It’s been just over two months since Irene filled homes in the Rotterdam Junction area with more than eight feet of water.
Some families, like the Serapilios on Lock Street, are well on their way to recovery. Now, the Serapilios aren't the only ones getting back on their feet. They've got neighbors starting to dig in now, too.
“It’s just one step closer to it being Mom and Dad's house again,” said Susan Torres as she looked at the new front door.
She says it's the little things, the small victories that keep them going.
“It feels good, it’s motivational and inspirational,” said Susan’s brother, Arnie Serapilio.
Caught on grainy home video, the Serapilios showed their milestones, like installing new windows, and bringing their mom and dad back to the home, where they spent decades building memories.
“I love the new door,” shouted a thrilled Camille Serapilio as she walked up to the home.
“We’re getting those new windows put in there, Mom,” Susan said as her mother observed the progress.
“Now see, this is all going to be the kitchen, Hon,” Camille said to her husband, Arnold.
One day later, Susan said, “I made a comment to my parents, this is truly a labor of love.”
It seems the Serapilios have never been happier to just look through clean windows, but even more importantly, to start seeing their neighbors through the glass.
“That even gives us more motivation to see that,” Norman Torres said. “Instead of looking out there and seeing a ghost, seeing the neighborhood with no one walking around - now we see them.”
On Monday, Norman finally headed over to his next door neighbor's house, introducing Albert VanAntwerp, a volunteer firefighter who has spent everyday helping his community recover from Irene.
“The destruction I have seen is overwhelming,” VanAntwerp said emotionally.
But like the Serapilios, he's forging ahead. He also hopes to have his mom back home by the beginning of the year, saying, “We're going to rebuild and go through and revamp the whole house since it was totally destroyed.”
Irene wreaked havoc in these parts, but Lock Street residents say, with some helping hands - their community will come alive again.
It’s all thanks to the support of volunteers. People like Manick Ripla who we met back at the Serapilios. He's one of dozens of people who've donated some of their days to rebuild this home.
Manick was a friend of Norman’s father, who passed away years ago. “I figured I should come and assist him in whatever way I could,” Manick said.
“It’s like my father being on my right hand side, ‘Normy, we got it made, we got you covered,’ and that was a blessing too,” Norman said.
For the Serapilios, it seems the blessings come in bundles. On Saturday, a new cavalry of helpers came marching down Lock Street.
“They charged right in and said, ‘We're here and we're here for a reason, to rebuild Rotterdam Junction,’” said Norman.
It was an energized group from City Mission of Schenectady, Habitat for Humanity, and Catholic Charities.
“Norman was an unbelievable spirit, he was infectious to us and encouraging to us as well,” explained Christopher Silipigno with City Mission.
They decided to set up shop on Main Street, creating a central command unit for volunteers.
“We know there are a lot of people out there and a lot of people who want to help, but need to be funneled directly to the right place,” Silipigno said.
And certainly there are plenty of places to go in these neighborhoods to make sure every family returns home...and that Mrs. Serapilio can cook Thanksgiving dinner in her own kitchen.
“My parents want everyone there,” Arnie said. “Their children, grandchildren, great grandchildren, everyone will be here.”
“We’re going to eat lots of turkey,” Norman said. “It’s going to be unbelievable, the lights will be on in this neighborhood.”
The Serapilios hope a central gathering spot for volunteers will help jump start other rebuilding projects in the community.
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