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| By Sarah M. Corigliano Assistant Managing Editor EAST LONGMEADOW The East Longmeadow Firefighter's Association (ELFA) is preparing for its annual benefit bash: The 50s Dance. Captain Richard Brady, a longtime call fire fighter with the department, told The Reminder last week that this is the 25th anniversary year for the dance, which is the main fund-raiser for the ELFA. The ELFA's funds are used to help fire fighters who encounter difficult times, such as lay-offs (i.e. call fire fighters who are laid off from their full time employment), injuries, medical expenses, and more. In the recent past, Brady said donations were sent from the ELFA to honor fallen fire fighters in Worcester and New York City and they just recently sent a donation to the fund benefitting Hampden fire fighters whose homes were damaged during the floods in October. Brady said the 50s Dance began when the former annual Firefighters Ball lost its popularity. He said now-retired East Longmeadow Fire Fighter Don Gamash and his wife, Joan, had suggested the idea. Since then, Brady said it has been a success, drawing 250 attendees in 2005. This year's 50s Dance will take place Feb. 4 at the Greek Orthodox Church of St. Luke on Prospect Street in East Longmeadow. In addition to music by D.J. Don Blanchard (the music will be mainly 50s and 60s), there will be prizes, contests and a cash bar. Donations to attend are $12 per person. Tickets are available at the East Longmeadow Fire Department Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 12 p.m. They are also available from any East Longmeadow fire fighter. |