Archive for December, 2008
Brother-2-Brother An Evening of Laughter 1/9
Monday, December 29th, 2008Friday, January 9, 2009
7:00 PM - 9:00 PM
An Evening of Laughter
Ha! Comedy Club
163 West 46th Street @ 7th Avenue
Tickets are only $20 each*
Free Beer Stein with Admission
Hosted By: Billy Bingo
Featuring: Les Degen ~ Danny Lofaro ~ Rob White
Headlined By: Jim Mendrenos
Buy your tickets today at: http://www.adamsangels.org/comedy_files/eveningoflaughter.htm
Email: adamsangels@gmail.com to purchase tickets- please include your phone number and firehouse so that someone can get back to you.
100% of the ticket price will be donated to the Brother-2-Brother initiative (providing support for those suffering from various illnesses because of the time they selflessly spent at the WTC site & our heroic troops who are fighting the ongoing War on Terror to protect the freedoms we sometimes take for granted). Together, Adam’s Angels in partnership with the SSGT Chris Engeldrum FDNY Veterans of Foreign War Post #12033 and the NYC Firefighter Brotherhood Foundation, Inc., we will make sure that those who put others first are always taken care of and that their sacrifices are never forgotten.
*Plus a 2-drink club minimum. The entire ticket price is tax deductible to the fullest extent of the law.
Brother-2-Brother, a brand new initiative created by Adam’s Angels in partnership with the SSGT Chris Engeldrum FDNY Veterans of Foreign Wars Post #12033 & NYC Firefighter Brotherhood Foundation, Inc.
The Brother-2-Brother initiative will provide support for those suffering from various illnesses because of the time they selflessly spent at the World Trade Center site & our heroic troops who are fighting the ongoing War on Terror to protect the freedoms we sometimes take for granted. Together, we will make sure that those who put others first are ALWAYS taken care of and that their sacrifices are NEVER forgotten.
Adam’s Angels* Brother-2-Brother Partners:
NYC Firefighter Brotherhood Foundation, Inc. is dedicated to the brotherhood of firefighting and the tradition that no man is left behind. Please visit: www.nycfirefighterfoundation.org for more information.
SSGT Chris Engeldrum FDNY Veterans of Foreign Wars Post #12033 was started by veterans of the FDNY with SSGT Engeldrum as their memorial namesake. Please visit: www.fdnyvfw.com for more information.
*Adam’s Angels have never and will never directly accept donations. However, we work tirelessly to help promote and raise funds for various causes that we believe in to help keep the memory of firefighter Adam D. Rand (FDNY Squad 288 & Bellmore Volunteer Fire Department) alive. Adam was killed on September 11, 2001 while saving others. Please visit our main website: www.adamsangels.org for more information.
“The world is a dangerous place, not because of those who do evil, but because of those who look on and do nothing.” –Albert Einstein
RE-GIFTING SEASON BEGINS TODAY
Friday, December 26th, 2008Now that all the wrapping paper and boxes are out for recycling we can really see what we got this year.
We are sure that there is something there that’s just not right.
Now you have 3 choices.
You can spend a few hours on the return line (if you have a receipt).
You can toss it in the closet where it will remain until you either run out of room and it winds up in the trash
Or you can give it to us and we will make sure that it either gets to someone who needs it or that it will be put to good use.
Through the Re-Gifting for a Good Cause Program
Clothes and toys will go to needy families
CD’s and DVD’s will go to soldiers in Military Hospitals
Everything else will be sold at a Flea Market and the proceeds will go to fund Where to Turn Programs such as the “Snow Shoveling for Seniors” and the “Changing the Face of Staten Island” Graffiti Removal programs.
Last year we collected over 2,500 items and this season we distributed over 1,200 toys.
Just drop an item off at any of our drop off points listed below.
To learn how you can become a drop off point or get your school or organization more involved contact us at info@where-to-turn.org or visit our website at www.where-to-turn.org
Thank you in advance for your support
Dennis
Re-Gifting Drop Off Locations
Where to Turn
150-L Greaves Lane #312
Staten Island, NY 10308
Senator Andrew Lanza
3845 Richmond Ave 2nd Floor
Staten Island, NY 10312
Assemblywoman Janele Hyer-Spencer
586B Midland Ave.
Staten Island, NY 10306
Assemblyman Michael Cusick
1911 Richmond Ave
Staten Island, NY 10314
Assemblyman Lou Tobacco
4062 Amboy Road
Staten Island, NY 10308
Project Hospitality
100 Park Avenue
Staten Island, NY 10302
Historic Richmond Town
3rd County Courthouse
441 Clarke Avenue
Staten Island, NY 10306
Rabs Country Lanes
1600 Hylan Blvd
Staten Island, NY 10305
A & T Bagels
4300 Amboy Road
Staten Island, NY 10312
Community Board #3
655-218 Rossville Avenue
Staten Island, NY 10309
Dr. Carol Freund
Bethany Commons Building One, Suite 10A
Hazlet, NJ 07733 732-739-1773
(located at Rt.35 and Bethany Road/ across from K-Mart and
Toys-R-Us/Garden State exit 117)
Civic and Community Responsibility into 2009
Thursday, December 25th, 2008Never doubt that a small group of thoughtful, committed citizens can change the world. Indeed, it is the only thing that ever has.
Margaret Mead
We have always felt that Staten Island was years ahead of the rest of the country in this effort but according to the statistics shared New York ranks as one of the lowest states in citizen involvement and volunteerism.
We at Where to Turn are going to double our efforts in an attempt to rectify this situation.
Through our Where to Turn Community Circle Initiative (http://www.where-to-turn.org/phpBB2/viewforum.php?f=80) we will be reaching out to all our local schools civic groups, community boards and elected officials to recruit volunteers into our current programs and support of the volunteer efforts by posting their events.
We have also proposed programs at the National level to both Senator Clinton and Schumer (see below for details)
For a list of all of our Where to Turn Programs go to
http://www.where-to-turn.org/phpBB2/index.php?c=18For additional volunteer opportunities go to
http://www.where-to-turn.org/phpBB2/viewforum.php?f=26We have already reached out to all of our local elected officials through our Campaigning for our Community Program asking candidates to offer their campaign workers of a day of community work.
We will continue to work with our court ordered offenders through our weekly graffiti cleanups but we will also work with any school to coordinate additional cleanups.
We also will ask all Staten Island Schools to adopt a block in their neighborhood and keep it graffiti and litter free. Where to Turn will supply the paint and supplies.
We are currently recruiting volunteers for this year’s Snow Shoveling for Seniors Program.
Last year we shoveled for over 625 seniors and this year our goal is 750.
Information and applications can be found at
http://www.where-to-turn.org/phpBB2/viewforum.php?f=42We will also be planning our Re-Gifting for a Good Cause Flea Market and will need volunteers. We are also asking schools if they can begin supporting the effort by collecting unwanted gifts. We are also looking for some new toys to be distributed over the Holidays. We will arrange pick up at your convenience.
We have also passed on the following to our elected officials
National Recommendations
Proactive Support
Instead of waiting to coordinate efforts after hurricanes hit we recommend that schools and churches in non hurricane regions adopt schools and churches in hurricane regions or regions impacted by other natural disasters.
This will develop a proactive relationship. If a hurricane should hit our local school or church would have a contact at the hurricane impacted school or church and would be able to coordinate the collection of what is needed.
This could also be expanded to community groups and police departments, fire departments etc.
Where to Turn will arrange to cover the shipping costs by recruiting corporate sponsors. The coordination of the shipping will be expedited as all information would already be on file.
Recruiting Retiree Volunteers
Set up a federal or state fund which will support medical benefits to recent retirees who volunteer at least 20 hours a week at not for profits or schools.
This will supply valuable resources while cutting the payrolls of not for profits while provided medical benefits for those who have lost them when they retired.
Where to Turn is ready to coordinate a pilot program on Staten Island.
Volunteerism = Financial Aid
Have Colleges and Universities (especially at the state and city level) offer financial aid based on the amount of community service hours incoming students have accumulated over their pre college years.
Local organizations can be set up to track and document student volunteer hours
Injured Soldiers Benefits
Both candidates spoke of the problem of recruiting and retaining soldiers in the military.
One of the major problems is the pathetic treatment of injured veterans (both mentally and physically) when they return home.
Even though this was newsworthy last year little has been done and the injured vets continue to suffer.
Our proposal is that a certain percentage of each year’s military budget be dedicated to the treatment of returning soldiers.
If we dedicate even 3 to 5 percent we will have more than enough the properly treat the needs of those who have given up.
I believe that last year the only 1/10 of 1% of the total military budget went to veteran benefits. That is a disgrace.
In times of war as the military budget increases we will be able to bank funds to assist vets when they return.
We welcome your participation and suggestions.
Dennis McKeon
Executive Director
150-L Greaves Lane # 312
Staten Island, NY 10308
718-966-6531
THANK YOU FOR MAKING A LITTLE CHRISTMAS MAGIC
Wednesday, December 24th, 2008We just got back from dropping off the last of the toys.
In total we distributed nearly 1,200 toys to needy families and organizations including
Project Hospitality
The Daughters of Africa
New Hope Community Church
Staten Island University Hospital
The Latino Civic Association
The Staten Island Family Service Preventive Program
We would like to once again thank St. Johns, Notre Dame High School, Dr. Costagliola and everyone else who donated the toys.
Through contributions from Chuck Weitzel (The Free Lighting Corp) and the Guarino Family we were also able to distribute $1,500 worth of movie tickets and gift cards.
Through all your efforts we were able to make Christmas just a little bit better for some of those in need.
Thanks again and Merry Christmas to all.
Dennis
P.S. Hope we can count on you to make the Re-Gifting Program as successful (click below for details)
NYC Council Invite
Tuesday, December 23rd, 2008December 23, 2008
Dear New Yorker,
On behalf of the New York City Council and our Black, Latino and Asian Caucus, I would like to invite you to City Hall on Tuesday, January 20, 2009, at 9:30 a.m. to view the historic moment that President-elect Barack Obama is sworn into office. City Hall will open its doors to all New Yorkers on Inauguration Day. Even though we cannot all be in Washington, DC, that day, we may still come together to view this historic event.
Voter turnout in the 2008 election was a record high. Enthusiasm about Obama’s election has continued to grow since then, creating significant interest in the inauguration and the work that lies ahead for his administration. Recognizing that during these difficult financial times many New Yorkers may be unable to make the trip to our nation’s capital for the inauguration, the Council will open our side of City Hall to the public for this special occasion.
Doors will open at 9:30 a.m. The inaugural ceremony traditionally begins around 10 a.m. and lasts for about two hours. The Council will have big screen televisions set up in the Council Chambers, the Committee Room, and the Rotunda.
All New Yorkers are welcome! Space is limited, though, so please RSVP by January 16th to 212-442-1649 or via email to events@council.nyc.gov.
Thank you.
Sincerely,
Christine C. Quinn
Speaker
New York City Council
OCME WTC DNA Report 1 December 2008 and PHR Reconciliation 1 December 2008
Thursday, December 18th, 2008Attached are the OCME WTC DNA Report dated 1 December 2008 and the PHR Reconciliation Report dated 1 December 2008.
The total number of PHR recovered is now 1773.
Public Affairs
Fax: 212 447 2755
http://www.where-to-turn.org/phpBB2/viewtopic.php?t=46259
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THE ABC’S OF BUDGET CUTS SHOULD NOT INCLUDE FDNY
Saturday, December 13th, 2008I attended the rally today as Staten Islanders tried to convince the mayor to save Engine 161 which is vital to the safety of the residents of South Beach and the surrounding areas.
I listened to each speaker give their reasons for keeping the firehouse open.
One after the other they stated one good reason after another.
On the other hand the only reason for closing it according to the Mayor was that the budget could not afford it.
The fact of the matter is that there are a myriad of agencies that should be cut long before we hit the FDNY or the NYPD.
The problem is these services are staffed by hard working New Yorkers while the other agencies are top heavy with politically appointed executives drawing six figure salaries.
God help us if they should lose their jobs.
The bottom line is when it comes to the ABC’s of cost cutting it always appears that the FDNY and the NYPD are the first hit.
How about looking at the rest of the alphabet?
You can start with the LMDC.
This agency created by the city and the state to distribute $3 Billion in federal aid to develop Lower Manhattan
Well one only has to look at the great job they have done at Ground Zero to see how well that went.
And even after the money was distributed and they created another alphabetic agency (the LMDCC) to manage the work which is also being managed by the PA which continues to pay Silverstein $300,000 a day in fines because they keep missing their deadlines the LMDC still exists.
And what is even worse is that we are paying the LMDC salaries to the tune of $4.2 million a year and that doesn’t even include what we are paying for the LMDCC.
Over $4 million a year to an agency that has spent nearly a billion dollars on the dismantling of the Deutsche Bank Building and it still stands and has taken the lives of 2 brave firefighters in the process.
Lets not stop at the LMDC we can go to the TBA which can spend millions on changing names of bridges or the MTA which totally mismanages its operations and investments and comes back to the tax payers to foot the bill.
The list goes on and on.
Does anyone remember the great job they did with OTB? But that’s another story.
When asked why these execs get paid so much we are told that they need to be to pull qualified people from corporate America.
Well there are a lot more execs from corporate America looking for work right now.
Shut down the LMDC, cut the city and state agencies at the executive level and pay the auditors more to eliminate the slush funds and corruption inherent in the system.
That’s where the mayor and governor should start.
Not with Engine 161 because the last time I looked when these agencies don’t do their jobs it costs us money.
When firefighters and police officers can’t do their jobs it costs lives.
It’s as simple as ABC.
Dennis
Please Sign On
Petition to Keep Engine 161 Operational 24 Hours a Day 7 Days a Week
http://www.petitiononline.com/Save161/petition.html
THE WHERE TO TURN COMMUNITY CIRCLE
Wednesday, December 10th, 2008As most of you know Where to Turn grew out of the St. Clare’s WTC Outreach Committee
Put together to try to help the families of victims of 9/11 we have been working for the past seven years to assist in any way we can.
Our common sense and open minded approach has enabled us to work with many organizations and even get some things done.
Even in the worst of times we saw people come together and support each other.
We continued to use what we learned after 9/11 and have helped victims of major disasters such as Katrina and Rita as well as smaller issues such as shoveling for seniors and graffiti cleanups on Staten Island.
Our websites have attracted nearly 250,000 visitors and has links to over 800 support organizations as well as over a dozen Where to Turn programs that have been developed over the past seven years.
Next spring we will be bringing forth our detailed plans for the Hearts and Hands Memorial which will be the permanent home for the United in Memory 9/11 Victims Memorial Quilt as well as a peaceful and serene 21,000 square foot memorial garden and a Corridor of Memories with photos honoring all of those lost on and as a result of 9/11.
Over the years we have met and worked with many organizations, schools, religious institutions, government agencies, civic and community groups, media outlets and elected officials.
Beginning next year we will begin a pilot program called “The Where to Turn Community Circle”
The goal of the circle is to bring members of the various groups that we work with to discuss and address everyday issues.
Using the same approach that was used after 9/11 we hope to be able to address these issues with open discussions and common sense solutions.
Bringing together people from all ages, races, religions and walks of life we hope to offer a unique form for people to voice their concerns and work on solutions.
Unlike other groups this one will be open to all.
The pilot program will focus on the needs of Staten Island but we hope to develop a template that other will be able to follow.
If you would like to join us as we develop our “Community Circle” please contact us at dennis.mckeon@where-to-turn.org or call us at 718-966-6531 if you have any questions.
The great thing about a circle is that it does not have an end.
We hope our “Community Circle” follows that lead as participating youth become or middle age support and our senior brain trust and then everything old will become new again with the next waive of participants.
We would appreciate your comments or feedback and look forward to having you join our circle.
Please pass this on
Dennis