Iam a 13-year resident of Allentown and have raised four children here. My youngest child, Alex, who is 17, has cerebral palsy and is rather severely disabled. For a number of reasons, I recently purchased a house down Route 539 in Cream Ridge. The house that I purchased was not set up for a handicapped person, and some modifications were going to have to be made. The highest priority was to build a ramp to transport Alex from his school bus to the house. I would like to tell you a story about some incredible generosity that is not often reported on.
My mortgage broker, Kathy Lamb, knew of Alex’s special needs because she has children who have gone to school with Alex’s siblings. Kathy’s husband, Chris, is a member of the local Knights of Columbus. Kathy talked to Chris about the Knights possibly doing a service project. The day I took possession of the house, Chris and Kathy were out taking measurements. Chris subsequently called Ron Gafgen, the building inspector in Upper Freehold Township. Ron drew up the plans for the project himself and expedited the permit. He then contacted a friend who owns a building supply company in Camden, DiNaso & Sons. The company was benevolent enough to donate all the lumber for the project. Ron also framed the project and began construction. Chris Lamb then took over the project and has spent several days working on it, one day with his son Luke. The Knights will be completing the project in the next few days.
Alex’s access to the house has been made so much easier, and I want to thank you all from the bottom of my heart for all your time and effort. This is exactly the reason and sense of community that made me want to stay when I decided to make a move. You will always have my sincere gratitude.
Robin Grinkevich
Cream Ridge