January 12, 2009

Dear Families and Friends,

Happy New Year to you and your family from all of us at VOICES!  We hope you had a wonderful holiday and look forward to our work together in 2009.  Over the holidays I had an opportunity to reflect about our key accomplishments in 2008, which I would like to share with you.  
 
Last year we were honored to meet with hundreds of 9/11 families as they participated in our 9/11 Living Memorial Project workshops in Connecticut, New Jersey, New York and other locations.  Our staff provided families with individual support and guidance as they participated in the healing process of creating a meaningful tribute to their loved ones.    
 
In addition, we continued to advocate for implementation of the 9/11 Commission recommendations.  Our efforts included supporting national campaigns - to promote September as Preparedness Month and educate the public about the February 2009 digital transition that will free up critical radio spectrum so first responders can communicate during an emergency.  
 
Finally, we remained committed to our core mission of providing programs that address the ongoing needs of the 9/11 community - through our weekly e-newsletter, facilitating weekly teleconference support groups, providing mental health programs and hosting special events.  In May we held our first fundraising Gala, hosted by our friend, NBC Nightly News Brian Williams.  Former Chairman of the 9/11 Commission, Governor Tom Kean and ESPN's Chris Berman were our special guests.  
 
In partnership with the National September 11 Memorial Museum we hosted our seventh annual September 10th Information Forum and September 11th Commemorative Luncheon in New York City.  President Bill Clinton, Governor George Pataki and Governor David Patterson were among our honored guests during the two day event.  
 
As we look ahead to 2009, VOICES is one of the few remaining organizations which supports the needs of the 9/11 community. Our goals for the coming year are ambitious - to broaden our outreach for the 9/11 Living Memorial Project; to promote the recommendations of the 9/11 Commission and WMD Commission and expand our support of the 9/11 community, including the international community.  A recent development in 2009 is our partnership with the Clinton Global Initiative.  VOICES efforts to create the 9/11 Living Memorial Project is the spotlight feature this month on the CGI website. Our partnership formalizes VOICES commitment over the next three years - to profile each victim of the attacks and broaden our outreach at home and abroad.  We hope that the CGI partners, including foundations and corporations will support our commitment through financial support or in-kind resources.  
 
How can you help support our efforts in 2009? During this challenging and unpredictable economic time, the financial support of our membership is more important than ever.  If you haven't already done so, please consider making a personal contribution to support our programs.  Donations can be made online or by mail to Voices of September 11th, 161 Cherry Street, New Canaan, CT 06840. In today's newsletter we are highlighting the heartwarming efforts of Jillian Rossi, a remarkable young woman from Easton, PA who raised almost $800. We are indebted to Jillian for her generosity that will support VOICES work.  
 
All of us at VOICES extend our best wishes for 2009 and our heartfelt thanks to those who have supported our annual appeal.  We welcome your involvement in our 2009 fundraising campaign to support the 9/11 Living Memorial Project, along with any suggestions on individuals, foundations or corporations who may be interested in sponsoring our programs in the coming year.    

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
Date: Thursday, January 29th for KBW families
Time: 10:00am to 5:00pm by Appointment
Location: Keefe, Bruyette & Woods, 787 7th Avenue, Fourth Floor, New York, NY

KBW, New York
Date: Thursday, February 12th for KBW families
Time: 10:00am to 5:00pm by Appointment
Location: Keefe, Bruyette & Woods, 787 7th Avenue, Fourth Floor, New York, NY

Manhasset, New York
Date: Tuesday, February 17th
Time: 11:00am to 5:00pm by Appointment
Location: Manhasset Public Library, 30 Onderdonk Avenue, Manhasset, NY 11030

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 13th: Parents AM Group 11:00am to 12:15pm

Thursday, January 15th: Siblings PM Group 3:00pm to 4:00pm

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

9/11 Firefighter with PTSD Fired for Failed Drug Test

John Schroeder, a firefighter for Engine Company 10 who responded to both the 1993 World Trade Center bombing and the September 11th, 2001 attacks, has been fired for failing a drug test and is now fighting to keep his pension. Mr. Schroeder, who was diagnosed with post-traumatic stress disorder due to his experiences on 9/11 and is currently suffering from lung disease he believes was caused by exposure to “the pile” at Ground Zero, denies drug use. While he acknowledges drinking to excess after 9/11, Mr. Schroeder says he has been sober for a year and that the drug test was flawed. Mr. Schroeder is one of several firefighters whose pensions are now threatened due to failed drug tests. While many colleagues are sympathetic, the Fire Department maintains a zero tolerance policy for drug test failures.

Read more at the NY Post.

Reality TV Showcases Homeland Security

ABC has begun airing a new reality series entitled “Homeland Security USA.” The program follows border patrol and customs officials as they engage in their duties, and is prescreened by the Department of Homeland Security. Critics have concerns the program may provide an unbalanced picture of the state of homeland security, focusing on the strengths of the system, but not the weaknesses.

Learn more at:

The NY Times
National Public Radio

Judge’s Order May Limit Public’s Access to Key Guantanamo Trial

Military Judge Stephen R. Henley has signed a protective order that may prevent the public from learning much about the Guantanamo Bay trial of 5 men (including Khalid Sheik Mohammed) accused of planning the September 11th 2001 terrorist attacks. The order, designed to protect classified information, is extremely broad, and therefore likely to limit public scrutiny of the trial. Some human rights groups are concerned the order may affect the openness of trials in the future. The judge may be willing to modify the order and has asked for briefs on the issue by counsel in the case.

Read more at the Washington Post.

Leon Panetta Selected as C.I.A. Chief

In a move that at first surprised many observers, President-elect Barack Obama has chosen Leon Panetta to be the new Director of the Central Intelligence Agency. Obama said his choice affirms his commitment to the Geneva Conventions, and his opposition to torture, in dealing with suspected terrorists and other prisoners captured overseas. Panetta, a former congressman and White House Chief of Staff, has little direct intelligence experience, but initial resistance to his appointment may now be softening.

Read more at:

Bloomberg News
The NY Times

Khalid Sheikh Mohammed on Trial in France for 2002 Bombing

The alleged mastermind of the 9/11 attacks, Khalid Sheikh Mohammed, is now on trial in France, along with two other men, for the 2002 suicide bombing of a Tunisian synagogue. Mohammed, who is being tried in absentia since he is currently imprisoned by the US government at Guantanamo Bay, is accused of commanding and financing the bombing.

Read more at GlobalSecurity.org.

September 11th Memorial May Be Ready in Time for Anniversary

The September 11th Memorial may be open in time for the 10th anniversary of the 9/11 attacks, according to Joseph Daniels, chief executive of the National September 11th Memorial & Museum, the nonprofit that is leading the project.  However, the Port Authority of New York & New Jersey, which owns the site, is not as optimistic.

Read more at Crain’s New York:

Transition to Digital TV Causing Confusion

There have been many stories in the newspapers in recent days about the possibility of delaying the planned February 17, 2009 transition to digital television. Although a majority of Americans know the transition to digital TV is scheduled to take place, many are confused by the details, and mistaken in their understanding of what they need to do. VOICES advocated for this transition, which is among the vital recommendations of the 9/11 Commission, and will improve government communications during an emergency. Well-functioning communications systems are essential to our safety during an emergency and have become a focus of VOICES’ advocacy efforts.

 
We therefore ask you to ensure your household is ready to make the transition.  If your household is among the estimated 19 million households with 44 million non-digital television sets, you will have to take action to keep watching. Here is what you need to do:

 
• If you get TV from a cable, satellite or telephone company, your provider should handle the conversion for you.  

• If not, check your television set for labels such as "DTV," "ATSC" or any indication that your set has digital reception. If your TV is less than 10 years old, it may be equipped for digital reception. If you bought your TV after March 1, 2007, you don’t need to worry.  

• If you have an analog set and don't want to buy a new one, you can buy a converter box to translate the digital signal back to analog. The converter box costs between $50 and $70 and should be widely available where TVs are sold. The good news is that with the converter box, your picture will improve significantly. And the government is making up to two $40 coupons available per household for those who need help to buy the converter boxes. To find out more about the coupons, call 888-388-2009 or go to the the Government's DTV website. Additional information on the transition is available at DTV.  

Cast Your Vote for September 11 as National Day of Service

My Good Deed, an organization devoted to encouraging good deeds in honor of 9/11 victims and heroes, is hoping September 11th will become a National Day of Service. Toward this end, they are asking people to cast their vote for this idea at President-elect Obama’s transition website, Change.gov. For more information, visit www.mygooddeed.org.

Charges Filed in Deutsche Bank Tower Fire

John Galt Corp. and three of its supervisors have been indicted on manslaughter and other charges in connection with the deaths of two firefighters who died in 2007 trying to extinguish the blaze at the Deutsche Bank building in lower Manhattan. Prosecutors have also reached an agreement with the City of New York to implement new fire safety measures. Read more:

The New York Times

CNN

Convictions in Fort Dix Terrorism Case
Five men were convicted of conspiring to kill US soldiers at Fort Dix in 2007, although they were acquitted of murder charges. For more information:

NY Times

Time Magazine

Flight 93 Families Want Bush to Take Land for 9/11 Memorial
The advocacy organization Families of Flight 93 has asked President Bush for his help in securing the land needed for a memorial to their loved ones, who died when their plane, hijacked by terrorists on 9/11, crashed in Shanksville, PA. The crash site is considered sacred ground, since many of the victims’ remains were never recovered; even today, without a formal memorial, 140,000 people visit the grounds every year. President Bush has called Flight 93 "the first victory" in the war on terrorism, since passengers on the doomed flight did all they could to prevent additional tragedy. However, issues regarding the land have been bogged down in red tape.For more information, visit the Washington Post.