The Bill Hughes Gazette
PADDLE UP SERVICE
Waterfront Property
Photo and story by Bill Hughes
bhug82@yahoo.com
Whenever there is a ton of rain up north, there's only one place it is going to go and that's downhill. Last Thursday and Friday's relentless rain came up the east coast and saturated the area so much that once again overflowing caused extensive flooding in our county.
One of the busiest roads is Bridge Street in Elkton. Howard Street by the Eder Park little league fields was under several feet of water, as was Delaware Avenue which is never a surprise to locals in the Elkton area when more than half a foot of rain comes this way. Many Elkton residents were wondering about the newly heightened road construction that was designed to help alleviate the problem. According to Elkton Mayor Joseph Fisona, the construction was designed for 3-4 inches of rain and not the 7 that we had.
"It was coming down in buckets," he said about Thursday night's downpours.
Rescue boats from Singerly, Water Witch in Port Deposit and North East were busy as they went out and checked to make sure no one was stranded.
"We just helped two people get off the gazebo," said Ethan Dooling of Water Witch Fire Company about the Eder Park structure. Ethan rode along with his dad Allen Dooling and Singerly's Cathy Farrell patroling the flooded area before going over to Marina Park.
Not only did the flood affect drivers and businesses, but also the homeless who find any place they can to get rest.
"That's usually my sleeping spot," said Geanie Anton about the Schagrin Gas location on Bridge Street. "Thank goodness there's no fatalities and everyone's okay."
Geanie was on her way to the grocery store in Big Elk Mall, but was reluctant to walk through the waist high deep water for her size.
"I have a bad leg, I was going to the ACME," she said while contemplating walking out to Landing Lane and down Route 40 to get there.
Then concerned citizen, Lee Yonce of Elkton came over to check on Geanie and get updates on others.
"How's the homeless," he asked.
"I'm one of them," Geanie said. "They've lost tents. Everyone's lost everything. I wonder if there's anyplace to place tents."
Some had no choice, but to wade through the flooded Bridge Street between Jo Jo's Hot Dogs and Jake's Burgers.
"Horrible," said Eric Scott (in photo) of Chef On The Run Catering who had to gather fresh bread delivered on the other side by Jo Jo's and carry it over. "Probably the hardest work my legs have ever had."
Another person who had no choice but to walk through the water was Terry Taylor (in photo with bike) of Elkton who is homeless and was trying to get to his morning shower before 11am. He had let a buddy use his Moped, so he was glad he had a Raleigh 10 speed bike as a backup to cross.
"I knew as soon I hit it, I wasn't going to make it," Terry said about pedaling across. "I'm glad it didn't go over my waist because I had my phone in my pocket. I wish I had a towel on me. I'm homeless. I'm originally from Quakertown, Pennsylvania."
Business on Howard Street was at a stand still except for the District Court parking lot. One local business owner took advantage of the high water for a little sightseeing adventure.
"I went out there and ran the bases," said Tidewater Tattoo Studio owner Rob Massimiano (in photo on kayak checking out a submerged Dodge Neon) about the Elkton Little League field. "I've had my business on Main Street for 24 years and I've always wanted to go out there."
Although the parking lots with three flooded vehicles were unavailable, Rob was still able to make it to the back of Brothers Pizza where owner Mario Testa (in photo) came out to present a slice of his White Broccoli Special for an unusual paddle up service.
"It was the best," said Rob who then traveled over to the Elkton Farmers Market and finished his meal.
The local thrift store in downtown found a way to open their shop in the morning since the front entrance was available. The business still had shoppers finding their way in. One volunteer said they had a costumer making donations all the way from York, Pennsylvania.
"I had to park over at the hospital," said Good As New chairman Frenchy Lightcap. "We (volunteers) all had to park in the parking garage. It rained so much last night that I knew we'd have some flooding. I called Jean Moran at Union Hospital and told her that we have a new service at Good As New, SWIMMING LESSONS."
PADDLE UP SERVICE
Waterfront Property
Photo and story by Bill Hughes
bhug82@yahoo.com
Whenever there is a ton of rain up north, there's only one place it is going to go and that's downhill. Last Thursday and Friday's relentless rain came up the east coast and saturated the area so much that once again overflowing caused extensive flooding in our county.
One of the busiest roads is Bridge Street in Elkton. Howard Street by the Eder Park little league fields was under several feet of water, as was Delaware Avenue which is never a surprise to locals in the Elkton area when more than half a foot of rain comes this way. Many Elkton residents were wondering about the newly heightened road construction that was designed to help alleviate the problem. According to Elkton Mayor Joseph Fisona, the construction was designed for 3-4 inches of rain and not the 7 that we had.
"It was coming down in buckets," he said about Thursday night's downpours.
Rescue boats from Singerly, Water Witch in Port Deposit and North East were busy as they went out and checked to make sure no one was stranded.
"We just helped two people get off the gazebo," said Ethan Dooling of Water Witch Fire Company about the Eder Park structure. Ethan rode along with his dad Allen Dooling and Singerly's Cathy Farrell patroling the flooded area before going over to Marina Park.
Not only did the flood affect drivers and businesses, but also the homeless who find any place they can to get rest.
"That's usually my sleeping spot," said Geanie Anton about the Schagrin Gas location on Bridge Street. "Thank goodness there's no fatalities and everyone's okay."
Geanie was on her way to the grocery store in Big Elk Mall, but was reluctant to walk through the waist high deep water for her size.
"I have a bad leg, I was going to the ACME," she said while contemplating walking out to Landing Lane and down Route 40 to get there.
Then concerned citizen, Lee Yonce of Elkton came over to check on Geanie and get updates on others.
"How's the homeless," he asked.
"I'm one of them," Geanie said. "They've lost tents. Everyone's lost everything. I wonder if there's anyplace to place tents."
Some had no choice, but to wade through the flooded Bridge Street between Jo Jo's Hot Dogs and Jake's Burgers.
"Horrible," said Eric Scott (in photo) of Chef On The Run Catering who had to gather fresh bread delivered on the other side by Jo Jo's and carry it over. "Probably the hardest work my legs have ever had."
Another person who had no choice but to walk through the water was Terry Taylor (in photo with bike) of Elkton who is homeless and was trying to get to his morning shower before 11am. He had let a buddy use his Moped, so he was glad he had a Raleigh 10 speed bike as a backup to cross.
"I knew as soon I hit it, I wasn't going to make it," Terry said about pedaling across. "I'm glad it didn't go over my waist because I had my phone in my pocket. I wish I had a towel on me. I'm homeless. I'm originally from Quakertown, Pennsylvania."
Business on Howard Street was at a stand still except for the District Court parking lot. One local business owner took advantage of the high water for a little sightseeing adventure.
"I went out there and ran the bases," said Tidewater Tattoo Studio owner Rob Massimiano (in photo on kayak checking out a submerged Dodge Neon) about the Elkton Little League field. "I've had my business on Main Street for 24 years and I've always wanted to go out there."
Although the parking lots with three flooded vehicles were unavailable, Rob was still able to make it to the back of Brothers Pizza where owner Mario Testa (in photo) came out to present a slice of his White Broccoli Special for an unusual paddle up service.
"It was the best," said Rob who then traveled over to the Elkton Farmers Market and finished his meal.
The local thrift store in downtown found a way to open their shop in the morning since the front entrance was available. The business still had shoppers finding their way in. One volunteer said they had a costumer making donations all the way from York, Pennsylvania.
"I had to park over at the hospital," said Good As New chairman Frenchy Lightcap. "We (volunteers) all had to park in the parking garage. It rained so much last night that I knew we'd have some flooding. I called Jean Moran at Union Hospital and told her that we have a new service at Good As New, SWIMMING LESSONS."