|
When Community Matters Most
Dear Editor:
On the evening of Tuesday, October 30, there was a great party in Cold Spring. More than 100 people attended. Scary costumes, excellent live music, great food and enthusiastic conversation among friends ruled the night. But it was a party with a difference. The difference that makes Cold Spring not just a pleasant village and a nice place to live - but a great community.
In August, nine-year-old Olivia Beam came down with a virus. Kids get sick all the time and they bounce right back, right away. Not this time. Not yet. The virus, which has totally baffled doctors, left Olivia paralyzed from the neck down. Olivia is the daughter of Will and Cathy Beam. Many Cold Springers will remember Will and Cathy as the hard working and gracious hosts of The Meeting House restaurant.
Olivia is still in the hospital. Cathy has literally not left her daughters' side since August. The medical bills are phenomenally high and the Beam's home in Scotchtown near Middletown, NY has to be outfitted to accommodate Olivia's needs when she finally comes home.
The party a few weeks ago was a fundraiser with proceeds going to Olivia. With very little notice, on the spur of the moment, more than $3,000 was raised that night.
Six bands donated incredible musical talents that kept people dancing well into the wee hours. Uncle Wade, Motherlode, The Veltz Family, Buddy Traina, Kathleen Pemble and the Foundry Allstars played their hearts out. They played their hearts out for Olivia, Will and Cathy. Delicious food was donated and shared by all. And people brought their wallets. Everyone had a wonderful time. Despite the circumstances it was great to see Will, shake his hand and give him a hug. In the back of the mind of everyone there was the thought, "What if it was my daughter?"
We can't undo the virus that has left Olivia so sick. But we can help her and her family. You can still make a donation to help Olivia. Make checks payable to Friends of Olivia, and mail it to PO Box 4004, Middletown, NY 10941. Visit the website that has been set up at www.friendsofolivia.com You can also make a donation at the Foundry Cafe on Main Street in Cold Spring. Remember, "No donation is too small."
Cold Spring showed its true stuff that night. I want to express my appreciation for everyone who came to the cafe, had fun, contributed to the party and gave so generously. It's what "community" is really about.
Jeff Consaga
Cold Spring
| 
