The Hurricane Party Continues Until The Power Returns

With no power since 2 a.m. Sunday, Port Washington folks on Morewood Oaks have been coping post-Irene, community-style.

“Our neighborhood hosted a hurricane party,” said Debbie Greco. “On Sunday, we were grilling what was in the fridge.” 

By Monday, they moved on to the goods in the freezer. Greco’s freezer was “so full, it would stay colder longer,” she said, so they opted to grill food from their neighbor’s freezer instead.

On Tuesday, Greco was preparing for about 20 neighbors to come over. On the menu: lots of frozen appetizers from her freezer. She’s covering them with foil before putting it on the grill so that they reheat the way they would in an oven.

Robert Livio said that 65 homes were without power on Morewood Oaks. He’s hoping for some sort of “credible timetable” from Long Island Power Autority to expect power.

Meanwhile, he was planning for Tuesday’s post-hurricane party.

During the previous two gatherings, neighbors “listened to music” and “had the fire pit going,” he said.

“Tonight same thing but [we’re] going to have a happy hour theme,” he added. “We are trying to make the most of it.”

Some of the food offerings brought out from people's refrigerators have been eclectic at best. One night, there was pasta and also baked beans – a mix that would likely not get repeated again, Greco said.

Neighbors are hoping that by Wednesday, the lights will be back on.

Still, if this is roughing it, it’s not that bad, Greco said.

“It could be a lot hotter,” she pointed out. “Or it could be the middle of the winter. It could be much worse.”