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HOLDEN, Mass. — The Holden Selectboard declared an emergency Monday afternoon as conditions from Hurricane Sandy worsened and strong winds destroyed the windows at Holden Pizza.
A large glass window collapsed onto a table just minutes after a group of customers finished their meal at about 1 p.m., restaurant owners Bill and Flora Savidis said.
"I had turned my back, and heard a bang, and the next thing I know the frames are coming down like a domino effect," said Flora. "I was in awe when I saw it down, and our guests were outside because they had just cashed out."
Though startled by the crash, the Savidis were waiting for the building owners to come by to board up the window.
No one was injured, but the restaurant was closed to ensure no one would be at risk.
Holden Pizza has been open for more than 30 years, even during blizzards and hurricanes.
"Typically, we're open through all events," she said. "We have the police and state police, and we figure why wouldn't we be open so that we can cater to them as well, because they're doing us a service."
Across town, the Board of Selectmen met to officially declare a local state of emergency, in accordance with the State of Emergency called by Gov. Deval Patrick earlier this weekend.
"The purpose of declaring a local state of emergency is that we'd be eligible for state and FEMA reimbursements if necessary," Selectman Anthony Renzoni said.
Acting Town Manager Jacquie Kelly, the fire chief, the police chief and department heads from the light department and public works have been meeting to plan for the hurricane, address safety concerns and ensure effective communication with residents.
The Daily Voice, available on computer, tablet and smartphone, will be updating with the latest local information throughout the storm. If you have cancellations or storm damage photos, email them to dcastro@dailyvoice.com.
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