A Thank you from a former Allegany Resident

Image by Bona_Responds via FlickrOne year ago to the week BonaResponds was very busy in flood clean up.  Today I was reminded of the great work that the volunteers did when Sr. Margaret (SBU president) forwarded the following email.  I took the woman's name off of it since I did not have permission to share, BUT I will say that I know the job and it was one that was REALLY cool since several people from Gowanda (a town that was flooded the year before where BonaResponds made many trips to--they are wearing the green shirts) came over to help. 

Email in its entirety (except name)

Sr. Margaret,

I wanted to take this opportunity to say thank you and congratulations for a job well done!!!  let me explain.
As an alumni, I am proud to say I graduated with my 1st Masters degree from St. Bonaventure.  Knowing I was born
and raised in Allegany, this makes me even more proud to know the university is involved and dedicated to the
community in a positive manner.

It was a while back now, during the last flooding that Allegany experienced.  My brother lives on Union Street in
our family's homestead.  It was always a wonderful place to live; however, the one challenge we always had was the
flooding of the Allegheny River. During the last flooding, my brother did get water, not only around the house, but
the basement, garage and almost into the house.  He had just had a hip replacement and was unable to prepare for the
flooding as normal.

When the water receded, he had damage to some walls, the furnace, and much of the insulation.  Being that I no longer
live in New York, I was unable to get there to help him out, but he said to me that everything was under control.  I
asked him what he meant by this.  He told me that several St. Bonaventure students were there and assisting him.  These
students worked very hard and were dedicated to helping him out.  They did a wonderful job.
I understand the  university has formed an organization to assist the community in this manner. 

Kudos to these students and all that they do!!!!  Kudos to the St. Bonaventure as well!!!!

Thank you!!!

Updates on our trip to Margaretville for flood cleanup--yes you can come!

 To try to save everyone from contacting me separately...

• YES WE NEED VOLUNTEERS!
• We will decide van departure times today at the 5:30 BonaResponds meeting in Murphy (aud).  Best guess is one van will leave on Thursday night (9:30?) and a second van 5:00pm on Friday. 
• it is unfortunate but yes we do have to be back on Sunday.  HOWEVER, if you want to stay longer, we will help arrange places for you to stay and tools..
• We do need drivers.  You must be PREAPPROVED by SBU, so please let us know ASAP if you are willing to drive.
• We will be staying with the Catskill Mountain Christian Center in Margaretville.
• Most of the work will be mudding out houses.  
• Thanks to generous donations in the past, we purchased two sump pumps (our other ones were destroyed in Gowanda).  One is a gas powered pump that can pump 16 gallons per minute. 
• BonaResponds' stars Larry and Bonnie will be in Margaretville by this evening to scout jobs etc.
  They also took about 20-25 gallons of bleach.  Much of this was left over from the floods in Olean area last year. And our new LARGE pump.

 Took part in this morning's NY VOAD meeting.   Some highlights

• Best description of what it is like is that "it is just like Gowanda in 2009 but it is town after town of the same".
• Many groups coming together to provide food and water and cleaning supplies, but difficult as needs are widely spread and many stores are closed due to their own flooding.
• Be sure to have those affected file with FEMA.The Red Cross will likely be getting us cots, but I can not guarantee it yet.  We do have a place to stay in Margaretville, NY.  The area was hit especially hard and in the center of several towns that need help.
• The Mennonite Disaster Response crew will also be in the area!  They are very very good. :)

here is a map:

View Larger Map


Special requests: laundry detergent, diapers (baby and adult), and baby food.  The grocery store (and many other stores in area) were flooded.  You can drop off these items at 231 Murphy on the SBU campus or at the Allegany Park and Shop (24 N 1st Allegany NY) (our typical Haiti collection spots).


We are open to all who want to help.  Here is a sign up form.  You will also have to sign this waiver form.




Here is a video of recovery efforts in the area:



Here is one during the flood which gives some idea of how high it was (16 feet of water!) Wow:




I will end with two things:

1.  There is a clear need for assistance.  You can and will help people and have a great time.
2. Imagine if you were flooded out.  Or your parents.  Or your grandparents.  Wouldn't you want someone to help.



Open to All.  See BonaResponds.org for more.

What to bring?  Space in vans may be tight, this is not an exhaustive list, but here are some recommendations:

1. A good attitude--by far the most important.  We want hard working and flexible people who want to help.  It will be fun even though it won't go as planned.
2. Work clothes (jeans, long sleeve tee, short sleeve tee, sweatshirt, workboots (ideally steel toed).
3. Gloves--leather is best IMO
4. Sun glasses/safety goggles
5. Sleeping bag (pillow if you want one--yoga block works great and is smaller)
6. Flashlight
7. Phone charger
8. Digital camera, charger
9. Towel
10. Toiletries etc (contacts, toothpaste, toothbrush, etc)
11. Water bottle
12. Granola bars etc for drive

You can meet us there!  By all means. 

Related articles

• Irene devastates Catskills (nydailynews.com)
• Cuomo Asks Obama to Declare Disaster in New York State (cityroom.blogs.nytimes.com)
• A.M. Roundup: 'This will get worse,' Cuomo predicts (timesunion.com)
• With Shocking Speed, Floods Turn Deadly (nytimes.com)

Video compilation on gutting

Flip has a ridiculously easy to use movie maker...so I threw a few short video clips into the mixer and out comes this movie of what it is like to gut a house. (Fortunately for you, the smell was not included.)