Since Sandy swept through the Jersey shore I have been collecting video and photographs to put together a short documentary film. Like so many others on Long Beach Island, my parents needed to gut their flood damaged house in order to rebuild it, but the task was overwhelming. The community of family, friends and neighbors that came from all over the state to help them was amazing and quickly became the focal point of my documentary.
This past weekend, we invited all those volunteers back to LBI to help my parents celebrate their now fully restored home! Just like the night of the demolition we ate in the driveway and even warmed ourselves in front of propane heaters (yes, it was a cold Memorial Day weekend!). At dusk on Saturday night everyone gathered as I premiered my film as a projection directly on the front of the house. It was truly an amazing experience.
Thank you again to all those who came together not on that weekend, but any time throughout the years, because there really wouldn't be much to celebrate in life without a community to celebrate with.
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| Even Roxy wanted to help say thank you! |
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| Rod and Kim! Rod was even wearing his shirt from the original event! |
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| John and my dad. John rented his island apartment to my parents so they would have someplace close by to stay while the house was being reconstructed. |
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| Watching the sunset from the street end. |
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| After the sun went down it was time to set up for the premiere. Our neighbors even brought over a pop corn machine! |
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| The best seats were in the street, so we temporarily blocked traffic. |
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| The projection on the house worked really well! |
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| Everyone celebrating! |
