2013

On this final morning of 2013 I feel it prudent to write a bit...

This year has been an adventure. Usually one uses that word for positive experience, this year has been a very mixed bag.  Some wonderful things have happened, some that I could certainly have lived without.  It has been 14 months since Super Storm Sandy slammed into my life and the life of so many.  I am blessed to be home, warm and able to move on from the storm's wrath personally.  I have had the great pleasure to meet some fantastic people as a result of the storm and am glad to call them friends and share so many experiences with them..... I have grown so much in the past year, learning skills that I never thought I would need or want to learn, I am working on mastering them so that I may, in the coming months, continue to assist those in my community who continue to struggle as a result of the storm.  It is awe inspiring to see the forward movement that has taken place, but crushing to see how many are still out there, feeling left out and left behind.  In the coming year I hope that they will get back where they want and need to be.

A huge shout out to my families- my biological one, the one I married into and the one that has formed as a result of the storm.... I love all of you, need all of you and want to thank all of you for your love and support in the past year.

Moving forward and letting go are difficult... as they page turns on 2013 I hope to continue to do both.

Happy New Year Everyone!

holiday ponderings

So, it's the day before the day before christmas...
another year over, and a new one coming up

This year has been, well, enlightening... to say the least.
My emotions have run the gamut and my life has grown and changed exponentially. I have gone form a displaced storm survivor to a board member of an organization formed to assist those still struggling to get their lives back after the largest storm the northeast has seen in decades. i have met people- wonderful people, interesting people, scary people...I have conquered some fears, gained insights, broken down some of my own barriers, and been there to help others.  I have laughed more than ever, cried as much as ever and loved  fully.

Wishing my family, my friends far and near, old and new a safe holiday filled with joy and love and all you can wish for found in your hearts!

all my love,
shari

OMG...

An invitation to the Rachel Ray show...thank you to Diane Moro Christensen the Board of Director's of Friends of Freeport was invited to a special Rachel Ray episode which will air on Monday November 25th. We loaded up Lois's car with five of us, and three more met us at the studio- eight people represented Friends of Freeport in the studio. She filled the studio with 121 guests- all invited and all "heros."  I felt unworthy of that title- I give my time to assist in the village of Freeport to help those staggered by last year's storm. In the audience with us- a bus driver from Buffalo, NY who stopped and prevented a woman from suiciding, two people who pulled a woman to safety from an oncoming train, an army regiment that had marched the entire Boston marathon and then assisted at the finish line when the unthinkable happened last year, a family that had adopted and fought for three african orphans who are now one big family here in the United States, a woman who's rescue dog saved her son's life, two of the teachers from Moore, Oklahoma who saved their students, Hamptons Hurricane relief founders, a group that delivered food to hurricane refuges in Babylon, and countless others.  Rachel Ray called the show "Thanks for Giving" and then turned around and gave, and gave, and gave.... I am amazed and humbled by the experience and am trying to process my day - still three days later. If you watch the show make sure that you have a full box of tissues..Alison asked the warm up guy for tissues after we used all those that I brought and those did not last very long at all, silly me I gave some away to other audience members.  Not quite sure what the point of putting on makeup before going to the taping was. (to my english teacher friends I am sorry for any dangling participles or half sentences in this post!)

Sad Day

Yesterday a gentle giant passed through the pearly gates. I had the pleasure of meeting and working with Henry Lenahan because of my affiliation with Friends of Freeport. He was a hoot to work with, and always had knowledge of better ways to complete the task you were immersed in, he was able to share his knowledge in a way that made you appreciate him. (There are others who don't have that gift, they TELL you how to do what you already know) I worked next to Henry pulling up the floor to a shed, a job he never should have been doing... he shocked the home owner (a registered nurse) telling her that his belly was "not just from beer," indicating that hernia surgery was on the horizon.. she then became his guardian, reminding him to stop frequently, he didn't really listen to her too well, as you can imagine, if you knew Henry. Henry brought us ice every weekend, and he had a shed full of tools that often made their way to job sites as well.
I knew there were medical issues, so did many others, but Henry seemed to soldier on never uttering a word of complaint (a strength, but also not letting us take care of him the way he would take care of others)
I can see his huge smile in my minds eye and know that he would want us to march forward keeping the mission of our group front and center.

let's do our work in Henry's honor and make him prouder than ever to have been a Friend of Freeport

what a day...

Today was amazing..
A group from friends of Freeport.. the rock and rebuilders aka the Rockstars did a four house tour of south Freeport. We started on Gordon place and insulated a crawl space and basement, moved to Jeffrey place and insulated a basement there, then in a caravan we drove to Norton street and insulated another crawl space.  All of these homeowners will stay warmer due to this work performed.  We then took a well deserved lunch break joining another dedicated group from friends of Freeport who had spent the morning removing dead trees, bushes and plants from the front of another home in Freeport.  After refueling we took a ride over to south ocean avenue and insulated one more basement...
am I tired? Yes....
am I itchy? Yes...
but it is the best tired and itchy...
Every weekend I find myself more and more amazed by the group that I have grown to know and LOVE!

Thank you for allowing me to be part of you and to learn so much.

10/26... T-MINUS 3 DAYS AND COUNTING

One year ago...

So much progress for some, so little movement or progress for others.  I count myself among the blessed, I am  in my finished home.  There are so many that are living double lives- not able to live in storm damaged property, yet responsible for the properties costs and up keep.  There are rallies, meetings to distribute information and yet there is a lack of  usable information available...

So much sadness- I have had the opportunity to meet so many people who continue to struggle, who still today, cannot speak about their experience of the storm and it's aftermath without tears cascading down their faces... if you know me ( and if you are reading this, you do ) you know that I am crying right along with them.  They need support, yet are often reluctant to utilize the available resources. I can provide encouragement and listen a bit but there are those who rebuff even these offers of an ear...

So much happiness- when I volunteer with Friends of Freeport  I am amazed by what we can achieve and the joy that our task completion brings to families and individuals. Grateful faces with smiles, and no surprise, tears of joy and thanksgiving.

So much still to do...

I will continue to be there and to reach out as best as I can and assist those who are in need, and hope that I and others can continue to be there and do our part...

It's been almost a year

Wow... the date is October 20, 2013... almost a year since Superstorm Sandy altered the loves of so many people... Change is a long difficult road, made even more difficult if the change is triggered by things outside your control...

Who would have thought that the Long Island south shore would still be reeling a year after the storm and that so many would still be unable to live in storm damaged homes one year later?  Certainly not me, I was out of my home for six months, there are still so many who are home owners that are paying mortgages, taxes and rent for a place to live, it is unconscionable to me that in this day and age so many are still suffering terribly.  I think of them and pray for them daily, and have been helping whenever I can to put a dent in the number of those not able to fully use their homes by volunteering with an Awesome group of people- growing pains are obvious within that group as well- Friends of Freeport (www.friendsoffreeprtny.org)
I hope things smooth out and that we can continue actively in our mission of bringing families home.  If there is anyone reading this blog that has intimate knowledge of great fundraising techniques /resources please contact me (shari@friendsoffreeportny.org.)

Yesterday we were involved in the building of a playground- well, actually, mostly the decorating of the grounds of a Safe playground for the community at the recreation center, I can't wait to see it filled with the smiles and loud with the yells and sounds of happy children playing- even with the green thing in the corner!

We have an anniversary celebration coming up as do so many local communities, it will be a sweet and sour day... a time to reflect and to plan for the future and hope that local planning efforts can prevent this kind of devastation in the future.

OMG FLOOR...

So... today is October 3, 2013 and my floor is being repaired.
O M G
Monday I got brave and sent some wild e-mails and got answers really quickly...
"I' m sorry, I thought I told you that the floor would be arriving today."  NOT
"you will be hearing from Judy soon."  YUP  five minutes after the e-mail cam I got a phone call from the invisible one telling me that she was in fact at UPS picking up the flooring.  I shared this information and was advised that the flooring needed to be brought to the house and needed time to acclimate to the temperature and humidity of the unit.  Yesterday the floor was delivered, and this morning at about 9 a m a crew arrived to remove the damaged boards and install the new boards.
I am siting now, upstairs on my computer while it sounds like the eve of destruction downstairs. Saws, hammering and the noise of construction fill the house... anxiety fills my body.  I have taken pictures of the process and I will share them on facebook as I do't now how to add pictures on the blog.
Sandy may finally be gasping her last breath in my personal life, but not in my life as I continue to be actively involved in Friends of Freeport work.  This storm feels as though it will never be out of the lives of those impacted!
To those who continue to struggle, we are with you and will continue to fight, work and rebuild.

too nice? how can that be?

The saga of the floor continues....

I have been told that I am too nice in dealing with this issue, but I am terrified that if I let me inner b.... out they will replace the flooring and do a job that is worse than the current condition of the floor. Several people have told me to get "stronger" language... a few have encouraged me to threaten.

Today I sent the following:

Good Morning,

Another week has passed and I am wondering what is happening.  I know that you said that the order has been placed and material is not yet in hand, is there a time line for receipt of the material as yet?

I am aware that I am asking the same question frequently but as I am in the dark as to how this is truly moving forward asking is my only means of getting information.

 

Is there any further information to share today?

Thank you

tell me, is this wimpy or wussy?

Tomorrow's e-mail, if no response from today's follows:

Good Morning,

I received the following e-mail from you on September 19th:

Yes, actually. We’ve located the material in Missouri, we’ve put in the order, but the material is not yet in-hand, and I didn’t want to give you half a story.  As soon as I know more, I’ll be in touch.

It is now six days and two requests for information later and I have no further information.  Was the order placed?  Please name the source, and please, give me the purchase order number, and the shipping number as well.  

I look forward to this information and expect an answer by the close of business today, September 26, 2013. 

Shari Wolf

I don't like this one bit... but I guess it is time???

9/11

I share my birthday with a day of solemn remembrance...

When I was in school I disliked a September birthday because it came so quickly at the outset of the school year.  As I got a bit older I began to love having a September birthday as it signaled the beginning of a new school year and the new year in the Jewish religion- a time to "begin again."

Then came 2001, a group of individuals hijacked my birthday- along with the lives of so many families and the American people.  For the first five or six years I spent my birthday with the families that attended the World Trade Center Children and Families program where I volunteered and then worked.  It was a humbling experience and I spent many of those days in tears and laughter- hearing stories of the men and women who were taken too soon from their loved ones, learning about strength form those who possessed so much of it, and learning about my own strength and fortitude.

The program then moved into a new phase and there was no longer a need for me to be there on that day as everyone began to make new rituals that helped them to move forward. I however was stuck with a day that I did not want to use in celebratory manner- my new ritual has not yet been created- I haven;t figured out exactly how I want to mark the day.  I know that I own the day, as we all own our birthdays, but I want to find a way to celebrate it in a way that feels respectful to the horror that was 9/11/2001.

When I figure that out I will let you know.

for now- I have celebrated the occasion on different dates, felt bewildered and at times very angry that I cannot have my day back!

I don't know...

Good Morning.

It is the last day of the "old" year, and the beginning of the new on for those of us who are of the Jewish persuasion.

I have many hopes for the new year, some of them are little and inconsequential, some of them are large and lofty.

For my family members...
I wish happiness and health-... Mom, I wish that your pain would be GONE. You are such an amazing lady, I am proud to call you Mom, thank you for your support, I wish you continued health. For my sister, brother-in-law and nephew, I wish a wonderful year filed with lots of joy and many firsts.. Sam I hope to get to hear/see the band in person this season.  Rebecca and Andy- thank you for all you do, and for your support during the past year of Sandy turmoil.

For my new friends...
I wish all of us peace and continued energy in the efforts we put forth to help others.. work hard and play hard, hug a little, cry a bit and keep on keeping on... what we are doing is sooo important.

I just read a blog that someone wrote about "Sandy school"  it was amazing- she put the storm into the eyes of a  new kindergarten student, and it really touched home for me...I am learning so much about myself from the experiences of the past ten months.. some of it I like, some not so much... but I am learning and I hope to grow with the knowledge that I acquire each day. I hope that we never have to experience anything like this storm again, the lessons learned have been incredible and have been written in indelible ink, many of them I wish I never had to learn, but I will hold onto the new knowledge and use it as I soldier on in my life.

L'Shana Tova...

Labor Day...

Awake this morning and a bit disappointed that the sun is hiding behind a thick bank of clouds.. all weekend the forecast was for rain, last night was the only rain that fell, the weather has not stopped the labor day weekend celebrations and the work of helping. Friday afternoon a group from friends went to california Pizza kitchen and had a wonderful time helping to raise some money and LAUGH alot. Friday night Jones' Beach band shell final concert of the summer featured a Billy Joel Tribute band that was absolutely awesome. Saturday two groups from friends of Freeport were out- one bunch finished up the work at Franks house and another group got the job done for another homeowner in Baldwin. Sunday was a birthday barbecue, lots of fun and great food and laughter, then a bit of time out on the mile- kind of quiet there, but a great time.
Today I am heading out with friends to do some painting..

This summer has been full...

looking forward to what the next weeks will hold.....

uggh.. odd laughter...

Shari,

Your email has been received.  Until Contractor can confirm that we are unable to locate a suitable replacement, we do not consider worst case scenarios.  In the event that we determine that no suitable material is available, we will revisit options at that time.  Until then, we ask for your continued patience.  Please do not take unilateral action before Contractor is able to make a final determination as to the availability of materials.  Contractor’s service is covered by a warranty, and your issue will not be forgotten or ignored.

rw

help... I am cooked with the issue of my floor... but I did get a response- however unsatisfying it is.

that's the "uggh"

here's the laughter...

a friend's mom passed away and we paid a shiva call... someone here started a rumor and another came to check it out...the rumor- the resident, not her mom, had passed away... the visitor came to the door and looked fear stricken, asked if the resident was okay... I replied ,yes that she was ok... the visitor had an odd look on her face and pursued the strange line of questioning and then the resident appeared from behind the wall, the visitor got ashen white and finally explained that she had heard the resident herself had passed...so the rumors of here death were greatly exaggerated.....

there is so much going on...

Thank you for the huge vote of confidence Friends of Freeport executive board... I hope I live up to it!

Happy Labor Day weekend all...

connecting my past (junior high and high school) with my current (friends of freeport)

I know that I often talk about the amazing group Friends of Freeport, and how my involvement has enriched and incredibly changed my life.  Well, this weekend there will be a reconnect for me.  I grew up in Baldwin and was actively involved in the music life while attending all levels of my schooling there.  I connected there with a woman, Madeline Cesare (now Esposito)- those of you involved in friends of Freeport will recognize the last name- it is the same as Frank- who has been and will continue to receive the warmth and work of friends- she was a warm and wonderful person.  I reconnected with her via Facebook- not exactly sure when, but lately we have been in contact often.  She currently resides in  North Myrtle Beach, South Carolina.  Her dad's home was ravaged by Sandy, and he, being a proud man was want to ask for help... thank goodness someone was able to ask for him and the connection to Friends of Freeport began.
I am sooo looking forward to meeting Maddies dad, and helping him to reclaim his home- both inside- with sheet rock (if I am needed for that job) and outside in yard clean up and beautification.
Tonight, as I sit here on my computer I am watching an amazing thing happen- 15 members of Friends of Freeport have invaded Frank's home to begin the process of sheet rocking the ceilings so that on Saturday when the fuller crew can be there the walls will be ready for insulation and sheet rock. I have been communicating with Maddie throughout the evening and also with Friends of Freeport... it is strange to have two disparate parts of my life bridge themselves back together...

tears- as I am sure any one who knows me- are falling as I type this entry- I am proud of my involvement and of my family in Friends of Freeport for their selflessness!

the good, the bad, and the ugly... lol

It has been a while since I posted anything, so today is the day.

The good:  I have been active and involved in Friends of Freeport- even going so far as to go out for drinks on Friday evening with a small group of hearty partiers.  They were unsure if I would return or join in with them again after the evening- I want to assure them that I had a wonderful time and will join them again, I promise- it has been a very long time since I laughed and felt the way I did on friday evening (and not just from the beer!)  Thank you to Steve, Corey, Gail , Laura and Jeff for welcoming me!

The bad:  The remains an enigma and I can't seem to get real straight answers from S P.  I spoke to the flooring provider and feel like he gives the real answers so I will continue to be in contact with him, and push harder to get my floor repaired or replace it before labor day- this is just ridiculous and it is very hard to deal with bullying tactics, and people who are outright untruthful!

The ugly:  well, that would be, hmmmm... I am not sure, but it sounded good as a title for the blog, so I used it.

I am, as I have repeatedly stated via this writing, greatfult o have found the Friends of Freeport- it is an amazing group of individuals.  I feel accepted and often feel as though I have a new and varied family as a result of my connections through this group.
Saturday nights pool party/barbeque/fest was just another example of the beauty of this group...
Laughter, competition and warmth surround me when I join with this amazing group of friends.  I am thrilled to find myself in the company of like minded energetic people!

Another Saturday, another skill under my belt- well maybe not quite yet, but getting there, lol

Yesterday was an awesome day... hard work, hard laughter and hard party with friends- of freeport and otherwise...

I woke early and joined the Friends of Freeport to bring another family home.  This week would be different for me as I was not going to be outside in the garden pulling, weeding and planting.  I was going to be a student and learn how to put up sheet rock. I was glad it was a garage and not a living room.  First we needed to insulate the garage and then we could begin our task of sheet rocking the walls.  Insulation done, check.. class begins- there are four of us, paired up to work together and put the sheet rock up on the back wall of the garage- it had two electrical outlets, so we would learn how to measure and cut so we could place the sheet rock over the outlet.  Jeff was extremely patient, as were the others on the crew who have been sheet rocking homes since the start of Friends of Freeport jobs.  I found out that I can laugh at myself over ANYTHING-- thank you Patty for that...My hands are steady for cutting with a box cutter, breaking the boards is a bit tougher. Using the power tools necessary took a bit of adjustment- for example who knew that reverse would not let the screw go into the wood beams- probably everyone but me!

We had an amazing lunch donated by a Freeporter who owns the Minel=ola Diner- amazing sandwiches, salads, fries and fun! Thank you !

Back to work to finish the bathroom area in the garage.  Lots of practice measuring and cutting- lovely aroma in the area as the pipe for the toilet remained open- toilet not place in the garage as yet...

Then over to Jeremy's for some more laughter- my hearing has gotten worse and I misheard multiple statements and laughed heartily at what my mind had heard- NOT anything near what was actually said!

Back home, a visit to my aunt to help regulate her air conditioning, and then a rest and a shower before heading back over to the mile for the parade-

friends of Freeport there, selling shirts and laughing together- what a great group...a few Anchorage residents also there, saw them.  Ray and I enjoyed the parade, the friendship and laughter and it was time to retire after a long but wonderful day!

ya gotta laugh... or you will...

So, the floor saga continues...
I found out that the floor I purchased was discontinued, and contacted the manufacturer to see if I could get a box of boards anywhere, the manufacturer said that there was none left... Scott at All county Floors- one of the nice people I have dealt with during this difficult rebuilding process- did not give up, though I had...he had some "extra" time and was looking around the internet and found a place with a pallet of the flooring that I need.  He arranged to have some shipped and thought he could do it in a little less costly manner, via UPS... the packages arrived yesterday and they were inspected- there were two boxes of flooring sent. The boxes were badly damaged upon arrival and I just spoke to Scott who confirmed what Judy had said- there were not likely even five usable boards within the two boxes... Who can believe the stuff that is happening.  He is going to reorder and have them shipped, maybe next week???

I am laughing now, two weeks ago I think I would have been crying with this news.. what a difference.

Friends of Freeport

Debbie Becker asked me to write a little bit about how I came to be part of Friends of Freeport...

My history with the Village of Freeport is lifelong.  I grew up in Baldwin, but my aunt- my mother's sister has lived in Freeport for my entire life- she lived at 572 South Bayview Avenue, and we spent many happy hours in that house as well as my childhood home in Baldwin. I went to a community nursery school that was in the basement of the apartment buildings on Buffalo Avenue. I learned to swim at Casino pool, which was located on casino Avenue between Westside and Roosevelt.  I have lifelong friends who are from Freeport.

My mother is an original owner at the Anchorage of Freeport- moving in in July of 1985 when the complex did not even have paved roadways.  My first solo apartment away from college was on Brooklyn Avneue. Freeport is in my blood and I love it here.

I am proud to say that I am fro Freeport- prouder now that I am watching this village rise like a phoenix following Superstorm Sandy's destructive wrath.

I got involved with Friends of Freeport on a lark- I saw a post on Facebook indicating that a group was selling magnets to raise funds to assist fellow residents to return home.  At the time I was a refuge, living with my mother in law in her home in Bayside.  I sent a response asking where I could purchase my magnets and found out that I could get them at Atlantic Hardware, so on my next trip home-which was still at a time that every ride caused tears and incredible sadness- I stopped into Atlantic Hardware and purchased a set.  I returned to my mother in law's home and turned on the computer and posted that I was thrilled to have my magnets, jokingly adding that I had no refrigerator to put them on... I pressed send and seconds (literally) later I got a response from a man I had never met (our own Rich Cantwell)  asked me if he could help me in any way to get a fridge!  I replied to him that I was displaced and that my place was nowhere near ready to even contemplate a fridge.  I joined the Friends facebook page.  Several posts followed- one asking for people who might be available to help walk the village and seek out individuals who were in need of rip and rebuild assistance- I met Rich and Christina Parkman in a warehouse along with Ismael Berrios... I felt an immediate connection.  The next post I responded to came from Justine Smith- she was looking for anyone who was "crafty" that might be able to help make things to put in "Welcome Home" baskets- I began crocheting, and over the course of the next month or so brought about 50 pot holders to Justine.

When I returned home I attended the Friends of Freeport fundraiser at the Patio, and then began showing up on Saturdays to help plant, and on weekdays when I could to help paint.  The group of individuals I have met have become a HUGE and wonderful supportive addition to my family.  I feel connected, needed and wanted.  My skills have increased- I have learned to paint WELL, have learned how to tape, and spackle- sand, and respackle.. I have conquered fear of heights- painting on a scaffolding in a home with ten foot ceilings, and recently have had the opportunity to climb a ladder taller than I have ever climbed, just to say I did it!

This group is WONDERFUL and life-affirming.  I believe I have made a group of friends for a reason and for way more than for a season- I hope that these connections will continue for a long, long time!

What I have learned this year

What I have learned this year...

This has been a year of learning for me... I learned that hurricanes are extremely devastating and destructive from first hand experience... I learned that I am strong and resilient and that nothing happens to me if I ask for assistance... I learned how to:  ...crochet potholders...paint a wall...spackle a wall... dig out a plant, plant and cultivate gardens...let myself be vulnerable... climb a ladder- I know that I know how to do this, but I tackled my fear of heights and have painted on a scaffolding and climbed a full house height ladder...
I am learning to speak out for myself and my community and have learned that volunteerism is an amazing thing... I love my new family (Friends of Freeport)  they have empowered and supported me, right there along side my birth family during a very stressful time in my life...

Thank you to any one who has been there and befriended me during this turbulent time...

seeing red...

I am so angry that I am seeing red right now.  My screen door does not fit correctly, I was told to go get a part and I got it.  This morning David told me that he would be here "right after lunch- 130" to fix the door) that time came and went... at 230 I went looking and found him, he said, at that time- I will be there in half an hour... as you can probably guess that time came and went as well, so at 4 pm I went looking for him and he said "can't do it today, I will do it first hing tomorrow"  So- I am supposed to sit here and wait yet again.  

I told him that I understood that he is busy, and that I understand everyone else is important, but that my things are important to me, and that I had sat in the house all afternoon waiting for him.  He then told me that he "didn't have to do anything" for me... I explained my frustration- (I don't know why I bothered) that my floor remains  with an unanswered question- at which time he said "you probably chipped it when you had your furniture delivered"   I despise theses people- they take no responsibility for anything and believe that it is okay to be disrespectful to whomever they talk to ... He told me that he had other things to do and that he had "160 other people to deal with."  And then told me not to yell at him- I told him that I was not yelling, and that he would know it if I was yelling.. so- I wonder if there will be any resolution to ANYTHING here!

another one for the "wow, that was awesome nice" record books

Yesterday Ray went out for a ride and turned on the air conditioner in the car... boom the battery light came on, but the car kept rolling and he came home and we checked it out... the car was starting, no problem but the check battery light remained on... This morning I took the car over to Advanced Auto Parts- they have a battery check and install program.  When I opened the hood to let the person from Advanced check the battery I noticed that one of the belts (which I later found out was the serpentine belt- that connects the battery and the alternator and also the fan for the car heating and cooling system) was missing.  I purchased the belt and then was encouraged to go to Goodyear in Freeport.  "they will take good care of you."  I did that and brought the belt in to the woman in charge of scheduling and order writing, she took the belt and me out to the guys in the repair bays, she told them "this lady is in distress-i am not writing this up, just fix it for her."  I could not thank her enough...the belt that I originally purchased was of course not the correct belt, so I was driven back to advance to exchange it - not once, not twice but three times...
they would not take a penny and repaired the car for me...
Thank you  Advance, and Goodyear
I will continue to pay forward the generosity of Freeporters to my neighbors, friends and family!

good day... bad day- it is not all so black and white...

This morning I had a great experience with one of my fellow volunteers from Friends of Freeport.  I got assistance from Robert Gort to hang my valance and vertical blinds in my living room.  I had the chance to spend some time with Robert's adorable children and occupy them a bit while he worked.  The result is a finished look in my living room, with new blinds, thanks to Ursula- my mother in law, and Robert... that is todays GOOD

Now comes the Not so good...
Since the first time I was asked to provide a "punch list" to contractor one of the items has been replacement or repair of several damaged floor boards- two in the entry way, one in the kitchen.  I shared my concern for the first time even before creating a punch list and have been pestering contractor staff at least once each week to find out if there are extra boards from my floor available as I would really like the damaged ones taken care of.  Today I spoke to someone different and he came and took a look at the floor and then searched the garage where extra flooring has been stored- as you can probably guess, there are no extra pieces of my flooring left.  So, I picked up the phone and called the company that the flooring came from only to find out that the particular flooring that was used in my unit (at my choice) was a discontinued floor- I was never told this, and I like to think that had I known I might have chosen differently.  The sales person from the flooring company is going to search and try to find me a box of the flooring, but as you can imagine I am not feeling very positive about this...

Up ....
Down....
the rollercoaster ride continues

another one for the "you can make this stuff up" file

Door is in, now on to bigger and better- it needs cement under the front to stabilize it- that's okay the building is 30 years old... but here's the kicker
Many of us in the complex have doors that let us pass from the house into the garage, these doors were fire doors and needed replacement after the storm because they were breached, okay... so they are replaced, but knobs and deadbolts were our responsibility to replace if we want to replace them.  I decided I would rather have a single entry key for that door and my front door so I purchased a double knob and double deadbolt set (keyed the same)... Yesterday when the front door was replaced the guys went to place the new knob and the striker (metal piece that goes in the door jamb itself) that comes with the set was too small.  I took a ride to a local hardware store- they don't carry the size I need, so then I took a ride up to Home Depot- they also don't have that part- the person at Home Depot gave me the number for the door manufacturer and I called him- apparently the doors are supposed to come with that part- WHERE did it go?  So I call another person here who is in the construction trades and ask if he is missing that part as well, and he is- so we will have to try and figure out where these parts have disappeared to- the doors wer delivered without them?  VERY strange to me, but certainly possible...
stay tuned for more form the file!

New... garage door, and front door are almost in

So, this week was a fruitful one here at The Anchorage.  We got our garage door replaced- the individual who installed garage doors is like superman- he installed every garage door in the complex- one building per day and really kept to a strict schedule.  I bet he can install a garage door with his eyes closed!

Today my front door is being installed... the guys who are installing wanted to know if I knew that I had damaged floor boards.  Yes, I know that there are several boards that are damaged, they have been reported and have been part of my "punch list"  since I returned home.  I don't know if they will ever complete the repairs that are part of this large job, and the frustration again mounts with each passing day!

I am so happy to be home and want to enjoy all that being here mans for both Ray and I but there are constant little niggling things that seem to get in the way.   I love how I redecorated, love my kitchen cabinets and counters, my couch and dining room sets as well.  This just drags on and on and on...

July 4th

Okay... so here comes Independence Day!
May the Fourth be with you.

Last night we bought a little outdoor table- nice square glass top- from Big Lots- it was a great price and we both liked it.  Came home and put it together- only a bit of a struggle to build it- instructions much better than any piece of IKEA furniture I have ever built.  Target had an ad for chairs- they looked nice, and were the right price as well.  So when I got up too early this morning I decided to take a ride over and check them out and possibly buy four of them....in the ad they had some really great colors, but in the store only tan- which suits the table well. So I bought four.  Next up- getting them into a Toyota Echo- I didn't think there would be any problem with that... WRONG
carried the chairs out to the car and began to attempt to put them into the back seat...NO
in the front seat...NO
in the trunk...NO
there was a really nice couple and the woman told the man to "help that poor girl"
he tried too and the chairs were not going to fit anywhere in the car, then he yelled across the lot to his wife "are we doing anything important for the next 20 minutes?"  her answer "Helping that girl"
They told me they would put the chairs in their vehicle and follow me home- I said that was not necessary but they would have none of that.. They were from Franklin Square, the opposite direction from Freeport, but they insisted and followed me back here with the chairs.
The world can really be an amazingly good place!
Thank you to the kind people in it for helping me keep my rosy glasses on!

Counter top finally here

so, today is the day... the counter top is scheduled for delivery between 10 and 2 with a phone call one hour before the delivery... you know how this ends, right?  I am working with Friends of Freeport on Polk- thank goodness it is less than 5 minutes from home- and I get a call from Ray- the counter top and the installer are at the Anchorage... So I jump into the car and rush home to see it be installed the way that I want it installed...what happened to the call one hour before?  I contacted the company that does the install and they said  "apparently we have the wrong phone number."  I spoke to them YESTERDAY and they took my phone number then... hmm....


Well, the counter is here and looks absolutely awesome... two steps forward!

weekend stuff

My Saturday work, since I am home and able to be in my own space has been filled with PLANTING, and removing plants with the Green Thumb group of Friends of Freeport.  Each weekend we are assigned to help someone- a home owner, the Historical Society- to get the outside of their space looking better than it has- weeding, cutting back, removing dead plants, and then planting and mulching to beautify the area.  This past weekend we helped two families.  One, a huge gardener, had a deck that lifted and moved around in her backyard, so our major work was removing weeds and then mulching the garden in front of the home.  Then we moved on to a home that is owned by an elder state's woman- I think someone said she was 93 years young.  She walks using a walker, and has a stair chair.  To call her adorable does not do her justice... she is spunky and appears to have the flexibility that has allowed her to get through this ordeal with relatively minor hardship- I as sure that it helps that she has wonderful support from her family and accepts help from the community at large (otherwise we could not have been there.)  For her, we began removing the storm impacted shrubs that surround her house- there is still more work to do there and we will return!

Yesterday- Sunday was a family day, but first I had to help... I was heading to the railroad to pick up my mom for a visit, she and my aunt and I were going to spend the afternoon together, when I came upon a small dog that was laying on it's side in the middle of the street- someone had hit it.  That person did not stop- I hope it is because they did not know that they had hit the dog.  I could not just pass by, so I stopped and called for help.  The dog was clearly in big trouble- it's breathing was rapid and shallow, and it was terrified- I was afraid to touch it, for fear of scaring it more.  I stayed with the dog,and, thankfully several others stopped and waited as well, making sure that no more injury came to the dog.  The police arrived and I left- could not be late to the train, so I do not know the end of this story- I pray that the dog is okay- in what ever way that needed to happen...I spent the day hoping that the dog and the family that owned her would be okay!

So much for the rose tinted glasses...
second part of my counter top, that was to be installed "this week"- first "early in the week" and then friday, has now been pushed back to next week- my ability to roll with the punches is diminishing as the punches flow. Promises are regularly broken and it is so hard to deal with.  I am angry but I don't know where best to channel that anger, so here I blogging...
one phone call- that was what it took to get a t-molding that "could not be found anywhere."  my response... Really???
I am tired of the sadness that engulfs me when I am let down yet one more time.
Every e-mail I send gets blind copies with hope of someone answering, but no answers are forthcoming from contractor's rep or from the management company.
A sea of tape that cannot be navigated.

I want my rose tinted glasses back, please?

Another day, another unbelievable event...

Every day bring me another thing to deal with.. yesterday something wonderful!
I rarely enter contests, and seldom, if ever win- I did win a trip to the final four basketball series when it was held in St Louis Missouri- airfare, hotel and cash to spend- what a journey and special memory that was.
But, I digress... I entered Friends of Freeport in a radio station "Office of the Day" breakfast contest- if your office is chosen you receive a delivered breakfast for 25!  I got a phone call yesterday that we were chosen and they wanted to know what day next week we wanted to have our breakfast delivered!  So, the weekday warriors of Friends of Freeport will be receiving a Bagel Boss breakfast next week!
Something amazing and wonderful, as the weekend warriors are provided with amazing meals every Saturday during their activity.
Smiles all around.. might even get more volunteers to come out for a weekday event!

you'll never believe this story

So, this is an unbelievable story that has been shared with me... no names to protect the innocent, whomever they may be...

So a kitchen-cabinets, counter top and appliances- is ordered, it takes six weeks for it to arrive,wen it arrives the installer comes to look at the layout and begin the installation process, but parts are incorrect, and need to be reordered.  The calls go back and forth between the installer and the cabinet company, and a new order is placed, it is a "rush" as the need to return hoe is becoming pressing for the residents.

The new cabinets arrive and several days pass, finally the installation date arrives, and the cabinets are installed, but not to the original specifications, and surprise, surprise, it does not fit correctly. Two days later the contractor's designee comes to look and the owner leaves for a bit.   *poof*  all the cabinets are uninstalled...

really you cannot make this stuff up!

Still waiting

So, now it is June 23, 2013- six days before the eight month mark- who knew that things would still be incomplete?   I certainly thought things would have returned t"normal" (whatever that is) by now, but there are still things undone.  I have learned how to be my own best advocate- I bite my lip when I speak to the contracting group, so I do not alienate myself and prevent things from being completed.  I have ordered my own t-molding for the floor- since it appears one phone call is too difficult for anyone else to make, and have composed a letter to ServPro and TCM to let them know I have taken care of my own needs.
I listen to people here at The Anchorage vent their frustrations, and have helped to arrange two visits from Project HOPE to allow others to vent in a larger space. I will not let myself be dragged down, though I still have my moments.
I have come to know and like many more of my neighbors here at the Anchorage and feel great about what I am doing here- in addition to Project HOPE, I have made a connection for Friends of Freeport to come here and see if they can help us in any way.
I look around my community and now feel a part of it- VERY exciting!
Front doors- no, we don't have new ones yet, and when it rains we have to monitor ours so we don't get water.
Storm doors- still need to order on- but it can be BRONZE.
Garage leak- yup.. it does when we have really heavy rain, but the garage is set up so that the water does not really interfere.

I know that I am blessed in so many ways- I see the devastation that this storm has created and I am home, there are so many others who do not have that option yet, and some who will never be able to return to their pre-Sandy homes, or lives.

Friends Of Freeport

Friends of Freeport...

An amazing thing happened, built after Sandy

• Friends of Freeport NY is a not-for-profit organization which includes individuals who have close ties to the incorporated Village of Freeport. We have come together as a result of Hurricane Sandy to help in any way we can with personal recovery. We are committed to getting people back into their homes and to help them continue their lives after Sandy. We are on a mission to make a difference in people’s lives and move the community forward. We plan to make this a long term venture by continuing our work in Freeport after people have recovered from Hurricane Sandy and the initial rush of support has dried up. We are not affiliated with any religious or political organization. We are simply a group of people that want to make a difference.
  
  
  I have become an active member.. involved in planting, and painting and learning how to tape and spackle.
  I have conquered fear of heights- thank you to Justine, my painting guru, and have painted on a scaffolding in a home with ten foot ceilings.
  I cry when we plant and beautify someone's home,I cry when the home owner says a heartfelt thank you... THESE are the most awesome tears and I love that I am shedding them!
  
  
  I have a new and bigger circle of support- a group of people who can really understand what my life has been since Sandy since they too are living it...
  
  
  I got involved with Friends of Freeport on a lark- someone on Facebook had posted that there were magnets for sale to help raise funds to get Freeport residents home- two magnets- one said WE SURVIVED SANDY, the other IT'S A FREEPORT THING.. I asked how to get them and purchased a set.
  then I posted that I had the magnets but no fridge to put them on, in seconds I got a reply from Rich- one of the founders "Can we help you get one?"  I did not have a kitchen, nor was I home and this was one of the first non-family members to ask "how can I help you?"  I was hooked!
  I joined their facebook page and read about the weekly work that was being done- muck outs, rip outs, beginning the rebuilding process with people so devastated by Sandy....a post asked about creative people and I began crocheting, dropping off my handiwork to Justine during my Tuesday visits.  When I finally returned home and was sort of settled I joined the Greenthumbs- planting gardens for people who's gardens were demolished by the storm... oh my gosh this felt amazing!
  Then I decided to give the painting a try- I met Justine and we have spent countless hours together bringing walls in devastated homes back to life with paint and creating an amazing friendship.
  I am coming back to life by giving of myself...

the new normal

Search for ServPro... hunt them down and beg them to complete things,  beg, cry, beg...

Denis reconfigures the lower cabinets and he and Ray manage to install the counter, the plumbers come to install the sink- it leaks, of course, so I go out and purchase a replacement part- the wrong one and so we cannot use it for the weekend.  But we are moving closer to the new normal.

Joyce has returned home.  Rebecca, Andy and Sam visit, we get shelves to store items neatly in the garage and begin to arrange things in a more organized manner.  It is beautiful here, there are moments of absolute peace, I am sooo glad to be home!

But... the punch list is a mile long, and it is torture to get something done.

The washer and dryer arrive... no stacking kit, a ride to Home Depot, to find out that the stacking kit is inside the drum of the dryer... ServPro is not installing washer/dryers anymore, someone from SDK comes in for another project and they agree to install, but begin and find that the coupling is leaking, I must get the part for that, then they will install it for us.  Denis to the rescue- he attaches the part at the wall and we are good to go with the installation.  One step forward, two steps back.. it is the dance of the day.

Finally home

May First.....

Ray awakens, and says "strip the bed, we are going home today"

We pack the cars- how on earth did so much stuff get here to Bayside?

Our cabinets are installed, but the counter top is not- it does not fit correctly- so our kitchen has no sink.
But, it is time, and maybe we can get more accomplished by being present at the anchorage than by going as often as we can.
We have spent several days moving things so that upstairs is livable- still feels like a hoarders paradise, but we can easily sleep in our bedroom and use the bathroom or hose to wash dishes, if necessary...
Someone is coming to measure the counter today, and hopefully it can be  installed really soon and we can have the functional and beautiful kitchen that we selected!

There are so many little things that need to be done, but we are going home... YEA!!!!!!

frustration

Can we speak of frustration?


My kitchen cabinets are sitting in boxes in the living room... the counter tops are thee and are absolutely beautiful... can't get an answer about when they will be installed- they are sitting there for a full week as of today... now a leak is found- well, not now but re-reported- it was seen on the initial walk through in DECEMBER, reported then, but no one did anything about it, and now we have new and newly painted walls, and still the leak remains today.. another thing for which I cannot get an answer.

All I want is to go back home.  I need my bed, I need my space- I NEED... but my needs are not acknowledged... I know that there are 160 units and I am not the most important (though I am not sure who is "most" important)  All of us are beyond the level of frustration that should be tolerated by anyone.  the storm was 5 months ago, bordering on 6 months and we are still not home.. who would have thought this possible?  An e-mail to the management company goes unanswered, no responses or significant information provided for residents, uggh...

I...I....I...don't know what to do or how to handle this in a more effective way.  I am tired and upset by all of this.

Tears form, but I barely let them fall any more-  It seems absurd that there can still be any tears left. I feel as though I cried a river, an ocean, a hurricane.

next...

My husband and I are safe and sound, but  we have not yet been able to return to our home... the date is April 5th... this is something we NEVER expected. (maybe  we were naive?)... the contractors had predicted a return date of February 14, whispered and told not to tell anyone...obviously that date has come and gone and we, along with most of the more than 150 families that live in our complex, have not yet returned to our homes.  I go home every week to check on the progress, some weeks it is remarkable for the amount of change that has happened, some weeks it is remarkable for the stagnant state that is there... hurry up and wait is the mantra of the day..."make sure that toilet and vanity are in your unit, by tomorrow, we will be installing them"  have yours been installed?  to this date mine still remain boxed in my living room...frustrated?...YES...  angry?...YES.... powerless?...YYYYYEEEESSSSS!!!

My emotional state teeters on the brink, some days I am fine and can do all that I want and need to do, other days I am a total mess...

When I reach the exit on Meadowbrook Parkway for my town I still find myself bracing for the worst, so much has not been rebuilt- the gas station at the exit remains shittered, the 7-11 (which was really new) also remains shuttered.. but there are enormous signs of life all around.

A really special group of Freeport residents has been helping other residents every saturday to muck out, rip out and rebuild their homes. I have none of those skills, but the same group has asked for crafty people to help create baskets for residents as they return home- I have participated in this endeavor and thus far have crocheted about 50 pot holders in the red and white that are the colors of our village.  This action helps me to feel empowered and useful.

I am living in my mother in laws home- this has been a godsend.  On the one hand we have been warm, safe and well fed since the storm, however I have not cooked many meals since arriving in her home- she thinks of food as her way of taking care of us- I see food differently- it is a necessity, but I iss some of the things I usually make, so does Ray.  My mother in law is a big fan of freezing and reheating in the microwave, I have a microwave but use it minimally.  My mpother in law is the queen of leftovers- I try so hard at home to make a fresh meal every night... differences... I miss my space and my quiet time, but feel it necessary to be social and interactive.

Others have gone forward, barely touched by this nightmare... my life remains very much impacted by a storm that happened so many months ago that many have forgotten.

second entry

Sandy began...
we were in bayside with family, not home where we really wanted to be.
we kept in touch with several neighbors who had decided to tough out the storm at the anchorage, our home...their texts were a link to what was happening and what we would need to know.... we watched local news and watched our community be swallowed up by the water that had always been our love.. south on woodcleft avenue, slowly inching up until there was nothing but water there, then north on guy lombardo avenue, approaching atlantic avenue... we knew we were sunk...then the text from our neighbors- water in all units, beginning to abate, but every one had water- all 150 units.. tears, fears, omg what would happen next.. we traveled home as soon as we could and approached the area of south freeport with trepidation, it looked like armageddon- boats on lawns, oil tanks turned over, cars everywhere but in the driveways...when we got to our community we entered the gate and saw that water had invaded everywhere... reeds were in place lawns, cars were sideways on lawns and driveways with foggy windows from the moisture that had invaded them... we entered our home and found it filled with muck and brown silt... everything was covered by it, the fridge had moved two feet forward, all the papers and magazines were scattered over the floor, plastic storage containers that had been on a shelf were scattered on the floor filled with mucky ocean water... the place smelled like a combination of salt water, oil and other unknown things, we walked around dazed and did not believe what we were seeing.. but clean up needed to begin, so valiantly we began to remove furniture, carpets and the detritus that had been our lives.  It took almost a week of diligent work to get everything sorted, thrown away or stored on the second floor...
then the waiting began.. waiting for instructions for the coop board and management company... waiting for insurance and fema adjusters... waiting to go home...
almost four months later we continued to wait.....

For days before the storm the news and weather forecasters were in their glory- predicting a storm unlike any other. The convergence of a large tropical Hurricane from the south, the jet stream from the west, and an astronomical high tide were to blame.  Heed the warnings, evacuate if you are directed to do so, be safe, take no chances.  As the storm approached the warnings became more dire.

We live in a beautiful, waterfront, gated community in South Freeport, on Long Island. A bit of a sense of safety as prior Hurricane Irene, last year did briefly breach the bulkhead but the water did not reach or enter most of the complexes unit.  Some sense of safety also due to the statements made and repeated by a family member who was an engineer and always maintained that water would never enter our properties.

We packed up and left, fortunate to have shelter far from the water.  Before leaving we gathered cell phone numbers from several neighbors who intended to tough out the storm- tow of them had stayed a year ago during Irene and were confident.  "we'll be okay, see you soon."  We watched television and panic weather coverage ensued, all regular programming was curtailed.  On every station there were reporters at shore side sites and anchors at the stations coordinating the reports.  I kept in close contact with my neighbors, shooting off brief text message blurbs, waiting fearfully for return information.  "R U safe?"  "it is really bad, power off, water in every unit"  "It's scary here"  The storm where we were was bad but relatively mild- wind gusts but very little rain.  We maintained full power for much of the storm so we were able to watch the horrors unfolding around us.

A construction crane at the top of a NYC hi-rise building snapped and dangled: shore towns from North Carolina to Maine were being impacted, there were widespread power outages.  The storm raged throughout the night moving very slowly up the coast.  Two high tides with little water receding between.  The NYC subway system was shut down, all bridges and tunnels closed.. Oh my gosh what was happening. NY, NJ and CT all declared states of emergency.  Overnight more than one hundred homes in Breezy Point, evacuated for the storm burned to the ground with firefighters unable to reach them due to flooding from tidal surges.  Sand filled the streets in Jersey shore and south shore beach front communities, boardwalks are gone, boats are moved and are littering front lawns, porches... many boats have smashed into homes and buildings.  We hear all of this but the nightmare of the storm and it's destruction remain words without pictures.

Finally the storm subsides and we can return home to see what has happened.  Along the road during our return we see some evidence of the storm- trees uprooted, power lines down, branches down.  As we approach Freeport on the Meadowbrook Parkway there are lane closures and police are stationed at the Merrick Road exit.  I pull out my license, in case we need to show proof of address, but they accept our word about where we live.  We exit onto Merrick Road, there are no traffic lights, we must be extra vigilant as we turn onto Mill Road.  Stores are boarded up, the street has clearly been flooded with reeds and detritus covering the roadway.  We proceed slowly south turning onto Main Street and then Atlantic Avenue.  The dark 99cent store has a sign "we are open" Almost every other store appears abandoned, but the deli has a sign "F U Sandy, we are open for business."  we turn onto Guy Lombardo Avenue going south and begin to see the true wrath of this storm.  Boats have been tossed like toys, trees are broken and uprooted like match sticks.  We approach the Anchorage, our home, with trepidation, trees through the fence, boats from the marina strewn all around.  We pull up to the guard house entry and are amazed to see reeds and ocean debris everywhere.  Cars, which were parked in driveways during the storm have shifted locations vastly.  Dave's car is in his front garden, the windows of the car are wet with remnants of the water which flooded them. Rob's boat is partially sunken and impaled on a wooden piling.

We walk up our reed covered walkway to our front door.  The metal screen door is bent.  We open the front door and walk in to...


OMG silt covers everything.  The beige carpet is brown and wet.  Everything smells like seawater and wetness.  Thew water has risen to about three feet marking the walls and swirling in  and out tossing our belongings all around the floor.  The refrigerator has moved two feet forward.  The garage door is blocked  by debris, we cannot open it and stop trying after a few minutes.  I cannot breathe and the tears flow down my face.  HOW COULD THIS HAPPEN?

All around the community there are others who are walking zombies, feeling numb and absolutely stunned and amazed by the power of this storm.  The power is out, the buildings are scarred... we cannot believe what we are seeing.