Director of Fundraising Ginny Gardner appeared on the Jeff Katz Show this morning to detail the latest developments concerning the Memorial and the planned groundbreaking on September 11.
Author: anil
Newton 9-11 Memorial Moves Closer to Completion through Agreement with City and Selection of Builder
Next Milestone for Newton Centre Memorial Will Be
September Groundbreaking
Newton, MA—On July 26th, the City of Newton and the Newton 9-11 Memorial Committee executed an agreement for the siting, installation, and landscaping of the Newton 9-11 Memorial, which will honor the eight Newton residents killed by terrorists on September 11th, 2001. The contract, signed by Mayor Setti Warren, Parks and Recreation Commissioner Bob DeRubeis, Fire Chief Bruce Proia, and Committee Chairman Sande Young, is a major milestone for the memorial; the Committee can now plan the memorial’s groundbreaking for this coming
September 11th.
Shortly after the contract was signed, the Committee chose Phil Mastroianni Corp. of Newton to build the memorial. Mr. Mastroianni is a Newton native whose tree and landscape business has operated here since 1976. His firm will prepare the site in front of Newton Fire Headquarters on Centre Street and install the pavers, benches, and pedestals of the outdoor room, bordered by perennial grasses, spring bulbs, and flowers. A small piece of World Trade Center steel has been donated by Newton resident Ellen Meyers to be included in the room.
“I am thrilled that we have steel from the Towers, a beautiful design, a supportive city, and now, a first-rate builder,” Young said. “If you knew how many generous, talented, and tenacious people were involved in getting us this far, you would
be amazed.”
Young first conceived of a tribute to those Newton lost when she read in March 2011 about a memorial built by Acton for its two 9-11 victims. She began assembling a committee in April and meeting with city officials. Fifteen months, countless conferences, and dozens of fundraisers later, the efforts of her committee are paying off.
All monies raised for the memorial have been private contributions. They range from coins collected in cans at Cabot’s Ice Cream to large donations from local businesses and residents. Young said that the Committee must, however, continue fundraising to ensure the proper yearly maintenance of the memorial. An ongoing funding source is the memorial brick program, whose bricks will pave the walkway leading from the Centre Street sidewalk up to the memorial.
“Our program provides a brick for $100 with up to 60 engraved characters that you customize,” explained Virginia Gardner, Director of Fundraising for the Committee. “The bricks, which have been a great fundraising tool for us, give residents and businesses a permanent part of this important city memorial.”
The Committee hopes that a groundbreaking will inspire more donations as residents see the memorial come to life. Depending in part on New England weather, the project could be finished by this November.
Newton’s Memorial Day Parade
On Sunday, May 20, members of the Newton 9-11 Memorial Committee had the great honor of marching in Newton’s annual Memorial Day parade. Thanks to Emily Norton for the picture. Pictured below are from left to right: Sande Young, Tom Sheff, Bill Heck, Ora Mountain, Randy Bock, Suzanne Szescila, Jan Huffman and Larry Young.
Pictured below are from left to right:Larry Young Sande Young, Randy Bock, Ora Mountain, Jan Huffman, Bill Heck, Lynne Leblanc, Janet Sterman and Suzanne Szescila.
Update on the Newton 9-11 Memorial Engraved Brick Program
We have less than 250 bricks remaining. Please consider donating a brick today.
Thank you!
Chateau Fundraiser on May 8
Please join us May 8 from 5pm to 8pm at the Chateau Restaurant of Waltham located at 195 School Street, Waltham, MA 02451
(781)894-3339
CHATEAU SPONSORED FUNDRAISER
20% OF THE FOOD AND BEVERAGE PROCEEDS TO
BENEFIT THE NEWTON 9-11 MEMORIAL
PER TABLE NEEDED
TAKE OUT ORDERS INCLUDED
DOES NOT APPLY TO DELIVERY
ORDERS
On May 8 bring the fundraiser ticket and enjoy dinner or order take-out from the Chateau Restaurant of Waltham. When paying your check, give the waitperson your ticket. The ticket will be attached to your check. The Chateau Restaurant will contribute 20% of the total bill to the Newton 911 Memorial.
Click below for the ticket!
A New Opportunity to Support the Memorial
Newton 9-11 Memorial Engraved Brick Program
To help raise funds for the construction and future maintenance of the Newton 9-11 Memorial, we are offering supporters the opportunity to purchase engraved bricks for the two walkways leading to the Memorial. An engraved brick may be purchased for $100 and can be engraved with a name or appropriate message.
We respectfully request that all messages be consistent with the purposes of the Memorial. We reserve the right to reject any messages that we deem in our sole discretion to be inappropriate.
To purchase an engraved brick, please fill out the form, available here.
For more information, email Sande Young at ssyspts33@aol.com or call Sande at 617-527-1726.
Ginny Gardner on Nightside with Dan Rea
Board member and fundraising head Ginny Gardner recently discussed the Newton 9-11 Memorial on Dan Rea’s talkshow on WBZ radio.
Important News About The Memorial Design
The Committee, with the assistance of Newton Fire Chief Bruce Proia and Newton firefighter Jay Bourgeois, is attempting to acquire steel from the World Trade Center to incorporate in the design of the Memorial.
Thank You to Commodore Builders!
Commodore Builders, a Newton-based company, made a generous donation today to join the ranks of our Silver Level Sponsors.
Newton 9-11 Memorial on The Jeff Katz Show
Board member Ginny Gardner recently appeared on The Jeff Katz Show to discuss the memorial effort.
Please give it a listen!
