Superstorm Sandy Remembrance, Midland Beach, Staten Island; One Year Later

By Mark E. Ruquet

We gathered near the beach at the war memorial along Fr. Capodanno Blvd. to remember the neighbors lost a year ago, Oct. 29, 2012, to Superstorm Sandy. Taken that day were:

Patricia Bevan – 638 Hunter Ave.

Charlotte Breaers  – 1025 Olympia Blvd.

Eugene Contrabis – 162 Kiswick St.

David Hagley – 1025 Olympia Blvd.

David Maxwell – 110 Mapleton Ave.

Jack Paterno – 787 Nugent Ave.

Anastasia Rispoli – 158 Grimsby St.

Beatrice Spagnaolo – 164 Grimsby St.

“A year later, we are not where we want to be,” Staten Island Councilman James Oddo told about 100 residents gathered for the candlelight vigil last night. “People can talk about building and FEMA, Build it Back, sand dunes—this is about people. And to individual Staten Islanders, those of us in office, and the community, [we] have not forgotten that this is about people. And while we are not where we want to be, we’re going to get there and we’re going to work together and that’s our solemn vow to you.”