Halloween 2012 was truly a frightening experience that will long be remembered by several generations.
Superstorm Sandy, left an unprecedented path of destruction, and the repercussions will be felt for many months, if not years. The extent of the damage is still to be fully assessed at the time of this article.
In the midst of one of the most devastating natural disasters to hit the United States, our community has more than stepped up to meet the needs of our neighbors.
Retirement Man, Jimmy “Walter Mitty” Muller, has been involved first hand with our Communities effort.
In Patterson, The Recreation Center has been open from 7 a.m. to after 9 p.m. offering bottled water, household supplies, dry ice, counseling, hot showers, and cots to stretch out on if needed. The staff is experienced and offers a hot cup of coffee, a smile, and that morale boosting encouragement that is most needed during these tough times.
The Patterson Recreation Center Is located at the end of Front Street, a half block from the Patterson Railroad Station. For further Information call: 845-878-7200
In Pawling, The Red Cross set up an actual “shelter “last week in The Lakeside Park Community Center.
Retirement Man has been there several times. The more than friendly staff of seasoned Red Cross volunteers welcomes you with a warm handshake. They offer heated sleeping facilities, supplies, dry ice, bottled water, blankets, and charging stations; as well as forms for financial and FEMA related assistance. There is individual counseling in order to address your personal challenges in the aftermath of Super Storm Sandy. Be sure that they will take the time to explore and solve your needs during this crisis.
Retirement Man was able to obtain advice on heat, health, stress, food safety, home repair, housing, federal and local assistance, etc. For detailed information on the Red Cross effort at Lakeside Park, please contact them at 2 Lakeside Road, phone number: 845-855-1131
Retirement Man has endured many days without power himself. It’s been a humbling experience indeed. The reports on TV have been heart wrenching. Like soo many of our readers and listeners, these have been trying times for sure. “Walter” has been cooking, safely, on an outside Boy Scout propane stove. The house boiler offered an extra day of lukewarm showers, but that was it. Retirement Man reverted to his Eagle Scout skills, i.e. wearing extra layers of clothing for warmth, gathering blankets and firewood, sealing windows, etc. He has been boiling water for shallow baths and facial shaving. He went out early for extra batteries for radio reports. He picked up lanterns, flashlights, etc. Yes, there have been local shortages, but on-line searches provide information on the latest locations for shipment deliveries and availability For generator power, fuel, water, milk , and of course “GAS“.
Gas has not been as severe a problem here as it is in parts of New Jersey and New York City. The advice from Retirement Man is to get out early and fill up. The fuel situation is destined to improve in the next few days. It is wise to limit your driving to essential needs for now.
Walter is happy to report that Pawling Public Radio has also stepped up in terms of providing the latest up-dates on weather, community efforts, and advice on gas and school closings. PPR, 101.7 (www.pawlingpublicradio.org – for live streaming), has been serving the needs of local citizens for several years now, “One Voice at a Time.” We are becoming your first choice for information. This crisis has shown clearly how very important we are to the community. We are proud of that. We thank each and every reader & listener for continuing to help us help others. Imagine what we will be able to do once we have our new antenna. You can provide and obtain community information and assistance by visiting us on line at http://www.pawlingpublicradio.org/.
You can also e-mail us at info@pawlingpublicradio.org
The Patterson Recreation Center Location:
65 Front Street Patterson, NY, 12563.
Tel: 845.878.7200
The American Red Cross Warm Up Center location:
2 Lakeside Drive(PawlingLakesideCommunity Center) in theLathropBuilding, in response to community needs in the wake of Hurricane Sandy. Warm blankets, hot coffee and food as well as dry ice and water will be available until further notice. For information, call 845-855-1131 in Pawling.
You can also call the American Red Cross at 1-800-REDCROSS.
