NEW BETHLEHEM – The weather outside was frightful, but the response to the emergency situation in the New Bethlehem area was delightful — and now local officials, businesses and others are showing their appreciation for all those who helped the community dig out following the Jan. 25 winter storm.

New Bethlehem Mayor Gordon Barrows said yesterday (Wednesday) that his office “extends heartfelt thanks and deep appreciation to the many men and women who came together to help the New Bethlehem area and the greater Redbank Valley community recover from last week’s historic winter snowstorm, one of the most severe events to impact the region in more than 16 years.”

Despite being among the hardest hit communities in Pennsylvania, as reported by multiple national news outlets, Barrows said “New Bethlehem was also one of the first communities in Clarion County to bounce back and recover so quickly.”

“This recovery was made possible through teamwork, sacrifice, and a shared commitment to serving others,” he said. “All honor, glory and praise be to God for protecting our community and empowering those who stepped forward in this time of need.”

The appreciation went well beyond words, as Barrows said the Rupert Funeral Home and Cremation Service, and the William Rupert Family, reached out to him “with a generous donation, asking that it be used to treat and thank all who assisted during the storm as a token of appreciation for their service.”

Barrows used this gift to partner with Canyon Coffee, providing gift certificates to the many individuals who worked tirelessly throughout the snowstorm response and recovery.

The gift certificates were shared with members of the New Bethlehem Borough Public Works Department, Redbank Valley Municipal Authority, Southern Clarion County Regional Police Department, New Bethlehem Volunteer Fire Company No. 1, and several third-party contractors who played a critical role in cleanup efforts.

Those efforts not only included keeping borough streets plowed during and after the storm, but a massive endeavor in the days afterward to quickly haul away the huge amounts of snow from along the business district in New Bethlehem, as well as borough parking lots and other public spaces.

Barrows also extended thanks to Vietnam veteran Raymond Guntrum, who donated five pizzas from Village Pizza & Subs to feed the crews during last week’s snow removal operations, a gesture that was appreciated by all involved.

Those recognized for their service include:

• New Bethlehem Borough Public Works Department: Roger Hillard, Chris Bowser and Josh Doverspike.

• New Bethlehem Borough Secretary: Richard McGarrity.

• Third Party Contractors: Rich Shilling and Mike Shilling.

• Redbank Valley Municipal Authority: Mike Kundick, Michael Rearick, Rory Moore, Raymond Clinger, Debbie Vangorder and Michelle Brown.

• Southern Clarion County Regional Police Department: Chief Robert Malnofsky Jr., Officer Robert Kelly, Officer Stephen Mazik, Constable Robert Cornman, volunteer Mark Hoover and Police Secretary Debra Schrecengost.

• New Bethlehem Volunteer Fire Company: Chief Edward Goth, Rochelle Schawl, Antonio “Fresh” Phillips, Ricky Nelson and Scott Barrett.

Police secretary Debra S. Schrecengost shared, “Not all heroes wear capes. Watching everyone come together as one big family to help one another through this challenge was truly inspiring. I am so grateful for every first responder, worker and volunteer who stepped up for our community.”

“I want to sincerely thank the William Rupert Family and Rupert Funeral Home, Raymond Guntrum, and the many others who expressed their appreciation with positive comments, prayers and messages of gratitude,” Barrows added. “These gestures meant more than words can express to our hardworking men and women. This community showed its heart in a powerful way.”

The mayor also offered a special shoutout to Canyon Coffee of New Bethlehem — and specifically Jason, Josh, Larissa, Chloe, Kimberly, Kiera and Alex — for their “hospitality, encouragement and support during the recovery.”

Matthew Green, board member of the Redbank Valley Chamber of Commerce, also joined Barrows at Canyon Coffee to offer thanks and appreciation for their continued loyalty, community investment and support as a chamber member.

“New Bethlehem Borough and the greater Redbank Valley community is proud of its people,” Barrows said. “This recovery stands as a testament to faith, service and neighbors helping neighbors.”