New cooler put into service

Community Park has a new instrument with which to dispense refreshments, and the Belgium Fire Department has enough money to buy a new rescue boat and some wetsuits.

Last Friday’s Music in the Park fundraiser, along with donations from a host of community members, businesses and organizations, put the department over the top of its $3,200 goal for a new inflatable rescue boat to be used on inland waters.

 Chief Pat Wester said it will replace the department’s 18-year-old boat that has unrepairable leaks.

The department also raised enough money for a few ice rescue suits at $950 each to replace old ones with holes.

Friday’s event featuring food, beverages and the locally famous band Shad Lads also showcased the second use of the park’s new three-door glass cooler.

Belgium Lions member Richard Uselding asked the Village Board to donate money for the cooler in spring and was told to first finalize donations from community organizations he had been working with.

Those groups — the Fire Department, Lions Club, Ansay International, Chamber of Commerce and Melvin Wester American Legion Post 412 and the Legion Auxiliary — raised the $3,200 for the cooler, and it was donated to the village.

The cooler makes it easier to see and serve beverages as opposed to bending over to pluck out drinks from coolers sitting on the ground.