMTs at our station. However, this being a volunteer organization, it is becoming more difficult to respond with the few emergency medical services providers we have,” a statement from the Neck District said. “We have requested an EMT class to be held at our station. Please consider becoming a responder. We need volunteers. If you are not currently a member and want to become one please also message us. Thank you for considering us.” On March 4, 2019, at 7 p.m., at the station at 954 Cook Point Road, at 7 p.m., the class titled, “Help us Help the Neck. Become an EMT” will take place. To reach the station for non-emergency calls, phone 410-228-2434. Those interested in the class or in becoming a member of Neck District VFC may message the company on their Facebook page, or call the above number.