Priska’s house fire

UPDATE: Priska asked me to send these works of gratitude to share with all who have reached out.

She says:

““I am still working through what happened, and I am someone who does this best in private. I see all the texts and messages but am not in a state to open and reply to them. Not yet. The many offers of help are humbling, and it is extremely difficult for me to be on the receiving end of this; I much prefer to give. I am not quite sure how I deserve all of this help.

Independence is extremely important to me, but I guess I have to accept that I really do need help. I love this community with all my heart. I did before and now even more. I am so very, very grateful.

I have lost almost everything, but feeling all the love and compassion makes this easier to bear. I see light and have hope. I know that everything will be all right.

I have Fenni and Fay; they're my life, my friends, my family. I thought for sure they were dead when I saw the smoke cloud while rushing home.

I want to express my deepest gratitude to all of you from the bottom of my heart.

I would like to mention a few people in particular. Fiona Nastasi, who called me that morning and tried to get my dogs and also searched for Fay later that day.

Justin Pritchard, Peter Nagano, and Bob Blanchard, who rescued Fenni from the deck while putting their own lives in danger.

Chris Mayes, who picked me up several times because all I could do was run around while hysterically screaming and stumbling over my own feet.

Brad Whitelaw, who helped me search for and get Fay.

My son Nicolas, my ex-husband and friend Paul, Amira Strain, my wonderful "daughter-in-law". The General Store for their generosity. Ueli Kunzi for the roof over my head. Ruth Brunner and Tina Gradinaru, who carefully handpicked a bin of clothes for me. Kim Biernaskie, Claudia Naef, Lynn Bower, Julia Staudt, and Riley Brennan, just right there, helping, no questions asked.

Thank you with all my heart.

Thank you to everyone, please don't take offense when I haven't named everyone.

I appreciate each and every one of you. I am filled with love and gratitude. Words will never be enough.

For now, this is the only way I can express my thanks.

I will do it in person, just not now because I am overwhelmed.

There's no better place or community than right here.””

Help Priska rebuild after a devastating house fire on the morning of November 19.

A cherished member of our community, Priska Wettstein, recently experienced an unimaginable loss when a fire completely destroyed her home and all her possessions. Thankfully, her beloved dogs are safe.

Priska has been in the heart of this town for many years. From volunteering at the Thrift store, and recently taking over the coordinator position at the Humane Society, she has dedicated her time and energy to helping others, both people and animals alike. Now, it’s our turn to give back.

Let’s come together to support Priska as she begins to rebuild her life. Every contribution, no matter the size, will make a difference. Let’s show her the kindness and generosity she has always shown us, and what this special town can do for those in crisis.

Thank you for helping Priska at this terrible time.