A Chili Dinner for Springs Fire Department

February, that coldest of months, is the perfect time for chili. On Saturday afternoon, a big heaping cup sure to keep you warm will also raise money for the Springs Fire Department.

Angie Mendez, a volunteer firefighter and emergency medical technician, has organized a meal for which members will cook up their chili recipes between noon and 3 p.m. at the firehouse. At last count, 11 firefighters had agreed to offer up their dishes, ranging from chicken chili to spicy green to one called Bonac chili. All will be available to eat in or take away.

The $15 admission gets you two cups, and the price includes toppings, bread, and one soda or bottled water. For take away, $15 will buy one pint. The volunteers running the dinner can either pick a chili for you, or you can pick your own.

The Fire Department raises money through prime rib dinners, pancake breakfasts, and the annual Great Bonac Footrace, but this is its first chili dinner.

“We thought it would be another way to raise money for the Fire Department and a way to meet the local firemen,” Ms. Mendez said.

While money will go into the general fund, Ms. Mendez hopes some will also go toward a new public address system in the firehouse in memory of a late member, William W. Bates.