Hurricane Irene caused quite a problem in South Brunswick. Because the Oak Woods Senior Residence building had no electricity for three days, the fire alarms were out of commission and we were forced to evacuate the three-story building on Aug. 30. About 40 residents were moved out in an organized manner with the help of the Police Department and First Aid crews.
Relatives and friends responded and took all but 12 elderly to their homes. One resident with special needs was accepted by Park Place Center. The 11 remaining residents were sheltered at Charleston Place Senior Citizen Housing building in the community room.
Thanks to South Brunswick Township for supplying cots and the Marriot Residence Inn for supplying blankets, sheets and pillows.
Thank you to volunteer nurses Nancy MacKay and Steve Papenberg of the Health Department.
On Aug. 30, Confectionately Yours donated food and ice cream – thank you.
On Sept. 1, Roberto Reynoso, the chef for our congregate program, made a hearty breakfast for the 11, who were all good sports about the inconvenience. Electricity was restored later that day and everyone moved back to their homes.
Special thanks to the staffs of both Charleston Place and Oak Woods. Your actions were heroic.
South Brunswick proved that it is indeed one of the best towns in which to live. It is a hard working and caring community.
Muriel Leonard
President, Oak Woods Inc.
Kendall Park section of
South Brunswick