Letter to the Editor: A Kindly Visit to Beaver Ridge Turns into a Party

Patiently Waiting 

It was already Wednesday and the Beaver Ridge Retirement Community in Yorktown, New York had been without power for days.

All of us had our woes during Irene’s onslaught, but hearing about Beaver Ridge Retirement facility, my friend Lisa Grace decided that these people had waited long enough and that something had to be done, and quickly.

Lisa went forth that morning, purchased some fruit and, with her daughters, Natalie and Nina, arrived at Beaver Ridge, distributed what she had and promised that there would be a hot meal for dinner. The residents who met Lisa were surprised and delighted.

Lisa was able to find many establishments in her community eager to donate various delicacies for these people who were very much in need. She also managed to recruit me, my two daughters Sarah and Rebecca and, with these Samaritans the evening meal began to come together.

We would like to thank J.V. Bagels II in Shrub Oak for bags and bags of bagels, which were distributed to the retirees for their morning breakfast. Dunkin Donuts in Mohegan Lake gave their boxes of joe.  We know what it is like not to have had a hot cup of coffee for four days, perhaps this was the most appreciated.  Yorktown Diner gave two large trays of delicious food, Edwin’s, Sophia’s Pizza, Taco Bell, Murphy’s, Finnegan’s, Burger King, Maria’s Pizza, Kirby’s, Travelers Rest, Sue and Hai all gave generously and without hesitation.

The meal went without a hitch with the great help of Nicole and Rocky and those who work or volunteer at Beaver Ridge. We had help to spare and it was a pleasure to aid those in need.

I decided that at the end to a perfect meal, something spectacular should happen. I summoned all my strength and, much to my surprise, the lights turned on. Well, it really was not me, I must admit, but it was a great ending. There was applause and cheers by all.

It was so nice meeting Mary, Skip, Rose, Dorothy, Rocky; so many others who thanked us. We thank them for allowing us to help. Thank you to all who helped and brought smiles and warm meals to those left in the dark. 

Sincerely,  

Audrey Bard