Some shoppers at IGA on City Island avenue laughed when this reporter asked: "Do you have any batteries left?" At nearby Buddy's hardware, Mary, aka Sandy had been saying "No" for hours. The EverReady, Duracell, as well as all the other brands, which fuel the flashlights which most folks own, had suddenly vanished from our local store shelves.
City Islanders are usually on top of things; so what's with the last-minute panic buying, or in some cases a lack of planning for hurricane supplies? I asked Bob Branizza, who is a military veteran that lives on King avenue, and survived a German prisoner of war concentration camp. I put the same question to his good friend and neighbor, 88 year old retired Sgt. Russ Schaller. After they were both asked why they gambled with preparations, their answers seemed to point to their own individual skepticism, which appeared to be the underlying culprit.
So far, we have not received any responses. About 18 hours ago, City Island Images sent a message to the Civic Association asking if they had any announcements to share with City Islanders concerning Hurricane Irene? We will let you know if and when we receive a response.