Hit hard by Hurricane Irene just a year ago, the Schoharie community came together last Tuesday to celebrate its recovery and everything it's gained.
More than 200 people gathered in front of the County Courtyard to share memories, music, and a few laughs.
Rev. Sherri Meyer-Veen of the Schoharie Reformed Church spoke to the losses, but also to new friends.
"We know each other a lot better," she said. "We've gained new understanding into exactly what is possible. We continue to listen and do the hard work of building back up."
Schoharie Supervisor Gene Milone thanked everyone who's had a hand in rebuilding.
"And congratulations to all of you who made the difficult decision to rebuild," he said.
Roger Shafer led the crowd in "Home Sweet Home," first performed, he said, for President and Mrs. Lincoln in 1823.
Lisa Lopez and her brother, Assemblyman Pete Lopez, also sang selections appropriate for the event; Ms. Lopez, "Summertime," and Assemblyman Lopez, "Old Schoharie Creek."
Assemblyman Lopez also spoke to Schoharie's strength and accomplishments and the need to continue moving forward.
"We know people are still struggling," he said, and it will continue to be a long road.
Congressman Chris Gibson called the event a day of "mixed emotions. Not one of us is the same person as before this storm," he said.
Schoharie Village Trustee Ed August told the crowd that the biggest applause should go to "you, the members of the community," and a shaggy Josh DeBartolo of Schoharie Recovery thanked everyone who had a role in the rebuilding.
"Because of you, we are flood survivors-not flood victims," he said.
Rev. Beb Stone of the Schoharie Presbyterian Church agreed.
"We need to think of ourselves, not as victims, but as people whose turn it was to receive help," she said.
It was a light-hearted moment that wrapped up the event, though.
Mr. DeBartolo, who hadn't cut his hair since Irene, stood beside Rev. Meyer-Veen at the microphone before walking across the street to a ribbon-cutting at J. Lacy's Salon where that was about to change.
"How long has it been since the flood?" Rev. Meyer-Veen asked Mr. DeBartolo.
"This long," he said, lifting up a 10-inch long lock of his hair.