Honorary Member of the Hilton Fire Department

Doug Sholette

Throughout my life, I have been involved in many different types of organizations - from political affiliations, Chamber of Commerce, Civic groups, Sportsman clubs, etc. This past Saturday evening, March 7, 2020, my wife Deanne Mann Sholette and I were invited to the Annual Hilton Volunteer Fire Department Banquet at Pomona at the Blue Barn.

As the current Fire Department Chief, Mike Lissow was at the podium giving out awards to his dedicated team of men and women.  He started to mention that an award is given out on occasion to certain individuals in the community.

These are Chief Mike Lissow’s words:

“Honorary Membership, the Hilton Fire Department, by a vote of the membership, may grant Honorary Membership to an individual for deeds or acts that benefit the department.  At a recent department business meeting, Doug Sholette‘s name was presented to the body for honorary membership and approved unanimously. Doug is from Burger Funeral Home and has worked very close over the years with the different fire chiefs. We have had many calling hours and funerals for department members and family members at Burger‘s and the working relationship is excellent. The attention to detail is well noted, whether it be a life member having a fire truck or chief’s car in the funeral procession or the fire department flag set up for calling hours. I remember when John Sweeney passed away and we were meeting with Burger‘s and our concern was having calling hours at the funeral home. Expecting a lot of people and not wanting them to stand outside in the cold weather, we recommended having calling hours at the fire hall. We had never done anything like this before, but Doug said ‘we can make it work.’ Because of Doug and the staff, we had calling hours in the fire hall, and they went extremely well. Doug, on behalf of the entire fire department, congratulations on becoming an Honorary Member.”

Words cannot express the feelings that overwhelmed me when he called my name. I am truly honored and will never forget this night.  

I am proud to be a part of this amazing family!!!!!!!!!    

Thank you all.

Sincerely,

Doug and Deanne Sholette

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WIDOWS' VALENTINE LUNCHEON

The Thomas E. Burger Funeral Home annually invites the widows of the previous year to attend a luncheon to honor the memory of their beloved Valentine. 

This is held as close to the actual February 14th date as possible. 

We encourage these special ladies to share a special holiday with people who are experiencing the same difficult emotions of a day that is very special to wife and her husband. 

The widows are treated to an entire luncheon and are given a commemorative item in memory of their loved one.

2023 Valentine gathering comments:

"Your "Luncheon of Love" was just the right touch for a day that could have been very lonely."

"I really enjoyed the luncheon. It was lovely and thoughtful. Thank you also for flower and the bookmark. I was truly touched. My heart is very grateful."


Friday, February 14, 2020 was our 27th gathering. 

Thank you to this wonderful group of ladies for joining to share memories and stories of the journeys their lives have taken.

Some comments from our Valentine luncheon guests, past and current:

"Not only did Doug and staff make one of the most difficult times in my life easier, my husband's funeral, they continue to make the year following it better. I received remembrance thoughts and prayers just when I needed them most.
Today is Valentine’s Day. They invited all of us who lost our husbands to a luncheon at Fosters, flowers and a keepsake gift. I met so many wonderful women today! Instead of being sad and feeling alone, I had a really nice Valentine’s Day! Thank you again "

"Thank you so much for the Valentine's Day luncheon.  The food was delicious and it was nice to meet others who are in the same situation.  I do appreciate the unexpected and nice things that you do."

"Thank you for your invitation to the Valentine's luncheon for the widows.  It was a congenial group along with a good meal.  The mementos were lovely and thoughtful.  It was also nice to get out socially.  I appreciate the caring support and hard work from all of you when arranging this for me."

"Couldn't let this day go by without thanking you for the special day - your pampering us at the wonderful dinner was a delight that probably few of us have had in some time.  At least in my case....it being a certain celebration day in our earlier years.  Thank you!."

"The luncheon was wonderful..flowers and company..."

2019 - "Who would ever think a luncheon for widows would be fun!  It was a delightful way to spend my first Valentine Day alone. the meal was top notch.  I so appreciate the support of you and your staff."

"I would like to say thank you for your help, support and compassion you have given to our family and me this past year.....Thank you for your warm invitation..."

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NEWLY UPDATED VILLAGE OF HILTON CLOCK

The October 2018 issue of the Village of Hilton Newsletter featured an article on page 4 about the newly updated Village Clock.  Thomas E. Burger Funeral Home was able to assist in the restoration.  Doug Sholette participated in the ribbon cutting ceremony on Wednesday, August 8, 2018.

See the link to the Village of Hilton October issue of their newsletter.

https://www.hiltonny.org/pdf/Newsletter/Hilton-Newsletter-October-2018.pdf

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LOCAL CLASSIFIEDS

We have posted a variety of ads in the local Suburban News Publication. 


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COMMUNITY AWARENESS - VETERANS

The Thomas E. Burger Funeral Home and its staff are proud of our American Veterans and their selfless sense of duty to our country and its people.  We honored them on Veterans' Day in November 2017 by sponsoring an ad released on WHAM radio commending our troops whether past or present.  A certificate acknowledging this was received from the Community Awareness Campaign.

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Thomas E. Burger - Citizen of the year 2009

The Village Board named Thomas Burger as Hilton’s Citizen of the Year in 2009.

Tom has been actively involved in serving the Hilton community for many years.

Many people know Tom for the very personal and caring service he provides as Owner and President of the Thomas E. Burger Funeral Home, Inc., located in the Village of Hilton. Tom is also known for the many hours he devotes in the Rotary Club, where he has received the “Paul Harris Fellowship Award”. The award is the highest honor a person can receive in the club, for exemplary “service above self”. Tom’s community involvement doesn’t end there. He is also active with the Masons, was the Chairperson of the Parma Bicentennial Committee and was the Town of Parma Historian for several years.
Tom has many ties with the old families of Hilton and Parma through his strong interest in genealogy.

Tom’s active involvement in the community and dedication to the service of others makes him worthy of the honor of Citizen of the Year. Congratulations Tom!