Lanier EMA Shelter created family normalcy in midst of weather emergency aftermath
By Carol A. Gasser Moore
LANIER COUNTY, Georgia –A group of area citizens, which often numbered 75 or more on any given night, began banning together on the fateful Friday, September 27th when Hurricane Helene’s eye passed over Lanier County and Lakeland! Each person that chose to go to the Lanier County EMA (Emergency Management Agency) operated shelter, most likely feared that to stay at home might endanger and overwhelm them in some way.
Soon into their shared experience and within just a few days after the storm, this unusual ‘family’ realized that a toddler was turning two (2) during the week after the storm’s exit. That child’s planned birthday party was affected, since the region was now faced with storm recovery. Storm recovery postponed or ended many activities planned well before the storm’s existence was known.
The sheltered ‘family’ group, united by the storm, came together for a common cause! They decided to create a birthday party for the toddler, Fynn Pendleton, son of Camron and Heather Pendleton, who volunteered to operate the Lanier County EMA Shelter.
That group decision by these varied people, became almost a kind of rallying cry within our local shelter. The Lanier County EMA Shelter residents helped to develop a “proper” birthday party for Fynn! They went into action! The result was a heartwarming celebration for the two-year-old in honor of Fynn by his extended ‘shelter family’!
The welcoming shelter was a very safe haven through the intense storm and its aftermath. It allowed a diverse group of people of all ages and abilities to learn each other, accept each other and bond with each other. Most did not know each other prior to the storm. They were together just thankful to find themselves in a protected shelter instead of struggling on their own. Regardless of their diversity, they pulled together.
“I’ve made lasting friends here. We’re all like one big family here and that’s all I care about,” said Heather Pendleton, who with her husband, Camron Pendleton, were the reason that Galardo was able to keep a much needed shelter open longer than just one night – the night of the storm. The Pendletons served as the shelter’s managers.
The end result of people’s desperate need to cope with the storm’s produced anxiety and fears, brought a sensitivity and care that many found unexpectedly. Just to survive and cope was the norm, but the bonding of the shelter’s residents created a particularly touching event. When the diverse community learned that a member would be without a ‘special birthday’ celebration, they came together, united by a common problem, worked to be sensitive and solve the once in a lifetime celebration … together!
While this writer does not know all the sheltered persons names, who helped Fynn celebrate his birthday, this writer learned how much it meant to the Pendleton family – Camron, Heather,
Azaiah “Bubba,” and Fynn.
This story and experience was made possible by Tony Galardo, Lanier County EMA Director. His identified community need opened him to extending the shelter operations with help from local volunteers, including some trained as first responders and some involved with Red Cross. Originally located in the old Lanier County Primary School, the shelter moved to the new school. As the shelter stayed open and the local Lanier County School system moved to reopen, the shelter and its residents returned to the original old primary school operation. It proved to be a safe haven in this unprecedented local weather emergency. The shelter kept this group safe during the inclement weather which included high winds which turned random debris into projectiles and brought unprecedented damage of all sorts. Most of all, it provided a great environment for individual members of our community to strengthen as a community for which all are thankful!
A huge “thank you” is extended to everyone involved in the special celebration of Fynn Pendleton’s 2nd birthday party! Thank you for making it possible!
