Finding a Home in the Storm's Aftermath

They came to the in a steady stream Sunday, young families and elderly resident alike, all seeking shelter, food, water or even just a little company in dealing with the effects of the rare October Nor'easter that ripped through the region.

With 100 percent of the town's Connecticut Light & Power customers still without power as of 10 p.m., the town’s emergency shelter drew 40 residents including 16 that were prepared to brave out the cold there Sunday night.

The mood was calm - most read quietly, tapped away on smart phones or chatted among small groups. Children amused themselves by slaloming between cots and playing cards, an analog entertainment in a digital age.

“We could have stayed home,” said Kim Jones, one of the over-night guests there Sunday evening with his wife, Ewa, “but we have well water and we would have had to fill our bath tub with water, so that makes staying home kind of tough.”

Others just came for a quick meal - volunteers served pasta and chicken and stuffing around 6 p.m. - or to chat with fellow neighbors. East Granby residents Karin and Guenter Schuett had just come in from a drive around North Granby and described the devastation.

“It's like a war zone,” said Karin Schuett, noting the fallen trees, debris and downed power lines. “It's like bombs had dropped.”

“We have lived in the Farmington Valley for 50 years and we have never seen anything like this, not even the ice storm in the 1970s was this bad,” Guenter Schuett said.

The Schuetts said that in their Harvest Lane neighborhood in East Granby, just one tree in about 20 was still standing. The others, many of which still have leaves on them, fell under the crushing weight of the heavy, wet snow.

While many came for the food or warmth, others showed up for companionship.

“I have shelter, I'm just bored,” said East Granby resident Paul Noble, who added that if he had power, he would most likely be reading, writing on his computer or watching DVDs and television programs.

Whatever the reason, town officials are gearing up for additional traffic through the emergency center, as residents could be without power for as long as a week, according to First Selectman Jim Hayden. Anyone looking for shelter should bring their own bedding as there is a shortage of cots, blankets and pillows, Hayden said.

A warming center has been open at the as well, and as of 7 p.m. Sunday about 30 people had taken advantage of it, according to Granby police Sgt. Gary Charette.

Due to efforts to clear the roads of debris and downed power-lines, residents of both East Granby and Granby have been urged to remain in their homes unless absolutely necessary.