Sandy strikes

Hurricane Sandy that hit New York on October 29, 2012 caused damage to the Arbab Rustam Guiv Darbe Mehr in Pomona that serves the religious and social needs of the Zoroastrian Association of Greater New York (ZAGNY). According to the Darbe Mehr chair Fali Shroff, "Our Darbe Mehr was in a mess with water leaking from the top membrane roof. Our caretaker has fixed this temporarily.” Subsequent to the patch up it will require to be completely redone.
The membrane roof being punctured in seven different places, the dining room below was punctured as well with the rafters requiring replacement. On the Darbe Mehr grounds, five to six trees were uprooted, with three trees overlapping others, reported Shroff who had twice met with the adjusters and was relieved that the "outlook looks good.” Although the Sunday Prayer Class at the Darbe Mehr on November 4 had to be cancelled, within a month their events were back on track with a talk on "The Quest for the Historical Zarathushtra” by Dan Sheffield on December 2 as part of the ZAGNY Lecture Series.
A communique from the ZAGNY board dated December 12 stated that they have been "closely involved in supporting the community and... provided assistance to our members in distress. ZAGNY continues to offer succor to members in need.” Whilst seeking contributions for Sandy victims, the board also invited confidential assistance requests from those in need.
"The entire east coast from North Carolina to Maine, has suffered a major blow. Thousands of homes, schools, hospitals, public libraries and businesses have suffered significant damages due to the raging waters. This is a tragedy with losses estimated at above $25 billion,” noted an appeal for Sandy victims issued by the FEZANA (Federation of Zoroastrian Associations of North America) Unity and Welfare Committee. "FEZANA would like to help Zarathushti families, affected by this storm. Our relief efforts will be channeled through the local anjumans in the New York/New Jersey area. Previously, with your generous support, the FEZANA Critical Assistance team has been able to viably assist many families and individuals out of difficult circumstances.
Yet another appeal for help was issued by ZAGNY on December 5, 2012 on behalf of "one of our community members in the tri-state area (whose) small business suffered a financial setback” forcing him to vacate his office space, struggle to keep his apartment and manage his daily expenses. As he is the sole provider for his 86-year-old mother who being completely bedridden due to severe arthritis was placed in a nursing home and is recently diagnosed with pancreatic cancer and dementia, besides the financial strain he is also under "mental, physical and emotional” stress.