COLTS NECK COMMUNITY CHURCH
HONORS FIRST RESPONDERS WITH PANCAKE BREAKFAST By Susan Murphy
O
ver 100 members of the community braved the snowy weather to attend the annual Pancake Breakfast at Colts Neck Community Church on January 21 to show their support for the Colts Neck Fire and First Aid. The breakfast is a special way this church has found to express their thanks for the men and women who volunteer to protect and care for the community. Pastor Chris Durkin and Deacons Jerry Brunner, Glen Dalakian and Jim Doyle are the planning team for the church and make certain this breakfast is on their calendar. Under the leadership of Mr. Brunner, 30 members of the church helped to set up tables, cook, serve, and do the final cleanup. Each year George and Sabaas, who own Perkins Family Restaurant in Colts Neck donate the pancake batter and other breakfast items. “This is a real com-
Left to right: Colts Neck Community Church Pancake Breakast Coordinator Jerry Brunner, Colts Neck Fire Chief Richard Galinski, Pastor Chris Durkin, First Aid Captain Frank Valentino, Deacons Jim Doyle and Glen Dalakian pause to share a picture. Photo by Mark Benson.
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munity event,” said Mr. Dalakian, who is also the President of the Colts Neck Business Association. He noted that Tom Orgo arrived early in the morning to plow the driveway and parking lot so those attending could enjoy the breakfast. There is no charge for the breakfast but donations are welcome and the total amount collected is equally shared between the First Aid and Fire Department. Warren Diercksen, a member of the church for 14 years, has been the head chef for all but one year of the annual pancake breakfast event. “My Mom taught me how to make pancakes when I was very young. And then in 1975, I worked at McDonalds flipping pancakes. I have four children and I enjoy cooking breakfast,” he said. Steve Braun, who was the Interim Pastor prior to Pastor Durkin’s arrival, noted that this
Left to right: Colts Neck First Aid members Alex Pridmore, Debbie Evankow, Aaron Lay, and Denise Horneck attended the Colts Neck Community Pancake Breakfast.
event is popular with the community. “They look forward to it each year and we enjoy doing it.” Robert, Stefanie, and Jonathan, all three of Mr. Braun’s children helped serve the breakfast. Pastor Durkin said this year he wanted to send out a special thank you to the First Responders. He found out firsthand just how incredible the response time for the First Aid was this past year; in fact, twice in one week! His wife’s grandmother broke her shoulder and the first aid had to be called. “They did a phenomenal job of caring for her and then taking her to Jersey Shore Medical Center. Then during worship one of our members was not feeling well and the First Aid came once again. They do a great job with grace and commitment.” He added that this year he wanted to say a special thank you.
Scott and his mother June Anderson are both on the Colts Neck First Aid Squad.