CRISFIELD, Md. - As Sandy made landfall at the end of October, some called it the worst storm in modern history for the city of Crisfield.
"Sandy was far worse than what we anticipated," said Steve Marshall, director of emergency management in Somerset Co. on Oct. 30. "We had people stranded in their homes."
"My mom actually lived on Main St," said Michael Beckley on Oct. 30. "They actually had to evacuate her with a boat."
A few weeks later, a group of volunteers banded together, starting the clean-up for their neighbors in most need.
"This restoration work will go on for years and I'll be coming down as often as I can," said Louis Rimbach on Nov. 15, who came down with his church to start cleaning out homes.
In early December, after assessing damages, FEMA denies individual assistance to Crisfield.
"Somerset County is doing anything but surrendering on this," said John Phoebus, a local who helped start the volunteer efforts in Crisfield.
"It's going to be a long, hard winter, but we're going to get through it," said Mayor P. J. Purnell on Dec. 6th.
Then, Sens. Barbara Mikulski and Ben Cardin fought and succeeded, as the aid finally came to Somerset County on Dec. 14th.
"This is a godsend to us right now. We've got a lot of people that are still hurting," said Marshall, the next day.
"People can get back to normal and get back to life," said Gov. Martin O'Malley (D-Md.).
As Crisfield ushers in 2013, Mayor Purnell reflects on the past year.
"It's been a tough year and we've come through and the folks of the community have bonded together and we'll be ok."
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