It's been three weeks since Tropical Storm Irene which means three weeks of rescue and recovery efforts in hard hit areas. Our Beth Croughan spent Saturday in Shandaken and brings us more.

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PHOENICIA, N.Y. -- "It's just what people do to other people," said Matthew Studt of Boy Scout Troop 20.

They help, according to Matthew Studt, 12. He and about eight other Boy Scouts from Hurley spent their Saturday doing just that.

"Kind of helping people so they can get back to their normal lives a little sooner," said Jacob Studt, 11.

These boys sorted through the lives of many; from video tapes to microwaves. It all went in the dumpsters. "This is all people's belongings, this is what people collect. This is what they own, this is part of them. And having to throw it away after just a horrible storm is just hard for others," said Matthew Studt.

The cleanup effort is coordinated right along Phoenicia's Main Street. Members of the Rotary Club sign up volunteers and send them throughout Shandaken.

"It will be three weeks tomorrow. So the big thing is now, we're still doing cleanup and getting these basements cleaned out to get the mold and the mildew," explained Joyce Grant of the Phoenicia Rotary.

And if you travel to town to lend a hand, business owners hope you extend that support.

"We'd like to see some people come back. Because, it's starting to happen now, that the actual storm, hasn't hurt our economy as badly as the perception of the storm has," said Michael Koegel, the owner of Mama's Boy.

While many residential areas are still in recovery mode, the Town Supervisor said many commercial spots are ready for customers.

In fact, there's a sign along Route 28 letting you know Phoenicia is open for business.

"Know that those monies are being spent locally and contributed locally to donations to help assist some of these families. So a boost for the local economy is a boost for flood relief, if you will," said Supervisor Robert Stanley.

The Rotary tent will be staffed on Sunday.