Category Archives: Stories of Hurricane Maria

Celebrating the 45TH year of AAUW Puerto Rico Branch (2017-2018) despite Hurricane Maria

The AAUW year began, as always, with a beach party in August.  We reconnected with members and established new friends.

As we prepared for our first general meeting in September, Hurricane Irma approached.  The meeting was postponed until October.  Then the unthinkable happened! Hurricane Maria hit the island!  Our meeting, our lives, our homes, our island were changed overnight.  Many members sought refuge off the island. We used our email and website to connect with everyone who had access to the internet, to find out where people were and how they came through the storm.  All the responses of our members were published “blog” fashion on our website. (Right here in fact!)

The AAUW National office staff in Washington, D.C. wanted to do something for Puerto Rico and we connected them with Casa Julia de Burgos, (a shelter for women subjected to domestic abuse) in San Juan.  They designated Casa Julia as their holiday charity, sending four large boxes of relief supplies and money.  The gratitude and pride felt by local members delivering the aid was overwhelming.  The generosity of the AAUW National staff truly made a difference in Puerto Rico.

As electrical power was slowly being restored to members in San Juan, we decided to plan a December Holiday Party.  Many of our members were returning to their homes.  The party, held during daylight hours, provided a time to reflect, share, and define our new normal.  Despite the difficult times, we raised money for girls in PR.

Membership published the branch directory, finding new avenues in order to have them available by the Party.  Receiving the directory is always a highlight for many members as it connects the branch.

  Hogares Rafaela Ybarra, a home for abused girls in San Juan, was the recipient of our holiday fundraising.  That relationship led to two additional community service activities, a pizza and craft party and a STEM project about electrical circuits.  It was amazing to see the girls making circuit boards and illuminating colored light bulbs. The girls, as well as our AAUW members, learned a timely lesson about electricity!

February’s general meeting about employment law as it related to the “Me Too Movement” was inspiring as we reviewed the effect of sexual harassment on our lives. The new venue at the Conservatory of Music was wonderful.

Our March luncheon celebrated the accomplishments of two women in PR.  Our luncheon venue also served as a fundraiser for our branch.

The May program recognized the need to celebrate relief workers.  Realizing our island is still in recovery, Project Mariposa shared their techniques to reduce the stress on community relief workers.

As services in our island improved, AAUW interest groups began in earnest.  The Book Group continued with its monthly meetings and the Movie Group with the weekly movie; Gourmet hosted a party and distributed the menu book, initiating the dinners; Great Decisions organized and held eight interesting sessions on foreign policy.

The NCCSWL committee awarded branch scholarships to three young Puerto Rican women to attend the 3-day leadership conference (AAUW National Conference of Collegiate Women Student Leaders) in Washington, DC. Again, despite Maria, we maintained our now 6-year streak with NCCWSL attendees. Do not miss the chance to meet these amazing young women at our September meeting!

The AAUW Puerto Board worked diligently to promote the branch and its activities during the year despite the limited communication services.  The group continues to plan for the next year and beyond, as it looks forward to another great year. I encourage you all to join our extremely dedicated leaders on the branch board. I, especially, praise and thank them for their commitment. Working with them is a honor.

As the review of this last year notes, AAUW branch celebrated our 45th year in a very unique and memorable fashion.  Every member has had a role in making our branch great and despite our own personal hardships.   None of our achievements this past year would have been possible without you, our great members.   AAUW Puerto Rico thanks all of you for a wonderful year.   We have a lot to celebrate. Now, let’s look forward to next year.

Linda Garayalde,President

AAUW San Juan Branch

Stories from Maria – Loretta Cordova

Trust/hope/pray all is well.

Window blew and floor flooded in our apt on 17th floor, is still uninhabitable. After a month with our son in Guaynabo, we came to Virginia, staying with family here. Will later be going to Tulsa for awhile. Then, as nomads (I AM part Osage Indian) we seek shelter here and there, will return to San Juan with the light.
I feel proud of the spirit Puerto Ricans have shown in adversity.
Stacey and I will begin work at YWCA, God willing. And, tennis and golf of course as a great treat!
Best to all,
Loretta Phelps de Cordova

Stories from Maria – Joan Montalvo

From a former member:

Most Saturdays my daughter and I take a short walk in the city to an adorable coffee shop. The storm suspended that. Today she got dressed and said: Mommy, its Saturday, lets’ go for muffins. I tried to avoid details as to why the shop (and other places) is closed for the third week due to lack of electricity and water, but after a 5th “why?” I realized that a natural disaster and the aftermath could happen anywhere at any time. This should be used to teach some valuable life lessons to our children who are constantly shielded from life by our modern parenting. We try to fix everything, fight lines for the best toy, numb them with electronics and give them constant and immediate attention (and before anyone protests, I am including myself and make sure you go into deep thought – you will see my point.) My kids have missed two weeks of school, but they have learned how to collect rain water for showers, wash clothes by hand, reduce garbage and waste so we don’t contaminate the streets, avoid illness caused by dirty water, help neighbors, share resources, share your home with family, wait in lines for gas/food, how to ditch the clean office attire for a back pack and jeans to help clean your damaged workplace even through the weekends – the value of hard work and moving out of your comfort zone. They are learning that even in dire circumstances, you don’t sit and wait for rescue. If you are able, you get moving to survive and restore – think outside the box. Most of all, I want the kids to see that we can say we were “blessed” but in no way we should think that we were more deserving than others to be able to keep our roof and windows. A small shift in angle or increase in wind speed or a few more inches of rain and the story may have been different. Therefore, we have to have empathy and help others. If we keep moving, working and reinventing we will hopefully be able to get back to those city walks and muffins sooner rather than later and give others the opportunity to do the same.

Stories from Maria – Update from Donna

Hi I’m up at 3 in the morning to say hello. I have signal at this time. The Sabater’s are strong and will survive Maria. No lights but water is flowing.  Many communities are working together to help those who have lost all. The true PR spirit is seen in so many places. I’m working with a home for boys and in a volunteer food distribution program. This is a life changing event. Pray for PR

Stories from Maria – Sharon McDowell

Mike and I experienced the trifecta of hurricanes – Harvey in Houston, Irma and Maria in Puerto Rico! We were in Houston, unfortunately, for the funeral of our son-in-law’s sister, who passed away unexpectedly just before her 46th birthday. The day Harvey made landfall we were actually traveling to the Austin area for the burial, so only encountered minor winds and rain. Our daughter’s neighborhood in Pearland did not flood and her home was untouched, but several friends’ homes were flooded – one declared a total loss as well as their vehicles. We could not get back to Houston as all access roads were flooded, but were finally able to fly back to San Juan from Austin via Dallas.-

The force of Maria was terrifying. We had some flooding and water damage due to 6 inches of water sitting on our roof. Lost some roof tiles and ac compressors flipped over, but no serious structural damage – not even one window broken! All of the beautiful big trees bordering our property gone, so sad.
As for everyone, the first week after was quite challenging – no power, water, gas, diesel, cash withdrawal. It was amazing to meet never-before-seen neighbors who pitched in to clear street and property fronts. We were among the lucky few to have water return after about a week, and little by little bought enough diesel to run generator each night for frig and one ac to sleep. Much better off than most!
After several cancellations, I was able to fly out on SW to Orlando (then on to Houston) on Thurs, Oct 5th. When we deboarded in Orlando, everyone in the terminal applauded, and there were Spanish-speaking employees directing passengers to a welcome center, offering housing and supplies to those who needed. Every business we visit in Houston is donating portions of sales to Harvey victims – hope that occurs in PR also.
Mike is staying in PR, attending to our home and rental properties. I will probably stay in Houston until power returns. My thoughts are with all those still struggling to recover from Maria, and those dealing with the new realities of daily life on our once beautiful island. AAUW San Juan needs to be part of the recovery – let me know if anything I can do.

Stories from Maria – Susan Rodriguez

From Facebook Sept . 28.

Still recovering from Maria! So far no power, no water, no signal, but at least the nights are very cool and comfortable for sleeping. Little by little we will get back to normal, but power not likely for months. Very different way of life!!! Almost back to work full time, so got the opportunity to check FB. Carlo posted some great pics, and I’m sure the news has shown more coverage than I’ve seen.

Stories from Maria – Facebook notes

From Betsy Parker: Sept 24.

I have not had news of many members and friends. Ladies and gentlemen, could we all post here notices about who is in PR and who is not. Who is safe and who we haven’t heard from… for my part, I can tell you that Gerry L. Cumpiano Villamor, Nayda Cumpiano and I are fine.

We have spoken to Sylvia Locher and she and John are okay.

Joanne Marti is in St. Louis, but her son and husband are here and fine.

Jody Valdes is off island, so is Max.

Jose Perez and Kathy are off Island.

Galina Elisman Borschow is off island with her family.

Raquel Holcman Astrachan is off island.

Ellen Seidman and Gregory Kaufman are okay.

Linda Garayalde and Glenn are ok. Now it’s your turn…please fill us in!

 

Lillian Rico Luis and Lillian Rico are off Island in Houston Texas. Praying for some sort of normalcy to come back to our Island.

 September 24 at 11:02pm

Pattersons and Schneider’s are ok. Hammel’s are ok. Barretos also.

Heidi Cazes-Sevilla Caroll Costas and Patricia Schaefer are fine

 September 25 at 10:51am

Stories from Maria – Jean Cornelius

Hi,
Greetings from New Jersey. I plan to return to Puerto Rico as soon as my Condo power and water issues are resolved. PREPA power goes in and out..Our Generator went Kaput during the storm…the broken part is (supposedly) on its way from England!!….
This week the main water pipe to the Condo broke….just too much happening at once.
It is heartbreaking to see the damage Maria has done to our beautiful Island….total devastation is some areas and so many people have lost everything..We have to pray our power Grids are replaced soon. I feel for everyone who is there and has to endure this unthinkable situation.
Jean Cornelius

Stories from Maria – Martha Wilson

This is Martha Wilson and I am in Massachusetts right now.  At the present time I have a ticket to return to Puerto Rico on November 13.  Next weekend Mary Clinton and Evey Acosta will be at my house in Massachusetts along with Mae Timer.

If anyone needs a place to stay here I have room in some of my properties as my season here is coming to an end.

There are many people here that want to help. Is there anything at all that we can send along to you?

Martha Wilson

Stories from Maria – Jody Valdes

Hi everyone,
I was lucky enough to leave on one of the last flights out before they shut the airport down and took the pets with me.  Max was in Bogota, Columbia when we realized how bad María would be and I got one of the last seats out and am grateful.
Max returned to SJ and is working with the administration on a village that was “adopted” by the Orchestra to get supplies and help the people there.  Also working on what the next steps are for the season, cancellations, etc.
He went back with suitcases of batteries, water purifiers, lanterns, powdered milk and other supplies we knew were needed.  I’m sending a small box of more supplies this week as a test.  If it arrives to our house I’ll know I can send more to help neighbors, musicians, and anyone else.
If power isn’t restored I still plan to come back in a couple of weeks to be with Max, but not sure for how long, all depends on the situation I guess.
Our Synagogue has major damage and we have many members who are in terrible conditions, so trying to help there too.
Please keep me updated on everyone…and I send my love to all,
Jody

Stories from Maria – Kathy Perez

I was so happy to get the update on our members after the hurricane, and to hear stories like Donna Sabater’s of helping the needy in a direct way.  José and I left Puerto Rico for our son’s home in Connecticut five days after Hurricane Irma. Since Jose’s medical condition requires refrigerated medicines, we thought we should leave before the Big One. We missed Maria.  A neighbor’s mango tree took down a fence, otherwise our home is intact.
The following week, my son Pau left with his family for Miami and is working out of a Banco Popular office there for the time being.  Carlos’ boss here at Medtech told him and two others to use their BJ credit cards to buy $27,000 worth of necessities for their employees in Ponce.  After a fraud-alert delay at BJ’s, they were able to buy the supplies and arrange for the corporate jet to fly them to PR.  This whole experience has given me an appreciation for the trauma that all refugees must feel, not to mention the suffering of those left behind.

Stories from Maria – Joan McMurray

George and Joan survived the storms from their Guaynabo home–with help from island Friends and “hijos” escaped three days ago and are presently with recovering with their children in California. The storm was a monster intent upon destroying everything in its path. Our “poured” concrete house still stands but the garden trees and plants vanished into the air. PLEASE stay in contact. We have lost all means of contact

(written Sept 29.)

Stories from Maria – Joanne Marti

Hi All,

I missed the storm, arriving in St. Louis after Irma, for a previously planned family trip.  As Maria approached, Luis and son Weston, went back to Puerto Rico.  It is awful to see the pictures and hear the stories  of all my friends.

I am staying in St. Louis with my daughter, and intend to remain until a much later date.  Hugs to all of you, and keep your notes coming to aauwpr@gmail.com.  I am posting them as soon as I can.  Thanks to Betsy Parker for the tutoring on blog posts!

Joanne

Stories from Maria – Kim Churches, CEO AAUW

Dear Linda,

 

We at AAUW are deeply saddened by the devastation caused by hurricane Maria. While we have been closely monitoring the rescue and aid efforts, we are reaching out to our AAUW members, supporters, and salary negotiation facilitators to share that you are in our thoughts. If there is something you need from us, please let me know. You are such a valuable part of our community, and we want to be sure you and your loved ones are safe.

 

Please keep in touch with us at salary@aauw.org.

 

Sincerely,

 

Kim Churches

Chief Executive Officer

 

Stories from Maria – Patricia Schneider

We were lucky. Although located on the beach, only problem was lots of water seeped in every crack between the windows and frames. Little cracks – copious water on the floors. Nothing broken. We share the sixth floor with Hallee and Russ Patterson. They also had good luck.
However, apartment on the Tenth floor blew out sucking furniture to the street and beyond.
This is major hurricane number three for us. We had a window break in Georges. Go figure.

Stories from Maria – Débora Ferdman

I am in New York since September 12 for medical checkups. My apartment in Condado is in ruins. The bedroom windows flew away and there is no bedroom left, also a window in the family room, water everywhere.
Thinking of all the damage people suffered I am the lucky one.
I would like to return as soon as possible.
Greeting to all.

Stories from Maria – Donna Sabater

Hi
Family fine. Lost some patio roofs no light but water is good. Working with CASA in Aguas Buenas. They have no lights lost doors to bottom part of project with their supplies and outbuildings used for bikes. We are helping with canned food packaged goods Clorox and diesel for their generator. We are bringing in solar lights for the boys. Nights are hard. Any help would be appreciated. I’m also going to 3 C today to see is I can buy rolls of plastic. There is a group of women going into the mts each day finding a family without a roof and giving food and water. I hope they can use the plastic temporarily.  Lots of people tying to help—- the task is huge
Donna

Stories from Maria – Patricia Wehrs

Greetings from Washington State,

I am off the island and was gone before hurricane Irma. I am aware of much damage to the island and the needs of my neighbors. I have been sending generators, flash lights, batteries, candles and food to friends and family on the island.

I feel very blessed to have the hurricanes hit in my absence, yet, feeling guilty for not being there to help out.

Hoping to return when the power is back on in Luquillo and when my presence will not be a hindrance to those unable to leave Puerto Rio.

Thank you for this inquiry, I pray you find all our AAUW members in safety and good health.

Regards,

Patti Wehrs

Stories from Maria – Kathy Jones

Hi!
Paul (Cleary) and I (Kathy Jones) are ok–house intact and grateful!
Conservatory and Symphony are waiting for water and light to return to resume work.
I will be receiving some donations from off-island to be used to help people in need here.  Please let me know if you know of students and/or teachers in need (especially for basics like food and water.)
Hope all of you wonderful AAUW members are ok.
Always, Kathy

Stories from Maria – Dagmar Boenert

Great to hear from you. I hope that you are all fine, without too many damages!

I m still in Germany. I can only communicate by WhatsApp or gmail as my Portoricain phone isn’t connected.
My flight back has been cancelled. So I booked on October 14th, hoping that Condor will fly.
Philippe is ok.
Our house too, but like every one, no water, no light, rarely internet and difficulty to get gas.
Our new neighbors are great. real solidarity.
Philippe’s factory has been producing since Monday after the hurrican,
Cigars are not really necessary right now but his employees are glad to have work in Cayey.
I don’t know if you got the message from Alex Waterman, she went to San Diego on Wednesday.
Is there anything I could bring from Germany?
It might be possible to take extra suitcases or boxes by “contribute” Condor service.
Please let me know if I can do anything.
Looking forward seeing you and volunteering once back in PR
Take care !

Stories from Maria – Russ and Hallee Patterson

We are in Condado, lucky to have weathered Marie in a building with minimal damage. We have a generator that is on a rationed schedule for a hot meal at dinner time. We have had water since the storm. We are extremely lucky in our situation.

We are leaving tomorrow (Friday)  going to Chicago. Hope to return mid November.

We are going to use our time in Chicago getting hold of state and federal legislators and officials to inform them of the situation in Puerto Rico. We will try to educate our friends, former work colleagues about the American citizens suffering due to the poor response of our federal government.

Please let us know of anything we can do to help.

Russ and Hallee Patterson

Stories from Maria – Alex Waterman

I just arrived in San Diego a few hours ago and since I finally have internet I saw this email! I was planning to call Linda tomorrow but wasn’t sure she’d get any email, so this is a great way to communicate. What actions do we need to take for the scheduled speaker? Dagmar’s flight was canceled and she’ll now arrive on the 14th. Please let me know how to communicate with Linda. I have internet !! Waahooo
Alex Waterman

Stories from Maria – Evelyn Acosta

Update for Evey Acosta:
I left PR on August 24 for what was supposed to have been a five week trip taking in New York City and Long Island; Seattle, Washington; Reno, Nevada and Bethesda, Maryland. Obviously, I did not make it back to PR on September 25 as had been originally scheduled. I am blessed and have had many places to stay made available to me as well as the use of a friend’s car for as long as I need. I plan to stay in the north eastern US bouncing around until it makes sense to go back to Puerto Rico. That means I will go back once there is electricity, running water, access to food and gasoline, etc. and the way things look now, that may still be a few months off. I trust my AAUW sisters are safe and doing well whether in PR or elsewhere. Be safe, everyone!

Stories from Maria – Aurora Otero-Negrón

Hi. I am not in PR, but all my family is. They are fine, but they don’t have power and are running low on supplies. They are in el Caño Martín Peña. I hope others are fine. Thanks for reaching out.
Best,
Aurora Otero-Negrón
Graduate Student
Health Policy and Administration
College of Health and Human Development
Pennsylvania State University

Stories from Maria – Mary Clinton

I left PR last Wednesday on South West – the BEST airline in the sky!!  We were on standby but their motto was “we are here, we will get you there” on line from 6AM until 1PM when we boarded the plane.  The captain announced we were the first passengers and the plane would not leave until full.  On boarding we were given unlimited iced water, a bag was on each seat with a sandwich, an  apple, a variety of cookies and  incidentals.  Passengers started boarding, almost all had pets – cats, dogs, some in cages, some just held in arms – no limit to the number of animals.  No baggage weighed.   We left PR at 3:00..

We were flown to Orlando FOR NOTHING!!! NO CHARGE!!  and once in Orlando, we were flown to any point in the US for nothing!  I went to Miami, my friends to Houston.  Service was impeccable – amazing thing – all those animals, lots of children – during the flight, NO noise – no commotion – people were exhausted, most slept but on arrival a real cheer for the entire crew.  Whoever made the decision to have their flights free and comforting deserves a grand award.  The entire SJ based crew and ground employees comforted the passengers and were giving updates on the status  of the flights.

The airport was a disaster – no restaurants open, no money available, limited phone service, grumpy people frustrated by conditions, but the shining star was South West.  Fly that airline – they deserve support from everyone!

Stories from Maria – Carola Murray

Just to let you know that two of our flights to PR from Germany were cancelled. So we have retreated to England where we can stay comfortably. We now have a flight back in November, hoping that by then things have improved. Our daughter Julia left with the children to New Jersey to stay with our son there.
We have followed the hurricane and its destruction as well as all the latest news via el nuevo dia, ultima hora. The visit of Pres. Trump and what he said left us in shock!
I am wondering what to do about the Great Decisions Program??? Should I order books???
Let me know

Stories from Maria – Lillian Rico

Lillian and Luis are fine. We left the island on Sept 15th for Houston TX  after Irma and were not in PR for Maria. Thank God for help from our good neighbors and friends nothing happened our house in Guaynabo except we lost lots of trees and plants. As for our condominium in Rincón the building was destroyed. No one has access to the apartments right now. We are safe and praying that everyone will continue to be safe.