Neighbors: Storytime for unspoken heroes

Volunteer firefighters donate their services at all hours without regard to holidays or vacations, but seldom get to showcase stories about themselves, at least until now.

The Firemen’s Association of the State of New York, or FASNY, is looking for volunteer firefighters across the state to share their stories for a statewide advertising campaign.

All you have to do is compose a short video with your smart phone or web cam — nothing fancy or high-tech needed — to highlight your personal story, according to a note from Liz Burke of DKC News, the New York City marketing firm promoting the campaign.

Start by telling your name, age, rank and department. Then answer three questions:

» Why did you become a firefighter?

» What do you like most about being a volunteer?

» What would you say to someone considering becoming a volunteer?

The deadline for video entries is Friday. Winners will be notified by April 18, Liz wrote.

“If chosen, filming is scheduled to begin at the end of April in central New York,” Liz wrote.

The campaign is made possible by a $4.2 million U.S. Department of Homeland Security Staffing for Adequate Fire and Emergency Response, or SAFER grant awarded to FASNY for its multi-pronged firefighter and recruitment effort.

To learn more about the contest and campaign, visit www.fasny.com/castingcall/.

» Athens author Maureen Wright has a new book in stores called “Earth Day, Birthday!” It was released April 1.

Maureen will read and sign copies of her latest book during Story Hour at 11 a.m. Saturday at Barnes & Noble Booksellers in the Consumer Square Plaza in Big Flats.