A day when residents and charities came together.

On October 29, 2013, over 400 residents and charities united at the Light The Shore- Gerritsen Beach Ceremony to remember those we lost, honor the volunteers, and to show support for those still struggling with rebuilding after Hurricane Sandy. This event in Gerritsen Beach was organized by Michael Taylor, President of We
Care New York, Inc., in collaboration with Nick Curattalo, creator of the GBSandyRelief Facebook page. The Brooklyn Long Term Recovery Group, under the leadership of Dr. Rev. Anthony, supported over a dozen Light the Shore events throughout Brooklyn to mark the 1 year anniversary of Hurricane Sandy. This storm forever changed the lives of all residents living in New York City's shorefront communities, many of whom are still trying to rebuild and recover from this disaster. In Gerritsen Beach alone, over 2,000 homes, businesses and structures were flooded, affecting more than 2,300 families. Many residents are already back to the "new normal" in a home that has been repaired, treated for mold and had power, heat and hot water restored. However, hundreds in Gerritsen Beach are still struggling to rebuild and recover from this disaster. The speakers expressed their support for those still suffering as they attempt to rebuild their lives. We took time to give thanks to everyone who so graciously volunteered their time and money to help see us through this disaster.
Care New York, Inc., in collaboration with Nick Curattalo, creator of the GBSandyRelief Facebook page. The Brooklyn Long Term Recovery Group, under the leadership of Dr. Rev. Anthony, supported over a dozen Light the Shore events throughout Brooklyn to mark the 1 year anniversary of Hurricane Sandy. This storm forever changed the lives of all residents living in New York City's shorefront communities, many of whom are still trying to rebuild and recover from this disaster. In Gerritsen Beach alone, over 2,000 homes, businesses and structures were flooded, affecting more than 2,300 families. Many residents are already back to the "new normal" in a home that has been repaired, treated for mold and had power, heat and hot water restored. However, hundreds in Gerritsen Beach are still struggling to rebuild and recover from this disaster. The speakers expressed their support for those still suffering as they attempt to rebuild their lives. We took time to give thanks to everyone who so graciously volunteered their time and money to help see us through this disaster.
Another Great video by Tom Hale his way to provide support and help us express our thanks to everyone that helped in some way. In the months after the storm Tom Hale created a video to help (Click Here) people understand the issues and needs in our community.
Fr. Edwin
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Outstanding youth volunteer Joe Coffey |
Samantha Nania
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Gerritsen Beach Fire Department![]() The Gerrittsen Beach Fire Department was organized in 1922, when Gerrittsen Beach
was predominantly a small summer beach community. In 1932, under the laws of the State of New York, by Mayor John F. O’Brien, approval was granted as a Fire Corporation. The Gerrittsen Beach Fire Department is operated by dedicated volunteers. These volunteers answer the emergency calls and respond to alarms at all times, seven days a week and 24 hours a day. These very same individuals work at many levels though participating in committees, building maintenance, and fund raising. When they’re not volunteering these same people are working at their full time careers or battling a full time college schedule. Click here for the GBFD Facebook Click here for GBFD web site |
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Thousands of caring souls have helped
Sandy affected residents in some way.
To everyone that helped... Thank You!
International Coastal Clean Up on 9/28/13

It was a great day for the kid's and the environment. We Care NY was proud to continue this decades-old program called the International Coastal Clean Up to document and remove the garbage from Shellbank & Gerritsen Creek shorelines. This program coordinated by the American Littoral Society with the data compiled by the Ocean Conservatory to document the shoreline and waterway garbage around the world every year. Click on this link to find out more about the American Littoral Society and the NYS International Coastal Clean Up.
The volunteer prize raffle winners:
1st. prize - Joe Coffey, 2nd prize - Samantha Nania, 3rd prize - Nicholas Charity. Many of the other children received small prizes to show apperception for them caring to help clean up the environment.
We would like to thank our supporters of this event: All the volunteers, Mitsubishi Corporation- (Americas), Astoria Federal Savings, Brenmans, K of C #5989, PS 277, Boy Scout Troop #396, Ressurection, Good Shepard, Grady H.S, IS 78, PS 236, Scholars Academy, NYC Parks, NYPD, DOS, and the American Littoral Society for everything they do to help improve the environment.
The volunteer prize raffle winners:
1st. prize - Joe Coffey, 2nd prize - Samantha Nania, 3rd prize - Nicholas Charity. Many of the other children received small prizes to show apperception for them caring to help clean up the environment.
We would like to thank our supporters of this event: All the volunteers, Mitsubishi Corporation- (Americas), Astoria Federal Savings, Brenmans, K of C #5989, PS 277, Boy Scout Troop #396, Ressurection, Good Shepard, Grady H.S, IS 78, PS 236, Scholars Academy, NYC Parks, NYPD, DOS, and the American Littoral Society for everything they do to help improve the environment.
What are we doing? |
Who helped? |
Why did they help? |
Beach Captian, Michael Taylor
Shellbank & Gerritsen Creek stats: Volunteers: 30 Adults, 57 Children Total Bags Used: 125 Total Est.Weight Remove: 900 lbs Total Distance Cleaned: 3/4 mile 558 Cigarette Butts 372 Food Wrappers (Candy, Chips, etc) 127 Take Out Conatainers (Plastic) 25 Take Out Conatainers (Foam) 301 Bottle Caps (Plastic) 112 Bottle Caps (Metal) 58 Lids (Plastic) 127 Straws/Stirrers 184 Forks, Knives, Spoons 307 Beverage Bottles (Plastic) 192 Beverage Bottles (Glass) 191 Beverage Cans 298 Grocery Bags (Plastic) 445 Other Plastic Bags 54 Paper Bags 150 Cups & Plates (Paper) 154 Cups & Plates (Plastic) 251 Cups & Plates (Foam) 3 Fishing Buoys, Pots & Traps 5 Fishing Net & Pieces 52 Fishing Line (1 yard= 1 piece) 13 Rope (1 Yard=1 piece) 21 6-pack Holders 68 Other Plastic/Foam Packaging 18 Other Plastic Bottles (Oil, bleach) 8 Strapping Bands 83 Tobaccon Packaging/Wrap 1 Appliance 3 Balloons 9 Cigar Tips 23 Cigarette Lighters 28 Construction Materials 16 Fireworls 3 Tires 4 Condoms 16 Diapers 0 Syringes 17 Tampons/Applicators Tiny Trash Less Than 2.5 cm: 103 Foam Pieces 337 Glass Pieces 262 Plastic Pieces 87 Total Volunteer (Signed In) |
Mitsubishi Volunteers |
1st We Care Sandy Fair
@ Seba Avenue Park, Gerritsen Beach, Brooklyn
June 2, 2013
Sponsored by Astoria Federal Saving Bank
1st We Care Sandy Fair, Seba Park, Gerritsen Beach

WCNY volunteers start preparing for the event at Seba Avenue Park on June 2, 2013 to benefit the affected residents of Gerritsen Beach. (Photo Right) The We Care Sandy Fair @ Seba Park was a sun filled success. A great time was enjoyed by the estimated 700 to 900 participants of all ages. The event was sponsored by Astoria Federal Savings and 32" Flat screen LED TV donated by Tracy Real Estate to be raffled off to affected resident that completed our survey for the day. Brenmans Meat Market donated a great tasting 6 foot hero for the volunteers. We gave away hundreds of prizes, Italian Ices, and help provide thousands of smiles and laughs throughout the family fun & sun filled day. The wonderful resource vendors were very helpful and surprised at the participation of affected residents needing assistance and signing up with them. This was a great day for many reason most of all connecting Gerritsen Beach Residents with resources that can help. The event and issues recieved news coverage by news reporters Tim Fleischer of ABC Channel 7 News story Hot weather brings out mold from Sandy, Ali Wolf of New 12 story We Care New York hosts 'We Care Sandy Fair' for superstorm victims in Gerritsen Beach, Hilary Whittier of WPIX 11 story Heat wave causing more headaches for those still recovering from Sandy, Michael Herzenberg of NY1 New story Brooklyn Fair Spreads Message Of Care. Additional photos, details and stats from our current survey will be posted in the next few days.
Seba Park We Care Sandy Fair Supporters
Tracey Real Estate- THANK YOU!

Thank you to Bob Tracey of Tracey Real Estate for donating a 32" Flat Screen LED TV that was raffled off to one lucky winner that completed our survey during the day.
Resources Helping Affected Residents in Gerritsen Beach
Click on the logo below to go to the site for assistance.
Free Professional & Insured Mold Remedation that can provide you with a certification.
Call 855-740-6653 to sign up today. |
Every Home Owner should contact a Public Adjustor to confirm they given the funding they are entitled to receive for the insurance company.
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Insurance Lawyers from Speights & Worrich will review your insurance policy for Free to make sure you received a fair settlement from your insurance.
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Sandy Case Management for those that need assistance with recovery.
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NEW- Rebuilding Support and Reimbursement
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NYKIDSTIME.COM provide the rides at a huge discount to help provide the children of GB some fun.
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ASTORIA provide a $1000 donation to sponsor the event and cover some of the costs to connect the residents with the resources.
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Tracey R.E. donated a 32" LED TV for a raffle winner that competed our survey.
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Mom N Me was there for those that were looking for lunch.
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Brenmans Meat Market
K of C # 5989 GB Cares, Inc. NYC Parks Brooklyn DA Hynes and others! Thank you for helping us help others! |