Six Months After Sandy in Marlboro and Colts Neck

It's hard to believe it has been six months since the destruction of Hurricane Sandy.

In Marlboro and Colts Neck, the storm left residents cold and in the dark. We were exhausted, frustrated and both literally and figuratively out of gas. But as residents looked around at the destruction in our county, many didn't think twice about rolling up their sleeves.

Directly after the storm, I was contacted by a resident trying to help friends transport their disabled daughter out of a cold, moldy house impacted greatly by Sandy. One article yielded 10 comments of area residents looking to help the family.

In Colts Neck, a resident came to me with a plea to inform residents of the dangers of live wires. , to a live wire which was hanging on her street without any warning around it. 

"I went up to her and was calling her name, I thought maybe she had just been shocked," Loew Mason said. "I almost went and touched her, I didn't even see the wire, but then I heard the electricity."

Former Mayor Jarrett Engel showed up to the scene and removed Rosie from the street, despite the danger.

"My wife is going to kill me," the mayor said, acknowledging the dangerous live wire. "Sometimes you just gotta do what you gotta do. I am just glad I did it, it was the right thing to do. That family wanted to say goodbye the right way."

Altruism extended far beyond the borders of Marlboro and Colts Neck, as many residents left their dark and cold homes to help residents in Union Beach and Keyport.

Our article, 'Ways to Help After Hurricane Sandy' was one of the most popular for more than a month after the storm hit.

While Sandy taught us to be frustrated with JCP&L and our government at times, it first and foremost taught me that Marlboro and Colts Neck residents will do anything to help.

It's so easy to get caught up in our own bubble, and our residents proved that they the bubble can be burst.

Six months after Sandy, I continue to have residents ask me how they can help in longterm recovery. I am constantly reminded of the amazing strength and empathy our readers have.

In a job where one can easily become cynical and removed from the boots on the ground, grassroots efforts which happen daily in Marlboro and Colts Neck, I thank you for continuing to remind Patch how amazing readers are.

Thank you to our police, firefighters and EMT's. Thank you to our countless volunteers who left their own problems behind to help others. And thank you to the Patch community which helped our publication keep everyone informed.