That fateful night did bring the team far closer together, but it wasn’t the pasta dinner that fostered greater companionship. “I think before that team-bonding party — which was just a day before our season opener — we were all a little skeptical of each other,” Emily stated. “I don’t know if that was from COVID and a lack of socialization or whatever it was, but we just weren’t connecting. We’d show up to practice and then everyone just went off and did their own thing. Almost dying together really brings a bond out of it. Now I feel like we’re a lot more open with each other. If someone is having a problem whether it’s with soccer or at home, we’re all there to help each other.”
The Star Ledger ended the article with this quote from Ella Van Dine. “I’m just thankful that no one got hurt. I always think there’s a reason everything happens. Maybe it hasn’t come up yet, but I feel like something good always comes out of something bad.”
The next-door neighbors to the south of the Van Dines were Monica and Bill Schramm. The storm came too fast for them to realize what was happening. In a September 18, 2021 article from the South Jersey Times, Monica stated, “It was a churning of energy, ripping the trees with it and just going forward,” she said. “I just watched it go right past. I heard the cracks of the trees. I should have been worried, but I wasn’t, because I was in shock.” The 1883 home lost some of its roof, chimney, fencing, and outdoor furniture. One of the saddest losses for the area in general was the old, beautiful ceiling of trees, which Bill noted were an important staple of the town. There were also water and sewer lines broken by the uprooted stumps.
0 Comments