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Letter: Port Moody's Gallery Bistro owners say 'thanks' for support

The Editor, Re. " How will PoMo’s Gallery Bistro rise from the ashes? " (The Tri-City News, Sept. 19). The fire at our bistro on Clarke Street in Port Moody ended a six-year passion project in a few heartbreaking hours.
Helen Daniels
Helen Daniels visits the spot on Clarke Street where her Gallery Bistro was located until it was destroyed in a fire July 28. Daniels and her husband, Rainer, are soliciting ideas for rebuilding the property.

The Editor,

Re. "How will PoMo’s Gallery Bistro rise from the ashes?" (The Tri-City News, Sept. 19).

The fire at our bistro on Clarke Street in Port Moody ended a six-year passion project in a few heartbreaking hours. For many, this place had become a cozy hangout for eggs benny on a weekend morning and an intimate venue for live music or other community events in the evening.

As you may well imagine, there is a deep sense of loss when such a labour of love is stolen from your grasp. But we are writing now to express our gratitude for the love and emotional support that has poured back into our lives from the hearts of those around us.

The six-hour Celebration of the Bistro concert that was organized for us at the Port Moody Legion was overwhelming. It reminded us of the amazing talent that had graced our humble little stage over the past few years.

Thanks to Nan Nikolai, Gord Hembruff, Al Foreman and others for pulling this together. Thanks also to the hundreds of people who attended to give us moral support (many of whom lined up outside waiting for available space).

The buildings that were lost in the fire were a unique part of Port Moody’s old town centre. What happens next remains to be seen but we have faith that a new path will open when the time is right.

Thanks for standing behind us.

Helen and Rainer Daniels, Gallery Bistro, Port Moody