To the Editor:

CM Fox is hosting “Bells for Burls.”

In the summer of 2016, the bell tower atop St. John’s Lutheran church on Maple Avenue in Altamont was struck by lightning, silencing the bells. For decades before, the church bells had been heard in and around Altamont.

Like many in the community, Mark “Burls” and Beth Burlingame would sit on their porch, overlooking the village, and listen to the church bells ringing. It’s been almost a year since our dear friend “Burls” passed away. We want the church bells to ring again!

We are organizing a community gathering to raise $13,000 to repair the church bells. “Bells for Burls” will be held Friday, Sept. 23, from 4 to 7 p.m. at Bozenkill Town Park, rain or shine. Come for 30 minutes or stay the whole time!

Please join us for music, food, family, and friends as we pay tribute to Burls, who was a pillar in our community and his church. Let the church bells ring again as a reminder of love, friendship, and the community he loved.

All donations should be made to: St. John’s Carillon Fund. If you cannot attend the event, but would like to donate, please mail your donations to the CM Fox office at 2390 Western Ave., Guilderland, NY  12084.

Troy Miller

Beth Burlingame

and the CM Fox Family

Guilderland