Letters to the Editor
"Thank You" to Those Who Helped 

The flood of June 2006 will forever be a vivid memory for my wife and me. It virtually destroyed our home and wiped out almost 50 years of memories and reminders of the growing years of our children, grandchildren, and even our great-grandchildren. 

 Joann and I could not have made it through this crisis if not for the constant support and hard work of our daughters and sons-in-law - Judy and Alan, Jill and David, and Jean and Jeff - and the prayers and emotional support from Joni and Craig and Jan and Kevin who live out of state.

 A special thanks to my brother Bill, who dropped everything and came from Florida to help. I don't know how I could have made it through without all of his hard work and organizational skills and encouragement. Special kudos to the folks at the Disaster Assistance Center at the Owego-Apalachin Middle School. You did a great job; it was well organized and everyone was very helpful.

 We can't forget two very special people who worked day after day helping in so many ways, Vic and Joe (and their wives). Thank you. We will always remember your kindness. Last but not least, thanks to the crew from the Apalachin Fire Department: Lisa, Joe Kayley, Kyle, Ryan, Shaun and Ray; a difficult job well done.

 The outpouring of help from so many in the neighborhood and community was amazing. Our thanks to the special neighbors who were able to stay in their homes when the rest of us had to abandon ours, thank you for being our neighborhood watch. To the special friends and neighbors who came to help, to local churches whose members provided meals for us when we were exhausted from working in the mess and heat, to the people who came with cleaning supplies and drinking water, the OFA football team members who helped move things out of the house, the Red Cross, the Salvation Army, Legal Aid, the Town of Owego Highway Department, Tioga County Social Services, and so many more, a hug Thank You!

 We tried to remember all the volunteer helpers, but in case someone got missed unintentionally, please know that we greatly appreciate all of your help. God bless you all real good.

Ken and Joann Brinkman
McFall Rd., Apalachin