COURT HOUSE – Cape May County’s Long-Term Recovery Group, which is preparing for the aftermath of disasters it hopes will never happen, met Feb. 22 at Atlantic Cape Community College. It was the group’s first official meeting, and elections were held.
Barry Keefe was elected chairman by unanimous vote. Marilyn Hughes of Ocean City was voted co-chair. Claire Galliano was elected secretary.
Volunteers from faith-based organizations are needed on the rolls to provide assistance, such as construction and counseling, are needed.
Formation of the group was advocated by Cheryl Brekke, FEMA, volunteer agency liaison, who attended the morning meeting. She had earlier approached freeholders and Martin Pagliughi, county emergency management director to cite the need for such a group.
While emergency workers can respond immediately after a storm or other disaster, the long-term recovery team will assist months and possibly even years later.
For example, there are still victims of Hurricane Katrina who have not been returned to their homes after seven years.
The meeting broke into smaller groups to discuss their goals.
Keefe, who retired after 22 years as head of Cape Counseling, said “We are developing a system to assist in long-term recovery when a disaster strikes.”
He said the group is “still forming, still trying to get things together.”
“We are looking for people who can be from faith-based groups,” he said. That should not be defined solely as “Christian” groups, but those of any faith, who would assist to help others in time of need.
There were only two representatives of such faith-based organizations in attendance.
“Churches need to get more committed,” Keefe said.
Robert “Budd” Springer, retired county director of Facilities and Services, has volunteered to head the Construction Team.
The group will need space to warehouse materials, and will use office space in the American Red Cross building on East Mechanic Street, Springer said.
Any person interested in joining the group should contact Keefe at: bkeefe30@comcast.net.
They will be placed on an email list and will be invited to the group’s next meeting.
The group’s next meeting will be at Atlantic Cape Community College March 15 at 10 a.m.
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