TO THE EDITOR: Feb. 13, 2021, was the worst night of my life.
I was woken up around midnight to the sound of someone yelling, “Get out, get out, the building is on fire!”
The building 53 in Village Green was on fire. My first thought was that I was having a bad dream but, unfortunately, I wasn’t. Within the next few minutes, I found myself running out of my condo into the freezing cold night wearing pajamas, a coat and shoes.
I cried as I watched the firemen battle the flames rising from the building, wondering if everything I own would be lost.
The following days and weeks were full of so many emotions; scared, thankful that I, and everyone in the building, got out safely, and full of many questions as I played the night over and over in my mind.
Needless to say, it was all quite traumatizing. However, I am so very grateful to the many people who reached out to me in the days that followed to offer their prayers and assistance as needed. I was grateful to the Bedminster-Far Hills Fire Department and the other fire departments that responded to the scene and worked in the freezing temperature to get the fire under control.
However, the fire department was just one of many groups that were instrumental in helping the residents of building 53. Bedminster Township, in particular the Township Committee, immediately reached out to see what they could do to help.
I spoke with Mayor Larry Jacobs many times over the following weeks. He promised his help in any way that he could, whether it was the use of Town Hall as a meeting place, making sure that the township processed any paperwork or requested permits as quickly as possible, or providing lists of resources that we could call for help.
I am personally very grateful to Mayor Jacobs for all that he did for us to try and get the rebuilding process started as soon as possible.
Many residents from Bedminster, as well as surrounding towns, reached out wanting to know how they could donate to the fire victims. Renee Mareski worked with the township to set up a donation program, which was truly appreciated.
The fire is not the only time that Major Jacobs and Renee Mareski have gone above and beyond to be available to Bedminster residents and offer their help.
I think that Bedminster is very fortunate to have them as well as the rest of our very responsive Township Committee members.
On Nov. 2, I will be supporting Larry Jacobs and Renee Mareski for re-election and I hope you will, too!
LISA ROBINSON
Larkspur Court
Bedminster Township
Editor’s note: This Letter to the Editor originally appeared in The Bernardsville News.