Sandy Brings Out the Best in Residents, Businesses

Crisis situations like the aftermath of Hurricane Sandy can bring out the worst in people—but it can also bring out the very best in them.

Extending oneself to others in a time of need was a no-brainer for many residents, business owners, local officials and municipal workers.

“You know, what it all boils down to is that we’re all in this together,” said Anthony Tarricone, who has opened up his gym Equalize Fitness in Yonkers to residents who need to shower and charge their electronic devices. “If we have the ability to help, why wouldn’t we do that?”

Equalize Fitness is offering a spa-like getaway from all of the Hurricane Sandy madness where you can take a hot shower, hang out with some coffee, power your electronics and get a free seven day pass to work off some of the frustrations of being without power. No need to worry about creating more dirty laundry, they have enough towels for everyone.

Equalize Fitness is located at 1 Odell Plaza in Yonkers, call (914) 751-6655 for hours of operation.

“It's been going great,” said Tarricone. “The impact is really on our members who are willing to share the facilities. It’s really a community effort. People are really grateful.”

Club Fit and New York Sports Club are also opening up their facilities and allowing people to take showers. click here for details.

RSA Computer, at 630 Saw Mill River Road in Ardsley, is offering a place to charge electronics and free WiFi on Friday, Nov. 2, 8 a.m. to 8 p.m.; Saturday, Nov. 2, 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. and Sunday, Nov. 3, 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Even if they are closed you can still access their WiFi hotspot if you are nearby (park in the parking lot).

Many are also organizing relief efforts and are looking to help their neighbors and those affected by the storm.

Greenburgh Town Supervisor Paul Feiner is looking for residents who have a spare room in their house and are willing to house senior citizens in their home who are without power and need shelter from the cold. Contact Feiner at pfeiner@greenburghny.com or (914) 438-1343 or (914) 993-1545.

Irvington Resident Barry Graubart is looking for people to volunteer to work in Red Cross Relief shelters or help United Way staff its 211 help line. Click here for details.

Irvington Mayor Brian Smith had this to say in an e-mail blast to residents:

“Lastly, I have been very impressed, but not surprised, at all the wonderful stories I am hearing from residents and business owners. From the Cupcake Kitchen offering free WiFi and letting customers linger over empty cups of coffee, to numerous offers residents of hot showers and electricity, to Jimmy’s Soft Serve (Tarrytown) offering his ice cream truck’s generator, to Live Wire Security's offer for a charging station—I have been reminded again and again why we all love our little Village so much. We will come out of this challenger better, closer as neighbors and hopefully smarter. I will add that I hope we are all back to normal soon as well!”

 Is there an act of kindness you want to mention? Is there someone you’d like to thank? Looking for volunteers? Tell us in the comments.

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