Category Archives: Hurricane Sandy

Hurricane Sandy: Report from Rockaway #6



In this Report from Rockaway we talk with Graybeards president Steve Stathis.

Graybeards is a Rockaway-based group of approximately 200 members.  Originally an informal group of friends and neighbors, Graybeards formally organized after the September 11th attacks and the crash of American Airlines Flight #587 in Belle Harbor.  Graybeards is dedicated to helping friends and neighbors in need, while promoting friendship and community.  In the post-Sandy recovery, they have responded to an exponential expansion in the need for their help.

We spoke with Steve about Graybeards, the work they continue to do and the state of recovery in the Rockaways.

This is our sixth Report from Rockaway.  You can view our previous reports herehereherehere and here.

Hurricane Sandy: Report from Rockaway #5



In this Report from Rockaway we look at the aftermath of the Rockaway Beach Boulevard fire, which burned several blocks of businesses and homes, and at recovery progress in Rockaway Park.

We talk with Lew Simon, an elected District Leader, and visit the wreckage of his office, which was destroyed in the Rockaway Beach Boulevard fire.

This is our fifth Report from Rockaway.  You can view our previous reports here, here, here and here.

Hurricane Sandy: Report from Rockaway #4



In this Report from Rockaway, we visit Belle Harbor, Rockaway Park and Arverne and talk with Congressman Gregory Meeks, New York State Assembly member Phillip Goldfeder and New York City Council member Jimmy Van Bramer.

In our conversations, we discuss a still-unfolding potential hospital crisis, recovery efforts by the Queens Library for it’s heavily damaged Rockaway branches and one elected official’s personal experience as the water rose on the night Sandy hit.

This is our 4th Report from Rockaway.  You can view our earlier reports here, here and here.

Hurricane Sandy: Report from Rockaway #3



Here is my latest Report from Rockaway.  This video report, my third from Rockaway, provides an update on some of the ongoing relief efforts and gives a glimpse of how residents are working their way back one month after Sandy.

Here are two notable quotes.

From a relief worker describing how donors can provide useful donations: if you’re “walking down the grocery aisle, imagine coming home and everything’s gone … replenishing that stuff” is what’s needed.

From an optimistic resident who says that they are doing well: “the only thing most people are missing is the heat.”