Page 15 - Success Story Newsletter Spring 2018

As the end of February was upon us in
Blairstown, we all began to take in a deep breath
knowing the bitter, wet days were soon to be
behind us… or so we thought. March 2nd brought
a storm, which for Blairstown, went beyond
the impact of even Hurricane Sandy on the
community. The sustained winds that battered
the area were devastating to the town and it left
numerous properties severely damaged and
without power. The Easterseals Blairstown site
was protected from major damage but access
was quickly blocked because of numerous
trees that had fallen not only on the dirt road
that leads to the program but several main
access roads that lead up the mountain. Thanks Three more storms hit the area over the next
to a wonderful contactor, Mike Trieble of THI three weeks, none as severe as March 2nd, but it
Construction and several great neighbors, paths left Michelle and Kim doing long shifts again and
were eventually established to allow access for again.
vehicles. The storm left the site with no power
for seven and a half days but the generator that The final storm that brought us another 14 inches
was added three years ago allowed for quality of snow left Kim Edelman and Domingos Oliveira
services to continue without interruption. on-site for an extended period of time.

Two staff remained on site during the storm: In the midst of all the storms we endured a
Michelle Allen and Kimberly Edelman. They forest fire on the mountain on March 19th. It was
remained on-site for more than 24 hours and contained about 200 feet from the property line
ensured the consumers were safe and well but left us all hoping to avoid any more assaults
from Mother Nature. Regardless of what the
cared for during this challenging time. At weather brings, however, we’ll continue to provide
Easterseals, we say our staff don’t wear capes top-notch service to all our program participants.
but they probably should; on this day I think
the staff were wearing angel’s wings and those Hopefully, the summer will bring some much
wings were obvious to all the residents that needed peacefullness to the Blairstown site.
were under their care. On behalf of all the staff
who you covered for that day and from me, your
manager, we thank you immensely for your
incredible dedication to our mission.

- Dee Alexander, Site Manager | Community
Living Services | Blairstown

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