South Abington Township police officer Lenny Harvey takes his turn tossing a bean bag. Next to him is Kayla Wood, junior firefighter of the Dalton Fire Company.
Ben Freda | For Abington Journal
Members and friends of the Abington Heights Civic League volunteer at the event. From left are Cheryl O’Hora, Maggie Woolever, Mary Kulig, Mary Brutico, Kathy Patrizi and Cathy Plishka.
Ben Freda | For Abington Journal
Mission BBQ employees serve food to the first responders. From left are Kim Robinson, cook, Mary Jane Cwalina, caterer, Justin Ryba, line cook/prep cook, and Keira Rosado, cashier/greeter.
Ben Freda | For Abington Journal
Mannings Ice Cream truck, parked outside Creekside Grove, served free ice cream to first responders.
Ben Freda | For Abington Journal
Local police officers, firefighters, and EMTs from the Abington Area play a game of cornhole.
Ben Freda | For Abington Journal
LENOXVILLE — The Abington Heights Civic League gave the first responders of the Abington area a day of leisure and fun on Sunday, May 15. Police officers, firefighters, and EMT’s of Clarks Summit, South Abington Township, Dalton, and Waverly spent the afternoon enjoying lunch and a game of cornhole during the Abington Area First Responders Appreciation event.
This year, the event was held at an outdoor venue with a pavilion located in Lenoxville called Creekside Grove.
“We try to donate the venue once or twice a year for a worthy cause and this certainly was one,” said Rich Bidwell, who owns Creekside Grove with Diane.
Mission BBQ, a restaurant in Wilkes-Barre that honors soldiers and first responders, served free smoked meats and side dishes to the attendees.
“I think every first responder is important in every community,” said caterer Mary Jane Cwalina. “We are very thankful for them. They help someone that needs help.”
Mannings Ice Cream had its truck outside the pavilion for first responders to enjoy free ice cream. Mucciolo Family Wines provided free servings of wine at the event.
Main sponsors of the event are Toyota of Scranton and Eagle Cleaners.
“We want to be able to give back to the first responders for everything that they do for us,” said Buddy Croft, owner of Eagle Cleaners. “It’s just a token of appreciation.”
