Martha-Patience Taah (right) leaves the Cornerstone Baptist Church after yesterday's church service. photos by CHRISTOPHER WEHLING/THE FREE LANCE-STAR View More Images from this story Visit the Photo Place

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GETTING BACK TO NORMAL IS NEXT

Stafford residents cleaning up, attending church services and trying to get back to normal after Thursday's tornado

Date published: 5/12/2008

By KIM BAER

Yesterday was a day to try and get back to normal for Stafford County residents hit by Thursday night's tornado.

A prime example was Cornerstone Baptist Church, located on McWhirt Loop, which was directly in the tornado's path. While some church property was damaged, the sanctuary was spared. And a thankful church went on with its service as scheduled.

A pavilion was knocked to the ground, siding was ripped off, holes were torn in the church's roof and four 300-year-old trees were uprooted.

The church received an outpouring of support from those in the community who wanted to help repair the damage, said Elder Bob Harrison.

Representatives from three nearby churches offered their sanctuaries for Sunday's service, Harrison said.

"I told them, 'No, God saved us.'"

The sanctuary was undamaged, Harrison said. A contractor came out and made necessary minor repairs before yesterday's service, attended by about 150 people.

"I am so thankful that God spared us so that we could gather today," he said.

During the service, Pastor Todd Pyle also expressed thanks.

"God's hands of protection have been with us," he said.

About 25 church members live in England Run North, Pyle said. None of their homes were significantly damaged.

After the service, several shared more light-hearted stories about Thursday night's storm.

Lynette Myers said she had sent her husband, who was returning from overseas, an e-mail Friday night telling him there had been a tornado.

He thought she was exaggerating. Then he came home that night and saw all of the damage.

Since then, the Myers have been helping neighbors clean up.

Aaron Myers, 13, was out yesterday picking up debris. Members of 16-year-old Hannah Myers' hockey team also came out to help.

"It's amazing how fast the cleanup has been," Scott Myers said.

Pyle's family also lives in England Run North. At first, he and his wife, Denita, watched the storm from their front porch.

They woke up their 11-year-old son, Jacob, and their 16-month-old son, Eli, and headed to the basement when the storm worsened.

"Dad, do you want to pray?" he recalled his son asking.

"I said, 'Yes, that's a good idea.'"

County officials have said the tornado first touched down at the church.

Janine Waldman, who lives nearby on McWhirt Loop, disputes that.

Counselors available in affected areas Stafford will have human-services professionals in the affected neighborhoods to provide counseling to anyone who may need it. Placard system provided for affected homes County officials are transitioning to a placard system for homes affected by the storm. Houses with a red placard are unsafe and deemed uninhabitable. Residents are not permitted to enter these homes. Houses with a yellow placard are stabilized but still unsafe. Those who wish to enter must be escorted by a county building inspector. Call the Department of Code Administration at 540/658-8650 to schedule a visit by a building inspector. A place to dump debris A Dumpster will be available at Gayle Middle School starting today for residents who need to throw away general household debris. Emergency center likely to remain open all week The emergency response center is likely to remain open throughout the week, from 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. each day. The fire station is located off Litchfield Boulevard at 20 Sebring Way. County staff will provide information about county services, assist with permits and facilitate inspections to aid in the recovery efforts. Employees from the Departments of Planning and Zoning, Economic Development, Information Technology, Citizens Assistance and Public Information will be available to answer questions and direct residents to other agencies that are available to provide a variety of aid. The phone number is 540/658-4221. Damaged property eligible for tax relief Residents affected by the tornado may be eligible for tax relief. Real-estate taxes may be adjusted if damage incurred is more than $500, or if the house is deemed uninhabitable for more than 30 days. People with questions about real-estate tax relief can call the Commissioner of the Revenue's office at 540/658-4132. Personal-property tax relief also may be available for cars, boats, motorcycles or other personal property destroyed by the storm. Please notify the commissioner of the revenue's office if personal property has been destroyed and disposed of, so the tax bill can be adjusted accordingly. Caution necessary even in 'safe' areas Stafford officials request that residents and their children show extreme caution, even in areas that appear to be unaffected by the tornado. There is glass, nails and other sharp or dangerous materials in grassy areas, water areas and other spots that may appear, at first sight, to be safe.

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Date published: 5/12/2008

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