SCHOHARIE — Niagara Engine Company Number 6 Inc., known locally as the Schoharie Fire Department, was recently awarded an Iroquois Community Grant from the Iroquois Pipeline Operating Company. The grant money was used to purchase a concrete Chinese checkers game table. Working with both the Village of Schoharie and the Schoharie Promotional Association, the game table was placed within the Schoharie Lily Park, less than 1/2 mile from the fire station on Fort Road. The game table is open to everyone to enjoy at any time of day, free of charge.

“Our fire department tries to take advantage of any grant opportunity”, stated Sue Rolfe, President of the fire company. “While most of the grants we receive help reduce taxpayer costs for fire equipment, this grant allows us to give back to our community in ways other than just emergency response services.”

Darlene Patterson of Schoharie promotional association added, “We are very appreciative of the efforts of the Schoharie Fire Department in securing this game table for the Lily Park. The Lily Park  continues to attract many visitors and we hope that everyone will enjoy this addition. And the timing of the addition of the table is perfect, as this year Lily Festival is Saturday, July 11.”

Since 1991, Iroquois has partnered with their pipeline host communities by providing unique funding programs.  Program funding, including grants, secured by the Schoharie fire department, have empowered  communities to take steps to preserve their environmental heritage and increase passive recreational opportunities.