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!