It’s still tough for Wilmer Londa to talk about what it was like barely 48 hours after devastating flood waters ripped through Highland Falls. His restaurant, Grandma's Bagels & Pizza, had suffered as much damage as any of Main Street’s businesses.

“I don’t know what to say," Londa said. "Now we’re open; it was just … I don’t know what I want to say. It’s tough."

But he’s finally back open, thanks in large part to the efforts from the William J. Larkin, Jr. Community Response Task Force and its partners like Servpro and the Orange County Chamber of Commerce.

The task force was able to assist with the $30,000 bill that Londa was facing; raising funds and volunteer hours to replace floors, get rid of mold and other reconstruction. Wilmer says he couldn’t have done this without them.

“It’s a relief for me to open, now it’s good," he said. "I’m happy now too, you know? Because like a month ago I was so sad, crying; now I’m happy.”

Earlier this month, Governor Kathy Hochul announced another $3 million in flood relief funds. Those dollars would be available to homeowners in eight counties, as national action for relief has still not come yet.

Wilmer says it’s good to be back working; already, he says, business is booming since reopening. If it keeps up, he said he might even look at expanding.

“I like seeing people again, talk to the people," he said. "And then we’ll see how it’s going; my next plan is to open a bar next door."