It has been almost a week since Hurricane Irene swept through the area, yet many are still contending with the aftermath of the storm.

Although some businesses in the area have reopened their doors for business, some have instead reopened for cleanup. 

On the other hand, to look at some homes and businesses in the area, it is hard to imagine that a devastating storm blew through town.  The only remnants are pieces of tree limbs on the side of the curb, ready for collection.

Only a few miles away from Maplewood Village in Millburn, Millburn Avenue has reddish dirt visible on its path, a souvenir from Irene’s wrath, and black bags filled with debris from the floods piled high along the curb.  

Yet, many residents and business owners consider themselves fortunate. 

Maplewood resident Rene Clawson prepped her business and home for the storm.

“We were prepared, and luckily had little or no issues,” Clawson said.  “We’ve very grateful, there are other stories of loss of water, power, and other people really suffering.  We did not lose anything but sleep and clean water.  I don’t want to make light of the storm damage and those who incurred real loss.”

Caroline Gosselin, another Maplewood resident, had sentiments similar to Clawson’s.

“I think I was pretty lucky,” Gosselin said.  “Many people were much worse off, and lost their basements, or family rooms.”…(Continue Reading)