Groundbreaking Ceremony For 9/11 Responders Remembered Park

By Pat Biancaniello

Legislator John Kennedy speaking at groundbreaking ceremonyNesconset - Sunday April 3, 2011 was the site of a fundraising event and the groundbreaking ceremony for the construction of the 911 Responders Remembered Park.  The 911 Responders Remembered Park is being created as a tribute to the memories of the men and women who were the first responders at the devastation of the World Trade Center on September 11, 2011.  The memorial park is recognition for those who sacrificed their health and too often their lives as a result of illnesses they contracted as first responders on 911. 

Over 500 people were in attendance at the groundbreaking ceremony, some to volunteer, some to raise funds, and some came to show support.  Also present were families and children of some of the heroes.  They came to pay tribute to their loved ones.  This Remembrance Park is the first of its kind. It is a living “Wall” with names to be added as people succumb to their illnesses. The committee, in its mission statement states: “Since that dark day in history, hundreds and soon to be thousands have lost their lives to 9/11 related illnesses; giants amongst heroes taken from us too soon. The 9/11 Responder Remembrance Park is being dedicated to those brave souls to show their loved ones and families that their heroic actions will never be forgotten.” The first responders came from all walks of life they are police, firefighters, medical and trades people. They are the people who answered the call for help.  John Feal - Founder of FealGood Foundation

With elected officials looking on, the children of some of the deceased first responders, held the shovels representing the first step in recognizing their relative who died not on September 11th but died from illnesses contracted from their actions on 911. People from the community looked on in solemn remembrance as did people who came from much farther distances some as far as Pennsylvania, Delaware and California.

Errol Toulon, president of the 911 Responders Remembered Park Committee, was a Captain in the NYCPD on September 1, 2011.  On duty at the time his responsibility was to protect the millions of rounds of ammunition and thousands of firearms,  “When the attacks occurred, no one knew what target would be next, so the men and women assigned to the Firearms & Tactics Unit had to remain on the compound to protect the millions of rounds of munitions and thousands of firearms secured at the unit in case anyone tried to take it over.” 

According to its website the goal of the 911 Responders Remembered Park is to recognize the heroes who have died, and continue to die since September 11, 2001.  “While we respect the rectitude of all who proudly ran toward the flames on September 11th, our unique and one-of-a-kind wall will only let the heroes we’ve described herein because we do believe they too need individual recognition.”

Legislator John Kennedy formed the 911 Responders Remembered Park Committee over sixteen months ago.  The plan is for a dedication ceremony to be held on September 11, 2011.  The designer, Joe Yacobellis of Mancini Architecture PLLC, is very optimistic that this will come to fruition as scheduled.  “There has been a lot of support from individuals in the community as well as businesses in and outside of Nesconset.   Volunteers will play a big role in this project as it is being funded solely through donations.  I am very proud to be a part of this project.”

The April 3 fundraiser (the second for the project) raised $21,000 bringing the committee closer to its goal of $150,000.  It is not too late to donate and if you wish to do so donations can be made to 911 Responders Remembered Park, Inc.  PO Box 81, Nesconset, NY 11767 - 0372 or www.respondersremembered.com.9/11 Responder Trustees Vincent Puleo John Feal Anthony Flammia Glen Klein Errol Toulon, Jr. James T. Ryder 9/11 Widow Trustees Greta Helmke Eileen Ryan Rita Brophy Therese Quibell Tracy Zane Judi Simmons Trustees Leg. John M. Kennedy Steven Grossman Peter Hanson Vincent Monaco Architect Mark Mancini Joe Yacobellis Web Designer Bryan Spano (Not all present in photo) 

“The most poignant moment for me during Sunday’s ground breaking ceremony for the 911 Responders Remembered Memorial Park was when the parents, widows and children of the fallen were at the podium. It was terribly sad to see the young families who have been harmed by the continuing effects of the 911 terrorists attacks. But even against that backdrop it was uplifting and heartwarming to see the community and our elected officials working together to not only have this memorial erected but to also make sure that these families continue to have the resources they need. Everyone involved with the 911 Responders Remembered Memorial and with the ground breaking event should be applauded for their hard work and commended for the result.” Ed Maher, Chairperson, Smithtown Democratic Committee

Nesconset Hosts Walk-A-Thon For 9/11 Responder Remembrance Park

This Sunday, April 3, 2011, Nesconset will be hosting a walk-a-thon in recognition of the men and women who bravely attempted to help the victims of September 11, 2001. Many first responders are also victims, suffering debilitating and too often fatal illnesses.  The purpose of the walk-a-thon is to raise funds to build a “living wall” and to recognize the efforts of the first responder “heroes”. 

The public is being asked to walk, donate and show support for the families of the first responders. Please go to http://www.respondersremembered.com/ to read more about this event. Or call us @ (631) 236-6730

A 100% Volunteer, 501(c)(3) Organization whose sole mission is the building of a Park to memorialize and etch the names of the many heroes who ran into the flames on September 11^th and ever since continue to die after breathing in the many deadly toxins they were exposed to.

Our Park, to be built at the corner of Smithtown Boulevard and Gibbs Pond Road, in Nesconset will list the names of every Hero, from places like Canada, England and surely from Long Island. This one of a kind Park will have a living wall that will enable us to remove one of its plates, add another name and continue the recognition of these First Responders.

Tragically, this number is over 1,000 and will surely surpass the amount of heroes lost on September 11^th.

On April 3^rd, this coming Sunday we will be having a Walk-a-Thon / Ground Breaking / BBQ with Senator Gillibrand in attendance as well as Legislator John Kennedy of Suffolk County and other dignitaries. We are looking for volunteers to help us with this huge event. We are looking for healthy young walkers to walk the event and we are looking for Proud Americans who would like to show up with $9.11 to show their support and the support of anyone they can reach before the event.

Please go to http://www.respondersremembered.com/ to read more about us, and this event. Or call us @ (631) 236-6730.

Women's History Month - Geraldine Ferraro

March is Women’s History Month.  The plan for Women’s History Month always included an article on Geraldine Ferraro. Not part of the plan was an obituary for this important person and very important part of women’s history. 

Geraldine Ferraro was born on August 26, 1935 and died Saturday, March 26, 2011, at the age of 75.  Ms. Ferraro died from complications of multiple myeloma. A cancer she battled for over twelve years. 

Geraldine Ferraro is most well known for her role as a vice presidential candidate in 1984.  She was the first female selected for national office by a major political party. 

She debated Vice President George H.W. Bush during the campaign and admonished him during the debate for patronizing her and implying that she needed tutoring in foreign policy.  After losing the election Ms. Ferraro ran two unsuccessful campaigns for senate.

Ms. Ferraro was the daughter of an Italian American immigrant.  She was a daughter, wife, mother, teacher, attorney, Queens District Attorney, congresswoman, vice presidential candidate, senate candidate, political commentator, she served as the U.S. ambassador to the U.N. Commission on Human Rights during the Clinton Administration.

She started the Queens Special Victims Bureau, which focused on rape, and domestic violence victims.  She advocated for the elderly and spearheaded the efforts for the Equal Rights Amendment. She was the author of two books, Ferraro: My Story and Geraldine Ferraro: Changing History.

Geraldine Ferraro was a role model for many.  Her legacy is one of action backing up her words and her belief in an America that provides equality and opportunity to everyone, including women.   

Women's History Month - Jodi Picoult

In recognition of Women’s History Month, Smithtown Matters is proud to recognize the accomplishments of women.  It is fascinating to learn the wonderful and interesting ways women have made their mark on the world.  Throughout March, SmithtownMatters will give a brief history of women who made or make a difference.  

Day 24- Jodi Picoult - Author (Born in Nesconset - May 19,1966)

(Reprint from Writers.com) Jodi Picoult, 44, is the bestselling author of 18 novels: SONGS OF THE HUMPBACK WHALE (1992), HARVESTING THE HEART (1994), PICTURE PERFECT (1995), MERCY (1996), THE PACT (1998), KEEPING FAITH (1999), PLAIN TRUTH (2000), SALEM FALLS (2001), PERFECT MATCH (2002), SECOND GLANCE (2003), MY SISTER’S KEEPER (2004), VANISHING ACTS (2005), THE TENTH CIRCLE (2006), NINETEEN MINUTES (2007), CHANGE OF HEART (2008), HANDLE WITH CARE (2009), HOUSE RULES (2010) —- the last four of which debuted at number one on the New York Times bestseller list —- and her newest novel, SING YOU HOME (2011).

Picoult studied creative writing with Mary Morris at Princeton, and had two short stories published in Seventeen magazine while still a student. Realism —- and a profound desire to be able to pay the rent —- led Picoult to a series of different jobs following her graduation: as a technical writer for a Wall Street brokerage firm, as a copywriter at an ad agency, as an editor at a textbook publisher, and as an 8th grade English teacher —- before entering Harvard to pursue a master’s in education. She married Tim Van Leer, whom she had known at Princeton, and it was while she was pregnant with her first child that she wrote her first novel, SONGS OF THE HUMPBACK WHALE.

In 2003 she was awarded the New England Bookseller Award for Fiction. She has also been the recipient an Alex Award from the Young Adult Library Services Association, sponsored by the Margaret Alexander Edwards Trust and Booklist, one of ten books written for adults that have special appeal for young adults; the Book Browse Diamond Award for novel of the year; a lifetime achievement award for mainstream fiction from the Romance Writers of America; Cosmopolitan magazine’s ‘Fearless Fiction’ Award 2007; Waterstone’s Author of the Year in the UK, a Vermont Green Mountain Book Award, a Virginia Reader’s Choice Award, the Abraham Lincoln Illinois High School Book Award, and a Maryland Black-Eyed Susan Award. She wrote five issues of the Wonder Woman comic book series for DC Comics. Her books are translated into thirty-four languages in thirty-five countries. Three —- THE PACT, PLAIN TRUTH, and THE TENTH CIRCLE, have been made into television movies. My Sister’s Keeper was a big-screen released from New Line Cinema, with Nick Cassavetes directing and Cameron Diaz starring, which is now available in DVD.

She and Tim and their three children live in Hanover, New Hampshire with three Springer spaniels, two donkeys, two geese, eight ducks, five chickens, and the occasional Holstein.

Teachers Make An Exit - Together

By Pat Biancaniello

Union President Rich ForzanoOne minute they were there filling almost every seat in Smithtown High School West’s auditorium.  One speaker, teacher union president, Rich Forzano, addressed the Board of Education and then they were gone in an amazing display of unity.  If they had stayed a while longer they might have heard the alumni who spoke eloquently about the quality education they received while students in the Smithtown School District.  But they didn’t stay.  If they had stayed, they might have heard the parents who spoke about the commitment and dedication they have seen from teachers in the school district.  But they didn’t stay.  And if they had stayed, they may have heard the taxpayers who spoke about the dilemma they were experiencing, no longer able to afford the taxes and yet desperately clinging to a belief in quality education for their children.  But many of the teachers didn’t get to hear any of it because after their spokesperson addressed the Board they stood up and walked out en masse. 

Rich Forzano, in a brief conversation before the meeting, said there were people on the Board who have been misrepresenting the Union’s positions.  “Smithtown teacher’s have been working without a contract and currently there are no negotiations.  We want negotiations to begin and we want to negotiate in good faith.”  “Governor Cuomo’s education budget cuts are a horrible recipe for the devastation of education.  Long Island has taken a disproportionate hit in the education cuts.” In his speech before the Board, Forzano stated that the teachers are willing to work with the board “The negotiations have never been about the unwillingness of the Smithtown Teachers Association to recognize the time in which we live.”

The audience watched as many of the teachers exited the auditorium leaving 24 people waiting to speak in the audience participation part of the meeting. Many people who addressed the board expressed frustration and some anger at the teachers for leaving.  Most expressed concern for the message the students who were present received by teachers walking out of the meeting.  The students were lined along the walls of the auditorium standing beneath wall banners bearing the words commitment, scholarship and leadership. 

Before the meeting I spoke with three high school students responsible for organizing the students Erin Fitzpatrick, Briana Kearney and Madiha Saeed.  They told me they were there to listen, learn and show support for art teachers Mr. Halem and Mrs. Breslin.   “We have heard that there will be cuts to AP Art and we want the Board of Education to know that art is not a lesser part of the school. As important as math is to some students that’s how important art classes are to students who are planning their careers around the arts.”

Not much was resolved at the Board Meeting Tuesday night there appears to be an $11.2 million budget shortfall.  Speaker after speaker urged the board and teachers to work together and maintain the focus on a sustainable plan for the quality education Smithtown has always provided.