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Health & Fitness

In the Aftermath of a Storm: A Cook's Account

The more positivity we can throw into the air amidst this chaos, the stronger we all will become as survivors of this storm.

The days leading up to a big storm in New Jersey are all the same.  Its either a mad dash to stock up on supplies for the trouble minded or highly doubtful thoughts of anything really happening for the skeptics.  As prepared as we all could be, there really was no knowing what end result could ensue, and the fact is, devastation does not even scratch the surface.   

I consider myself to be exponentially lucky; I have power, water, heat and a means to go about my day to day life as best as I can.  Many others, however, do not; over 2million, in fact.  

My boyfriend, Jon Fuzell, is the general manager of The DeBary Inn just off the main drag in Summit.  This old, gorgeous, 16 room inn always maintained power in storms of recent years, so we felt confident that this time, it would be the same.  Sure enough, in the thick of the rushing 80mph winds, crashing trees, and abundance of wet leaves, our hopes dwindled.  Eight other guests joined us in the house that evening, as, together, we did the best we could to make them as comfortable as possible in the dark.  

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For me, the best way I could help was to make sure everyone was well fed.  While Jon fled from floor to floor, checking for and doing his best to keep the home and that evening’s residents safe, I was thanking my stars the kitchen had a moderately decent working gas stove and oven. Although not a full service working kitchen on most days, this storm gave us little choice.  In anticipation of the event, I brought with me a few supplies and left over ingredients to make a simple, yet filling meal for 10. A bowl of fresh tomatoes yielded the perfect sauce, while flour, yeast, salt, and olive oil blended well for a crispy pizza crust.  A little planning and a lot of patience, allowed us to eat well.  Even without the stove, a little grill would have made this pizza just as perfect.  In times like these, a little knowledge of food and cooking can go a long way.  Sure, canned goods are easy to pop open and heat on an open flame, but just because we are without many of the commodities we tend to take for granted, it doesn’t mean we have to wreak havoc on our waistlines and lifestyles. 

Although the majority of our town, those that are surrounding us, and beyond are without power, I can’t help but feel how utterly lucky we all are.  More than just a tear comes to my eye when I see photos of my childhood swept out to sea.  A boardwalk I have graced a hundred times and a beach I have laid my towel on, likely, more than that, resemble landfills.  The millions of homes that may or may not be salvageable, and the broken hearts of their residents, are inspirational in this aftermath.  Among their devastation, finding friends and family for support and speaking only words of rebuilding and starting anew are simply uplifting.  

Find out what's happening in Summitwith free, real-time updates from Patch.

Because of our strengths, Jon and I helped to feed and bring at least some comfort to 8 others, stranded, with little means to find a way home.  An honor it was for me to be able to help in this way, when I don't have very much to give.  As the queues for gasoline get longer and our patience wains, being thankful for our strengths, our loved ones, and our lingering health is something we should all try to remember.  Having waited in line myself and having had negativity from others unkindly thrust upon me, its only certain that this must be our goal. The more positivity we can throw into the air amidst this chaos, the stronger we all will become as survivors of this storm.  I just hope enough of my fellow neighbors feel the same way.  Good luck to all. 

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