Glen Rock Musician Submits Song for 'Stronger than the Storm' Contest

It's been ten months, but for many in New Jersey the storm still remains. One Glen Rock resident is hoping his song can bring hope and attention to the persisting problems.

"Sandy was the worst natural disaster I've encountered in my lifetime," said Paul Simeone. "Our house here in Glen Rock was relatively unscathed, but many trees were down in our neighborhood, knocking power out for nearly two weeks."

A songwriter for over 40 years, Simeone has submitted a song for the state's "Stronger than the Storm" contest. Should Simeone's song "Letters Home" win, he'll win a featured spot opening for the Stronger than the Storm Soundoff. The song might even find its way onto the state's tourism commercials.

The 14-year resident of Glen Rock wrote the song long before word of any contest surfaced. "Letters From Home" blends three fictitious letters from the perspective of people fleeing the storm and their pain and anxiety, Simeone said.

"Normally the songwriting process for me is a rather long one, usually taking days, and sometimes weeks, to finish one," the long-time Ridgefield Public Schools music teacher said. "However the song 'Letters Home' took me approximately half an hour to complete, both music and lyrics. I woke up one March morning with the idea for this song, and I thought a video to accompany it would send a powerful message."

Simeone's nephew, Adam Egizi, a college film major, compiled and produced the video while his father, Al, produced the song. Other friends helped with vocals and production. 

"Friends of ours have had their homes destroyed or extremely damaged," Simeone said. "And when we were able to get live television again, the images we saw of the devastation brought tears to my wife's eyes and mine."

The "Stronger than the Storm" songwriting contest ends Aug. 11. To vote for Simeone, head here.