A couple of Sundays ago, I spent the day in Far Rockaway, N. Y., volunteering with representatives from the American Red Cross, including my husband, who works for the Southeast PA chapter.
Nothing I saw in the media prepared me for the devastation in these neighborhoods. Two weeks after the storm, there were still piles of debris everywhere: dry wall, mattresses, furniture, toys, electronics, you name it. Siding, fences and gutters were blown down. Cars were washed up on sidewalks and in some cases on top of each other. This went on for blocks and blocks.
Most striking was the enormous parking lot at Jacob Riis Park, which has more than 5,000 parking spaces. It’s now covered from end to end with a 25-30-foot-high mound of garbage and debris — which is still growing.
This wasn’t a resort town full of second homes owned by the 1 percent. This was in a thriving, working-class neighborhood in Queens.
At the end of the day I was exhausted, but I was in awe of the human spirit. The people in these neighborhoods are amazing. They’re determined to overcome this, and they will. And the people of the Red Cross (and the National Guard and the New York Police Department and the New York sanitation workers, among so many others) are truly remarkable people.
I know it’s been a hellacious time recently for a lot of people. There has been a lot of loss and heartbreak. You may have to look extra hard to find it, but we all have so much to be thankful for as well. Please take time in the coming weeks to hold your loved ones close and treasure their company.
Santa Saturday
Don’t miss the 39th annual Santa Saturday from 1-6 p.m. Nov. 24 at Club Paradise, 101 Asbury Ave., Asbury Park, N.J. Doors open at noon and there is usually a huge line so plan to get there early.
Hosted by the men of Bucks MC, the event has raised a grand total of more than $460,000 since its inception for regional charities, including many HIV/AIDS organizations. It started in New Hope and moved to its new home in Asbury Park a few years ago, where it is still going strong.
Stimulus Black & White
It’s the biggest Stimulus party of the year from 10 p.m.-3:30 a.m. Nov. 30 at Voyeur, 1221 St. James St. That’s right, they have the joint for the whole night for the fourth annual black and white affair and birthday party for producers Morgan and Amber.
That means a whole night with the go-go dancers, shot crew, drink specials and hot DJs you’ve come to know and love. It also means it’s your chance to whip out your fancy duds and dress to impress. Cover charge is only $10 if you get there before midnight.
TOY 2012
The Delaware Valley Legacy Fund has found a new home for its sixth annual holiday fundraising event, from 8-11 p.m. Dec. 1 at Reading Terminal Market, 12th and Arch streets. This incredible event is a night full of music, food and fun, featuring heavy hors d’ouevres and an open bar. But more than that, it’s a chance for you to help DVLF and brighten the holidays for lots of children.
Tickets are $50 per person plus one unwrapped toy (no plush, please) for a child or teen. Toys will be distributed at the Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia, including in the pediatric HIV/AIDS unit.
A Very Quince Holiday Cabaret
Get in the holiday spirit from 5:30-8:30 p.m. Dec. 3 at Tabu Lounge and Sports Bar, 200 S. 12th St. Quince Productions will host its annual holiday show, featuring 14 performers doing their personal interpretations of holiday classics. They’ll also have a raffle with amazing prizes and some great drink specials until 7 p.m. There will be a $15 cover charge.
Beer and Cupcakes
The third annual Beer and Cupcakes will be held from 7 p.m.-midnight Dec. 7 at The Bike Stop, 206 S. Quince St. If you’ve never been to a bake sale in a leather bar, then you don’t know what you’ve been missing!
Mazzoni Center case managers will sell fresh home-baked goodies, draft beer, Jell-O shots and raffle tickets for cool prizes to raise money for their winter coat and holiday toy drive for children whose lives have been impacted by HIV/AIDS. All proceeds go directly to the kids.
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