TimeSharing Today | Nov / Dec , 2022 Page 4
In the worst of times , we come together
By Shep Altshuler , publisher
EDITORIAL
At this writing , the dangerous and destructive force of Hurricane Ian has carved its wide , angry path across the Caribbean , the Gulf of Mexico , and the southeastern U . S .
Ian came on the heels of Hurricane Fiona , which devastated Puerto Rico and also crippled parts of the Turks and Caicos Islands , The Bahamas , Bermuda , and the Canadian Maritime Provinces .
Fiona and Ian didn ’ t discriminate . The true damage assessments are still to be tabulated . Lives have been lost — the most tragic element of natural disasters . Livelihoods also are at stake . Much of the property damage may be permanent .
What ’ s in a name ?
Ian and Fiona were the total enemies , armed with mass-destruction capabilities . I always found it curious that we humanize these natural phenomena by giving them names such as Irma , Katrina , Matthew , and now Fiona and Ian . The use of these names creates a persona , giving them greater psychological control over our imaginations and actions .
Meanwhile , the predictability of a violent storm enables a forewarning of eventual danger . A war is coming . Seek shelter . In actual wartime , we see the massing of troops along the front lines . Many flee the war zone to keep safe ; many do not . For one reason or another , they choose to stay .
During a severe hurricane , many decide to “ stick it out .” They receive plenty of advance warnings , which go unheeded . Survivors who remained through Fiona and Ian surely have interesting stories to tell . They will be featured in newscasts and future documentaries . Of course , we do not overlook those lives that are endangered or lost , through no fault of their own . They will be remembered as tragic victims .
The amazing responders
The lessons learned over decades of hurricanes have not been lost . These are the hurricane warriors who bring experience , equipment , and other tangible resources to save lives . They help lay the groundwork for turning chaos into a plan for rebuilding . Florida , as I write , is the hardest hit state . On a smaller scale , Puerto Rico suffered equal devastation .
Local , state and provincial , and federal agencies in the U . S . and Canada established excellent communications and systems for collaboration . The news media provided effective end-to-end coverage to keep both nations and the world abreast of the pain and suffering being heaped upon us . The massive search-and rescue-efforts and other humanitarian and financial support are unprecedented . You can find updated information on http :// www . flgov . com and https :// www . fema . gov / disaster / 4671 . For Canada information , google Canada Hurricane Fiona aid .
Continued on next page .
EDITORIAL
TimeSharing Today ( ISSN 0000- 1069 ) is published bi-monthly at $ 19 for 6 issues by TimeSharing Today , Inc ., 140 County Road , Suite 114 , Tenafly , NJ 07670 . Periodicals postage paid at Tenafly , NJ . and at additional mailing offices . POST MAS TER : Send address changes to TimeSharing Today , 140 County Road , Suite 114 , Tenafly , NJ 07670 .
Distribution is primarily by mail to subscribers , with limited distribution at resorts . All contents are copyrighted by TimeSharing Today , Inc . Contact us for reprint permission .
DISCLAIMER
TimeSharing Today makes no independent investi gation of the properties , products or services advertised or of the people placing advertisements in this pub lication . We accept all ads that are submitted with the appropriate fee . Accord ingly , we cannot accept any responsibility for any direct or consequential damages arising from these advertisements .
ARTICLES AND LETTERS
All published articles and letters become the property of TimeSharing Today and it may republish them in any format without further compensation . Contributors of articles and letters published in TimeSharing Today will be compensated : Letters or photos : A 1-issue membership extension . Articles : A 6-issue membership extension or a 1-year online classified ad .
START OR RENEW A MEMBERSHIP Website : www . timesharingtoday . com . Get your unique user ID and password Get all member benefits . Access to the digital edition / back issues Monthly eNewsletters TSToday Broadcasting Special discounts
For questions about your membership , email staff @ tstoday . com or call 201- 871-4304 .
www . timesharingtoday . com to start or renew memberships .