12/19/2012

Writers and Disasters

Writers are not immune to natural or personal disasters. This post talks about one author's experience with the recent Superstorm Sandy that ravaged the state of New Jersey. As an author, I am supposed to be open to the emotions of those around me, and to observe the world. That is not always easy, when the world is in turmoil, and fear, depression and anger fill the air. Even though those nearest and dearest to me came through the recent Superstorm Sandy unscathed, many of my neighbors were not so lucky.

As I've been working on writing and doing my small part in the recovery work, my contacts around the country and the world have commented on what they've seen in the broadcast news. Like all things, some of it is incorrect or misleading, others don't do the devastation justice. Aerial views don't show the stoic expressions on people's faces or the streets lined with the debris of lives. Besides the physical, there is also the other side, the human side. If so inclined, check out the you-tube video Sandy Response - Jersey Bayshore.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?feature=player_detailpage&v=Ky-mSEsP7G0. Among the images is what will become one of the iconic pictures of Hurricane Sandy, the Princess Cottage, in Union Beach.

The video shows one day in the recovery effort. A day that involved 647 volunteers, 55 homes, 4205 manhours of community service. Several more such days of service were held by the Jersey Shore Workcamp. On one Saturday, almost 1000 people from around the country came to help with the recovery effort.

 
Events such as the ones mention are being repeated around the state by various groups and individuals working to help our their neighbors and fellow citizens. More information and how you can help is at the bottom of this email.

Helen


PS - I did not take nor have any input into the video. I do admit to knowledge and support of the Jersey Shore Workcamp.

About the Jersey Shore Workcamp. The Jersey Shore Workcamp is a subset of the Group Workcamp Foundation, an interdenominational Christian organization based in Loveland, Colorado. The Foundation contributes funds and provides staff for each week-long restoration project. The Jersey Shore Chapter is currently raising funds for much needed construction supplies. To send a monetary donation or to serve on a project committee, businesses and residents are encouraged to contact, Gail Bechtoldt, at 732-567-0044. Donations may also be mailed to: Jersey Shore Workcamp, 1870 Highway 35, Middletown, N.J. 07748.


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