Billy the Artist!

There have been many unsung heroes in the town of Union Beach, NJ.  Many anonymous people that have given money, food and supplies.  After the Walk of Hope a New York City artist gave his time and his clothing line to town residents.  He spent hours signing autographs, taking pictures and listening to stories of the storm.  He was very kind to the town.  Billy gave hats, scarfs, gloves and headbands with his own unique artwork on them!  He reminded me of a leprechaun with his energy, smile and his red hair that was peeking out of his hat!!

I spent time with other volunteers (including my daughter) matching hats, scarves and gloves for kids and adults!  The pile of donated items shrank as we laughed and swapped colored items between us.  I hadn't planned on volunteering just going for a walk with my friends.  I got to borough hall and realized that help was needed so we jumped in.  I got to see more familiar faces that I missed at the walk.  It was such an amazing day! 

I love when everyone is working for one goal.  Smiles on the beautiful faces in Union Beach!

Furniture Looking for a Good Home

Since the storm in late October 2012.   Families have been very slowly moving back to UB.  They are still hoping to totally rebuild their homes and this awesome town!  One day at a time.  That is the theme.

One day a stranger in a truck or van will drop lightly used furniture on the side of Borough Hall.  The residents know that it is a first come first serve kind of deal.  So you will see people drive by on their way to work, school and errands to see what kind of furniture is out.  The outside guys make sure it does not get wet or soggy by tarping it in bad weather.  The guys will also help to put it in your car or help deliver it to your home.  I was working the desk one day when a mom came in all excited asking if anyone had claimed the dressers outside?!  We told her no and she was so happy to have something to put her kids clothes in .  They were living with laundry baskets for dressers.   Again something you don't think about being really important in the grand scheme-as a mom I can say that routine with kids and having their own things in their own space is important.

I am glad there are still generous people in this world that would take the time to drop off a piece or two of their belongings for someone else to adopt!

Supplies from Angels

I am surprised by the donations.   There is a constant stream of building supplies, food, water, coats etc. . . being dropped off in UB.  Towns from all over New Jersey and beyond have been bringing what the town needs to rebuild their homes and lives.  A lady drove a rented truck from Virginia with lightly used appliances for the town.  It was a welcome sight for those that have no way to cook dinner except for a microwave. 

Kids in school buses have delivered lumber.  Churches have delivered thousands of meals for locals and volunteers.  Local business have delivered so many delicious pizzas, pasta, soups, chicken and beef main dishes, salads, desserts!  As christmas approached the deliveries turned to toys and gifts for the residents.  Many were still in hotels or with friends and families.  Christmas was going to be tight for most.  There were so many organizations that helped fulfill the kids and families holiday wish lists.  It was awesome how strangers on the internet bought and sent gifts to borough hall! 

I know there are still many things the town families need but I can tell you HOPE is something that is in abundance here. 

Ed

There are so many wonderful volunteers in Union Beach!!  I noticed Ed around Thanksgiving.  He's a little older than I am but he is strong and spry.  He works moving water and supplies to peoples cars, moving all the donations around outside Borough Hall.  Ed and the other guys work long hours outside in the cold.  I really don't know how they do it.

Ed and I bonded one cold day when he came in for lunch.  I was helping serve and said something sarcastic to him and he quickly responded.  He reminded me of one of my smart-alec brothers (I have 5.)  So from that day on I would recommend the best food that was being served and often joked that I wouldn't touch a certain dish (only because it was so delish) but he never took the bait.  He figured out early on to take the opposite of what I said. 

As Christmas approached the hall was very crowded with gifts, tree decorations, lots of food etc.  Ed and the other guys that carried all of the heavy stuff were very busy in December.  When I showed up January 2nd I heard Ed was sick.  I was sorry to hear that he wasn't feeling well.  It's not the same without Ed.  I miss you.

January 2nd, 2013

It's a new year!   2013 arrived quietly.  2013 still has many families on the east coast homeless because of Hurricane Sandy.  2013 I going to be the year of rebuilding lives and towns.

I went to the pantry with a friend - Kelly.  We sat at the sign in table for a while.  We asked everyone that was signing in for supplies how their holidays were.  Low key was what we heard.  The new normal in Union Beach.  Low key because most did not spend it in their homes.  Most did not hold their family celebrations with kids, grandkids and great grandkids in their homes.  Most did not have their treasured family ornaments.  Most did not have their china to eat on.  So Low Key pretty much described 2012 Christmas.

There was not much going on when I arrived in Borough Hall.  Volunteers that went home to Michigan, Virginia, Maryland, Pennsylvania and other states have not returned in full force.  There were local volunteers that were helping deliver drywall and lumber.   There were volunteers serving lunch.  There were volunteers sorting donations that showed up. 

I did not mention that there were smiles.  Even though most were not in their homes for the holidays they were thankful.  Thankful and hopeful. 

Sir Edward & Lucky!!

Well my title of the post pretty much says it all. . .

Meet Lucky (left)  and Sir Edward!

 

 

 

I was volunteering in Union Beach for 2 weeks.  One day I noticed 2 dogs heading to lunch with their mom.   They are quiet, polite and did I mention quiet???   I was flabbergasted. . .funny word!! I could not believe how well behaved they were. How damn quiet they are and how they truly loved being with mom every day!!  They have been going to work with their mom since the hurricane.  They lost their home.  They lost their yard.  They lost everything that was familiar to them. 

 

I had actually forgotten about pets.  I have two wiener dogs (that we adopted.)  I never thought what happened to all the pets - furry, feathery etc. . .Since Hurricane Sandy turned children's and parents lives upside down.  What happened to the animals in town??  Lots of lucky animals were evacuated with their families.  Some pets were not as lucky for their families were totally blindsided with the water that entered the town and their homes. 

 

Working at Borough Hall since early November  I have noticed that lots of people have asked if there is dog and cat food available.  I asked them if they have pets. . . most do but there are some kind souls that are feeding the recently homeless pet population.  A piece of the puzzle that I had forgotten about.  Ones that are homeless not because they were uncared for, not because they were unloved, not because they were unworthy - just a huge wave that got in the way. 

 

Sir Edward and Lucky are in the "homeless" boat but they are  blessed to be with their family.  They get to go to work every day with their mom!  Their mom works in borough hall.  Sir Edward and Lucky get to nap by their moms desk each day!  They get to ride in the car each morning with their mom - on their way to work!  They ride home each day and spend their nights next to their moms blow up bed.  I'm not sure how they are coping with the HUGE change in living arrangements.  I'm not sure how they are dealing with a change of scenery at home.  I'm not sure how they are dealing with their new "normal" since the storm.

 

I told their mom how sweet and well behaved they are.  I told her my pups would be barking at each new person that arrived in borough hall - how my pups would be getting into trouble and not napping like her kids (yes kids.)  Some of us are blessed with 2 legged kids and some of us are truly blessed to have 4 legged kids.  Kids that never talk back to you.  Kids that never yell at you.  Kids that never complain - ever.  Kids that are always happy to see you no matter what!

 

There is really nothing like a sweet, warm kiss from a four legged angel!

 

 

 

 

 



You Don't Know Jack!

As with most days working in UB there are always new faces showing up.  One day around the holidays I walked over and asked one of the guys that works outside if he lived close and how did he make it through the hurricane.  I was surprised to find that he lived in Las Vegas and was taking a sebbatical from his job at a large casino.  He said he grew up close to UB in Allenhurst, NJ.  When he saw the pictures on the news and heard from friends back east how bad the storm was he knew he needed to be back east helping his friends and neighbors. 

This is the story I hear all of the time.  Someone is moved by a picture and has to go help - period.  In a way we are all extensions of Gods hands.  Some of us move towards money and powerful jobs. Some of us move towards families and raising good kids.  Some of us move towards pursuing our dreams in school.  Some of us fill our extra hours volunteering.  Funny how these very different people all have been through Borough Hall in a little town named Union Beach!  A very different mix of jobs and incomes.  Still one common thread that pulled us all together.  A terrible storm that devastated small communities up and down the East Coast.  We all felt that ache inside that said GO HELP. 

I am blessed to have met so many caring people that are helping others in need.