I had the pleasure of attending a benefit last month at the Conquest Fire Department for James Fox.

Jimmy, as he's called around town, spent some time in the hospital in an induced coma because he had pneumonia in both lungs. I'm told it is very rare to get it in both lungs.

After many touch and go days and nights and having to bring a special machine from Buffalo to keep Jim's lungs going, Jimmy, although very skinny, is still with us.

I am not sure what amount of money was raised that night, but I am sure Jim was very happy by the outpouring of help.

As I sat there watching all the raffles and spaghetti and meatballs going around, I observed just what a great community we live in.

Someone has fallen on hard times and a small community like ours pulls together to help. Just how many people put on this benefit is truly amazing.

I have known Jim and the Fox family most of my life. I grew up with a lot of them. And I mean a lot of them because James comes from a family of 17 children. Yes that's right, I said 17. Four boys and 13 girls. Can you imagine having 13 sisters and getting ready for school?

Can you imagine that supper table and grocery bill? I bet they have to rent the entire amusement park for family reunions.

When you put all that family and all those people that showed up in one room you can only imagine the Conquest Fire Hall was a happening place.

It made me very proud of Conquest and our community.

Hats off to all who worked so hard to make it a success. I heard the girls made more than 700 meatballs.

James, good luck with your recovery, your going to have to eat more pasta and get some weight back on your bones.

Charlie Knapp is supervisor for the town of Conquest