By John C. O'Connell
On hand for the ceremonies were family members of one of the victims of Sept. 11, as well as elected officials, school district staff, students, corporate and community supporters and World Trade Center Remembrance Memorial committee members.
Valerie Caufield, widow of Robert Caufield, who was killed while working as an electrician on 95th floor of Tower One when the attacks began, was there with Robert's sister, Pat Fennelly.
"I think it's terrific that there's going to be a memorial right here in Valley Stream," Valerie said at the site, "because he just loved Valley Stream."
"And it's wonderful especially that's it's here," said Pat, "where everybody can see. We're so happy for the support we've received from Valley Stream."
Soon after the tragic events of Sept. 11, the family formed the Robert Caufield Scholarship Fund for the purpose of helping students of Central High School who are studying in a trades program. Robert was a Central High graduate, class of 1970. Donations have enabled three students so far to receive scholarship assistance. The Caufield Fund also made a $5,000 contribution to the planned World Trade Center Remembrance Plaza at Peninsula and Gibson.
Allan Kroningold, chairman of the World Trade Center Remembrance Memorial committee that is planning the project, said an artist's rendering of the memorial site done by the Spector Group will be available for the committee to review within two weeks.
Anthony Nozzolillo, executive vice president of KeySpan Energy, was on hand for the unveiling. KeySpan was responsible for obtaining tax-exempt status for the site and is sponsoring the WTC Remembrance Memorial by pledging $10,000 for its development.
"We are taking a very special interest in this project," Nozzolillo said, "because the KeySpan family lost 50 of their loved ones and, accordingly, we are committed to this community. We will never forget it."
Sal Russo of A. Russo Wrecking, Inc., of Lawrence, said his firm was the first contractor at ground zero, and they acquired a steel beam that will be used at the Peninsula Boulevard memorial site.
Peter Braverman, of the Spector Group, an architectural and design firm, attended the sign unveiling ceremonies.
"Michael Spector has offered to devote Spector employees' time to this project," Braverman said, "because he feels very strongly about the World Trade Center tragedy and the tremendous loss of life and he wants to do something in remembrance." Braverman felt a special connection to the project, he said, having grown up in District 14.
The committee is seeking donations, which may be made by sending a contribution to the World Trade Center Remembrance Memorial Plaza, Post Office Box 481, Hewlett, 11557.
Pictured:
At the site of the WTC Memorial Plaza Tuesday morning were, from left, Valerie Caufield, widow of Robert Caufield, an electrician who had been working on the 95th floor of Tower One when terrorists attacked on Sept. 11, 2001; Allan Kroningold, chairman of the WTC Remembrance Memorial Plaza committee; Pat Fennelly, Robert Caufield's sister; Marik Aaron, principal deputy town attorney; Salvatore Russo (holding sign) of A. Russo Wrecking; Anthony Nozzolillo (behind Russo), executive vice president of KeySpan Energy; Peter Braverman, Spector Group; Irene Kaplan, representing state Sen. Dean Skelos; Nassau County Legislator Jeff Toback (D-Oceanside); Sal Russo's wife, Ann Marie; school guidance counselor Phyllis Greenberg; back row: Prof. Asher J. Matathias, president of Five-Towns B'nai B'rith; Gary Bates, Lawrence School District art supervisor; WTC Remembrance Committee member John C. O'Connell, editor of the Valley Stream Herald; Gary Schall, Lawrence School District supervisor of music; Mark Kavarsky, principal of Lawrence Middle School; front row: Lawrence students T. J. Morgan, Ashley Vacchio, Mallory Gold, Jillian Dutra and Ashley Howell.
