{Guest Post} Reflections on “The Storm” — Long Beach Island, NJ

I got to know Jen Madden through the community in which I live in Northern New Jersey, and have often enjoyed swapping stories about our respective experiences at the Jersey Shore, as we both have spent considerable amounts of time on Long Beach Island over the years.  As we are all dealing with the effects of Superstorm Sandy in one way or another, reflections of what once was – and hopes of what will once again be – are ways for us to celebrate the memories that we once shared, and allow us to take comfort in the fact that we are all in this together.  With that, below is Jen’s guest post:

Columbus Day Weekend was the last time before “The Storm” that my family and I enjoyed some time on Long Beach Island. We had just gotten back from a five-day stay on the island for the annual Chowderfest Weekend but with the warm temperatures, we just couldn’t resist going back. My husband, Glenn, asked me if I wanted to go down one last time before our friends closed up their motel for the season. “Why not?!” was my quick reply. “We might as well do it while we can; you never know what tomorrow brings.” Little did I know how true of a statement that would be.

When it became apparent Hurricane Sandy was going to make landfall on the Jersey Shore, we knew LBI could sustain severe damage. I have been vacationing in the township of Holgate since I was 15 years old. The South Beach Haven and Holgate section is the thinnest low-lying region of the island. What makes the area so amazing also makes it vulnerable. On our island paradise everyone always feared “the big one” but never thought it would happen.

While the “Super storm” approached, I prayed the island would still be there when it was all over. The island was evacuated but a relative of my cousin stayed behind. Matt is a Beach Haven department of public works employee, and waited out the storm on the island to help out. Throughout the day — Monday October 29^th — Matt posted pictures on his Facebook page as the island gradually flooded. My heart sank when I saw a picture looking south on Bay Avenue in Beach Haven. The photo was taken around noon, five hours before the storm made landfall.  Beach Haven looked like Venice, Italy. The snapshot showed Bay Village on the right with the sign above Breezin Up still flashing words in red color, on the left B&B Department Store and in the distance the Fantasy Island Ferris Wheel:

Sandy left a path of destruction in its wake that cut off many forms of communication. Like many of my family, friends and neighbors I was left with no power, internet or phone service. My cell service was spotty at best. The only way I could receive information was through my Mother’s portable radio. It wasn’t until late on Tuesday October 30^th, when I finally saw some images of LBI and heard a bit about what Sandy left behind. I started to cry. My four-year old daughter, Eva, was lying next to me in bed. She put her hand on my shoulder and asked what was wrong.   “The roller coaster is gone.” I said “The storm washed it away.” (Eva has always referred to Fantasy Island as the roller coaster.) “Oh no Momma, it’s okay, it’s just closed.” Eva reassured me. “They just took down the horses and put away the tea cups. You will see it tomorrow.” She was right. I recently saw a picture of Fantasy Island with the Ferris wheel standing tall.

Holgate remains uninhabitable after the historic storm. Video posted on nj.com driving up Bay Ave shows homes damaged, others tossed around like doll houses and some that completely vanished. I was relieved to see our friends’ motel in the video, however missing the vintage street sign, the building is structurally fine.

I think about all my favorite shops that include  — but are not limited to — The Mod Hatter, Sandy Banks, How to Live, Song of the Sea, Bankstons and The Sampler. I wonder how much merchandise they lost, and if they will reopen. Then there are our favorite eateries such as The Boat House, Chicken or The Egg, Uncle Will’s, Cool Beans, The Bagel Shack, Slice of Heaven, Barry’s Do Me a Flavor as well as Country Kettle Fudge and Chowder.  We recently saw video of the Sand Bar in Beach Haven, a pool side/ocean front restaurant bar, as the storm approached. The patio and pool had already been completely covered with the ocean water and sand. The Sea Shell, next door to the Sand Bar, sustained severe damage.

Over the past two weeks I have looked back at pictures from trips we have taken to the island just over the last 6 months. Sandy may have washed away “The Shack” that greeted visitors to the island since the 1920’s but the storm couldn’t sweep away the fond memories. I think about flying kites and building sand castles on the beach. I smile when I remember all the fun times at the amusement park and playing mini golf. I can’t wait until the next time I take a dip in the heated pool at the Sea Spray Motel. I cherish the merchandise I purchased in shops at the seaside resort. I’m looking forward to again sitting at the beach front bar/restaurants to share a meal with my family and friends. Although the landscape may look different, those long walks on the beach will be more appreciated than ever before.

Laughter and fun times will return to LBI and the rest of the Jersey Shore. New memories will be made for everyone. However it will all fall on the timeline of before and after “The Storm”.

Jennifer Madden is an award-winning broadcast journalist, and longtime visitor of Long Beach Island, New Jersey. While a junior at Ramapo College of New Jersey she began her professional broadcast career at Time Warner Cable Channel 10 News before moving on to NY1 News. Jennifer first appeared on-air as a sports reporter covering professional teams in the New York Metropolitan area. Her career path then lead her to cover breaking and hard news, politics, features, entertainment and human interest stories. Most recently an anchor, Jennifer also has experience writing and producing segments and shows.