Rebuild the House on Academy Street

Dear Family and Friends of the Juska clan:

     Thank you for inquiring about how to help our family through this devastation. For those of you who are kind enough to read our story, here's an introduction.  Paula and Tony Smith- aunt and uncle to some of us, and sister and brother-in-law to others, have been living in beautiful Owego, NY for the last 7 years.  During the last 4 years, they have generously housed and nurtured our Nana and Poppy (Mom and Dad to some of us, Bill and Muriel Juska to others) while they enjoy an amazing quality of life in their 90s! What Paula and Tony have done is immeasurable and I do not think any of us can truly understand the personal and financial sacrifices they have made.

     Two weeks ago the picturesque Susquehanna River, fueled by torrential rains from two hurricanes in rapid succession, blindsided Paula and Owego with the worst flood ever in that town.  Not only is the house extensively damanged, but Nana and Poppy are temporarily displaced as well, and in poor health.

     Pictures are worth a thousand words - here is just a sample of the devastation. Try to imagine your kitchen today... and then seeing it like this tomorrow:

Or imagine this pile on your curb: All your kitchen cabinets, furniture, sheetrock, appliances...

 

  While caring for Nana and Poppy, Paula has worked 12 hour days as teacher and principal in the local school.  The impact she has had on the school and the community was dramatically demonstrated after the flood.  Parents from her school showed up help the arduous process of tearing down and building up.  In It’s A Wonderful Life, Bedford Falls turned out for George Bailey when he was in trouble.  In Owego, St. Pats’ parents turned out for Paula - she is the George Bailey of Owego.

     Our family started this site to channel all the incredibly generous offers of financial assistance, and to keep everyone up to date.  Your kind contribution, of any amount, will be donated to helping Paula and Tony repair their house, recover furniture and possessions, and once again establish a home sweet home, as they so generously created for Nana and Poppy in the past.