NCC Professor Moved by Sandy's Aftermath

Nassau Community College (NCC) assistant professor of photography Carolyn Monastra while on sabbatical last year spent her time photographing landscapes affected by climate change for a project entitled, "The Witness Tree." 

She spanned the globe visiting 14 different counties, everywhere from Argentina and Brazil to Antarctica, Thailand, New Zealand and The Kingdom of Tonga. But it was what she saw right here in the U.S. after superstorm Sandy hit that sparked a call to action.

While on Staten Island Monastra saw two storm-damaged wedding photographs drying on a windshield. "I asked the owner of the house if they were his because I could take them and try to digitally restore them," she told Patch. "He said no, but he had one family photo that was important to him that was damaged. So I took all three to scan and start retouching."

She was planning on starting a project like this at the college for NCC students and faculty but soon discovered CARE for Sandyalready existed. CARE, which stands for Cherished Albums Restoration Effort, offers free digital restoration services for individuals and families whose photos were damaged by the October storm.

Monastra contacted the organization's founder, Lee Kelly, and was instrumental in bringing the volunteer services to NCC. She has since recruited 10 classes of photography and graphic design students at the ready to help with CARE's mission.

Approximately 150 students are in the process of retouching pictures while approximately 36 are signed up to help with this Sunday’s scanning event at the college.

"Some are not even art majors, just students who want to help out," Monastra said. "Several of our students who will be there were themselves affected by Hurricane Sandy. I am very excited that my Studio Photography class will be offering free portraits to families that show up for the scanning event."

The event, to be held on campus between 11 a.m. and 6 p.m. Sunday, April 7, will accept up to 50 Sandy-damaged photos per individual or immediate family. Photos must be separated, and "reasonably clean and dry," as wet images cannot be scanned. Slides, negative and VHS tapes cannot be accepted at this time.

"CARE for Sandy means a lot to me because when I was traveling people were so generous in opening up their homes and hearts to me in sharing their stories about how they are being affected by climate change," said Monastra, who's been taking photos for 30 years.

"From Indians in the Amazon Rainforest to a young climate change activist in Kenya – I could not be sharing my pictures and stories about this critical issue without their help. And since I am a photographer, I understand the importance of family photos. So this is my way to give back to members of my own community who were affected by the devastation of Sandy."

Monastra is passionate about environmental issues on both a local and national level, also involved with The Climate Reality Project. She can give presentations to community groups and schools upon request.

Her project, "The Witness Tree," means a lot to her because she has "deeply-felt connections" to the land. 

"Climate change is one of the leading concerns of our time. I think because people don’t 'see' the damage that’s been done to so many environments they still don’t believe in climate change or think its effects won’t be felt until decades from now," she said. "But the truth is these changes are already happening and if we don’t change our behavior and encourage our politicians to embrace and promote alternative energy strategies, these beautiful places in our world will be irrevocable altered. Some of them already have been damaged beyond repair."

The event is free and open to the public. For more information about the program, visit CARE-for-Sandy’s website at www.careforsandy.org.