Next, NYS Folklore Societys Director, Dr. McHale has equested using some of my photos in an upcoming Schenectady Historical Society exhibit she is creating, also featuring the story of Hurricane Irene. I offered my services when Doctor McHale and Nancy Soloman inrterviewed survivors of Hurricane Irene at the Mabee Farms Histoprical Society Franchere Center last year.
The one lady that came, and was interviewed, and that I will never forget, is Rita. From start to finish she was there rescuing people, alerting people to the dangers of the flood waters, and then basing herself at the Rotterdam Junction Firehouse, never seeming to go home for months at a time. She gave her time and her heart during this epic storm and subsequent rebuild. Rita was everybodys hero. 