Bay Parkers gather to reflect, move forward

About two dozen residents of East Rockaway and Bay Park gathered near the water’s edge at the Bay Park Civic Association beach house on Oct. 29 to mark the two-year anniversary of Hurricane Sandy.

Rain fell gently as the attendees lit candles to honor the losses suffered in the storm two years ago. Dan Caracciolo, who helped found the Bay Park advocacy group the11518 after Sandy devastated the small community, began the ceremony by saying that, while he had grown weary of dealing with the effects of the storm, he was glad to call himself a resident of Bay Park.

“I’m sick of Sandy,” Caracciolo said. “I’m sick of the smell and noise of the sewage plant, I’m sick of people not being back in their homes — I’m really am just sick of it … but I’m also very proud of East Rockaway, I’m proud of the way we all came together during times like these. We’re still here, we’re still breathing, and we’re not going anywhere.”

Diana Harrison, who co-founded the11518 along with Caracciolo, said she thought the night was a good time to reflect on the silver linings of Hurricane Sandy. “I think East Rockaway showed that at it’s heart it still a small town where people do what they can to help and watch out for their neighbors.”

Caracciolo also said the night and the ceremony were not intended to be a sad occasion, but rather a thankful remembrance. “We don’t just need to be upset,” he said. “Strangely, with all of the trouble she brought, Sandy also brought a lot of good things. I’m grateful for the opportunity I’ve had to work along side so many of you, and meet so many new people as a result of working to come back from this storm.”

Brian Barry, an East Rockaway resident, agreed. “Two years ago when the storm hit, I basically had nothing,” Barry said. “But now, I’m back in my home and I’m so grateful and so thankful to be back and to be surrounded by such great neighbors and friends.”

Rev. Mark J. Lukens, pastor of the Bethany Congregational Church on Main Street, which opened its doors as a shelter and supply distribution center after the storm, closed the evening with a prayer and a reminder of how far residents have come since the storm, and how much work there still is to do.