The goodwill of neighbors

On behalf of the Bellvale Bruderhof Community, I would like to extend my sincere thanks to the Chester Fire and Police Departments who assisted us during the Hurricane Sandy-related attic fire at our residence on Bellvale Lakes Road last week.

Thank you to the town officials, neighbors, Orange County Partnership, Orange County Chamber of Commerce and news media who stopped by to make sure we were all safe.

As we stood helpless, watching the building burn while the fire fighters controlled the blaze, each of you offered practical assistance, kind words of assurance and time out of your busy work day to stand by us.

After Hurricane Sandy the bulletin outside the Sugar Loaf fire house read: “Help thy neighbor.”

Each one who helped and comforted us, exemplified this and more.

When we scheduled a cleanup project two days after the fire to salvage what we could from the house, more than 50 men, women and children from our neighborhood came to offer a hand; 20 volunteer fire fighters, members of Monroe-Chester Sportsmen’s Club, officials from both the town and village worked alongside dozens of neighbors and Bellvale community residents.

You donated hammers, gloves, crowbars and, most importantly, moral support. For this we are truly grateful.

At Thanksgiving we celebrate God’s daily blessings and remember those less fortunate than we. This Thanksgiving we will newly appreciate the goodwill of each neighbor and our fellow citizens, especially you that were so generous with your time and labor during this crisis.

May God richly bless each one of you and we wish you a wonderful Thanksgiving.

Samuel Wright, pastor

Bellvale Bruderhof Community, Chester