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Clinton Global Initiative 2011 Annual Meeting
VOICES Executive Director Mary Fetchet was honored to represent VOICES at the Clinton Global Initiative. The CGI Annual Meeting is an invitation-only event held each September in New York City for heads of state, chief executives of companies, directors of major nonprofits, and other global leaders. For four days, members make new connections and share insights and ideas. They learn about creative approaches taken by organizations around the world. They hear from inspiring speakers who come from different sectors, different countries, and different points of view. They analyze what works, and what doesn't. Then they take that knowledge and use it to create programs that effect meaningful and lasting change in the world.
Paint by Number Project - September 10th and 11th
Family members of those lost on 9/11, survivors and rescue workers all participated in a project to remember the events of 9/11 by painting a section of the "Gone But Not Forgotten" canvas designed by artist Dan Robbins of Palmer Paints. The Paint By Number corner of the exhibit space was lively with people showing their artistry while sharing stories of their experiences over the last ten years.
Those interested in creating their own version of the Paint By Number commemorative painting, can order a kit by connecting to the order form here.
The Office of Justice Programs' 9/11 Commemoration Ceremony
The Office of Justice Programs held a 9/11 Commemoration Ceremony at their office in Washington DC. The speakers included Kathryn Turman, Program Director of the Office for Victim Assistance in the Federal Bureau of Investigations and Mary and Frank Fetchet of Voices of September 11th. Kathryn Turner spoke about responding to 9/11 and lessons learned. Mary and Frank Fetchet spoke about VOICES' work to provide information and support services for all those impacted by the attacks on 9/11.
Ceremony Honoring Connecticut's 9/11 First Responders and Volunteers
The Connecticut U.S. Attorney's office, the Connecticut Department of Emergency Services and Public Protection, and Voices of September 11th hosted the ceremony as a show of gratitude for emergency workers who rushed to the World Trade Center site a decade ago. Held at the 9/11 Memorial at Sherwood Island State Park in Westport, speakers included Governor Dan Malloy and VOICES Board member, Bonnie McEneaney. More.
Washington DC Forum
VOICES held its first 9/11 Information Forum and Luncheon in the Washington DC area for families, survivors and rescue workers of those lost on 9/11. The program was a partnership with the 9/11 Pentagon Memorial Fund. 9/11 family member Kathy Dillaber and survivor Laurie Kemp helped to coordinate the event, along with VOICES staff members and volunteers. WABC-TV reporter Diana Williams spoke to Pentagon family members and members of the VOICES staff about why it was important for VOICES to host this inaugural event. Watch the videos: Remembering 9/11 at the Pentagon and Pentagon prepares to mark September 11th.
Empty Sky Memorial in New Jersey
New Jersey's official 9/11 memorial opened on Saturday, September 10th after a solemn dedication attended by more than 3,000 people. The "Empty Sky" memorial, named after a Bruce Springsteen song inspired by the loss of life on 9/11, bears the names of those who died at the World Trade Center, the Pentagon and on Flight 93 in Shanksville, Pa. The commemoration included a slide show presentation, created by VOICES, of the more than 750 residents from New Jersey lost on 9/11. The slide show can now be seen at the New Jersey State Museum.
9/11 Tenth Anniversary Summit in Washington DC
On September 8th, the 9/11 Tenth Anniversary Summit in Washington, DC was held at the Newseum in Washington, DC. The day-long summit was cosponsored by Voices of September 11th, the Center for National Policy and the Rockefeller Foundation. Guest speakers included political leaders, engineers, 9/11 survivors, FEMA administrators, Coast Guard members and more. The discussions centered on a series of documentaries, including one produced by VOICES and Take Part entitled "Voices." The film features VOICES founder, Mary Fetchet; CEO of Fred Alger Management, Dan Chung; and family members Dana Tamuccio and Roman Gertsberg. You can view the 13 minute film here. The theme of Remembrance, Renewal and Resilience was also told in the six short form documentaries that were shown and in the panel discussions that followed. You can see all the films on the Road to Resilience website, http://www.road2resilience.org.
Keith Roma Awards and Breakfast, September 8th
"Celebrating Our Everyday Heroes," the Keith Roma Humanitarian Awards and Memorial Breakfast, will take place on September 8th from 9-11 AM. It will be held at 7 World Trade Center on the 49th floor overlooking the 9/11 Memorial & Museum site. The program is sponsored by the New York Fire Patrol, the oldest paid fire organization in the United States. Keith Roma, who lost his life on 9/11, was a member of the organization.
9/11 Summit: Remembrance, Renewal, Resilience
Voices of September 11th is co-sponsoring the 9/11 Tenth Anniversary Summit with the Center for National Policy at the Newseum in Washington, DC. The Summit will be the main commemorative event in the nation's capital, remembering the almost 3,000 lives lost on September 11, 2011 and reflecting upon the extraordinary stories of unity, selflessness, and resilience surrounding the events of 9/11.
VOICES Day of Remembrance Events
VOICES will hold its annual commemorative events this year in two locations - in New York City and Washington DC. Our Tenth Annual Day of Remembrance Information Forum will be held on Saturday, September 10th and the Commemorative Luncheon on September 11th. More.
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Morton Frank Golf Outing - Lake Success, NY on August 1
Each year family members and friends of Morty Frank participate in a golf outing with friends attending from as far away as Florida. The outing will take place at the Fresh Meadow Country Club in Lake Success, NY. It raises money for Lynbrook High School, the Adolescent Skills Center, Camp Sunshine, Sit, Stay, Read, the Carrera Adolescent Pregnancy Prevention Program and the Tribute WTC Center. For information about participating in the outing, contact Phyllis and Mel Frank at 212-772-3265.
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9/11 Memorial and Museum Reservation Plans
The 9/11 Memorial has announced that family members will be offered the first opportunity to secure advance reservations to visit the 9/11 Memorial after it opens officially on September 12, 2011. They also reminded family members that they can visit names.911memorial.org to see their loved one's name and its permanent location on the Memorial in advance of the visit. Plans for visiting the site on September 11th will be announced soon by Mayor Bloomberg's office.
Reading Of The Names on 9/11
If any family member would like to read names at the commemoration ceremony at the World Trade Center on 9/11, please remember that the deadline to register is Friday, July 29th . All victims' names will be read, including the names of those lost at the Pentagon and Shanksville, Pa. If you would like to volunteer to read names or have any questions, please call: 212-442-8953 or e-mail cferer@cityhall.nyc.gov.
Launch of 9/11 National Day of Service and Remembrance
Congressional leaders met on July 14th at the U.S. Capitol to re-stitch the National 9/11 flag that was damaged in the aftermath of the collapse of the World Trade Center . The event also was the launch of the campaign for the 9/11 National Day of Service and Remembrance.` In support of the Tenth Anniversary, HandsOn Network has joined MyGood Deed to lead a coalition of national partners presenting this day of service. Visit their website for information on how you can participate.
Secretary Napolitano Releases Report On Fulfilling 9/11 Commission Recommendations
Seven years after the release of the 9/11 Commission report, Secretary of Homeland Security Janet Napolitano today released a Department of Homeland Security (DHS) report highlighting the significant progress that DHS, along with its many partners, have made in fulfilling specific recommendations by the 9/11 Commission to build a country that is stronger, safer and more resilient. Leading up to the 10th anniversary of the September 11th terrorist attacks, the report details advancements in strengthening and evolving the homeland security enterprise to better defend against evolving terrorist threats.
Moment of Remembrance on 9/11
With unanimous support, the U.S. Senate today approved a measure introduced by U.S. Senator Frank R. Lautenberg (D-NJ) calling on Americans to come together as a nation for a Moment of Remembrance at 1 p.m. EDT on September 11, 2011. The Moment of Remembrance will memorialize the 10th anniversary of the September 11th terrorist attacks across the country with a minute of reflection, marked by the ringing of bells, sounding of sirens and other actions to remember the victims.
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Students Perform In Cabaret For 10th Anniversary
The musical theater students at the Somerset Count Vocational and Technical High School (SVTHS) chose to make Voices of September 11th the recipient of the proceeds for this year's show. The evening's message was, "Tonight we remember the past, hope for the future and appreciate the present."
The end of the academic year marks the Somerset County Vocational and Technical High School's (SCVTHS) annual Cabaret-style fundraiser. The benefit, this year named, "There Will Be Light", was held at the Bridgewater Marriott Tuesday night. More.
Resilience for 9/11 Families and Survivors
The theme was "Resilience" for the fourth program in the 10th Anniversary of 9/11 series at the New Brunswick office of Voices of September 11th. The program featured Nicci Spinazzola, a licensed marriage and family therapist, professional counselor, and board-certified expert in trauma stress. Two additional speakers are scheduled for the upcoming months. More.
Mayor Rudolph Giuliani Keynote Speaker at VOICES Gala
VOICES hosted its 10th Annual Day of Remembrance Information Forum on Saturday, September 10th at the Marriott Downtown Hotel. VOICES hosted panel discussions, focus groups, 9/11 Living Memorial workshops, and exhibits of interest to 9/11 families, children, survivors rescue and recovery workers. On Sunday, September 11th we will host our Commemorative Luncheon at the Marriott Hotel, following the service at the 9/11 Memorial. More information will be available in the coming weeks. More.
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Join us for a Presentation at the Morgan Library on May 13th
Mary Fetchet, Founding Director of Voices of September 11th, Lt. Bill Keegan (RET.) of the Port Authority Police Special Operations after 9/11, Maureen McNeil of the Anne Frank Center and Christine Nelson of the Morgan Library will talk about the power of journal keeping and will encourage participants to document their experience as the anniversary approaches in a Panel Discussion at the Morgan Library on May 13th at 6:30 PM. Admission is free, but reservations are required. More.
NJ 9/11 Memorial Foundation Fundraiser Announcement
New Jersey 9/11 Memorial Foundation announces its "Empty Sky" Memorial Benefit Dinner hosted by NJ 101.5's Dennis Malloy and featured musical entertainment, Christian Hoff, Michael Longoria, Daniel Reichard and J. Robert Spencer - The Midtown Men - Four Stars from the Original Cast of Jersey Boys (not a performance of, not affiliated with the show Jersey Boys). This is a special performance by The Midtown Men who are proud to show their support in this effort to raise additional funds for the Empty Sky Memorial, which will be officially opened and dedicated on September 10, 2011. More.
Captain Egan 5K Run/Walk on May 15
The 5th Annual Captain Martin J. Egan, Jr. 5K Memorial Run/Walk will take place on Sunday, May 15, 2011 at 10:00am at the Midland Beach Picnic Area. (Tahter Capodanno BLVD. & Lincoln Ave.) in Staten Island, New York. Proceeds to benefit a scholarship in Marty's Name at Monsignor Farrell High School. More.
TD Bank Five Boro Bike Tour
On May 1, more than 30,000 cyclists will experience New York City from a perspective unlike any other: pedaling down 42 miles of car-free streets through all five boroughs, taking in views of iconic landmarks like the Empire State building, Brooklyn Bridge, historic Harlem, and the Statue of Liberty. More.
Speaker Series: Journaling as Means of Self Expression
Voices of September 11th is offering a Speaker Series to provide 9/11 families, survivors and rescue and recovery workers with a community of support while promoting self-expression, healing and resilience.
They will be held at the VOICES New Brunswick office at 84 Albany Street in New Brunswick. Additional Speakers will be announced. Refreshments will be served. More.
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9/11 Memorial Plans For Unidentified Remains
There have been recent news reports questioning the decision made many years ago regarding the inclusion of unidentified remains in the 9/11 Memorial Museum. Mary and Frank Fetchet joined with other 9/11 family members to create a joint letter which summarizes the thoughtful process that was guided by a wide range of family members over the course of many years. More.
A Caring Hand Spring Fundraiser – April 6
Spring arrives this weekend and next up on the calendar is the A Caring Hand, The Billy Esposito Foundation annual fundraising event on April 6th. We are returning to the spectacular Tribeca Rooftop for our tasting event with some favorite great restaurants from the past and some hot new ones. During the evening we are proud to honor some amazing New Yorkers with a special passion for our work with bereaved children and families. We will also have our live and silent auction and live music. More.
New York Says Thank You Film
The "New York Says Thank You" film which will be having its World Premier at the 2011 Tribeca Film Festival in Manhattan. To view the trailer of the film, go to the Tribeca site for the film, www.tribecafilm.com/filmguide/new_york_says_thank_you-film34428.html.
For more updates on premiers and screenings for the film click on: www.newyorksaysthankyoumovie.com.
9/11 Memorial Of Maryland
The state of Maryland will honor Maryland's victims, responders and their families at the Maryland 9/11 Memorial on the plaza of the World Trade Center in Baltimore's Inner Harbor. They have asked that Maryland residents review the names of those they plan to include and to advise them of any corrections. More.
Attorney General Announces Trial Venues
This afternoon Attorney General Eric Holder announced that he is referring the cases of the five 9/11 conspirators to the Department of Defense and the trials will proceed in a military tribunal. The press release is included below. If you have any questions, feel free to contact our office at 203-966-3911.
Homeland Security Committee Hold 9/11 Hearings
Last week, Mary Fetchet attended the Senate Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs Committee hearings chaired By Senator Joseph Lieberman and Senator Susan Collins. Governor Tom Kean and Congressman Lee Hamilton, Chairmen of the 9/11 Commission testified before the Committee. Although some progress has been made, the 9/11 Commissioners highlighted several areas that remain unresolved. As you know, these dedicated individuals remain committed to ensuring that the 9/11 Commission reforms are implemented. The link below includes their important testimony.
Memorial Plans for Unidentified Remains
There have been recent news reports questioning the decision made many years ago regarding the inclusion of unidentified remains in the 9/11 Memorial Museum. This prompted Frank and I to join with other 9/11 family members to create the following joint letter which summarizes the thoughtful process that was guided by a wide range of family members over the course of many years.
We recognize the sensitivity of this issue and would be happy to answer any questions you may have. More.
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FealGood Foundation Sponsors Zadroga Law Legal Forum
The Fealgood Foundation has announced that they are sponsoring the first in a series of legal forums on Sunday, March 20th at Queens College Kepferberg Hall from 10am to 2pm. The forum will educate first responders and their family members about the legislation in the Zadroga Law and what they need to know before the legislation opens for filing. Several law firms will be featured in the panel discussion.
This forum is the first in a series of meetings that will be organized by the Fealgood Foundation over the next several months. More.
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Bike Rider Pedals to Honor Classmates Lost On 9/11
For the first time, the TD Bank 5 Boro Bike Tour is offering participants the opportunity to "Ride For A Reason." Participant Anthony Saggese has 28 reasons - his fellow alumni at Xavierian High School in Bay Ridge, Brooklyn, who were lost on 9/11. Anthony is raising funds for VOICES in honor of these classmates when he participates in the 42 mile bike tour on May 1st. The school honors their fallen classmates each year on September 11th and has a tribute and eternal flame on the grounds of the school. Anthony said that he is reaching out to his fellow alumni to support him on his ride for VOICES. If you want to support his ride, Click Here.
Speaker Series in New Jersey VOICES' New Brunswick Office
VOICES is hosting a Speaker Series to help prepare 9/11 families, survivors and rescue and recovery workers for the tenth anniversary. Each of the presentations will focus on building a community of support while promoting self-expression, healing and resilience. All presentations will be held at our office at 84 Albany Street in New Brunswick, New Jersey.
Join us on Wednesday, March 30th from 1pm to 2:30pm to hear our first guest speaker, Victoria Roche, speak about journaling as a means of self-expression and freedom. Victoria is a licensed social worker and personal professional coach. Space is limited. Please contact Sheri Burkat at 732-543-2300 to make a reservation.
Volunteer For VOICES
Would you be interested in volunteering your time at VOICES? VOICES is expanding our volunteer program and is reaching out to our members to assist our staff in serving the 9/11 community. Do you have good computer skills or expertise in the area of photography, graphic design or journalism? Or would you like to help plan our community workshops and special events?
As we approach the tenth anniversary, the scope of VOICES' work continues to expand. Our volunteers make important contributions in assisting our staff in a variety of ways. Contact Frank Fetchet at 203-966-3911 or ffetchet@voicesofsept11.org.
9/11 Living Memorial Workshop Held at Sachem Library
Voices of September 11th sponsored a 9/11 Living Memorial Workshop at the Sachem Public Library last week. Family members and friends of those who perished in the attacks were offered the opportunity to assemble digital memorials of their loved ones at one of many similar workshops held annually in the Tri-State area and beyond by the nonprofit group.
The organization sponsors these one of a kind workshops as an integral part of their initiative. The 9/11 Living Memorial Project is a web-based archive that honors the nearly 3,000 lives lost and chronicles firsthand accounts of rescue workers and survivors. More.
9/11 Responders Remembered Committee Holds a
5K Walk
On Sunday, April 3, 2011, the "9/11 Responders Remembered" Committee will hold a 5K Walk at the Nesconset Gazebo. The walk will benefit the creation of a park that will commemorate the 9/11 responders who have died.
For more information, contact Rhonda Villamia at phoenixrjv@yahoo.com.
Harlem Wizards Basketball Game to Benefit
Bruce Simmons Scholarship Foundation
The Harlem Wizards will take on the teachers, policemen, firemen and other community leaders in Hackettstown, New Jersey in a benefit basketball game. Proceeds from the game will go to the athletic department at the Hackettstown High School and to a scholarship fund honoring Bruce Simmons, who played lineman on the football team. Bruce's sister, Missy Albergato, describes the 41 year-old partner at Sandler, O’Neil as someone who lived life to the fullest. The individual selected for the scholarship must play the position of lineman and write an essay on the topic of "what courage means to you." The game will take place at Hackettstown High School on Friday, April 29th at 7:00pm.
The Diary: Three Centuries of Private Lives
This new exhibit at the Morgan Library & Museum has an interesting connection to those in the 9/11 community. Bill Keegan, a retired Port Authority Police lieutenant, served as the PAPD Night Operations Commander at the WTC site and he has contributed his diary to the collection on display. His diary describes line by line what he was doing on a daily basis in the recovery effort. The day displayed is Christmas Eve, 2001 - when he was working at the site and also preparing to go to Midnight Mass. Lt. Steve Mona, NYPD (Ret) and H.E.A.R.T. 9/11 member, has also contributed his reflections. The exhibit will be on display through May 22nd at the Morgan Library & Museum, 225 Madison Avenue at 36th Street, www.themorgan.org. After 9/11, Bill founded H.E.A.R.T. 9/11 and has recently returned from their tenth Haiti deployment, where the organization built a health clinic for the Love A Child Orphanage and housing for the victims' families.
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VOICES Plans Its Spring Benefit
It isn't too early to be thinking about spring - and definitely not too early to start thinking about the Spring "Always Remember" benefit. We are still finalizing our plans and beginning to solicit donations for the auction, which is always a fun part of the event. If you can contribute an item for the auction - sporting event tickets, restaurant vouchers, theatre tickets, travel vouchers, gift certificates - please contact Stephanie Cowin at 203-966-3911 or scowin@voicesodsept11.org.
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Have you taken our survey yet?
Have you had a chance to take our survey yet? We are asking our members to tell us what they see their needs will be for the 10th Anniversary and ongoing by filling out our survey. Do you live outside the metropolitan area and need help with transportation arrangements for the 10th Anniversary commemorative events? Is there an issue or problem you would like addressed at our September 10th forum? Now is a good time to tell us what you think! More.
John D Solomon Emergency Preparedness Award
Mayor Michael R. Bloomberg and Office of Community Management (OEM) Commissioner Joseph R. Bruno announced the creation of a new emergency preparedness award to honor the late John D. Solomon at the graduation ceremony for 122 Community Emergency Response Team (CERT) volunteers on January 13, 2011. John Solomon was an active member of his team on Manhattan's Upper East Side. More.
Keep us up to date!
Have you moved, changed your phone number, or your email address recently? If you have, you may have been missing some of our communications. In the next year, having your contact information will be more important than ever. To update your information, please fill out your contact information on our survey or on our website. If you prefer, you could also call our office in New Canaan, 203-966-7959 or New Brunswick, 732-543-2299.
Rockland County 9/11 Memorial
The County of Rockland is reaching out to family members to invite them to see if they would like to change their loved one's photo currently displayed on the Memorial Panels in the Kiosk located by the September 11th Memorial. Black and white photos are preferred; however color photos may be used. They are asking that photos be sent to them by February 25th. Those families who have submitted photos for their Living Memorial can select one of those photos for the kiosk. If you have questions, you can call Michelle at VOICES at 203-966-3911 or the County of Rockland Environmental Resources office at 845-364-2670.
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Holiday Party on December 14th in New Brunswick, New Jersey
The holidays is a wonderful time to gather together! We were glad to see old friends and new ones at our annual holiday party in our NJ office. The party was hosted by our NJ staff and it gave us the opportunity to introduce our newest staff member, Sheri Burkat. A few family members brought additional photographs to include in the Living Memorial. We also celebrated the news that Jamie Hakim's daughter was born on December 13th! More.
Sheri Burkat Joins VOICES New Brunswick Office
Sheri joins us as the Program Director at VOICES' NJ office. In addition to her party planning skills, she is a licensed social worker. Although Sheri has only been with us a few weeks, she has already participated in Living Memorial workshops on Long Island and in NJ. Sheri will manage the NJ office and will provide direct services to families, survivors and first responders through support groups, Living Memorial workshops, case management and community outreach.
Living Memorial Workshop in Rockville Center
VOICES staff hosted workshops in the tri-state area including some new communities.
On November 30th, VOICES conducted its first Living Memorial workshop held at the Rockville Centre Public Library. Staff members from both the CT and NJ offices, as well as family member volunteers, participated in the workshops. A family member from the Rockville Centre community helped to organize the workshop for eighteen family members and friends in the area.
VOICES 2010 Year In Review Video - View Our Video
Our staff videographer Jean Garten, volunteered her time to prepare a short video to highlight some of VOICES activities. Our 2010 recap includes our Benefit with Tony Blair and Peter Yarrow, the September 10th Forum in NYC, the Best Practices conference at Rutgers University, a number of 9/11 Exhibits, and dozens of Living Memorial workshops in communities around the country. Thanks to the dedication and commitment of our staff, interns and volunteers we made significant accomplishments in 2010. Our thanks to Jean for putting the video together!
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9/11 Day of Remembrance Information Forum
On September 10th VOICES hosted our 9th Annual Always Remember Information Forum at the Marriott Downtown Hotel in New York City. The forum included an annual update from Alice Greenwald on the progress of the National September 11 Memorial & Museum, panel discussions, roundtables for families and service providers and exhibits of many of the 9/11 Living Memorial sites. Several family members spoke including: Jay Winuk of My Good Deed, Bonnie McEneaney author of Messages and Janice Hazelcorn from Camp Haze. Jeff Harness from "New York Says Thank You" displayed a 30 foot American Flag which survived the attacks on the World Trade Center. More
VOICES Rings the Closing Bell of the New York Stock Exchange on September 10, 2010
On the eve of the 9th anniversary VOICES rang the Closing Bell at the NYSE to commemorate the upcoming anniversary. Founding Director Mary Fetchet rang the closing bell and Thomas H. Kean, Former Governor of New Jersey and Chairman of the 9/11 Commission hit the gavel. Joining them at the podium was Duncan L. Niederauer, President and Co-Chief Operating of the NYSE; Andrew M. Sanchek, Vice Chairman and President of Keefe, Bruyette & Woods, Inc; 9/11 Family Members - Frank Fetchet, Alessandra Benedetti, Michael Murray, Bonnie McEneaney, Debbie McEneaney and Duane Orloske; VOICES Board Members Jeff Blumenfeld, John Gannon and Marvin Kabatznick; VOICES Staff Madeline Pace and Debbie Westfal. More
VOICES Always Remember 9/11 Exhibit in New Brunswick, NJ
VOICES co-hosted an Opening Reception of the Always Remember 9/11 Exhibit on September 16th at the Heldrich Hotel in New Brunswick. The exhibit event was a collaboration between the Brodsky Center for Innovative Editions, DEVCO, the Heldrich Hotel and Conference Center and VOICES. Special guests included the Honorable Thomas Kean, Former Governor of New Jersey. More
Volunteers Presented with VOICES 2010 Building Bridges Awards at the September 10th Forum
Each year VOICES recognizes individuals who have made a significant contribution to those impacted by 9/11 with a Building Bridges Award. This year three dedicated VOICES volunteers, Duane Orloske, Kate O'Brien and Alessandra Benedetti, who lost loved ones on 9/11, were presented with the 2010 Building Bridges Awards.
For several years they have traveled long distances to volunteer in a number of capacities at our office in New Canaan, CT. Their unique perspectives as family members and their special skills have helped guide the organization. Over the years they have become an extension of our staff and we are grateful for their dedication. Please join us in thanking Duane, Kate and Alessandra for their important contributions. Their commitment of time and talents is an inspiration to us all.
Diane Brudnicki and Seattle Students Present Artwork at VOICES Information Forum
Once again Dianne Brudnicki, an art teacher from Duvall, Washington and her students attended our Day of Remembrance Information Forum to deliver handmade artwork to the 9/11 families. This year Dianne was joined by four of her students - Karina Cohrs, Cindy Wang, Brianna O'Brien and Melissa Brink.
Following 9/11, Dianne Brudnicki and her students created artwork which they published in the book, "Message of Hope, Peace and Love", which we helped distribute to the 9/11 families. Over the years Dianne and her students have become an important part of our September 10th Information Forum, traveling from Seattle, Washington to New York City to present the 9/11 families with gifts of beautiful artwork and comfort.
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Shannon Yaskulka's Replication of the WTC Towers
When 12 year old Shannon Yaskulka was given the assignment to create a structure for her 6th grade school science fair, she immediately decided to create the Twin Towers of the World Trade Center in honor of her grandmother, Myrna Yaskulka, an employee of Fred Alger Management who perished on 9/11. Shannon replicated the Towers from newspapers and other recycled materials and wrote a brief narrative about the history of the World Trade Center. More
9th Annual September 11th Commemoration Ceremony
On July 9th, 2010 Mayor Bloomberg and the City of New York announced their plans for the 9th Annual September 11th Commemoration Ceremony. As in recent years the ceremony will take place at Zuccotti Park, adjacent to the World Trade Center site.
If you are a family member who would like to read names or would like to suggest a participant please contact cferer@cityhall.nyc.gov or call 212-442-8953 by Friday, August 6th. For more information and to read the letter in its entirety Click Here.
Scout Surge 9/11
Voices of September 11th is pleased to join the Boy Scouts of America as they celebrate their 100th anniversary, as well as the Flag of Honor Project in promoting National Days of Remembrance. Through the program Scout Surge we can teach our youth about those who were lost on 9/11 and the events of that day.
Scout Surge is a wonderful way to ensure future generations will "Always Remember". I hope you will visit the 9/11 Living Memorial Project to learn about the lives of these amazing people and the wonderful foundations and memorials that were created in their memory. More
Share your views on the plans for the Muslim Community Center
As you may have heard, plans to build a Muslim Community Center in Lower Manhattan, just a few blocks from the WTC site, progressed when the Landmark Preservation Commission denied granting the building landmark status. For those of you who are interested in sharing your thoughts with your elected officials, you can contact Mayor Bloomberg's office at www.nyc.gov/mayor or locate your Congressman or Senator at www.thomas.gov. We have included a brief survey and would appreciate if you would take a few moments to provide us with your thoughts on the issue. More
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VOICES 3rd Annual Always Remember Gala
VOICES announces our third annual Always Remember Benefit Former British Prime Minister Tony Blair will be the keynote speaker at the Voices of September 11th third annual Always Remember Benefit, to be held in New York City on Monday, June 14, 2010. President Bill Clinton is the Honorary Chairman. Doors open at 6 p.m. In addition to the keynote address by Tony Blair, the gala features a cocktail reception, silent auction, special guests and musical entertainment. More
Messages: Signs, Visits and Premonitions from
Loved Ones Lost on 9/11
Bonnie McEneaney, a member of VOICES’ Board of Directors and Co-Chair of the 3rd annual Always Remember Benefit will be on 20/20 tonight, June 18. Bonnie will be discussing her recently released book, entitled Messages: Signs, Visits and Premonitions from Loved Ones Lost on 9/11. Her book contains inspiring true stories about the spiritual and paranormal experiences of those who lost loved ones on 9/11. More.
Memorial Gazebo Dedication Ceremony
The members of the Rye September 11, 2001 Memorial, Inc. invite the Rye community to the dedication of the Memorial Gazebo on the Village Green, Sunday, June 6, at 4 p.m. This ceremony serves as a way of showing thanks to the generous community and the other dear friends and loved ones who have supported the group and cherish those lost on September 11. More.
VOICES Summer Interns
This month VOICES welcomes our summer interns! After a brief orientation, they began working on a range of projects, most importantly preparing for our third annual Always Remember Benefit. With their assistance the event was a big success! Following the event, our interns are preparing for the September anniversary events and assisting our staff. More.
Edward T. Keane Memorial Quilt
Family members shared this beautiful keepsake with VOICES staff during their 9/11 Living Memorial appointment on June 24th at the Public Safety Training Academy, Parsippany, NJ. Barbara Keane (wife of Edward T. Keane), daughter Cynthia Keane Polo, M.D. and granddaughter Maggie Polo, proudly display this lovely, hand-sewn quilt honoring the life and loves of Edward. More.
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TEAM VOICES Raises Funds in TD Bank Five Boro Bike Tour
On Sunday, May 2nd sixty-nine energetic cyclists from across the US and Canada rode on behalf of VOICES in the TD Bank Five Boro Bike Tour. Several cyclists participated in memory of loved ones lost on 9/11. In addition, members of various police and fire departments participated in honor of their fallen colleagues. More
9/11 Living Memorial Video
During the month of May, VOICES conducted a series of interviews with family members, rescue workers, and survivors to demonstrate our work on the 9/11 Living Memorial Project. Our thanks to 9/11 family members Carol Ashley, the Henwood Family, Jackie Mardikian, Meryl Mayo-Marshall, Bonnie McEneaney, Faith Miller, Duane Orloske, Jill Pila; survivor Victor Guarnera; John Duffy, Jacqueline Day, Thomas Michaud and Andrew Senchak; Alice Greenwald, and the VOICES staff. More.
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United Way recognizes VOICES Volunteer, Colleen McGinley
In celebration of National Volunteer Week, the United Way of Central Jersey hosted an Awards Presentation and Dinner Reception at Hess Corporate Center, Woodbridge, NJ. We are very proud that one of VOICES' dedicated volunteers, Miss Colleen McGinley, was recognized as a 2010 Hometown Hero by the United Way of Central Jersey for the work that she has done in our New Jersey office. More
The National Network for Social Work Managers
honors VOICES Founding Director
VOICES Founding Director, Mary Fetchet was presented a Special Recognition Award for Outstanding Leadership in Extraordinary Circumstances by the National Network for Social Work Managers. The two day conference, held at Fordham University was hosted by the 21st Annual Management Institute. More
VOICES celebrates the graduation of our
social work interns from Rutgers University
VOICES staff honored this years social work interns, from left to right, Marian Pho, Samantha Hampton, Vicky Fragasso and Sara Friedman. The celebration included homemade graduation caps, sharing memories of relationships forged, lots of laughter and of course, DESSERT! More
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Throughout the month of March, VOICES honored the lives of those who died, those who survived, and those who came to their rescue through a 9/11 Living Memorial Exhibit, which was held at the New Brunswick, NJ Free Public Library. The exhibit, entitled "September 11th: How We Remember" commenced with opening ceremonies on March 6th which included an interactive discussion between members of the 9/11 community and members of the New Brunswick community. More
VOICES hosted a Scholarship Forum at our New Brunswick, NJ office on March 23rd, where parents and students learned about scholarship opportunities and the application process. The event featured presentations by Ms. Rhianna Quinn Roddy, Executive Director of the Families of Freedom Scholarship Fund and Ms. Carolann Pierre-Morgan, Assistant Funds Manager at Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey. More
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Checks should be sent to: VOICES of September 11th
161 Cherry St.
New Canaan, CT 06840
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