Good Morning All!
 
Thank you, thank you, thank you!
 
Well despite the snow -  we did it!!!  I can't even begin to thank each and every one of you enough.  I believe that you not only showed the wonderful spirit of the holidays, but you truly demonstrated how fantastic Middleridge is as a community. 
 
I know that all of your neighbors know how lucky they are to live next door or on the same street as you and I can't wait to let the whole community know how wonderful you are in the next newsletter.  If I could put a neon flashing sign by your names so that everyone knows to thank you - I would.  :)  I've copied the board and some of the folks that work closely with the board on this message because I want them to know how special our volunteers made the Firefighter event.
 
With the impending snow, I sent a message on Friday asking folks if it was possible to deliver their dish to my house Friday night or EARLY Sat. The original plan was to drop off Friday or Sat. before noon, but I got nervous and wanted to deliver as early as possible.  Folks did such an amazing job that I got almost the entire original menu by Friday night at 9:15 PM and I was able to deliver everything to the station and be back home by 10 PM - before things got really crazy!  I felt like a little holiday helper rushing over to the station with this great load of delicious food that you all created.  The group at the station was not the shift that is there today and Sunday, but this way, all three shifts are actually able to enjoy a little something.  Last night they were going to taste some of the wonderful desserts and they were delivering our message of thanks to the Sat. and Sunday crews since we wouldn't deliver on Sat. as originally planned. 
 
I can't emphasize enough how much I appreciate all the extra efforts and adjustments you made to your schedules to make this event happen. 
 

• I know that Ingrid Sides had the surprise of a broken oven when she tried to bake her cakes - so thanks to you for your resourcefulness and your neighbor for the use of their oven.  (If you send me your neighbor's name I'll be sure to thank her in the newsletter as well)

• Laurie Owens delivered a wonderful warm mac and cheese which, my boys, as mac and cheese lovers, knew that the firefighters would enjoy

• Bambi Munos delivered a beautiful dish of a variety of cookies before she was headed out of town

• Denise Rachel magically got two salads to congeal in time and they looked very festive

• Linda Hansen and Sheila Champion dropped off their cole slaw and sweet potato casserole early in the day so that I had them in plenty of time

• Elizabeth Simon braved the craziness of the stores after she got off work to get veggies and dip for the meal - I can only guess how crazy it was by that time

• Stephanie White made a last minute adjustment in her dessert so that I could go ahead and get the meal delivered Friday night.  She traded her dessert with the one that her daughter Clair had made.  Thanks to both of you for that!!

• I'd also like to thank Katie Wagner, Christine Hill and her daughter (I'm not sure of your daughter's name, but if you let me know, I'd like to thank her appropriately in the newsletter).  Because of the adjustments in the schedule it wasn't possible for them to help with the meal as planned.  I truly thank them for their willingness and desire to help and apologize for the fact that we had to do things so quickly and in a way that it interfered with plans they already had scheduled.  You've certainly got first pick the next time we do a meal if you'd like to help then.

• Nanci Ciarula contributed with a Napa Cabbage salad which she dropped off last night after her dinner plans.

I know that this is a long message, but I just want everyone to know how wonderful you are and how lucky I was to have you help with this event.  You represent the heart of our community and my thanks to you really isn't enough, but I do want you to know that I truly appreciate everything you did!!
 
Happy Holidays!
 
Jessica