BELLOWS FALLS — I would like to take this opportunity to say how thankful I am that we have come through Hurricane Irene mostly in one piece, and all the stronger for it, as we forge ahead helping our neighbors and our own families and friends, in the days, and weeks, of cleanup, restoration, and replacement.
All of our emergency service agencies were everywhere at once, evacuating residents, closing flooded and washed-out roads from dangerous passage, and shutting off power to damaged lines and twisted buildings. We rallied, and for that, I am proud of where I live.
We learn as we go, they say, and so we see that low-end technology still has a place in the 21st century when it comes to natural disasters.
Now, we rebuild and recover. We absorb the lessons learned and reap the harvest of wisdom gained from the experience.
The storm has passed. The waters are receding, but many are in need.
I therefore strongly and seriously urge all residents and organizations to pay it forward, by considering our neighbors when we hold an event or yard sale, clean out our closets for the fall school schedule, hold a bake sale, etc. Put aside 10 percent of your revenues or more; donate those unwanted clean, outsized clothes and shoes, food, or what have you to a family in need.
Look to your left or right: there must be someone in our community you know who needs our help. If you do not know, someone you do know does.
If you wish to remain anonymous, you may contact me through my numbers on the Bellows Falls Village/Town of Rockingham website, and I will get your generous donations to those who will benefit.
If you are a family in need, let me know the same way and we will complete the cycle of give and receive.
We are all in this together. Be thankful.