The Summer Reading Program blazed ahead last Monday with a fiery-fun visit from another group of Hometown Heroes — the firefighters! Avon’s own Reece Powers joined us to read a thrilling fire-themed book and talk with the kids about the brave work firefighters do to keep our community safe. After storytime, Reece helped the kids try on real firefighter gear and explained what each piece does in an emergency. From helmets to boots, our young readers got a hands-on look at what it takes to be fire-ready! And the excitement didn’t stop there — Firefighter Dennis Dodge brought a real firetruck up for the kids to explore! The children got to check out the inside of the truck, see all the tools, and even get a feel for what it’s like to ride to the rescue. This up-close experience truly lit up their imaginations! We also crafted glowing fire candles using battery-operated tea lights — a safe and fun way to spark some creativity! And no firehouse visit would be complete without snacks: pretzels dipped in frosting and colorful fruit cups made for a tasty, toasty treat. Each child earned 5 more Hometown Hero trading cards for attending and learning about fire safety — and maybe even dreaming of becoming a future firefighter themselves. A huge thank you to Reece Powers and Dennis Dodge for sharing their time, gear, and real-life experience with our young readers. Your dedication and service are true examples of courage and care! We’re so proud to say that Avon truly has the best fire department around. This past Friday, they held their annual dinner fundraiser, raising money for future equipment and training — continuing their mission to protect and serve with excellence. They are a huge blessing to our small town with a big heart, and we’re so grateful for all they do. Stay tuned as we celebrate our Hometown Heroes on July 28th for our big finale. RSVP to Twila at the Avon library or send us a message on Facebook!