Recalling Katrina, Few at Georgia Shelter Complain

[Louisiana1976]

AUSTELL, Georgia (CNN) -- "These are top notch. I mean, these are really good!" said Cosman Dragoiescu, holding a plastic Panera Bread cup with two sugar-sprinkled, glazed nuggets that did look, for the most part, tasty.

"Some bakery went bankrupt and dropped off their supply here."

On Tuesday, about 50 people, refugees from historic flooding, were still lingering in a Red Cross shelter in Austell, Georgia, near Sweetwater Creek. The creek reached 18.21 feet on Monday afternoon, 8.21 feet above flood stage.

Dragoiescu's condo, which he owns, was flooded to its second floor. He'd seen his car turn into a boat and his refrigerator become a floatation device. But it seemed gauche to complain; there really was no need for it.

"First, this shelter is embarrassingly nice," he said. "I have stayed at the Ritz Carlton, and I know what hospitality is. In terms of that -- hospitality -- nothing beats this place."

Behind him, a Red Cross worker had gathered eight small children into a semicircle to lead them in a song. Fresh coffee brewed. Thick Red Cross blankets were everywhere, handed out by workers who appeared to be listening rather than shepherding.

The typical soundtrack of a shelter, punctuated by children crying and the low hum of misery, was hard to hear. "You really cannot be too upset about things," Dragoiescu said.

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more...http://www.cnn.com/2009/US/weather/09/22/georgia.flood.shelter/index.html