Home at Last
Disabled man moves into new house at site hit by ’06 floodBy RICHARD NILSEN. The Leader-Herald
Article Photos
FORT PLAIN - Two years after he was carried by a bucket loader through the floodwaters that ruined his home, Emery Giovannone has moved into a new house at the same site.
A lot of things have happened since the 59-year-old quadriplegic man left his home during the flood of June 28, 2006.
Sheriff's deputies had to go back in to the flooded house on Witter Street in the village to get his powered wheelchair that day and bring it to the temporary shelter that was set up at Harry Hoag Elementary School.
For two years, Giovannone lived and was cared for at the Palatine Nursing Home.
Giovannone said the party welcoming him back to the community last summer was premature. It wasn't until recently - June 24 - that he was able to move into his new house.
Giovannone said last year's party was ironic both in that it happened Aug. 23, 2007 - the 32nd anniversary of when he broke his neck in a car accident - and because he couldn't really move in to his own home then.
"The worst thing to lose is your independence," Giovannone said.
But in spite of his medical problems, he said, "Life is good."
Late last month, a lawn service was cutting the grass and Giovannone's father was helping organize things in the new modular home.
For Giovannone's father, Emerson, it has been a hectic two years.
"It's been very confusing," he said.
The house was designed to be accessible for Giovannone, and it has a flood-resistant foundation. It was built thanks to the efforts of the Valley Rural Housing Corp., statewide affordable housing organizations, local contractors and community volunteers.
The project's cost, $130,000, was covered by the state Division of Housing and Community Renewal and its Access to Home program.
Fort Plain Mayor Guy Barton said he was delighted with the result of the community's efforts.
"It was great to see [the Federal Emergency Management Agency] and state government worked together on the project," Barton said. "The house is well-constructed and meets [Giovannone's] needs."
Giovannone said there have been a few glitches, however. The front door on his home needs to be reversed and made so it will open automatically, and rainwater tends to come under the door.
"I called all over to get a 'certificate of elevation' so I could come back and get proper insurance," Giovannone said. "I also had some medical issues taken care of and had to get aides lined up to help out."
Giovannone said he has had to fight every step of the way to get back home and reclaim a sense of independence.
Giovannone acquired a wheelchair-accessible van with help from Catholic Charities of Fulton and Montgomery Counties.
"The Albany office called me after helping with some of the money for the van and asked if we could help some more locally," Agency Director John Nasso said.
A Fulton-Montgomery Faith and Community Response Team was formed after the flood, and money came in from faith-based organizations around the country. Nasso said several hundred dollars of that funding were spent on the van.
Caseworker Andy McPherson said the Roman Catholic Diocese of Albany came up with $6,352 toward the van, and locally another $848 was raised.
"Between the two, the van should be completely paid for," McPherson said.
On June 29, Giovannone was visiting in the park with his friend, Drew Fisher, who also is disabled and has had difficulty getting help for his situation.
"The great thing is seeing what the community can do when it gets together on a project," Giovannone said. "Independence is the greatest thing. Being institutionalized is the worst. I'd do anything I could to stay out of an institution."
Giovannone said he likes to read and work on his computer.
"I have no problem staying busy," he said.
He said he could use another aide or two for backup because his present aide sometimes has to work double shifts. He also wants to use some leftover FEMA money to build a deck on the back of his home.
"Anyone who'd like to volunteer their help is more than welcome," he said. "I know that someone's time can be more valuable than money."
Giovannone said he can be contacted by e-mail at emmo50@frontiernet.net.
Richard Nilsen is a general assignment reporter and can be reached by e-mail at ga@leaderherald.com.
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WordPrefect
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07-10-08 1:30 PM
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A number of comments have been removed from this thread because they violate the terms of service of this Web site. Follow the link at the bottom of this page to read the "Terms of Service and Privacy Policy." Bill Ackerbauer, assistant city editor The Leader-Herald
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StopTheFraud
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07-09-08 3:16 PM
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Cyann2008: That's really unfortunate for your daughter. Actually...that downright stinks. I've heard of a lot of horror stories regarding FEMA's ineptness. Here....when I refer to leftover FEMA monies, I'm specifically referring to Emery's leftover FEMA money. Emery...how much do you have leftover? Be careful what you respond....people out there know. ;0)
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Cyann2008
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07-09-08 3:04 PM
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Left over FEMA money...for real...imagine that! My daughter was very persistent trying to get help from FEMA only after her flood insurance had denied coverage re: seepage. A few months prior to the flood her garage burned down and anything salvagable was put in the basement for storage until the garage could be replaced. Then came the flood and everything spared by the fire was wiped out by the flood and then some. They lost their freezer, dryer & hot water heater & the furnace needed major repair. Needless to say, after numerous calls and excessive paperwork they were unable to get any help from FEMA either. Some of that left over FEMA money should have replaced their basic neccessities, they weren't asking for a new home.
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StopTheFraud
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07-09-08 1:15 PM
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rouge1: Wow. Great stuff. What about the (and how much) FEMA money is left "over" that can't be "touched"?
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StopTheFraud
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07-09-08 1:12 PM
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rouge1: I couldn't have said it better myself. Nicely done.
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rouge1
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07-09-08 1:12 PM
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- as far as your statements regarding your disability- I am a service coordinator for the state-I get people assistance with what they need everyday-I fight the red tape everyday- I work with 27 people who would trade places with you in a second so don't think it couldn't be worse. As a matter of fact one individual would like to see you hold a seminar for others with disabilities on how you managed to maintain your benefits in light of all that has been bestowed upon you-after all as SSI,SSD, medicaid/medicare,HCBS waivers,insurance will tell you one must be very careful about one's assests/liabilities-regardless if it came from charity. How about volunteering your time being a mentor for others with disabilities someone's time can be as valuable as money.
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rouge1
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07-09-08 1:04 PM
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No one is begrudging that you got help. I think what makes people upset is that everytime you are in the media you add what still needs to be done or what you need. Rainwater comes in the front door? Call and get it fixed- there are empty houses surrounding you full of mold that will likely remain empty for years to come and you have some leakage by your door? I think this is why people are upset.
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StopTheFraud
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07-09-08 11:15 AM
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t scam works. :)
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StopTheFraud
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07-09-08 11:02 AM
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This is so exciting, I don't know where to begin. Emery, I'm going to use a lot of your own words in my blogging...if you don't mind. "You have all the right in the world to “comment” on this article"...and that's exactly what we've been doing...and oh, thank you for giving us your permission. "You remind me of the purple rat poster, where they are all attacking the ONE RAT caught in the trap..."..sounds like a bit of a Freudian slip huh Emm. "You all hide behind usernames"....Emm...we have to. We all have jobs and responsibilities. Both of which are absent in M-World. "My e-mail is posted in the article, my phone number is listed"...isn't that really because you want even more people to "help", "donate" or "volunteer". You'd be surprised Emmy, these bloggers aren't that naive. That's my cut-and-paste from your first square...stay tuned. :)
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teebzz
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07-08-08 10:35 PM
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Is the paper lying when it says you could use another aide or two for backup because your present aide cant keep up with all the work . and you also want to use some leftover FEMA money to build a deck on the back of your home.? and youre welcoming any volunteers to help with even more? dont you care for YOUR neighbors? and btw christianlady technically wasnt saying positive things, just saying she hasnt heard all the bad things. im happy you were helped out but theres a limit, especially when others need help desperately too.
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Emjery
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07-08-08 8:52 PM
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Afghanistan. If the rest of you (rouge1, neighbor, michael13339, teebzz, firekatt or anyone else for that matter) wants to know any more of my personal business, contact me--I’d be more than happy to meet you face to face… but don’t think I’m not going to ask you questions. (I thank my real neighbor ‘ChristianLady’, Darlene & ProofRedHead for taking the time to post positive comments.) Emery
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Emjery
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07-08-08 8:51 PM
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the Fort Plain community. I have nothing to lie about, I have nothing to apologize to any of you about and I'm too old and slow to hide--and yet not a single one of you would trade places with me for a month, a single day, or a single hour to get the material possessions that I have been given or have worked so hard for my entire life. It took me until I was 40 years old before I could get into my own home—I paid $15,000 for it! It was the house that was in the flood. I was completely CONTENT in this house I DID NOT ASK OR DEMAND A NEW HOUSE—FEMA AND THE NY DIVISION OF HOUSING MADE THAT DECISION. If any of you have any questions regarding this issue, e-mail or write to: Marianne Jackson (Director of FEMA) or Gino S. at the Division of Housing in Amsterdam—They give away houses throughout the year to the needy—COMPLAIM TO THEM ABOUT TAXPAYER WASTE. While you’re at it, (DontBlameSTF) write to George Bush and ask him why we’re spending $3 billion every week to rebuild Iraq and
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Emjery
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07-08-08 8:46 PM
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Now that I have read these comments, I can honestly tell you--they have made me literally sick. You people have accused me of everything from tax fraud, to deviant behavior, to just being downright demanding and nasty, without truly knowing anything about me. You have all the right in the world to “comment” on this article--you don’t have the right to assassinate my character and slander my name the way you have been. I have never seen such malicious content regarding a single person or issue in my entire life. You remind me of the purple rat poster, where they are all attacking the one rat caught in the trap while the cheese lies next to him. What amazes me more than anything, is that you all hide behind usernames and use this kind of caustic garbage to attack me and not a single one of you had the common decency to try and contact me personally to ask me anything. My e-mail is posted in the article, my phone number is listed, and I am extremely approachable in the Fort Plain comm
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StopTheFraud
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07-08-08 9:50 AM
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christianlady: Stop. You must be confused by the article because you are not making any sense at all. I don't care that you worked with his mom at Beechnut...I don't care what you did as a youth...among the issues that I have concern about are: Does Emery actually own this home? Will he be able to leave a $130,000 asset to someone in his will....all at the taxpayer's expense. When you wave to him and he waves back, make sure you are far enough away so he doesn't further stick his hands in your pockets...by the Grace of God.
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christianlady
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07-07-08 8:00 PM
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I don't comment here but now feel I need to. I am Emery's very next door neighbor. I don't know the man only by sight but I wave and he waves back. MY daughter worked for him at PNH and never said anything about him being a hard or mean person.I have lived in Ft.Plain for many years, most of my adult life and never heard the stories that you people tell. I worked with his mom at Beech Nut many years ago and she was a very nice woman.I can vaguely remember the accident. You people who feel they can point fingers and judge should walk in his skin for awhile. I look forward to finally meeting him and chatting. Some of our neighbors who knew him before said he is a very nice man. As for his accident, no one here did anything in their younger years? That mistake changed that man's life forever. And the things I could tell you that I did back then, all I can say is "but by the Grace of God go I". WELCOME HOME EMERY.
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rouge1
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07-07-08 11:25 AM
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I'm not jealous just curious, leftover FEMA money means it is not needed-send it back to the govt. Having your own aides come to the nursing home while Medicaid/medicare is footing the bill for your stay is double billing/illegal unless you are paying cash for the aid service which if it is under the table is illegal and another slap on the American tax payer face. No one is jealous just tired of hearing about this situation-he isn't the only one who fought "every step" of the way-some people will never return to their homes. As far as volunteering time maybe he should volunteer to go visit the residents of the Palatine home..he likes to keep busy go read or visit seniors since your stay there was so terrible perhaps you can go back to visit to brighten the day of those who can not go home.
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michael13339
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07-07-08 12:55 AM
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"Anyone who'd like to volunteer their help is more than welcome," he said. "I know that someone's time can be more valuable than money." Not this day in age,with gas and food prices the way they are,Money talks that other stuff walks(so I don't get censored).
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michael13339
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07-07-08 12:44 AM
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Jealous for what Darlene??Some people who needed the help more than he did,got nothing.I had 13 feet of water in my back yard and half of that was in my house.Nobody offered to build me a house when I was without one.Why?Because I am not in a wheelchair or am I not disabled enough?The road was flooded on the left of me and the bridge on the right of me was closed becuase of the pressure of the water slamming in to it,it took 3 days before anyone actually came by to see if anyone was alright..3 DAYS!!!.Nobody is being rude about him,they are all telling the truth.If that makes us Jealous to be truthful,then I guess most of us are guilty.Did he deserve any help?Absolutely,but to take advantage of it.That is just wrong.Build your own deck Emery,your help has just ran out!!
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darlene
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07-06-08 11:29 PM
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i am really blown away by some of the comments people have wrote on here i am emerys aide and have been with him for almost 5 yrs and he has NEVER been nasty to me and for his new house he was very content in his old house and wishes he had it back he just got down fixing it up when the flood came he didnt asked to loose his homeand also how would you like to be thrown in a nursing home for 2 yrs and loose your independence sleep in 1 room with another person have people going in your room thru your personal stuff IM SURE YOU WOULDNT layin a bed for 20 hrs out of the day also how many of you people see emery on the street and talk nice to his face if you want answers so bad why dont you email him or his phone#is in the book call him he will tell you just how the last 2 yrs of his life has been personnally i think your all just jealous
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rouge1
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07-06-08 11:03 PM
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Wow forgive my spelling on that last post-not illiterate-just ticked off.. maybe people can donate $$$ for me to get a newer computer with faster spellcheck (tongue firmly in cheek)
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neighbor
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07-06-08 8:47 PM
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Emmo was a vet yeah, but not in the line of duty. Most houseowners after the flood got about $5,000 to replace the furnace and hot water heater and most renters got a Red Cross benefit card with about $75-$100 on it to replace food and other things lost in the flood after the power was down for a week or so.His place was was in poor shape before the flood,so yes, he actually benefitted from the flood.As for the liitle old lady with the plastic on her windows and other senior citizens that had to line up to get stuff I think thats just not fair. He wants another larger deck?? Is there that much pressure-treated wood to go around? He has enough already....and as far as him wanting a new computer, havent enough balloons popped.......
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lucycat43
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07-06-08 1:06 PM
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Thank you. I hope they will be able to help this woman. Fort Plain is near and dear to me. My mother and her family grew up there as did my cousins. One of which was a school principal there for many years.
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DontBlameStopTheFraud
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07-06-08 12:49 PM
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lucykat....I made a referral. :)
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lucycat43
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07-06-08 10:51 AM
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Could someone in Fort Plain ask this woman to contact the Fulmont Agency ? My brain was on pause when I didn't stop to think that Fulmont means Fulton and Montgomery counties.
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DontBlameStopTheFraud
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07-06-08 9:50 AM
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Thank you all for seeing this story as it truly is. FireKatt, teebzz and rouge1...I sure could use your support on other blogs. This really is an awful story though. These tax-payer funded (government sponsored) programs have shelled out between $250,000- $300,000 (that's a REAL good estimate) {I'm still crunching figures} for the past two years for this clown. STOP. lucykat43...FireKatt's absolutely correct when he talks about the old lady w/plastic ovr her windows. There are much worse horror stories than that I'm afraid.
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