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How YOU can help the business community of the Town of Keene recover from Hurricane Irene
Accelerate the economic recovery from Irene simply by redirecting a few of your regular and holiday spending decisions
 
Whether you are full time, part time, short time or just a Keene fan, you can help.

Purchase Gift Certificates for All

Gift certificates are a great way to help. They provide cash to business now while they need it more. You can gift your friends, your family and yourself. A gift certificate for yourself is an easy way to prepay a business with money you are going to spend there anyway. So please consider contacting one or more of the businesses listed below and order a few certificates.

Holiday Shopping

As the holiday season approaches, consider doing more of your shopping here in Keene. A nice gift idea is the new CD from Martha Gallagher, the Adirondack Harper, the proceeds from which go completely to the Keene Flood Recovery Fund. It will be available soon around town, or use Martha's contact information included below.

A Little Extra

When you get a chance, buy an extra item, eat an extra meal, stay an extra night—you get the idea. A list of participating Keene businesses is included below.

Hurricane Irene Background and Update
August 28, 2011

Tropical Storm Irene dumped over 9 inches of rain resulting in flash floods that turned tiny streams within minutes to raging torrents filled with rocks and trees that ripped apart everything in their path. The Ausable was more than 11 feet over flood state. Five bridges were destroyed, homes were washed away, the Keene Fire Department torn in half, and almost all Town roads made impassible. The area from the Mountaineer in Keene Valley to the bottom of Spruce Hill was turned into one large lake covering the Rivermede's fields with two feet of water and silt and resulting in the loss of over $100,000 in merchandise at the Valley Hardware alone. Route 73 from Keene Valley south was closed due to a major washout near St. Huberts, cutting off the main route for travelers to the area. Route 9N was closed north of Keene. The High Peaks trails were closed. Lodging, restaurant, and retail activity slowed to a crawl.The normally bustling stores over Labor Day Weekend were nearly empty.

One Month Later
September 28, 2011

The good news is that the people of Keene, with lots of help from volunteers, the town workers, the state of NY, FEMA and many others, have made great progress towards a recovery that will still be a long road. The major roads of 73 and 9N were reopened in just over two weeks. The High Peaks trails are largely reopened. Visitors have started to return.

Most businesses in the area depend on the summer season and big weekends like Labor Day to make it through the slower activity of the long winter. Not to mention that many businesses also suffered major physical damage from the flood. The total effect on the business community is profound.

Thanks so much for all you do.

Marie McMahon
Chairperson, Keene Business Association

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Participating Keene Businesses 

* indicates member, Keene Business Association