Hurricane Sandy was our worst nightmare realized. This monster storm packed as much energy as two World War II era atomic bombs, causing massive destruction, the likes of which had not been seen since the Long Island Express of 1938, a now legendary Category III hurricane. Trapped on an island jutting into the Atlantic Ocean, we were front and center when Sandy attacked with a vengeance. Thousands of homes were inundated with seawater and sewage. Hundreds were left uninhabitable. Two and a half years later, we continue to rebuild our tattered shoreline. In this series we will look in the coming months at the Governor’s Office of Storm Recovery’s ongoing effort to reconstruct worst-case homes, businesses and communities that Sandy ravaged on Oct. 29, 2012 — and the myriad issues that residents and officials face as they piece together our shredded infrastructure. At the same time, we will look at state and local officials’ efforts to reinforce Long Island in the hope that we might be able to withstand nature’s fury better when the next monster storm hits. —Scott Brinton, senior editor more

The Fishbin family, of Port Washington, and the Seaman family, of Merrick, have known each other since their sons attended sleepaway summer camp together many years ago. Now they are joining together for the benefit of two organizations that are dear to their hearts: Rock and Wrap it Up! and Music Never Stops: The Tyler Seaman Foundation. On March 27, a concert at City Winery in downtown Manhattan will raise money for both organizations. more

Healing through art. That’s the motto of Splashes of Hope, which holds its annual Gala/Art Auction, on Friday, April 9. more