Community Corner

Locals Stocking Up to Prepare for Irene

Water, flashlights and D batteries.

Water, flashlights and D batteries—these are the things that two local stores have found impossible to keep on the shelves.

Eric Schaberick, owner of Tru Value Hardware of Lakeside, said his store has been “extremely busy” since yesterday, and that “you can’t keep a D battery or a flashlight on the shelves.”

“We’re also out of lamp oil,” said Emily Van Hook, an employee of Tru Value.

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While Tru Value does not sell generators, Schaberick said he’s heard that they have been selling out like crazy everywhere they are available.

“I bought one yesterday for $800,” aid Timothy Meeker, who was shopping at Tru Value. “I had it on my driveway, and some guy came by and offered me $2,000 for it.”

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The situation at was similar to that at Tru Value.

“We’re selling a lot of water, we’re all out of D batteries,” said manager Donna Lieb. “It’s been very busy, but the customers have been pleasant. No one has been crazy or nasty.”

Pathmark intends to remain open on Sunday, and does have a generator available for use in the store in the event the power goes out.

“We have to stay open for the rescue and fire squads,” Lieb said. “They are cooking for their crews 24/7, and they’ll need to buy food to feed them all.”

And speaking of rescue squads, the impending storm didn’t stop Liz Hartmann and Rita Havren from selling 50/50 tickets for the Jefferson Rescue Squad ladies auxiliary. The pot was up to $700 as of this writing.

“I live on the lake front, and I brought everything in,” Hartmann said.

“And I got all my flashlights out,” Havren added.

“I think we’re going to get a lot of rain and wind, but hopefully it won’t be as bad as it will be for those poor people near the shore,” Havren said.


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