Dear Residents,
As you are all well aware, on October 29 and 30, 2012, our residents were hit by a superstorm which delivered the most devastation we have ever witnessed. Hurricane Sandy ravaged our Village and our surrounding communities. But in the aftermath of the sorrow, disruption, loss of property and the robbing of almost everything that residents affected have ever had, I don’t think that I can put into words how proud I am of the residents of this Village, the many benefactors that we have been touched by, and the help and love that has been poured onto all of us.
Volunteers from all over have assisted in the clean-up and recovery effort, as well as provided much-needed supplies to those hit the hardest. It is true that when the chips are down, people prove that they are willing to sacrifice to help others in need. Even some of the people who themselves were suffering were comforting others in worse shape than they were in. It was truly magnificent, and again, as mayor of this great Village, I cannot express my gratitude in words for what you all have provided.
The damage, especially south of Montauk Highway, was reminiscent of Hurricane Katrina in New Orleans back in 2005. Unspeakable destruction the likes of which we could not even imagine was seen.
I want to thank my emergency management team led by Emergency Management Chief Ray Fais, Deputy Mayor Kevin McCaffrey, Village Administrator Shawn Cullinane and Deputy Administrator Doug Madlon. They were assisted by the Village Board members, the Department of Public Works, which did an outstanding job with the tree removal, and, of course, all of the Village Hall staff which manned telephones, put together a food pantry in the conference room for those residents who needed food and supplies, and provided general information and comfort to those who needed it most.
Many thanks are in order for our dear friend, Babylon Town Supervisor Rich Schaffer. His administration provided so many resources, such as town vehicles and pay loaders, to assist us in the clean-up and recovery effort. Thanks to Governor Andrew Cuomo, County Executive Steve Bellone, Assemblyman Bob Sweeney and, of course, all of the volunteers and local organizations from Camp Bulldog to all of the church organizations, the Knights of Columbus, Chamber of Commerce – you name them, they helped us. Kiwanis, Rotary, Scout Troops, the local middle school and high school sports teams, too many to name. Thank you and God bless all of you for your kindness and love.
Along with the Board of Trustees, our administrative staff and all the employees of the Village, we look forward to continue to serve the Village to the best of our abilities for the betterment of Lindenhurst as we rebuild our Village.
Warmest Regards,
Mayor Tom Brennan