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January 12, 2009
Dear Families and Friends,
Warm Regards, Mary and the Voices Staff
VOICES Programs and events
9/11 Living Memorial Workshop Schedule VOICES is putting together its workshop schedule for 2009. If you would like us to come to your neighborhood, please contact us so we can consider including it in our schedule for the coming year. For more information, or to register for the workshops below, contact Michelle Doherty at VOICES of September 11th, (203) 966-3911 or by e-mail to mdoherty@voicesofsept11.org. You can also schedule an individual Living Memorial appointment at our Connecticut office.
New Brunswick, New Jersey Date: Tuesday, January 27th Time: 11:00am to 5:00pm Location: New Brunswick Development Corporation (DEVCO), 120 Albany Street, Tower 1, 7th Floor, New Brunswick, New Jersey
KBW, New York
VOICES, New Canaan Date: Friday, February 6th Time: 10:00am to 3:00pm by Appointment Location: Voices of September 11th, 161 Cherry Street, Second Floor, New Canaan, CT
KBW, New York
Manhasset, New York
Teleconference Schedule: Voices of September 11th offers teleconference groups that are facilitated by our mental health professionals. The teleconference groups provide an opportunity for those impacted by 9/11 to talk with others that share their same experience. Please contact our office at (203) 966-3911 if you are interested in participating.
Tuesday, January 20th – Wives with No or Older Children Teleconference Group, 10:30am to 11:30am Tuesday, January 20th – Parents Teleconference Group, 3:45pm to 5:00pm Tuesday, January 20th – Rockland County Parents In Person Group, 7:00pm to 9:00pm
events and INFORMATION FOR THE 9/11 COMMUNITY
Innovative Fundraiser Benefits VOICES' Annual Appeal Jillian Rossi is a remarkable teenager. A senior at Lehigh Valley Charter High School, Jillian organized a fundraiser for VOICES of September 11th that raised nearly $800. It all began on September 11th, 2001, when Jillian realized that her beloved cousin might be at the World Trade Center. She and her family will never forget the panic they experienced. Fortunately, he was discovered safe and sound, but Jillian was so frightened and moved, she felt enormous sympathy for all those who were lost, and all those who loved them. Her heart is still with them, and New York.
She remained true to her dedication when the time came to conduct her graduation project. At first she thought about having a school assembly, but she very quickly realized raising funds for victims’ families would be more productive. After investigating various organizations, Jillian selected VOICES, and we are very grateful she did. A singer herself, Jillian enlisted the entertainment talent of Lehigh Valley Charter High School alum Kristen Morgenstern, another great singer, as well as local DJ Brian McKay and country artist Buddy B. She promoted the event on the radio, in church bulletins, and through word of mouth. The event was a huge success—sold out, with over 130 guests filling the hall.
In addition to the entertainment, an opening prayer was offered by Monsignor Edward Zemanik. The Mayor of Easton, Sal Panto, presented Jillian with a well-deserved commendation. As Mayor Panto said, and as Jillian firmly believes, we must never forget the people whose lives were lost that day. It’s easy to push these painful thoughts aside as time goes by, but the memories are important to preserve, to honor the victims and to try as best we can to prevent future disasters.
In the News
Contractor Reluctant to Answer Safety Questions about Deutsche Bank Fire James Abadie of Bovis Lend Lease is refusing to answer questions regarding conditions that may have led to the deaths of two firefighters in the 2007 Deutsche Bank fire. The City Council’s Committee on Lower Manhattan Redevelopment had called the contractor to a hearing in order to discuss possible errors before the fire and examine changes in procedures. However, Mr. Abadie did not want to participate, citing both former and current investigations into the fire by the Manhattan district attorney’s office. The committee chairman, Alan J. Gerson, expressed frustration with the refusal, stating safety practices need to be explored. Read more at the NY Times.
Artifact from Pentagon Attack Added to NM Memorial Park The 9/11 Memorial Park in Belen, New Mexico has added a 10,000 lb. limestone slab from the Pentagon to its display. The park, which has been nationally recognized by Life Magazine and others as one of the few 9/11 memorial parks outside cities directly affected, has an elaborate exhibit to honor lives lost, and the heroes who tried to save them. The Memorial has been spearheaded by a mother, Gloria Sanchez, whose son was a first responder to the Pentagon on 9/11. Read more at the Valencia County News-Bulletin.
Chertoff Describes Pressures of Fighting Terrorism In an interview with ABC News, outgoing Homeland Security Chief Michael Chertoff describes the personal burdens associated with protecting the country from terrorism and other disasters. To read more about the interview, visit ABC News.
Closing Guantanamo More Complex than Issuing an Executive Order While it appears that President-elect Barack Obama may well close the prison at Guantanamo Bay by executive order immediately upon assuming office, as a practical matter, disbanding the facility may take as long as a year. Officials will have to transfer 248 prisoners to other countries and make many legal decisions, including how to try suspects.
VOICES Director Mary Fetchet featured in USA Today Mary Fetchet, VOICES of September 11th founding director, was featured this week in USA Today —one of several 9/11 family members interviewed regarding President George W. Bush’s legacy as he leaves office, as well as their personal transformations after 9/11. To read the article, visit USA Today.
Victims’ Families Pursue Release of Documents on 9/11 Security Failures Three families who are pursuing wrongful death and injury lawsuits in connection with the deaths of their relatives on 9/11 have asked Judge Alvin K. Hellerstein of Federal District Court in Manhattan to release millions of documents they say will shed light on aviation security failures that day. The documents were obtained from the airlines, security firms and others being sued by the families. Lawyers for the plaintiffs wrote: “The public ought to know about the breakdowns in aviation security that allowed four commercial planes to become weapons of mass destruction.” The release of these documents, as in other cases, has aroused debate, pitting the public’s right to know against security concerns. For more, read the NY Times.
Red Cross Provides Advice for Attendees of Presidential Inauguration The American Red Cross is providing detailed preparedness information and helpful links for the millions expected to attend Barack Obama’s presidential inauguration next week. To plan your visit, visit the Red Cross.
Guantanamo Detainee Tortured, States Trial Overseer Susan J. Crawford, a Bush Administration official who decides whether Guantanamo detainees will come to trial, discussed US treatment of Mohammed Al Qahtani, who has been dubbed September 11th’s "20th hijacker.” She said: "His treatment met the legal definition of torture." Read more at the Washington Post.
NYC Fire Department and IBM Create Central Databank for Building Safety The 2007 Deutsche Bank fire that resulted in the deaths of two firefighters has led to the creation of a central databank for all New York City (NYC) building and safety information. The databank came about through a partnership between the NYC Fire Department and IBM. The hope is that firefighters will eventually have quick access to all pertinent information when they inspect buildings or enter them during a fire. The databank should also serve as a model for other fire departments throughout the nation. Read more at Newsday.
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