Important Notice: Final Report of the WTC Funding is now available. This 60+ page book contains color photos of daffodil projects and chronicles activities that helped us cope and deal with the aftermath of 9/11. To obtain a free copy of the report please contact Lucille Buergers.
In the aftermath of the events of 9/11/01, Eastern Suffolk BOCES Student Assistance Service was awarded a grant to assist schools and communities to cope and recover. The New York State Office of Alcohol and Substance Abuse Services (OASAS), whose particular concern is the prevention of alcohol and substance abuse, provided funding for the project. When times are stressful alcohol and other drug use usually increases. However, knowing from research that there are things that can help people overcome adversity and rebound from difficult circumstances OASAS allocated the funds to try to provide relief and outlets for the expression of sorrow, anger, and the whole myriad of feelings that we were all experiencing. The SAS felt fortunate to have the opportunity to do something even though uncertain that anything could truly provide help after such horrific events. We were all impacted whether it was directly through the loss of someone we knew or by the witnessing of the tragedy itself. Most of us have never and hopefully will never experience anything like it ever again. This report represents some of the work that was done to attempt to help our schools and communities get through this difficult time.
9/11 Funding Status Report
As a result of the grant that Eastern Suffolk BOCES Student Assistance Service was awarded a committee was created to assist schools and communities in the aftermath of the horrific events of 9/11/01. This committee was known as the 9/11 Committee for Action and Resources in Education (C.A.R.E. 9/11). One of the Committee's recommendations was that schools and communities join together in planting daffodil bulbs in remembrance and renewal, a lasting tribute to all those who died and a representation of hope for the future. After the purchase and distribution of 100,000 bulbs to schools, veterans groups, and community organizations the project took off and spawned over 120 community/school gardens. To date many commemorative activities have taken place and it is anticipated that there will continue to be a need to do so as various occasions arise that remind us of that fateful day. This would include such things as the annual observance of the anniversary date or upon completion of the rebuilding of the WTC site. It is helpful to use such events as opportunities for reflection and remembrance. As time goes on and the healing process progresses other ways to express feelings and thoughts about the experience will emerge. More importantly, through our actions we show that we will never forget and that the idea of hope remaining eternal is imparted to our children and to future generations.
We encourage schools and other community groups to continue to engage in activities such as the Daffodil Project. Each year the blooming flowers represent hope, renewal, and reflection, a living memorial to all who perished at the World Trade Center, the Pentagon, and in Pennsylvania. We continue to receive photos of gardens and will periodically post new photos on our WebPages.
In Remembrance: Glen Kerrin Pettit
Glen was a 30-year-old NYC Police officer assigned to the department's Video Production Unit. He was videotaping the catastrophe at the World Trade Center for future use in training and as possible evidence when he was tragically killed. He grew up in Ronkonkoma and graduated from Connetquot High School and later the NY Technical Institute in Westbury. Glen attended the BOCES Technical Center in Bellport where he first developed an appreciation and a knack for photography. His expertise in the field enabled him to freelance regularly for the NY Times, Newsday, and News 12 Long Island. Known for his commitment to public service he was a volunteer fireman since the age of 16 serving with the Lakeland and West Sayville Fire Departments. Glen will always be remembered for his great sense of humor, passion for his work, and devotion to family and friends. The framed collage of Glen hangs in his memory at the Brookhaven Technical Center.
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