September 11th Updates

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Updates Archive

For current updates, please visit the Updates section.

UPDATE – 9:00 AM, Tuesday, September 28, 2004

Comfort Zone offers 13th Free Camp for Children Who Lost a Love One in the 9-11 Attacks.

Camp to be held in Blairstown, NJ

Comfort Zone Camp, the nation's largest bereavement camp, is offering a special camp exclusively for the children who lost a parent or close relative in the September 11th attacks. The weekend camp will be held October 29-31 in Blairstown, NJ. The weekend camp is free of charge and transportation can be provided also at no charge. Accommodations will be available nearby for parents or caregivers if needed.

The camps will feature games, sharing memories and creating special arts and crafts. During the weekend camps, children are matched one-to-one with adult "big buddies" who serve as their "anchors" for the weekend. At the camp's conclusion, the children and their parents will participate in a closing ceremony to honor lost loved ones.

Comfort Zone Camp, recently featured on The Today Show and CNN for their work with 911 children, is a non-profit organization, is fully funded by corporate and private donations, and is staffed by trained grief counselors. Since the Sept. 11 attacks, Comfort Zone Camp has hosted twelve camps in the New York metro area.

For registration information, call 866-488-5679 or visit www.comfortzonecamp.org for an application.

UPDATE – 9:00 AM, Tuesday, August 10, 2004

We have been informed that The September 11 Scholarship Alliance is coordinating scholarship funds created to assist families of people killed or permanently disabled in the terrorist attacks on America on September 11, 2001. The September 11 Scholarship Alliance was formed by leading scholarship providers and associated organizations to simplify the scholarship application process for postsecondary education for the families of those who died or were permanently disabled in the terrorist attacks.

The National Association of Student Financial Aid Administrators (NASFAA), a participant in the September 11th Scholarship Alliance, has created a list of scholarship funds available to families of those who died or were permanently disabled in the attacks.

Inclusion on the list does not imply endorsement or support from NASFAA. Families are encouraged to contact directly any fund or school in which there is an interest to obtain the most current information.

To view the list, and to obtain more information from NASFAA on financial aid aspects of the September 11 tragedies, please visit http://www.nasfaa.org/linklists/911ResourcePage.html. For more information on the September 11 Scholarship Alliance, please visit http://www.scholarships911.org.

UPDATE – 9:00 AM, Thursday, February 26, 2004

If you have not yet voted at the Coalition of 9/11 Families’ website regarding the future of the World Trade Center memorial, please do so at the following URL: http://www.coalitionof911families.org

You will have to designate if you are a Family member, Survivor, Rescue worker or a concerned American. Please only vote once, as all duplicates will be deleted.

Also, there is a WTC Health Registry that is important to track the long-term effects of being in the area on 9/11 and thereafter. Please enroll in the WTC Health Registry if you were:

In a building, on the street, or on the subway south of Chambers Street on 9/11/01, indoors or out.
Involved in activities at the WTC site and/or the WTC Recovery Operations site on Staten Island anytime between 9/11/01 and 6/30/02. (The WTC site in Manhattan is the area bounded by Chambers St., Broadway, Rector St., and the Hudson River.)
Enrolled as a student, or were a staff member or volunteer at a school (pre-K through 12) or day care center south of Canal St. on 9/11/01.
Living south of Canal Street on 9/11/01.

To enroll, or if you have questions about the Registry, please call the toll-free number: 1-866-NYC-WTCR (1-866-692-9827). In NYC you can call 311 for information.

To visit the WTC Health Registry website go to: http://wtcregistry.org

UPDATE – 3:00 PM, Saturday, November 22, 2003

The following are upcoming September's Mission events:

1. The Tom Gardner Memorial Comedy Caravan, please come to the show nearest you! Show dates and places are as follows: Thursday 11/13 McGuire’s, Bohemia; Wednesday 11/19 Stand Up, West 78^th Street, NYC; Thursday 11/20 The Brokerage, Bellmore, NY; Friday 11/21 Sam’s, 263 West 45^th Street, NYC; Thursday 12/4 Jr.’s, Valencia, CA. All shows begin at 8:30 PM and tickets are $12 per person--a portion of the proceeds will be donated to the 9/11 Campaign. In order to purchase tickets or make reservations contact John Larocchia at 516-972-9943 or by e-mail at lar6622@aol.com .

2. September's Mission presents the Lil’ BOO Bash at the Hard Rock Café on October 25, 2003, 9:30 am - 11:00 am. The event will consist of a Costume Contest, Goodie Bags, and a Monster Mash Meal. The price of admission includes lunch - $10 Children and $15 Adults. Call For Reservations at (212) 489-6565, pre-payment is required prior to the event.

3. September’s Mission wishes to remind you to please remember to use the code "MISSION" when ordering from 1-800-Flowers or 1-800-Flowers.com. September's Mission will receive 10% of all net proceeds.

UPDATE – 11:00 AM, Wednesday, March 26, 2003

The following are upcoming Gift of NY Events.

”This week we have several different offerings we wanted to remind you of, including Broadway, basketball and the circus.

On Thursday, March 27, Man of La Mancha has offered TGNY 100 tickets to the 8pm performance. The same night, Russell Simmon's Def Poetry Jam has provided 20 tickets to its high-energy collection of spoken-word performers. And on Sunday March 30, the New Victory Theater, Broadway's best children's theater, has offered 25 tickets to its 5:00 pm dance performance. (If you have attended a Broadway play in March courtesy of TGNY, you may not reserve these tickets.)

On Tuesday, April 1, the National Invitational Tournament (NIT) semifinals are being held at Madison Square Garden and we have 40 tickets to the double-header beginning at 7:00 pm. Teams fighting for semifinal slots this year include St. John's, North Carolina, Georgetown, Bobby Knight's Texas Tech squad, and Siena.

The Big Apple Circus is performing in Somerset Co., NJ on Wednesday and Thursday nights this week at 7:00 pm, and more than 50 seats for each Ringling Brothers Circus show at Madison Square Garden are still available for April 2, 6, 7, and 13.

So give us a call at 800-528-1499 between 12 noon and 6:30 pm, or log on to the web site, www.thegiftofnewyork.org to secure tickets and find out more information about these and other offerings.”

UPDATE – 11:00 AM, Friday, March 07, 2003

Give Your Voice has informed us that St Clare’s WTC Outreach is presenting a September 11th Victims Information Forum on Saturday March 8, 2003 between 1:00 pm and 4:00 pm. The event will be held at South Beach Psychiatric Center - Building 9 Gymnasium, 777 Seaview Avenue, Staten Island, NY 10305.

Representatives from 40 major support organizations will be present to answer any questions as well as describe services.

All are welcome to attend. For more information please call 732-392-5497 or email mckeond@att.com.

UPDATE – 11:00 AM, Wednesday, February 19, 2003

The Big Apple Circus http://www.bigapplecircus.org has invited Tuesday's Children's http://tuesdayschildrenfund.org families to the Big Apple Circus 25^th Anniversary Show that promises to be the best show ever. This year's two hour show is called "Dreams of a City" and salutes the immigrant New York of a century ago.

The show highlights include “a Swiss juggler who flips up to seven clubs at a time; a seven member Russian aerialist acrobats performing daredevil stunts off a trampoline, flying trapeze and more; amazing Acrobatic feats performed horseback; amazing animal acts; a Chinese slack-wire artist performing amazing feats aboard a unicycle and Francesco, the Italian clown and the renowned Grandma performing a side-splitting, water-spitting Coney Island encounter.”

The show dates, time and locations are as follows:

Bridgewater, NJ @ Commerce Bank Ballpark - Thursday, March 13, 2003 at 7:00pm.

Boston, MA across from Marine Industrial Park - Thursday, April 10, 2003 at 7:00pm.

Queens, NY @ Cunningham Park - Tuesday, May 20, 2003 at 6:30pm.

West Nyack, NY @ Palisades Center - Wednesday, June 18, 2003 at 7:00pm.

Please call or email Mary Judge at tc.mj@verizon.net or Tel: 516-562-9000.

UPDATE – 11:30 AM, Friday, January 31, 2003

1. “September's Mission presents an event for all 9/11 Families & Friends. On Sunday, May 4^th from 1:30pm-4:30pm featuring DJ Donny Brusca of www.SoundSensations.com . The event will be held at September's Space, 520 8^th Avenue (between 36^th & 37^th), New York City, New York.

Space is limited so please RSVP early to ensure your reservation. Send an e-Mail to: info@Septembersmission.org. In the subject field please put “THE HOP” & give the names & ages of all attending in the e-mail. We will send you a confirmation e-mail & a reminder the week before the event. September's Mission: 1-888-424-4685. www.SeptembersMission.org

September Space, a community center for volunteers, rescue & recovery workers, survivors & anyone impacted by the tragedy of September 11, 2001. Below please find their calendar of events for February 2003.

Family Fun Day: Saturday February 1, 3-6pm, we'll be making Valentine cards for family, friends and other valentines, followed by our Children's Storytelling Hour. On Saturday, Feb. 15, 3-6pm, join us for our second Sunflower Planting and another special Storytelling Hour.

Feb 10: Theatrical Presentation: “I, Witness” is a story told through the words and the detailed experiences of five people directly affected by the acts of September 11^th, including a firefighter, a mother of a firefighter who perished, a woman trapped in the towers, a police detective, and a trauma therapist. The author, David Grand, is a trauma therapist and acting coach.

Feb 11: Verbal Judo Seminar Verbal--Judo combines Western style persuasive speaking, processes for defusing conflict, and Eastern philosophy of defeating opponents by leading them to peaceful conclusions. Used by police professionals nationwide, the program examines the nature of conflict and demonstrates the best in Tactical Communication. Topics addressed will include enhanced personal safety, enhanced professionalism, reduction of conflict and tension in relationships, and reduction of stress at work and home, among other things. The instructor, James T. Shanahan, is a national trainer for the Verbal Judo Institute, a Senior Instructor at the Police Academy, a graduate of the Federal Law Enforcement Training Center in Quantico, Virginia, a decorated veteran of more than 20 years in law enforcement, and an adjunct professor at John Jay College.

Feb 25 Career Night--Are you between jobs or thinking of changing careers? September Space offers Career Night to help people enter or re-enter the workforce, identify the “right” job, and market themselves effectively to employers. Check our Web site, www.septemberspace.org , for specific program offerings the last week of each month. 520 Eighth Avenue, 20th Floor New York, NY 10018 Phone: 212-563-7570 Fax: 212-563-0410 We are located between 36^th & 37^th Streets in midtown Manhattan, short walks from Port Authority, Penn Station & 1, 2, 3, A, C, & E Subway lines.”

2. Give Your Voice (www.tuesdayschildrenfund.org ) have informed us about Tuesday’s Children’s First Annual Ski Trip at Belleayre Mountain in the Catskill Mountains on Friday, February 21, 2003.

”Belleayre Mountain Resort is a great family ski area with over 114 inches of snow that has fallen this year and packed powder with a base of 40-93 inches. You will be transported to the Belleayre Mountain Ski Resort via a luxury coach equipped with reclining seats and video equipment.

Ski Information: downhill skiing, snow boarding, cross country skiing available, skis supplied as needed, ski school/instruction offered to all.

The itinerary is as follows:6:30 am - Morning pickup – yes, we’ll have snacks, 10:00 am arrive at the mountain, 12:30 pm lunch at the mountain, 4:30 pm return trip home – yes, we’ll have snacks.

There is limited seating available so reserve today. For more information please visit http://www.belleayre.com ”.

UPDATE – 11:00 AM, Thursday, January 30, 2003

We have been sent the following notification by the German Consulate General:

“Following his visit to "Ground Zero" on October 9, 2001, German Chancellor Gerhard Schroeder invited 1,000 young people from New York City to visit Berlin and other parts of Germany. The German Federal Government, in collaboration with major German corporations led by DaimlerChrysler, has established a public foundation to sponsor all expenses for these students and their chaperones.

Now the "Bridge New York - Berlin" is working with the New York City Department of Education, the Roman Catholic Archdiocese of New York as well as the Diocese of Brooklyn/Queens, and relief organizations to prepare the next trip in summer 2003. 480 students from the New York City area are invited to participate in a two-week trip to Germany including home stays with German families in different parts of the country and a visit to Berlin. All travel expenses will be covered. Especially invited are young people who have been directly affected by the events of 9/11 and priority will be given to their applications.

Therefore we would like to ask you to kindly forward this information to these families and support us selecting the participants by recommending interested and qualified students. The students should be 17 to 18 years old, must be self-disciplined and capable of functioning in a foreign country with limited adult supervision (several days will be spent with host families), participate in an orientation program prior to the trip and possess a valid US passport or foreign passport and valid “green card”.

Interested students may either apply through
1. their high school (principal will have further information and application forms) or
2. one of the following organizations (children of victim's families only):

New York or Connecticut. September 11, 2001 Children's Fund, Inc., Maggie Oyen, 845.758 0911. maggie@911ChildrensFund.org, www.911ChildrensFund.org

New Jersey, State of New Jersey, Department of Law & Public Safety, Office of Recovery and Victim Assistance, John G. Holl, 609.777 1248, john.holl@lps.state.nj.us

Please note that due to limited space available the number of students interested and qualified has to be indicated to one of these institutions prior to February 12^th, 2003.

If you have further question please do not hesitate to contact Ursula Koos. Yours sincerely,

Ursula Koos, German Consulate General, Cultural Department, 871 United Nations Plaza (1^st Ave and 49^th St), New York, NY 10017. Tel.: (212) 610 9720. Fax: (212) 610 9703 E-Mail: ku-11-gk@newy.auswaertiges-amt.de, www.germanconsulate.org/newyork

For more information, please click here .

UPDATE – 11:00 AM, Tuesday, January 28, 2003

The Gift of New York has informed us of its highlights for January 29^th through February 14^th. For more information, please visit the website, www.thegiftofnewyork.org , or call 800-528-1499 between 12 noon and 6:30 pm, to make reservations and for more information. Please note that the Gift of New York closes its doors on April 30, 2003.

Frankie & Johnny in the Clair de Lune
Wednesday January 29, at 2:00 p.m. The Belasco Theater, 111 West 44^th Street. Call 800-528-1499 between 12 noon and 6:30 p.m. to reserve up to 4 tickets if you have not been to a Broadway show in December or January. www.theatermania.com/ny/shows/frankieandjohnny . Rosie Perez and Joe Pantoliano star in Terrence McNally's romance about two unlikely lovers searching for hope and connection in a small New York apartment on the eve of something that ought to last.

Chicago City Limits
Wednesday, Thursday, Friday and Saturday at 8:00 p.m., and Saturday at 10:30 p.m. 1^st Avenue and 61^st Street. www.chicagocitylimits.com . All February long, check out New York City's improv comedy institution!

Betty Rules: The Exception To The Musical
Each Thursday at 8:00 p.m., Friday and Saturday at 7:00 p.m., Sunday at 5:00 p.m. The Zipper Theater. 336 West 37^th Street. www.bettyrules.com . This alterna-musical features the all-female, all hip and all hot rock band Betty. The show explores their 17-year career in the often brutal but never boring music business and humorously spoofs the trials and triumphs of their friendship with each other. See an incredible evening of theater directed by Michael Greif of RENT fame. It's the most fun I've had in the theatre in a long time!-- The SF Examiner

Princeton Basketball Vs. Dartmouth/Brown
Saturday February 1^st at 7:30 p.m.; Saturday February 14^th at 7:30 p.m. Jadwin Gymnasium. Princeton, NJ. www.goprincetontigers.com . On February 1^st, come watch the Tigers from floor seats behind the basket - and enjoy a half-time pick-up game between New Jersey pro team mascots from the Thunder, MetroStars and others! On the 14^th, the first 1,000 attendees get a free door prize.

Blue
Saturday February 1^st at 2:00 p.m., Sunday February 2^nd at 8:00 p.m. The Papermill Playhouse. Brookside Drive, Millburn, NJ. www.papermill.org . Engaging! Energetic! Witty! - The Daily News. In a small town in South Carolina, smart and stylish Peggy attempts to mold her sons' lives into her own past passions, enlivened by sexy jazz singer Blue Williams. Blue is a funny and touching play that follows the members of a prominent family as they discover the importance of their relationships and the truth that bonds them.

Romeo And Juliet
Sunday, February 2^nd at 2:00 p.m. Morristown Community Theater, 100 South Street, Morristown, NJ. www.communitytheatrenj.com . The classic story of star-crossed lovers is one of the Bard's best-known plays. Two young lovers from feuding families are brought together by happenstance and torn apart by circumstance.

The Daily Show With Jon Stewart
Monday, February 3^rd, Monday, February 10^th, Monday, February 24^th at 5:00 p.m. 513 West 54^th Street. www.comedycentral.com/tv_shows/ds . Join the studio audience for the afternoon taping of the smartest late-night talk show around.

Don Giovanni
Tuesday, February 4^th at 8:00 p.m. Metropolitan Opera. Lincoln Center, 65^th and Broadway. www.metopera.org . Mozart's dark drama of power, lust and hubris, with stage design by Franco Zeffirelli.

Seton Hall Basketball Vs. No. 12 Notre Dame
Wednesday, February 5^th at 7:30 p.m. www.meadowlands.com . The Pirates duke it out with the nationally ranked Fighting Irish!

Twinkle, Twinkle Little Fish
Friday, February 7 at 7:00 p.m.; Sunday, February 9 at 5:00 p.m.; Friday, February 14 at 7:00 p.m. The New Victory Children's Theater on Broadway 229 West 42^nd Street. www.newvictory.org . Bring the kids (ages 4+) to Broadway and enjoy a giggle-inducing voyage to the land of playful imagination! Five talented puppeteers lead you on a trip to the fantastical with dazzling puppetry, swirling visual images and a lively music. Inspired by the work of children's book author and illustrator Eric Carle, Twinkle, Twinkle Little Fish brings to life colorful images from his The Very Hungry Caterpillar.

New York City Ballet
Friday, February 7^th; Friday, February 14^th at 8:00 p.m. The New York State Theater 20 Lincoln Center Plaza. www.nycballet.com . If you love quintessential George Balanchine, this is the season for you! On the 7^th, enjoy his dazzling Concerto Barocco, making a much-anticipated return this season, as well as Antique Epigraphs, Chiaroscuro, and Chaconne. On the 14^th, Jerome Robbins, Peter Martin and Balanchine are featured with Reliquary, The Steadfast Tin Soldier, and Vienna Waltzes. You may only reserve one set of tickets per calendar month to any one of the Metropolitan Opera, New York City Opera, NY Philharmonic, Avery Fisher Hall or NYC Ballet performances. No additional reservations for any of those venues may be made during the same month.

Blue's Clues
Friday, February 7, at 7:00 p.m.; Saturday, February 8 at 11:00 a.m., 2:00 p.m., and 5:00 p.m.; Sunday February 9 at 2:00 p.m. Patriots Theater, The War Memorial Trenton, New Jersey. www.thewarmemorial.com . Blue's Clues, Nickelodeon's award-winning preschool show, returns to the stage with a brand new, fun-filled production to celebrate Blue's birthday. This live theatrical experience invites preschoolers and their parents to think, image and interact with the show from the moment they enter the theater to the time they leave.

Marvin Hamlisch
Saturday, February 8^th at 8:00 p.m. Performing Arts Center, Purchase College Purchase, NY. www.artscenter.org . Winner of every major award - Tony, Oscar, Grammy, Emmy, Golden Globe and Pulitzer - Marvin Hamlisch's life in music is notable for its great versatility. Join him for a return engagement as he presents a retrospective of his career with his trademark wit and musical style. J. Mark McVey, currently appearing in Les Miserables, is the Special Guest. Brilliant! Clever! Had the audience in stitches! - The New York Times

Heidi Grant Murphy, Soprano
Sunday, February 9^th at 5:00 p.m. Avery Fisher Hall. Copland Vocalise, Prokofiev Vocalise, Stravinsky Pastorale, Schubert Selected Lieder. www.lincolncenter.org . ou may only reserve one set of tickets per calendar month to any one of the Metropolitan Opera, New York City Opera, NY Philharmonic, Avery Fisher Hall or NYC Ballet performances. No additional reservations for any of those venues may be made during the same month.

Babes In Arms
Thursday, February 13th at 8:00 p.m. Frederick Loewe Theatre, 35 West 4^th Street N.Y.U. Performing Arts Department. www.nyu.edu/education/music/calendar . By Richard Rogers & Lorenz Hart. When a group of teenagers' parents leave to join the dying art of vaudeville, the teens stage a revue to keep from being sent to a work farm. The first show is a bomb, but when a French aviator lands nearby, they get enough publicity to put on a great show and start their own youth center.

Rockefeller Center Tours
The Rockefeller Center Tour celebrates the rich history and exciting present of New York's architectural jewel. The center was the ambitious vision of a young John D. Rockefeller and hosts over 100 breathtaking works of art. In addition to housing NBC, Radio City Music Hall and Christie's Auction House, Rockefeller Plaza is also the home of the world famous skating rink visited by over half a million people every year. See the Associated Press Building and the spot where the "Today" Show's Katie, Matt, Al and Ann greet America each and every morning. The tour covers the quirks and the controversy from the golden years to the information age. Bring your walking shoes because there is a lot to see! Call 800-528-1499 to order tour vouchers for up to four people.

UPDATE – 1:00 PM, Monday, January 27, 2003

Give Your Voice have informed us that this is the final week to register for WTC Federal Disaster Assistance. Those Seeking Assistance Should Call Toll-Free 1-800-462-9029 by Jan. 31, 2003

One week remains for individuals, families and businesses affected by the World Trade Center attacks to register for disaster assistance programs, say recovery officials with the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) and the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA).

These federal assistance programs include FEMA’s Mortgage and Rental Assistance (MRA) grants and low-interest loans from the SBA for affected individuals and businesses.

Friday, January 31, 2003, is the final day registrations will be accepted for the MRA program. No new requests for aid will be accepted after that date. That date is also the deadline for submitting loan applications to the SBA for disaster-related physical or economic injury losses.

Due to the unprecedented nature of the Sept. 11 attacks and resulting physical and economic damage, FEMA extended the application deadline four times over the course of the recovery period. "We have received and carefully reviewed thousands of applications since the attack on the World Trade Center," said Federal Recovery Officer Brad Gair. "Now 16 months later, we believe that we’ve been successful in reaching those homeowners and renters in need of our help who have been affected by this disaster."

FEMA will continue to process and accept paperwork and supporting documentation from any applicant who has registered by the deadline. While the first step of registering must be taken by Jan. 31, applicants may be eligible for federal mortgage and rental assistance for up to 18 months from the time that eligibility is determined, depending on the applicants’ financial situation and status during that time period. Additionally, people who have already registered and are currently receiving assistance through the MRA program will not be affected by the registration deadline.

The MRA program has already approved nearly $100 million is MRA grants to date, assisting more than 11,000 households in danger of losing their homes through foreclosure or eviction as a result of financial hardship caused by the attack.

Individuals and families may qualify for the Mortgage and Rental Assistance program if:

They lived or worked in Manhattan on or before Sept. 11, 2001, or were employed by a company economically dependent on businesses located in Manhattan; and

They lost at least 25% of their total household income after Sept. 11, and this income loss is apparent as of Jan. 31, 2003; and

They or any family member in their household is a U.S. citizen, non-citizen national or qualified alien; and

They have received, as of Jan. 31, 2003, a late payment notice, or other evidence that they are in danger of possible eviction, foreclosure or dispossession from their primary residence.

The FEMA toll-free registration number to call is 1-800-462-9029 between 8 a.m. and 5 p.m. Monday through Friday. Interpreter services are available to accommodate the diverse needs of all language groups in the New York metropolitan area. Hearing or speech-impaired individuals may call the TTY registration number at 1-800-462-7585.

Those who have registered by the Jan. 31 deadline can continue to visit the FEMA / SBA Applicant Assistance Center in lower Manhattan beyond that date, meeting one-on-one with FEMA and SBA program representatives who will evaluate their individual needs, check on the status of their application or update their registration information. Located at 141 Worth St. (formerly the DMV Building), the Center is open Monday through Friday, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.

FEMA and the SBA provide a range of assistance including grants for temporary housing or emergency repair; mortgage and rental assistance; crisis counseling; and low-interest disaster assistance loans for homeowners and businesses of all sizes and non-profit organizations.

New Yorkers can continue to access crisis counseling services beyond the Jan. 31 registration deadline. For crisis counseling services, call Project Liberty (New York State Office of Mental Health) at 1-800-LIFENET (543-3638 or visit the website at www.projectliberty.state.ny.us .

UPDATE – 11:00 AM, Tuesday, January 21, 2003

We have been informed by Give Your Voice that on Sunday, February 2, 2003, Tuesday's Children (http://www.tuesdayschildrenfund.org) is celebrating Groundhog Day with a Winter Wonderland Skating Party at the world famous Rockefeller Center Ice Skating Rink (http://www.rockefellercenter.com ). The party starts at 6:00 pm with skating commencing at 6:30 pm and lasts until 8:30 pm and pizza, soda and hot chocolate will be served. You can bring your own ice skates.

Rockefeller Center's Skating Rink is located in the Rockefeller Plaza complex between 49^th & 50th street off 5^th Avenue. You should meet at the Skate House on the right side of the staircase at the 5^th Avenue entrance. Directions to the Rockefeller Plaza complex may be found here http://www.rockefellercenter.com/home.html .

UPDATE – 3:00 PM, Wednesday, December 18, 2002

The American Red Cross has increased the supplemental gift to $55k from $45k and has the additional funds available for immediate distribution.

The American Red Cross Supplemental Gift was created to provide a flat payment of $45,000 to the estates of those who lost their lives on September 11, 2001 and to those eligible individuals who were seriously injured and disabled during the attacks. Effective December 11, 2002, all eligible estate executors or administrators and those who were seriously injured and disabled will receive $55,000 in Supplemental Gift. If you have already received the Supplemental Gift in the amount of $45,000, you will receive an additional $10,000.

If you have any questions regarding the Supplemental Gift, please contact your Family Support Specialist. If you are unsure of your Family Support Specialist's phone number or unsure if you have been assigned one, please call the American Red Cross September 11 Recovery Program's Client Assistance Call Center at 1-877-746-4987.

UPDATE – 10:00 AM, Monday, December 09, 2002

Comfort Zone Camp, the country’s largest children’s bereavement camp, is offering several camp opportunities for the children and their surviving parent or other primary care-giver who lost a parent or other close relative during the September 11 attacks. One-day camps will be held on February 1 at Montclair Kimberly Academy in Montclair, NJ, and February 2 at St. Francis Prep in Queens. March 15^th, there will be a one day camp in Arlington Virginia for the Pentagon Families, location TBA. The one-day camps will feature separate activities for the children and the adults. During the weekends of April 25^th-27^th and Oct. 24^th-26^th, we will be returning for our sleepover camps to Camp Mason in Blairstown NJ. The weekend camps are for the children, although accommodations will be available nearby for surviving parent or caregivers if needed.

The camps are free of charge to all participants and according to Lynne Hughes, founder and Executive Director of the Camp, are an important part of the kids’ and their surviving parents’ healing process. "This is a way to come together in a safe and fun environment and be able to talk to others who have experienced the same tragedy". Lynne, who lost both her parents at a very young age says "It is so important for grieving children to know that they are not alone and that it is okay to talk about and remember their loved ones who died."

The Camp is fully funded by outside donations and is staffed by volunteers, including experienced grief therapists. For more information, please visit: http://comfortzonecamp.org/911Camp.asp

UPDATE – 12:00 PM, Thursday, December 05, 2002

1. Following in the footsteps of last year, we are extremely grateful to Ms. Eileen Dodini and Mrs. Irene Kesteloot and the entire Third Grade Class of St. Dominic’s School in Benicia, California. Once again, their thoughtfulness and kindness is much appreciated and we have put up the magnificent, handmade holiday decorations throughout our office. Many thanks to all who participated!

2. The New York City Police Department Property Clerk Division has instituted a World Trade Center Property Initiative with regards to personal property recovered from the World Trade Center tragedy of September 11, 2001. The mission of the NYPD Property Clerk Division with regards to World Trade Center property is to return all recovered personal property in the most dignified and professional manner possible and within the strict guidelines imposed by local law. A synopsis of this initiative may be acquired by accessing the NYPD/ Property Clerk Division web page at: www.nyc.gov/ltml/nypd/html/ssb/pcdindex.html Inspector Trabitz has in the past met with various family groups to answer their questions regarding recovered personal property. He is willing to make myself available to any and all groups in order to address their concerns and answer their questions. Arrangements can be made through Tom Curritore, First Deputy Commissioner Mayor's Community Assistance Unit. If you have any further inquiries, please do no hesitate to contact Jack J. Trabitz, Inspector at (646) 610 5905.

3. We have received the following communication from the Lower Manhattan Development Corporation.

’Dear Family Member,

On behalf of the Lower Manhattan Development Corporation (LMDC), I would like to wish you a peaceful holiday season - our thoughts and prayers are with you and yours.

Several family members have expressed a desire to access the World Trade Center site during the upcoming holiday season. The LMDC and the Port Authority of New York and New Jersey have made special arrangements to allow family members access to the area at the bottom of the ramp.

Each Sunday from December 8^th through January 5^th, between the hours of 11 a.m. and 3 p.m., a Port Authority Police Officer will be available to escort family members down the ramp to a designated area at the bottom. Family members will be allowed in this designated area for 15 minutes. Family members should enter the security gate at Washington and Liberty Streets (same place as the Family Room), indicate they are a family member who wishes to visit the site, and provide the Port Authority Police Officer or the security guard with the Medical Examiners Family ID Card or the P or T number. If you don't have a Family ID Card or were not assigned a P or a T number you will need will to provide additional background information relevant to your loved one. After you show photo-id you will be admitted.

Since this is a working construction site, family members are asked not to leave flowers or memorabilia while visiting the designated area, but instead take advantage of the family rooms provided by the LMDC and Port Authority (please see the end of this email for more information on the family rooms). For your safety, we encourage you to wear appropriate shoes and dress warmly. The ramp area is often windy and can become icy during inclement weather.

Access to the World Trade Center site is every Sunday from December 8^th through January 5^th (12/8, 12/15, 12/22, 12/29, 1/5) from 11am - 3pm. In order to accommodate all family members who may wish to access the site, escorts will be provided in 15-minute intervals with a group size maximum set at 10.

Please direct all questions about site visits to Davella May of the Port Authority of New York and New Jersey at 212-435-5552

Sincerely,

Tara M. Snow
Vice-President for Government Relations & Community Affairs
Lower Manhattan Development Corporation
One Liberty Plaza, 20th Floor
New York, NY 10006
212-962-2300
tsnow@empire.state.ny.us

- - - - - - - -

The Family Rooms --

The Lower Manhattan Development Corporation (LMDC) and the Port Authority of New York and New Jersey (Port Authority) recognize the importance of the World Trade Center site to the families who lost loved ones on September 11, 2001 and their need to visit the site. The LMDC and the Port Authority have created two areas for the families to observe the site in quiet contemplation:
-The One Liberty Plaza Family Room, located on the 20th floor of One Liberty Plaza, which overlooks the World Trade Center Site; and,
-The Liberty Street Family Room, on Liberty Street, which is located at the World Trade Center Site.
Both of these areas provide a private, peaceful setting for the families. Each area has very similar procedures, however, they do differ. Please read the procedures and hours of operation carefully. It's very important that these procedures are followed to ensure your privacy and safety.

1. -- The One Liberty Plaza Family Room, located on the 20th Floor of One Liberty Plaza, was established in early April in response to a request by the families for a private, elevated indoor area overlooking the World Trade Center site. The Family Room contains comfortable couches and a children's play area with toys, books etc. The Family Room replaced the outdoor viewing area created for the families after September 11^th, which was located on the corner of Liberty and West Streets. The Family Room also contains personal items and photographs that were part of the outdoor viewing area created for the families after September 11th. Families continue to bring pictures, poems, cards and other personal items to the room.

The One Liberty Plaza Family Room is staffed by the Port Authority Police Department 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. Families should enter the building using the Liberty Street entrance during regular business hours (Monday-Friday 9-5) and through the Broadway entrance off-hours (after 5:00 p.m. weeknights, Saturday, Sunday and holidays). Families should go to the security desk and indicate they would like to visit the Family Room. Families will need to provide security with the Medical Examiners Family Identification Card (please see below for more information on the Family ID Card) or the P or T number. If you were not assigned a P or a T number and you don't have a Family ID Card you will need to provide additional background information relevant to your loved one. After you show photo identification you will be given a visitor pass that is valid for that day.

PLEASE WEAR THIS PASS AT ALL TIMES WHILE IN THE BUILDING.

Family members are allowed to bring guests. However, we ask you to limit the number to one or two if possible. The room only holds 30 people and it is very important this number be adhered to for safety reasons.

If there are large groups of people expected to visit the Family Room, family members need to call the Mayor's Community Assistance Unite (CAU) at 212-788-7418 with the group's contact name, date, time and group size at least one day in advance. We also request that you provide the CAU with a list of family members in advance of your visit to speed up the admission process.

2. -- The Liberty Street Family Room, located on Liberty Street directly at the World Trade Center site (south side), was created in September 2002, by the Port Authority of NY/NJ in response to a request by the families for an on-site viewing location. The Liberty Street Family Room allows family members to view the World Trade Center Site from Liberty Street. It is in a secured area guarded by the Port Authority Police Department and a private security guard. The Liberty Street Family Room is open 7-days a week from 9:00 a.m.-9:00 p.m. (please note: it is not open 24 hours). Families must enter at Washington and Liberty Streets. The Liberty Street Family Room accommodates up to 15 people. If the room is filled to capacity, there is an outside viewing area next to the building, however, it is a shared common area. Families may bring pictures, poems, cards and other personal items to the room.

The same procedures will be followed to gain entry. Families should enter the security gate at Washington and Liberty Streets and indicate they are a family member and would like to visit the Family Room. Families will need to provide the Port Authority Police Officer or the security guard with the Medical Examiners Family ID Card or the P or T number. If you don't have a Family ID Card or were not assigned a P or a T number you will need will to provide additional background information relevant to your loved one. After you show photo-id you will be admitted.

If there are large groups of people expected to visit the Liberty Street Family Room, please contact Davella May at the Port Authority of New York and New Jersey at 212-435-5552 or by email at dmay@panynj.gov any day during the week to make arrangements (please note: this is a different number from the One Liberty Plaza Family Room).’

Medical Examiner's Family Identification Cards --
The Medical Examiner's Office is now issuing Identification Cards to Family Members. If you would like to schedule an appointment to receive one, please contact the Medical Examiners office at 212-447-7884 between 8 a.m. and 5 p.m. seven days a week.

If you have any questions, please contact
Tara Snow of the Lower Manhattan Development Corporation either by email at tsnow@empire.state.ny.us or by calling 212-962-2300

UPDATE – 11:00 AM, Wednesday, December 04, 2002

Give Your Voice have informed us of the Freedom Quilts Program in which quilters from all over the United States have made quilts for the families of Sept.11 victims. 1200 quilts will be available for family members at the Xavier Center of The College of St. Elizabeth in Convent Station, New Jersey on Saturday, December 7 and Sunday, Sept.8 from 10 am to 4 pm. All families are invited to pick the quilt of their choice. Convent Station is next to Morristown and easily reached from Route 287.

UPDATE – 11:00 AM, Tuesday, December 03, 2002

The New York Mets are having their annual Christmas Party and would like to invite any interested families. The party is from 10:00 am to 2:00 pm on Saturday. Dec 7^th in the Diamond Club restaurant at Shea Stadium. There will be food, beverages, Santa, Mets, presents, and The Beu Sisters will perform. A coordinator for the Mets is arranging for age appropriate gifts for the children so please respond ASAP for she is trying to finalize her lists. Please include the children’s names and ages. The kids all had a ball last year! Please contact: Kristen Accetta- (212) 778- 3073 email: kaccetta@ebi.com or Janice Brooks- (212) 778-3073 email: jbrooks@ebi.com.

UPDATE – 11:00 AM, Tuesday, November 26, 2002

The Gift of New York has informed us of its Holiday Festival, created with the assistance of its 240 partners in the arts, entertainment, and sports worlds and running now through mid-January.

‘Take the kids to the New York Ballet Theatre's Nutcracker, go ice-skating at Rye Playland, be dazzled by the New Shanghai Circus' Chinese acrobats, or be serenaded by the New York Philharmonic. And then relax and come back for more! You will be receiving a Holiday Festival Newsletter every two weeks with highlighted TGNY events as well as a list of seasonal events that are open and free to the public. The TGNY list of events is updated daily, so check the website (http://www.thegiftofnewyork.org/) or telephone our volunteers at 800-528-1499 between 12 noon and 6:30 p.m., Monday through Friday. Don't forget: Please refrain from making reservations to "hold" tickets you aren't sure you can use. If you do make a reservation and your plans change, please contact us to cancel - there are over 2,000 families registered with TGNY, and demand is high! Our regular ticket offerings continue to be available during the festival, and will continue until The Gift of New York closes its doors on April 30, 2003.

Highlights for November 27^th through December 8^th:

Disney on Ice Princess Classics
Wednesday, November 27; Friday, November 29; and Sunday, December 1 Continental Arena, East Rutherford, NJ. http://www.disneyonice.com/ Kids will love seeing Mulan, Belle, Ariel, and the rest of their favorite female Disney characters skate their way through a truly memorable program. We are committed to having as many families as possible enjoy this event. For that reason, families may attend only one of the three New Jersey dates. (Please check all dates before reserving.) If you have attended a Long Island performance, you are not eligible to attend a New Jersey performance.

New York Philharmonic
Wednesday November 27 at 7:30 p.m. and Friday, November 29 at 8 p.m. Avery Fisher Hall, West 65^th St. and Broadway. http://www.newyorkphilharmonic.org/. Famed conductor Christoph von Dohnányi takes the New York Philharmonic podium for the first time in 20 years to lead a Brahms program, featuring Pierre-Laurent Aimard on the piano.

Pre-Season National Invitational Tournament Championships
Wednesday, November 27 and Friday, November 29 Madison Square Garden. Semifinal doubleheader starts at 7:00 p.m. on the 27^th. Third-place game and championship game doubleheader starts at 6:30 p.m. on the 29^th.Attention college-basketball fans: See nationally ranked teams at the Pre-Season National Invitational Tournament Championships at Madison Square Garden, featuring #2 Kansas, #7 Florida, North Carolina, and Stanford. We have vouchers for you to present to the MSG box office anytime after 12 noon on the day you choose to attend; vouchers are good for either day. Arrive as soon after noon as possible for the best seats.

Feinstein's at the Regency: "A Holiday Keepsake"
Tuesday, November 26, Wednesday, November 27, Tuesday, December 3, Wednesday December 4, and Thursday, December 5. All shows at 6:30 p.m. 540 Park Avenue 61^st Street. http://www.feinsteinsattheregency.com/. Enjoy an evening of complimentary food and cocktails while listening to Michael Feinstein and Gloria Reuben croon seasonal favorites in a classic New York setting. One ticket order is for a table for up to four people; only one reservation per family permitted. RSVP to us with the number of people in your party. The reservations will be under your name at the restaurant; jackets are required.

Macy's Santa Land and Puppet Theater
Sunday, December 1 at 8 a.m. Enter Macy's on 34^th Street, across from Old Navy. Bring your photo ID and The Gift of New York pass card. Santa Land elves will escort you to Santaland, and to Santa himself! Each child will receive a special gift from Santa. There will be two special performances of "Percy the Poor Little Penguin" on the 9^th floor in the Puppet Theater at 8:30 a.m. and 9:15 a.m. If you do not make it on time for these special showings, you can show your e-mail confirmation at the Puppet Theater any time during the day and you will be admitted free of charge.

All-Day Hanukkah Festival and Afternoon Family Concert
Sunday December 1 at 10:00 a.m. 92^nd Street Y. Bring your kids to the Y, and enjoy Hanukkah arts-and-crafts workshops, improvisational theater, an interactive light mural, live music, prizes, and lots more. At 3:00 p.m., The Young People's Chorus and The Children's Orchestra Society will perform Handel's "Judas Maccabaeus." The Y encourages families to bring canned goods to donate to those in need.

The First Annual Hanukkah Art Fair
The Jewish Museum. December 1 at 1 p.m. 92^nd Street and 5^th Avenue. http://www.jewishmuseum.org/. Craft a menorah collage, make beeswax candles, and decorate your own dreidel. You can also enjoy storytelling, dreidel games, and gallery tours of our world-famous collection of Hanukkah menorahs. When you enter, please find the box office. There will be tickets with your name on a special list.

The New York Giants
The Meadowlands. Sunday, December 1 at 1:00 p.m. (Tennessee Titans), Sunday, December 15 at 4:15 p.m. (Dallas Cowboys) and Saturday, December 28 at 1:30 p.m. (Philadelphia Eagles)You know you love Big Blue, so come on out and cheer them to victory. We want to allow as many families as possible to enjoy the games, so we'll be giving tickets only to families who have not yet attended a game this season. Please phone us at 800-528-1499 for ticket availability.

The New York Rangers versus The Tampa Bay Lightning
Sunday, December 1 at 1:00 p.m. Madison Square Garden (Meet our volunteer, who'll be wearing a white hat or a "Gift of New York" button or T-shirt under the "The Theatre" sign just after the security checkpoint. Tickets are not needed to pass through security. You must enter from 7^th Ave. and go towards the Main Entrance of the Garden between 12:00 pm and 12:45 p.m.). http://www.newyorkrangers.com/.

The New Victory Theater Presents The New Shanghai Circus
(A show for kids . . .OK, and adults, too). Friday, December 6, and Thursday December 12, and Wednesday December 18. You must pick up tickets by no later than 6:30 p.m., or they will be released to the general public. The New Victory Theater, 209 W. 42^nd St. http://www.newvictory.org/. With dazzling scenery and distinctive music, The New Shanghai Circus celebrates more than two thousand years of Chinese circus traditions. Watch agile tumblers dive through an ever-increasing number of hoops, nimble contortionists twist themselves into unimaginable positions, and Mongolian archers fire arrows with their feet.

Princeton Tigers vs. Brown Bears Ice Hockey
Saturday December 7. 7:00 p.m. Princeton University's Baker Rink. http://goprincetontigers.ocsn.com/

The McCarter Theatre's A Christmas Carol
Monday, December 9 through Sunday, December 29. The McCarter Theatre, 91 University Place, Princeton, University. 609-258-2787 or 1-888-ARTSWEB or http://www.mccarter.org/. This production of this classic family story features scenery by legendary set designer Ming Cho Lee, costumes by Jess Goldstein (The School for Scandal, Romeo and Juliet, and The Importance of Being Earnest), and music by award-winning Broadway orchestrator and arranger Michael Starobin. Shows are available on a first come, first served basis by calling the McCarter Theatre box office (609-258-2787 or 1-888-ARTSWEB). Bring your Gift of New York Pass Card to the box office to collect your tickets. PLEASE DO NOT PHONE TGNY FOR RESERVATIONS.

The New York Theatre Ballet Presents The Nutcracker
Saturday, December 21 and Sunday, December 22 (There will be three, one-hour shows each day at 11:00 a.m., 1:00 pm., and 3:30 p.m.). Florence Gould Hall at the French Institute, 55 East 59^th Street. http://www.nytb.org/. Few performances are more as beloved as The Nutcracker, and with good reason: This purely whimsical story has outlasted most pop-culture fads with its ability to carry young audiences off to another world. (For children ages 3 to 8 and their parents)

The Metropolitan Opera: Die Fledermaus
Monday, December 23 at 8:00 p.m. Lincoln Center. http://www.metopera.org/. Forbidden love, masked longing, and a few arias-all set in opulent 1890s Vienna.

Rye Playland Ice Skating
Playland Parkway, Rye, NY. http://www.ryeplayland.org/. Three temperature-controlled indoor rinks make for a comfortable, fun ice-skating experience. Convenient public sessions, special events, extended holiday schedules, and new Family Skating Nights await skaters this season. WE WILL MAIL PASSES TO YOU WHEN YOU PLACE AN ORDER WITH US. GOOD THRU DECEMBER 31, 2003.

Chelsea Piers Day Passes
161 West 22^nd St. at the West Side Highway. Get out and get moving at Chelsea Piers, where you'll be able to roller skate, ice skate, use the field house, swim, and even rent bowling shoes. WE WILL MAIL PASSES TO YOU AFTER YOU PHONE US. LIMIT OF TWO PASSES PER FAMILY, FOR ONE-TIME USE ONLY.

Other non-TGNY Events:
The Santa Ball Holiday Party
Hosted by September's Mission, Ground Hero Kids, and September Space. Saturday, December 14^th from 1 to 5 p.m. The Firehouse Community Space (87 Lafayette St. at White St., Lower Manhattan). Phone 888-424-4685 or e-mail, monicai@septembersmission.org for reservations. There'll be a little something for everyone at this gathering, which will include magic shows, Ringling Brothers clowns, the King Charles Unicycle Troupe, face painting, visits from favorite cartoon characters, crafts, a deejay and dancing, and a special appearance by Saint Nick himself. THIS IS NOT A GIFT OF NEW YORK EVENT. PLEASE DO NOT PHONE TGNY FOR RESERVATIONS.

Wild Holiday Party: Presents to the Animals
A CENTRAL PARK ZOO PUBLIC EVENT. December Saturday and Sunday December 7&8, 14&15, and 21&22. 212-861-6030; http://www.centralparkzoo.com/ Fishsicles and chocolate syrup covered balls are some of the treats that the zoo's polar bears-Gus, Ida, and Lily-find inside specially wrapped gifts. The snow monkeys, along with the animals in the Tisch Children's Zoo, will enjoy treats on trees laden with popcorn, peanut butter, apples, and bananas.’

UPDATE – 11:00 AM, Monday, November 25, 2002

The Open Gate and Hold the Door For Others partnership are offering complimentary tickets to victims’ families and survivors of 9/11 for the New York premiere of ‘Unresolved’. This is a series of six original one-act plays by Jeff Baron, Steven Fechter, Romulus Linney, Joe Pintauro, R. David Robinson, and Laren Stover. The production will be directed by Richard Mover. Each play is the specific writer's artistic response to the tragic events of 9/11.

Through the generosity of The Open Gate Human Rights Theatre, complimentary tickets are being provided for survivors and victims’ families. For more information and to book complimentary tickets, please e-mail Jennifer Lavorante (Jennl21@hotmail.com), Director of Special Events for Hold the Door for Others. For general questions about Hold The Door For Others please email Jennifer Gensler (Info@holdthedoor.com).

The event will be held at the Sande Shurin Theatre, 311 West 43^rd Street, 6^th fl., New York on November 21-24, December 5-8 (Sunday, December 8^th Special Workshop with Hold the Door for Others) and December 12-15. The times will be Thursday – Saturday at 8pm and Sunday at 2pm.

UPDATE – 11:00 AM, Friday, November 22, 2002

On Saturday, November 30, 2002, Tuesday's Children will hold a Family Event at the South Street Seaport to cheer on world-renowned endurance swimmer Tom Gallagher as he begins his "Swim Around Manhattan for the Benefit of Tuesday's Children." There will be lots of kids activities and some discount Holiday shopping for you at The Gap, J. Crew, Coach, The Body Shop and more. The highlight of the day will be the "Swim Around Manhattan" for the benefit of Tuesday's Children. The event starts at 11:30 am aboard the schooner Peking and Tom which will depart at noon. Lunch will be held in the Food Court beginning at 12:30 pm. Kids activities and shopping will begin at 1 pm. More details will follow. Please call 516-562-9000 or visit http://www.tuesdayschildrenfund.org/ and indicate if you wish to attend this event.

UPDATE – 11:00 AM, Thursday, November 21, 2002

Support from the National Italian American Foundation (NIAF) Banking Foundation September 11th Relief Fund is available to families and individuals who were affected by the September 11th tragedy and who meet the following conditions:

1. Recipients must be Italian or of Italian descent (4^th generation or more recent Italian citizens – i.e. great great grandparent must have been Italian citizens).

2. Recipients must meet one of the following conditions:
a. Child, under 30 years of age, of a victim who died as a result of the September 11th attack.
b. Child, under 30 years of age, of a victim who, due to injury as a result of the September 11th attack, has permanently lost the ability to earn wages.
c. Families who have lost their primary residence as a direct result of the September 11th attack.
d. Families who have lost their business activity because of damage, caused by the September 11th attack, to building, goods or equipment needed for business.

The amount of the award will depend on the financial need of the family or individual. The maximum award is $50,000 per family.

You can click here to link to a claim form and here to link to a financial worksheet. For more information, please contact Kelly Schrepfer at kelly@niaf.org or at 202/939-3103.

UPDATE – 4:00 PM, Tuesday, November 19, 2002

September’s Mission has informed us that the Breakfast with Santa event at the Hard Rock Café event is now fully booked and that they are no longer taking RSVPs. The following is the information for their second Holiday Party.

A Santa Ball Holiday Party for the Children of the Victims of 9/11 will be hosted by September’s Mission, Ground Hero Kids and September Space. The event will be held at the Firehouse Community Space (87 Lafayette St. at White St. in Manhattan) on Saturday, December 14^th from 1:00 pm to 5:00 pm. The program will include: Vinnie Voltage, Magic Shows, Ringling Brothers Clowns, King Charles Unicycle Troupe, Face Painting, Visits by favorite Cartoon Characters, Free Arts New York Craft Corner, DJ and dancing and a special appearance by Santa Claus himself.. Please RSVP with the names of all attendees and children of all ages are invited and call (888) 424-4685 or email: monicai@septembersmission.org.

UPDATE – 4:00 PM, Thursday, November 14, 2002

Give Your Voice have advised that the September 11 Scholarship Alliance is coordinating scholarship funds created to assist families of people killed or permanently disabled in the terrorist attacks on America on September 11, 2001. The September 11 Scholarship Alliance was formed by leading scholarship providers and associated organizations to simplify the scholarship application process for postsecondary education for the families of those who died or were permanently disabled in the terrorist attacks. The Alliance will serve as an information clearinghouse to help ensure that financial assistance for post-high school education, such as college, university and vocational-technical schools, gets into the hands of those who need it most with minimal paperwork and frustration. The Alliance is also collaborating to coordinate communications to families and reach out to other scholarship funds. For more information, please visit http://www.scholarships911.org/.

UPDATE – 10:00 AM, Wednesday, November 13, 2002

The Gift of New York has informed us that Carnegie Hall has offered 300 hundred tickets to a piano recital this Saturday evening at 8:00 pm featuring Japanese/Swedish pianist Fujiko Hemming. She is among the most popular performers in Japan and will perform the music of Chopin, Debussy, Scarlatti, and Liszt. If you or anyone you know is interested, please visit http://www.thegiftofnewyork.org/ and send an email to Scott Meserve, Program Manager (up to 4 tickets per order) and your name will be at the Carnegie Hall box office on Saturday evening. You must send the email by Friday at 5:00 pm as the reservation list must be faxed to Carnegie Hall at that time. The recital wil be held at Carnegie Hall, 57^th Street and 7^th Avenue, Manhattan on Saturday, November 16^th at 8:00 pm.

UPDATE – 10:00 AM, Wednesday, November 13, 2002

September’s Mission has informed us of the Breakfast with Santa event. For the children of the victims of 9/11 ‘this Holiday Season, bring your ‘Lil Rockers to the Hard Rock Café for some holiday fun’. The event will be held at the Hard Rock Café (221 West 57^th St. New York, NY 10019) on Saturday, December 7^th from 8:30 - 10:30am. The program will include a buffet style breakfast, a goodie bag and a photo with Santa. Please RSVP with the names of all attendees as soon as possible, call: (888) 424-4685 or email: monicai@septembersmission.org.

UPDATE – 10:00 AM, Tuesday, November 12, 2002

The Gift of New York has received a large number of tickets to each night of the Coaches vs. Cancer College Basketball Classic at Madison Square Garden this Thursday (170 tickets) and Friday (110) night, Nov. 14^th and 15^th. Both nights feature a double header between top-25 teams like Alabama, Texas, Syracuse, and Villanova.

If you are interested in attending, please call 1-800-528-1499 hotline between 12 noon and 6:30 pm every working day, or go to http://www.thegiftofnewyork.org/ and logon with your email address and Gift of New York password to make reservations anytime of day or night.

UPDATE – 10:00 AM, Tuesday, November 05, 2002

The Gift of New York has informed us of the following. ‘The Gift of New York has 250 tickets to the two nights of the Coaches vs. Cancer Classic basketball tournament at Madison Square Garden. TGNY families can reserve up to 6 tickets to each double header. Please see the TGNY web site at http://www.thegiftofnewyork.org/.

The Coaches vs. Cancer Classic to be held Nov. 14-15, 2002 at Madison Square Garden in New York City. This year the AT&T Wireless Classic will have a new format, featuring eight teams, each playing one game in a "showcase" style event, rather than the tournament format used in past years. All eight participating teams are ranked in ESPN.com's "Summer Sizzling 50", including; No. 3 Oklahoma Sooners, No. 4 Texas Longhorns, No. 7 Georgia Bulldogs, No. 13 Alabama Crimson Tide, No. 16 Villanova Wildcats, No. 19 Marquette Golden Eagles, No. 26 Syracuse Orangemen and No. 48 Memphis Tigers. Thursday, November 14^th: Syracuse vs. Memphis @ 7pm; Oklahoma vs. Alabama @ 9pm Friday, November 15^th: Villanova vs. Marquette @ 6:30pm; Texas vs. Georgia @ 8:30pm

Families may reserve tickets and use them to attend either or both games played on each date, i.e. one can reserve tickets to the 14^th and come for the late game. Again, please see the web site or call 800-528-1499 to reserve tickets to this college basketball showcase.’

UPDATE – 3:00 PM, Wednesday, October 23, 2002

Barry Young's sister, Loretta, has confirmed today that there has been positive identification by the authorities of her brother. Our deepest sympathies go out to Loretta, Barry's wife, Margaret Foster Young, his son Barrington Jaleel, and all of Barry’s family and friends.

UPDATE – 4:00 PM, Tuesday, October 22, 2002

The Gift of New York have sent us the following notification: ‘We are writing to let you know that The Gift of New York is gearing up to provide you and your families with a wide range of exciting Holiday events this season, from special seats at the Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade, to performances of Disney on Ice in New Jersey and Long Island, to viewing the Christmas Tree with your kids at The Bronx Zoo!

As November, December and January unfold, you will be receiving twice-monthly Holiday Season Email Updates from The Gift of New York about upcoming events at reserved seating venues and the 63 (!) museums, botanic gardens and cultural institutions that provide free admission with the TGNY Pass Card. Give your youngest hockey fan the chance to be an Islanders Stick Kid for a game at the Coliseum, go see holiday concerts at Carnegie Hall, or attend the Museum of Jewish Heritage's Hanukah cooking class.

Over the next two weeks, seats are available for the NY Giants vs. the Jaguars on Nov. 3^rd; The New Victory Theater's critically acclaimed children's hip-hop show, Solar Power'D; Carnegie Hall's American Symphony Orchestra; Broadway's Metamorphosis; and Pat Metheny at Purchase College. And just to give you enough time to work on your Halloween costume, don't forget the Liberty Science Center's Halloween Party Open House for TGNY families next Wednesday evening, October 30th. Come with your kids and their best outfits to win prizes and have the run of the museum with other families!

As always, these and other tickets are available on the web site, http://www.thegiftofnewyork.org/ or by calling 800-528-1499.’

UPDATE – 4:00 PM, Wednesday, October 02, 2002

Halloween Heroes is a Halloween Party for the Children of the Victims of 9/11 hosted by September’s Mission, Tuesday’s Children, Ground Hero Kids and September Space. It will be held at the Hard Rock Café in Manhattan (221 West 57^th Street, New York, NY 10019) on Saturday, October 26^th from 1:00 to 5:00 pm. The program will include a Parade of Costumes, Build-a-Bear, William Rodriguez’s Magic Show, Performances by the Ringling Brothers, Mask making, DJ and dancing as well as surprise special guests. Please RSVP with the names of all attendees as soon as possible. Children of all ages are invited. Due to space limitations, there will be a limit of the amount of adults who will be able to accompany the children. Please call: (888) 424-4685 or Email: monicai@septembersmission.org.

UPDATE – 3:00 PM, Monday, September 23, 2002

1. Give Your Voice have advised us that the final ‘We Remember Walk’ will be held next Sunday, September 29, at 3:00 pm, in Manhattan. The walk will begin in Battery Park and proceed up past Ground Zero, returning for a closing ceremony in Battery Park. This march is to honor all who died or were injured on September 11 as well as the thousands of volunteers that participated in the rescue and recovery efforts. All are welcome.

2. September’s Mission have informed us that there will be a Bell Choir Service on Sunday September 29, 2002 from 1:00 to 3:00 pm at the Tower of Remembrance in Sterling, NJ. The hand bells and chimes will be rung by area church bell choirs. All are welcome and it is suggested that you bring a lawn chair. The Memorial contains all of the names of the victims of September 11th. The web site for the tower of remembrance can be seen at: http://www.stshrine.org/Memorial_Ded1.htm and directions to the shrine can be found at: http://www.stshrine.org/where_we_are.htm

UPDATE – 3:00 PM, Wednesday, September 18, 2002

September's Mission, along with Tuesday's Children, Ground Hero Kids and September Space is extending an invitation to a children’s Halloween Party. The party will be held at the Hard Rock Café, 221 West 57^th St., New York, NY 10019 (212-489-6565) on Saturday, October 26^th from 2:30 pm to 6:30 pm. Please RSVP as soon as possible by calling 888-424-4685 or by emailing monicai@septembersmission.org. Please include the names of all the people that will be attending the event. More details to follow.

UPDATE – 1:00 PM, Tuesday, September 17, 2002

The ‘Flag of Remembrance’ will be a permanent memorial - an American flag, 20 feet high and 25 feet wide, made up of the photos of those lost on September 11 (see Update on October 31^st). The Flag will be displayed at The New York Historical Society in June 2003, and will hopefully be unveiled well before that date in New York. Only photographs that have been sent directly to the organization by family and friends will be used. To date, they have received approximately 1700 photographs. If you would like to participate, photographs may be sent either electronically to photos@flagofremembrance.com, or through regular mail to: Flag of Remembrance, P.O. Box 860, Chappaqua, NY 10514. More information may be found at http://www.flagofremembrance.com/

UPDATE – 11:00 AM, Tuesday, September 10, 2002

1. There will be an Ecumenical Sunrise Service on September 11^th, 2002 for the Lower Manhattan Community and others affected by the tragedy. The "Manhattan Remembers” service will begin promptly at 5:30 a.m. at Robert F. Wagner, Jr. Park - Esplanade Plaza with the entrance on West Street and Battery Place. If you are interested in attending, please R.S.V.P. the Manhattan Borough President’s office on (212) 669-4460. Please be advised that security measures will be in place so arrive early and bring photo identification. As there will be no vehicle access please use public transportation: Number 4 or 5 Lexington Avenue lines to the Bowling Green station; you may also take the N or R trains to Whitehall Street.

2. On Saturday, September 14^th, 2002, families of the September 11th victims will be able to view Sail for America from the New York Mercantile Exchange Information; Pre-registration is required, 2002. The New York Mercantile Exchange will open it's 10th floor executive dining room and conference facility to the families to provide a viewing opportunity of Sail for America. NYMEX is located at One North End Avenue in Battery Park City, Lower Manhattan. The viewing location will be open from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. To register to view Sail for America from NYMEX, please visit the Sail for America website and scroll down on the opening page to Special Viewing for Families of September 11th. For more information on Sail for America, Please visit the website http://www.sailforamerica.com/.

UPDATE – 1:00 PM, Monday, September 09, 2002

1. We have received the following link that may be of interest. It contains information about a number of events, tributes and ceremonies related to the anniversary of the September 11th attacks For more information, please click here: http://www.gothamgazette.com/rebuilding_nyc/topics/anniversary

2. We have been informed by The Gift of New York that the New York Yankees have contacted them to offer tickets to families who have lost loved ones for the September 11th game and pre-game program memorializing the 9/11 anniversary. These tickets are being offered through the Gift of New York website, courtesy of the Yankees. Gates at Yankee Stadium open at 5:00 pm, the pre-game 9/11 ceremony begins at 6:00 pm and the game against the Baltimore Orioles begins at 7:00 pm. After a reservation is made, families will be telephoned with complete instructions on how and when to collect their tickets at the stadium that afternoon. All tickets will be in the middle rows of the Upper Deck in left and right field. If you are interested in attending, please make reservations at http://www.thegiftofnewyork.org/.

UPDATE – 2:00 PM, Friday, August 23, 2002

1. We have received the following update from Give Your Voice:

September 11th, 2002

The City of New York will mark the first anniversary of the September 11 attacks with a solemn morning ceremony at the World Trade Center site, candlelight vigils in all five boroughs in the evening and ending with the lighting of an eternal flame at sunset. Mayor Bloomberg announced the planned events as "simple and powerful." P or T numbers are required for entry. If families don't have a P or T number they should call CAU at (212) 788 7418 and ask to speak to Tom Curatore. For more details, see: http://www.nyctourist.com/911anniversary.htm

The Mayor is inviting family members to help read names of our loved ones during the ceremony at Ground Zero on 9-11. The reading will begin at about 8:50 and last until 10:29. City Hall will be selecting the readers by lottery .Pease submit all names by Aug. 23. Please include the name of the loved one you lost , the "P" number if possible, and your relationship to that person , your phone and/or email. All submissions should go via email to Sarah Knapp. SKnapp@cityhall.nyc.gov

"Day of Hope and Healing," hosted by Trinity Church (near Wall Street) and includes St. Paul's Chapel, which is across Church Street from the World Trade Center site and served as a round-the- clock refuge providing food and rest for rescue workers. Trinity Church will hold a morning prayer service at 8 a.m., then an 11 a.m. choral service featuring the Archbishop of Canterbury, the Most Rev. George Carey, and the presiding bishop of the Episcopal Church, the Most Rev. Frank T. Griswold. The mayor of London, Michael Oliver, will present a commemorative church bell to the church at the 11 a.m. service, reflecting his city's sympathy with the people of New York. After a lunchtime Eucharistic service at Trinity Church starting at 12:30 p.m., there will be musical and verbal presentations, including musicians such as pianist Ruth Laredo and the Manhattan Chamber Orchestra. A 6 p.m. service at Trinity will conclude the day's activities.

On Wednesday, September 11th at 8:30 a.m. Long Island residents are invited to Hempstead Town's Point Lookout Park at the southern end of the Loop Parkway for a beach front program that seeks to provide participants with comfort and healing in response to the murderous events of 9/11. The program is open to all those in the Nassau-Suffolk region who wish to participate in a meaningful program of observance in a place where Long Islanders have consistently sought solace, our beaches.

The Red Cross is going to provide plane/hotel and some money for expenses for up to 4 family members to travel to New York City on September 11th. Bookings may need to be made by mid August. Please contact your local Red Cross chapter for more information.

Upcoming Events, 2002

"WE REMEMBER WALKS" to honor the memories of those lost on September 11^th, 2001. "WALKS" are scheduled for Sunday Sept. 1 in Somerset County, PA. The second "WALK" is scheduled for Washington, D.C. Sunday September 15, and the final "WALK" will be held in New York on Sunday Sept. 29^th. The idea is to WALK, preceded by bag pipes for approx. 2 miles to Ground Zero in each location where a brief, solemn ceremony will be held in memory of those lost. For more information, call Rev. Bill at 310-202-6213.

On September 8, between 10 a.m. to 5:30 p.m the Smithsonian Institution and its National Museum of American History has invited WTC United Family Group members to a private preview of the exhibition, "September 11: Bearing Witness to History." This temporary exhibition will commemorate the first anniversary of the attacks. For more information, contact Arlene Fenlon in the Museum's Office of Special Events at (202) 357-3306. The National Museum of American History is located on Constitution Avenue, between 12th and 14^th Streets in Washington, D.C.

Sail for America 2002 (http://www.sailforamerica.com/) will bring sailors from across the world into New York Harbor on Saturday, 9/14, to honor those lost on September 11th. During Sail for America, the sailors wish to fly in New York Harbor a personalized Memorial Flag for every person who was lost on September 11th. Each individual flag will bear the name of a hero. These flags will then be given to the families. The sponsorship of each flag is $12. These are being created at cost, thanks to the support of Northeast Flags in Mountainside, NJ. Each flag will measure 2' x 3' and will be personalized with the name of one person lost on 9/11. If you wish to sponsor a Memorial Flag in memory of a loved one, visit: http://www.sailforamerica.com/memorial_flag.htm

The "Coalition of 9/11 Families" have enlisted the support of many of the world's best figure skaters for a gala fund-raising event to help victims of crime and future terrorist attacks. Stars, Stripes & Skates, scheduled for September 20 at Madison Square Garden in New York City, begins the Coalition's mission of looking forward and helping others in need. Many young skaters will take the ice with the skating champions to symbolize how the "Coalition of 9/11 Families" is looking to the future and working to make dreams come true. More information is available at 212-424-0135 or at http://www.starstripesandskates.org/

2. The following article is entitled ‘Remembering Sept. 11’ and is taken from the Star-Ledger, Sunday, August 18, 2002.

”From special prayer services and candlelight vigils to the tolling of church bells and the dedication of monuments, New Jersey is getting ready to observe the first anniversary of the terrorist attacks. Among the events planned by churches, towns, community groups and emergency workers throughout the Garden State are these:

Vigils, 2002

Belleville:
Christ Church, on Washington Avenue, will hold a "Public Service for Remembering" at 7 p.m. on Sept. 11. The service is open to all residents of the Belleville area. For more information, call (973) 751-0616.

Bernards Twp.:
A daylong series of events will begin with a quiet gathering at 7:30 a.m. on the lawn of town hall on Sept. 11. Local congregations will keep their doors open throughout the day, and evening services will be held.

Bernardsville:
A remembrance service will be held at St. Bernard’s Episcopal Church on Claremont Road at 7:30 p.m. on Sept. 11.

The Caldwells:
Local houses of worship will hold a prayer service beginning 7 p.m. on Sept. 11. Later that day, residents will gather in Bonnell Field at James Caldwell High School for an 8:15 p.m. service, which will feature singing, readings, recognition of victims' families and candle-lighting. The Rev. Anthony Randazzo of Notre Dame Church in North Caldwell is coordinating the event.

Clark:
Local residents will dedicate a park to Port Authority police officer James Nelson on Sept. 11. The event, at the corner of Grand Street and Broadway, will start at 7:30 p.m. Parking will be available at Mother Seton Regional High School on Valley Road. For more information, call (732) 388-3600.

Cranbury:
The Women's Club of Cranbury will be sponsoring a candlelight vigil beginning at 8:30 p.m. on Sept. 11 along Main Street. Church bells will ring throughout the town at 8:46 p.m., 12 hours after the time the first of the Twin Towers was struck a year ago. Those gathered will observe a moment of silence.

Cranford:
The September 11 Memorial in Crane Park will be dedicated at 6:30 p.m. on Sept. 11. Following that ceremony, there will be a candlelight procession to St. Michael's Church on Alden Street for a 7:30 p.m. interdenominational service. For more information, call (908) 276-1586.

East Hanover:
On Sept. 11, church bells in East Hanover will ring at 8:45 a.m., 9:03 a.m., 9:43 a.m. and 10 a.m. to remember the attacks on the World Trade Center and Pentagon, and the plane crash in Shanksville, Pa. Bells will toll at noon, starting a 35-minute ceremony put on by the American Legion James P. Collins Post 421. The Hanover Park High School marching band and color guard will march from school to D'Ambola Field and play the national anthem.

Flemington:
Hunterdon County invites the community to join in an evening of remembrance and recognition of the Sept. 11 attack on America with a program of patriotic music and a candlelight ceremony. The event will take place in front of the historic Hunterdon County Courthouse on Main Street at 7 p.m. Part of Main Street will be closed, with a shuttle service offered from designated parking areas.

Hackettstown:
A memorial service, at which a Sept. 11 memorial will be dedicated, will be held Sept. 13 at 6:30 p.m. at town hall on West Stiger Street.

Highland Park:
The borough is sponsoring a candlelight vigil and memorial service at 7 p.m. on Sept. 10. The events will be held on the high school's football field.

Hoboken:
The Hoboken Clergy Coalition will hold a nondenominational prayer service at 8 a.m. on Pier A off River Street and Newark Avenue, near the Erie-Lackawanna train station, on Sept. 11. The service will end with a moment of silence at 8:50 a.m. to mark the moment the first plane hit the North Tower.

Jersey City:
On Sept. 11, the New Jersey Symphony Orchestra will present a free outdoor performance of Giuseppe Verdi's "Requiem" at 7 p.m. at Liberty State Park.

Middletown:
A groundbreaking ceremony for a World Trade Center memorial will be held Sept. 10 at 7 p.m. at the corner of Orchard and Church streets. The site is the future home of the town's new cultural arts center and part of the property will be dedicated to a walking path as a memorial to the 36 residents lost on Sept. 11. Also, a memorial service will be held at 7 p.m. on Sept. 11 at St. Mary's Roman Catholic Church, 26 Leonardville Road, in the New Monmouth section. Many of the 36 people from Middletown who died on Sept. 11 were members of this church. Family members had input into this service, which is open to the public.

Monroe:
The township is holding a community vigil at 7 p.m. on Sept. 11 at Monroe High School on Perrineville Road. A town-sponsored memorial for the victims of the terrorist attacks will be dedicated on Sept. 14 in Prospect Plains Park.

Montclair:
St. John's Episcopal Church at 55 Montclair Ave. will open its doors at 8 a.m. on Sept. 11 for a day of prayer, reflection and remembrance. At 8 p.m., there will be a candlelight service, and from 8 to 10 p.m. a walking labyrinth will be open inside the parish hall.

Morristown:
The Morris County Board of Freeholders is holding a public vigil on the Green. Uniformed members of the police, fire and emergency services from the county's 39 municipalities will gather at the Morristown Municipal Building at 5 p.m. on Sept. 8 for a procession down South Street. Services at the Green are scheduled for 6:30 p.m. and will include state, county and local officials as well as clergy members.

Mount Olive:
A candlelight ceremony is planned for Sept. 11 at 7 p.m. in the Mount Olive Municipal Building courtyard. "Moving Forward With Hope" will be the theme for the event. Refreshments will be served in the senior center following the ceremony.

Newark:
Archbishop John J. Myers of the Newark Archdiocese will be presiding over an interdenominational service at 6 p.m. on Sept. 8 in the Cathedral Basilica of the Sacred Heart. The event is billed as a "prayer service of remembrance, support, healing, reconciliation and hope." For more information, call Brian Forés at (973) 497-4189.

Newark:
The New Jersey Performing Arts Center has rented out space to St. James AME Church for a remembrance service at 6:30 p.m. on Sept. 11. Leaders from the Jewish, Islamic and Christian faiths have been invited to participate. Tickets, which are free, will be needed for admission and are available at the NJPAC box office, St. James AME Church, St. Matthew AME Church in Orange and Fountain Baptist Church in Summit.

Newark and New Brunswick:
Ceremonies will be held simultaneously on the Newark, New Brunswick and Camden campuses of Rutgers University at 10 a.m. on Sept. 11 to honor the 37 alumni victims. A memorial tree and stone will be dedicated on each campus, and a proclamation will be read. A candlelight vigil will be held at 7 p.m. on the Newark campus, on the lawn between Woodward Hall and the Talbott Apartments on Bleeker Street.

New Brunswick:
As part of the daylong series of events at Rutgers University, a candlelight procession will take place down College Avenue at 8 p.m. on Sept. 11, led by an ROTC color guard and a Rutgers Police Department bagpiper. A giant "Scarlet Tribute" flag will be draped over the Brower Commons pillars. At 8:30 p.m., the marchers will assemble on the Old Queens lawn, where a short ecumenical program will take place, followed by a moment of silence and the singing of "God Bless America." Also, the Old Queens bell will toll 37 times, once for each alumnus who died in the terrorist attacks.

New Brunswick:
The city, along with the Elks Lodge in New Brunswick, is holding a memorial service at noon Sept. 11 at Monument Square on Livingston Avenue. Middlesex County officials and local clergy are scheduled to participate in the service.

North Brunswick:
The town's Human Services Division and the Sept. 11 committee is organizing a candlelight vigil in front of North Brunswick High School at 7 p.m. on Sept. 11. The ceremony will be held in the high school auditorium if it is raining. Mayor David Spaulding will open the ceremony, and area clergy and public officials are expected to participate.

Nutley:
A dedication ceremony and candlelight memorial service are planned for Sept. 11. A monument with a plaque will be unveiled at 10 a.m. at town hall. An evening ceremony will be held at 7 p.m. in the Park Oval. The candlelight service will feature a guest speaker, a soloist, the Nutley High School Concert Choir and a bagpiper. The names of family members lost in the tragedy will be read during the service. For more information, call (973) 284-4935.

Peapack-Gladstone:
An interfaith, multi-racial concert with youth dialogue will be held at 7:30 p.m. on Sept. 11 at St. Luke's Episcopal Church.

Perth Amboy:
An interfaith service and vigil will be held at 6:30 p.m. at City Hall Circle on High Street on Sept. 11. Local veterans' groups and clergy are to participate.

Piscataway:
The community is hosting a memorial service called "Piscataway Remembers" at 7 p.m. on Sept. 11 at the high school stadium. The evening will feature singing by the Community Church Choir, the Cantabile Chamber Choral and the Piscataway High School Choir. Included will be a procession of police, fire and rescue workers. Counseling and open discussions will be available for people of all ages from 7 to 9 p.m. on Sept. 10 and again following the Sept. 11 ceremony. For more information, call (732) 981-0700, Ext. 2024.

South Brunswick:
Area clergy are sponsoring an ecumenical service at the Islamic Center of Central Jersey, on Route 1, at 6:30 p.m. on Sept. 11. Earlier in the day, the South Brunswick Township Council will be planting a tree in memory of those who died last Sept. 11, but a time for that service has not yet been set.

South Plainfield:
The borough plans to hold a candlelight vigil in Spring Lake Park at 7 p.m. on Sept. 11, with borough police, fire and rescue squads and area clergy and public officials participating.

Summit:
A candlelight service will be held Sept. 11 at 6:45 p.m. at the Village Green. The event will be hosted by the Rev. Vanessa Rush Southern, pastor of the Unitarian Church. The fire department will sound station bells at 10:05 a.m. and 10:28 a.m., to note the collapse of the South and North Towers of the World Trade Center. On the same day, Summit High School will be having a memorial assembly and tree-planting ceremony at 2:15 p.m. on the front lawn of the school.

Union County:
A countywide candlelight vigil is planned in Echo Lake Park, off Route 22 in Mountainside, at 7:30 p.m. on Sept. 11. Candles will be provided to participants. For more information, call (908) 527-4744.

Washington Borough:
The Memorial School will hold a memorial candlelight ceremony on Sept. 11 at 6:30 p.m., on West Stewart Street. Refreshments will follow. For more information or to help volunteer, call (908) 689-7771 or (908) 689-3248.

West Milford:
The West Milford Presbyterian Church will hold an ecumenical service on Sept. 11 at 7:30 p.m. The church is located at 1452 Union Valley Road. For more information, call (973) 728-3081

3. The Gift of New York have informed us that the New York Philharmonic has commissioned American composer John Adams to write a work for Orchestra and chorus in tribute to those who died on September 11. On the Transmigration of Souls will be premiered during the Philharmonic’s first subscription week. Lorin Maazel and the Orchestra invite the families of the victims to join them for a pre-concert talk by the composer followed by the performance that concludes with Beethoven’s Symphony No. 9 on Friday, September 20th at 7:00pm. The work was commissioned at the suggestion of an anonymous donor and in May Mr. Adams and the representatives of the Philharmonic met with leaders of some of the family groups to discuss the work and seek suggestions. If you would like to know more about Mr. Adams’ work please see the Philharmonic’s web site at www.newyorkphilharmonic.org/adams/. There are a limited number of tickets available and The Gift of New York ask families to limit their request to four. The deadline for requesting tickets is Wednesday, September 4. Tickets may be picked up on the night of the performance beginning at 6:15pm at Lincoln Center’s Avery Fisher Hall. Please make your reservations through the TGNY web site or their telephone at 800-528-1499.

UPDATE – 4:00 PM, Thursday, August 22, 2002

We have received a request from Marcelo Garate, an associate producer for the morning show "Fox & Friends" on the Fox News Channel.

“As part of our coverage to remember the victims of 9/11, we would like to have any women who lost loved ones, and were pregnant, and delivered babies after 9/11 to come on our show. I know this is a difficult time and would appreciate any help I could get. We want to hear your stories and find out how you're doing. I am flexible in dates. Any time between now (the end of August) through the week of September 11th. Our show airs live Monday through Friday from 6 to 9am and on the weekends from 7 to 10am. I could provide transportation to make it as easy as possible for you all. You could choose whether or not you want to bring your baby. I could feature pictures and videos to show your loved ones, if you'd like. I want to do this with class and dignity because I know it's very personal to you. You can email me at: marcelo.garate@foxnews.com or call me directly at 212-301-5143. I am free to answer any and all questions you may have. Thank you for your time and consideration. / Marcelo Garate”

UPDATE – 3:00 PM, Tuesday, August 20, 2002

1. We have been informed that Meredith Fry was contacted last week by the NYC medical examiner and that there has been positive identification of her husband, Peter. Our deepest condolences go out to Meredith and her children and the rest of Peter's family and friends.

2. September’s Mission have contacted us with details of a couple, Stephen & Joanne Galvin of Wolcott, NY, who have designed a remembrance flag. It is intended to “give all American's an opportunity to display this flag as a permanent remembrance to the lives lost on September 11th.” The proceeds from the sale of the flag will be sent to the numerous relief efforts resulting from 9/11, including September’s Mission. For more details, including how you can order flags, please click here.

UPDATE – 2:00 PM, Monday, August 19, 2002

September’s Mission have announced the first meeting with the Families of 9/11, the residents of Lower Manhattan, the City Counsel, and the architects. The meeting will be led and facilitated by Rick Bell from AIA. The meeting will be a round table discussion with an equal number of families, residents, and architects at each table. This meeting will be the first in a series of facilitations that will go on between the residents families and architects and will be held on September 24^th at 6:00 pm. The location is to be announced and we will publish it here once we are notified of it. Please RSVP to Christopher Reedman, Operations Director, September's Mission, via email: monicai@septembersmission.org or by calling 888-424-4685.

UPDATE – 1:00 PM, Friday, August 16, 2002

1. GIVE YOUR VOICE recently contacted the NYC Property Clerk’s office to obtain an update on the status of the office’s requirements and plan to return the personal belongings of loved ones lost on September 11th. If you would like to see the full text of the answers to questions posed at the meeting, please click here.

2. We have received information that the 9/11 Widows and Victims Families Association, which as part of the Coalition of 9/11 Families is working collectively on the WTC memorial planning, has agreed to help promote the upcoming event ‘Stars, Stripes and Skates.’ The event ‘was conceived as a small way for the 9/11 families to say thank you for the generosity bestowed upon our families from America in the aftermath of September 11th. The program is being coordinated to raise money for a scholarship fund for low income families effected by future acts of crime or terrorism. The event will be held on September 20, 2002 at Madison Square Garden. Families interested in participating in the planning can email tmodlin@nmgsports.com For more information, please click here.

UPDATE – 3:00 PM, Thursday, August 15, 2002

1. We have received a reminder from the American Red Cross informing us that the deadline for the Special Circumstances Gift application is September 30, 2002. All applications for Special Circumstances Gift must be submitted by this date, complete or not. If an applicant was not able to complete the application, but got it in by the deadline, the assigned Family Support Specialist will work with the applicant on completing the form. If the applicant does not know how to contact their Specialist, or if they have not yet been assigned one, please call (877) 746-4987 for assistance. But again, the application for Special Circumstances Gift must be in by September 30, 2002. Please note however that there are no application deadlines for the FAMILY GIFT or SUPPLEMENTAL (ESTATE) GIFT. You may call Arseman Yohannes, Coordinator, Community Relations American Red Cross September 11 Recovery Program on (212) 724-4918 or email yohannesa@arcgny.org if you have any questions about this or other American Red Cross benefits and services.

2. The Lower Manhattan Development Corporation (LMDC) and the Port Authority are holding a series of public meetings throughout New York City over the next several weeks. The purpose of these meeting is to discuss with the public the next steps for developing a memorial mission statement, preliminary program and a memorial process. The LMDC and the Port Authority will also present the six concept plans and would like to get more input on the specific elements of the concept plans such as the memorial area, the street grid, treatment of West Street, open space and the skyline. These are important elements that will part of Phase II of the planning study. If you have any questions, please call Tara M. Snow on 212-962-2300 or email her at tsnow@empire.state.ny.us. The following is a list of the meetings:

Staten Island Public Meeting. The Auditorium at the Michael J. Petrides School
715 Ocean Terrace, Sunnyside. August 20^th, 2002. 6:00 p.m. - 9:00 p.m. For directions to the Michael J. Petrides School please contact the Staten Island Chamber of Commerce at (718) 727-1900.

Brooklyn Public Meeting. New York City College of Technology. The City University of New York Klitgord Auditorium. 250 Jay Street, Downtown Brooklyn. August 21^st, 2002. 6:00 p.m. - 9:00 p.m. For directions to the New York City College of Technology please visit www.iBrooklyn.com or call (718) 875-1000 ext. 108

Bronx Public Meeting. Lehman College Concert Hall. 250 Bedford Park Blvd. West
Kingsbridge - Bedford Park. August 22^nd, 2002. 6:00 p.m. - 9:00 p.m. For directions to Lehman College please visit www.lehman.cuny.edu or call (718) 960-8833

Queens Public Meeting. LaGuardia Community College. The City University of New York. Performing Arts Center - Main Stage Theater. 31-10 Thomson Avenue, Long Island City. August 29^th, 2002. 6:30 p.m. - 9:30 p.m. For directions to LaGuardia Community College please visit www.lagcc.cuny.edu

Manhattan Public Meeting. Pace University. Michael Schimmel Center for the Arts
Spruce Street (between Gold Street and Park Row). Lower Manhattan. September 5^th, 2002. 6:00 p.m. - 9:00 p.m. For directions to Pace University please visit www.pace.edu or call 212-346-1133.

UPDATE – 2:00 pm, August 14^th, 2002

1. Monica Iken from September’s Mission has sent us the following correspondence: “On August 6, 2002, Mayor Michael Bloomberg, Mayor of New York City announced New York City’s plans for the first anniversary observance of the terrorist attacks of September 11, 2001. Mayor Bloomberg stated "Houses of Worship will be encouraged to toll bells at 10:29 a.m., when the second tower collapsed". Based on this message, we have decided to focus the September 11th Let Freedom Ring project on a nation wide bell ringing at 10:29 am, to coincide with New York City. Although a specific length of time was not mentioned, we will encourage New York City, as well as every other location, to sustain the ringing and silence for two minutes and 20 seconds, the length of time between the takeoff of American Airlines Flight 11 and the collapse of the second world trade center tower. We hope Mayor Bloomberg will agree to allow the ringing to last for the full 140 seconds, but even if not, we are grateful for New York City's participation (perhaps without even realizing it!) in the September 11th Let Freedom Ring Project. And since the purpose of the September 11th Let Freedom Ring project has always been a simultaneous nation wide bell ringing, we are looking at this development as a true blessing in disguise.”

2. We have received the following notification from the Mayor’s office: “The Mayor is inviting family members to help read names of our loved ones during the ceremony at Ground Zero on 9-11. The reading will begin at about 8:50 and last until 10:29. Readers will have to be in place most likely an hour before. City Hall will be selecting the readers by lottery .Hope you understand that this is a massive undertaking so please submit all names by Aug. 23. If you submit your name pls include the name of the loved one you lost , the "P" number if possible, and your relationship to that person , your phone and/or email so that we can contact you. To be fair ,only submit one name from each family member All submissions should go via email to my assistant at City Hall, Sarah Knapp. SKnapp@cityhall.nyc.gov. Thank you. My thoughts are with you all. Best, Christy Ferer, Family Liaison to Mayor Bloomberg.”

3. Monica Iken from September’s Mission has forwarded us this letter from Noriko Takamatsu, a Producer from TV Asahi in Japan. “I am working on a new segment on children's mental health. Children who lost a parent on 9.11 are suffering as well as adults, and they are hopeless unless there are help available from adults. I believe mental health is the most important aspect of our lives, and it is our duty to take care of children's as much as we could. The reason why I started working on this story is somewhat interesting. About a week ago, I was speaking with one of Japanese victims family and she had mentioned that her child hasn't smiled since they went back to Japan and she didn't know what to do. And I told her about some of the activities available in the States for children like free summer camps and counseling. She wishes that it would be great people in Japan realize the need of those kids who went back not knowing what was going on and have no friends around, and fund those activities as well in Japan. Make those activities available for them.

I always thought that informing and influencing viewers are our job, and by doing so I hope I can help someone somehow. I thought maybe us producing a story focusing on a child who are trying to heal by going to camps and counseling here in the US might get attentions of viewers and there would be founders and organizers who wish to do the same for those of kids in Japan. Fortunately, I was given permission to come and film one of the extraordinary camp, Camp Haze organized by Ms. Amy Callahan who lost her fiancé as well and pursuing his dream to have a camp for kids, on August 21 (just one day). The camp is a week-long and it takes place in Monticello, NY (transportation will be available from the city) from Aug. 19 - 25. It is made for children who lost a parent on 9.11, ages 7 - 13, and organizers and volunteers are people who experienced the event first handed, but Ms. Callahan states that "this camp will be all about fun."

I would truly appreciate it if you know someone who would be interested to join this camp and allow us to document their child for our show. We are hoping to have an interview with a child before the camp and after the camp. If you find anybody interested I can explain more about the camp or provide news articles on the camp, (they are featured everywhere). Only one more thing....because this camp is just a week away, organizers would like to receive the application as soon as possible, possibly, within a couple of days.... Sorry for a last minute request. I appreciate your kindest soul as usual. If you have any questions please feel free to contact me at any of the numbers below anytime. And also please don't hesitate to give out my numbers to people who are interested in this story. Thank you very much for your time and kindness.

Best Regards, Noriko Takamatsu, Producer, TV Asahi, 875 Third Avenue, Third Floor, New York, NY 10022. Tel: 212-644-6300. Fax: 212-644-0003. Cell: 917-538-9074. Home: 212-593-4727.”

UPDATE – 2:00 PM, Wednesday, August 07, 2002

The Gift of New York (http://www.thegiftofnewyork.org/) has approximately 200 tickets for the Saturday, August 10th Giants vs. Patriots preseason game which they are offering to families who have registered with their program. If you are interested, please call Scott Meserve at (212) 350-6102.

UPDATE – 11:00 AM, Tuesday, August 06, 2002

We have been informed by Katie Skidmore that there has been positive identification by the authorities of her husband, Frank. Our deepest condolences go out to Katie and her children and the rest of Frank's family and friends.

UPDATE – 11:00 AM, Friday, August 02, 2002

A second meeting of Community Board 1 with Families and Residents will take place on August Thursday 8^th at 6:00 pm. The meeting will be facilitated by Paul Sipos from Community Board 1 and Monica Iken, founder of Founder September’s Mission. The agenda is to discuss the next phase for the memorial process and for the families and residents to work together on next phase of events. The meeting will be held at HAI 548 Broadway 3^rd Floor, NY. Tel: (888) 424-4685.

UPDATE – 1:00 PM, Thursday, August 01, 2002

Adam's Angels is a program that was started in memory of a single firefighter, David Rand, who died on September 11th. The goal of Adam's Angels is “to provide children with an angel here on earth.” Since it’s inception, Adam's Angels has matched people all over the world with children who lost their FDNY fathers on 9/11 and they are currently matching the NYPD & PAPD and "civilian" children. In May, the "9/11 Family Support Group" was created for people who lost loved ones on September 11th. Through a message board and weekly e-mails, 9/11 family members are able to communicate with each other and learn about special gifts available to them through Adam's Angels. If you are a 9/11 family, please visit http://www.adamsangels.org/ to learn about the resources available to you and for more information.

UPDATE – 1:00 PM, Wednesday, July 31, 2002

1. Community Board 1 is having their last meeting until September tonight (July 31^st). There has been a request for family presence at this meeting. Mr. Ray Gastil, from the Van Ellen Institute, will be speaking about the process of forming museums. The meeting will start at 5:30 pm at 49 Chamber Street, Room 709.

2. Monica Iken from September’s Mission has sent us the following invitation. “The honor of your presence is requested for the unveiling and acceptance of the World Trade Center Memorial Birdhouse. This work is being donated by Artist/Master craftsman Chuck Grodski, to our organization. Mr. Grodski created this exquisite, 15 foot tall "living" work of art, as a tribute to the lives lost, and to all affected by September 11th. We look forward to receiving this gift, which we intend to incorporate into the future Memorial Park. It is our sincere hope that you will join us in this presentation, open to all victims families, and emergency workers. The date is August 1, 2002 at 11:00 am at 629 North Country Road, (residence), St. James, Long Island, N.Y. Due to limited space, and for security reasons, please RSVP to septmission@aol.com by July 11th with the number of people in your party/group attending. For more information, please contact us at 888-424-4685. Directions: L.I.E. (Rte 495) east to exit 62 N. (RT 97) Nicholls Road, travel north, past Stonybrook University, to end, turn left onto Rt. 25A (North Country Road). Travel 2.8 miles, past the Flowerfield Fairgrounds, and just past Mills Pond Road (left), #629 North Country Rd. driveway will be on your right (you will see birdhouses).”

3. As a reminder, the New Jersey Family Advocate Program is now operational. As of July 8, 2002, 426 families have registered with the Family Advocate Program which became operational as of April 1 for registration and May 1 for services to families. If you are not enrolled in the New Jersey Family Advocate Program call toll free (877) 688-5268 to register. Registration is open-ended - whenever a family feels it is the right time to join program. In addition some funds have been freed up for additional services. NJ-DHS is releasing funds for mental health counseling, financial assistance, day care cost can be covered. For more information, please visit http://www.state.nj.us/wtc/index.html.

UPDATE – 3:00 PM, Monday, July 29, 2002

In response to the tragic events of September 11, 2001, Comfort Zone Camp is adding a series of one-day mini-camps to its schedule. August 3^rd is a one-day mini-camp to be held in Huntington, Long Island, New York. August 4^th is a one-day mini-camp to be held in Middletown, New Jersey and Blairstown, New Jersey, October 25^th-27^th. All camps are for ages 5 - 17 and parents are included in the program. Day care is available. Call or e-mail for more information about these special camp. For more information about Comfort Zone Camp Inc., visit http://www.comfortzonecamp.org/. To register call the Comfort Zone office toll-free at 866-488-5679, or email comfortzonecamp@aol.com.

UPDATE – 1:00 PM, Tuesday, July 23, 2002

We have received a telephone call from Judy Bailey who informed us that there has been positive identification by the authorities of her son, Brett. Our deepest condolences go out to her and the rest of Brett’s family, fiancée and friends.

UPDATE – 2:00 PM, Monday, July 22, 2002

America’s 9-11 Memorial Quilts Organization is honoring and paying lasting tribute to all who perished on 9/11. A total of seven memorial quilts are under construction in six states to honor those who died. With permission from family members, each quilt will contain photographs and the names of the individuals who perished in the wake of the September 11, 2001 terrorist attacks. For more information including how to email a photo of a loved one and sign the reservation form, please visit www.angelfire.com/dc/wtc1.

UPDATE – 1:00 PM, Friday, July 19, 2002

1. Monika Iken from September’s Mission has informed us of a ‘Brunch, Speakers and Silent Auction’ event that will take place this Sunday, July 21^st between 2:00pm and 4:00pm. It will be held at 12 Cindy Way, Chappaqua, NY 10514. There is a suggested contribution of $125 although 9/11 Families and special guests are welcome gratis. If you would like to attend, please call (888) 424 4685.

2. The American Red Cross Family Gift Program is available to family members who were financially interdependent with or dependent upon those killed in the September 11 attacks, and those who were seriously injured and hospitalized with disabling physical injuries for a minimum of 24 hours during the week of September 11 through September 18, 2001. If you or anyone you know is in this situation and has not yet applied for a Red Cross Family Gift, please call (877) 746-4987 to speak with a Red Cross worker about applying for the Family Gift. For more information, please click here.

UPDATE – 10:00 AM, Thursday, July 11, 2002

On Saturday, September 14, 2002, one year after the tragic events of September 11, sailors from all over the nation are bringing their boats to New York Harbor. The goal is "to have the greatest gathering of sailboats ever in the history of New York City.”

The organizers of "Sail for America" have three stated objectives: "First, it will be a memorial to the people who were lost. Second, it will be a symbolic rebirth for the City of New York. Third, it will be a tribute to the soaring spirit of America – out of great tragedy and destruction, Americans create a symbol of hope and beauty.”

Sail for America is being organized by a volunteer committee of more than 80 yacht clubs and other organizations. More details are at http://www.sailforamerica.com/

Any individuals or groups who lost family members or loved ones on September 11 are invited to join the Organizing Committee of Sail for America. The organizers wish to have significant input and participation from the people most affected. Therefore, if you would be willing to join the Organizing Committee and help create Sail for America, please contact Dena Joyce at dena@sailmanhattan.com. You may also contact Michael W. Fortenbaugh, Chairman of the Organizing Committee, directly, at mike@myc.org.

UPDATE – 3:00 PM, Monday, July 08, 2002

1. CampGroup is offering children, ages eight through thirteen, who lost a parent on September 11^th, a week at camp this summer. CampGroup, will offer America's Camp, an all inclusive, week-long camp program, which is being offered without charge.

The camp will take place from August 18^th to August 25^th and is open to children born between January 1, 1989 and January 1, 1994, (if your child was born within a few months of these dates, they are also welcome to attend).

This weeklong camp will take place on the campgrounds of Camp Mah-Kee-Nac in Lenox, Massachusetts, just two and a half hours from New York City. Transportation to and from camp will be provided on coach busses at no charge. Camp Mah-Kee-Nac is accredited by the American Camping Association and the staff at America's Camp is comprised of the staff members from CampGroup's seven camps, along with trained grief counselors provided by The Center for Grieving Children.

If you would like your more details, please call America's Camp at 1-800-548-6295 or go to their website at http://www.americascamp.org/

2. The Gift of New York has advised us of a concert "In memory of the Twin Towers' Tragedy and of all the victims of violence in the world". The concert will be held at Avery Fisher Hall (Lincoln Center) in New York City on Monday, July 22 at 8.00 pm by a Symphony Orchestra composed of Musicians coming from eighteen European Symphony Orchestras (including La Scala, Berliner Philarmoniker etc.) and will be conducted by Maestro Riccardo MUTI.

Tickets are free to 9/11 families. Please RSVP to JAdams@hospaud.org if you would like to attend and we will reserve tickets for you. Please also email Bill Doyle at WDoyle5615@aol.com with the names of those who will be attending and the address to mail the tickets.

UPDATE – 4:00 PM, Tuesday, July 02, 2002

Hiro Takahashi, the son of Keiichiro, has informed us that the Metropolitan Art Society is asking for an informal poll from family members regarding the return of the Tribute of Lights for a brief period in September. If you are interested, please email Mary (mother of Brad, KBW, 89^th floor, WTC2) at Voices of September 11 at http://www.voicesofsept11.org/ with your thoughts. Would you be in favor of the lights or not?

UPDATE – 3:00 PM, Monday, July 01, 2002

1. We have received a telephone call from Lucy Thompson who has informed us that there has been positive identification by the authorities of her husband, Ian and that there has been a private burial. Our deepest sympathies go out to her and her daughters and the rest of Ian’s family and friends.

2. On Saturday, July 20, 2002, 5,000 people from New York and the tri-state area will come together at the Jacob Javits Center to shape the future of Lower Manhattan. This historic gathering - called "Listening to the City" - will give participants an opportunity to help shape the redevelopment of Lower Manhattan and the creation of a permanent memorial to the victims of 9/11. Space is limited so if you would like to attend, please call 1-800-862-3154 or visit the website http://www.listeningtothecity.org/ to register online.

UPDATE – 4:00 PM, Wednesday, June 26, 2002

On Saturday, June 29^th, there will be a family day of tribute and remembrance at the Jacob Javits Center in Manhattan to honor all loved ones lost on September 11th. Among the scheduled speakers are Governor George Pataki and former Mayor Rudolph Giuliani. Saturday's gathering is scheduled to begin at 9:30 a.m. and last until 2 p.m. Seating is on a first come first served basis. Further details are available at http://www.giveyourvoice.com/.

UPDATE – 4:00 PM, Thursday, June 20, 2002

The Points of Light Foundation has contacted us with details of a unique tribute to those who were lost in the September 11th attacks. The following is their description of the program. If you wish to participate or find out more, you can visit their web site at http://www.usa.pointsoflight.org/, e-mail them at unityfamilies@pointsoflight.org or call their toll-free dedicated family number, 1-866-545-5307.

"The Points of Light Foundation is honored to invite you to join with us in a uniquely American tribute to your lost loved one through the Unity in the Spirit of America (USA) initiative. We extend our sympathy to you and understand that nothing we do can lessen the sense of loss. But we also believe that the USA initiative is an important way to bring together diverse elements of the community – young and old, people of various ethnic, racial, economic and religious backgrounds – for a common purpose: to honor those lost on September 11, to help solve local problems, and to strengthen the sense of community through volunteering.

President George W. Bush gave the USA initiative official status on January 10, 2002, when he signed legislation charging the Points of Light Foundation with identifying or organizing several thousand volunteer projects, each to be named in honor of one or more of those who lost their lives in the September 11 attacks. While the legislation calls for the Foundation to identify or organize at least 5,000 projects, we believe that the final number will be significantly larger. Our goal is to involve every family in the effort with projects across the United States as well as in a number of foreign countries.

In announcing the USA initiative, President Bush said: ‘The Points of Light Foundation embodies America’s spirit of volunteerism and the goodwill of its citizens. Our Nation will counter evil with good, defeat terrorism by routing out its perpetrators and comforting its victims, and continue to answer the calls of people in need. I commend the United States Congress for passing the Unity in the Spirit of America Act to honor the Americans who lost their lives on September 11th by encouraging, organizing and recognizing men and women who selflessly give to others.’

The USA initiative provides a way for family members to be remembered beyond their immediate community by people they’d probably never have met. Volunteers will mentor children, build homes, turn vacant lots into community parks and gardens, and improve communities in many other ways – with each activity dedicated to the memory of one of those lost on that day. Unity in the Spirit of America will ensure that they will be memorialized, as volunteers help make life better for others in communities across the country and beyond.

We have developed a website that will help us manage the initiative and match projects with the names of individuals. We’re hopeful that volunteers will be able to find commonality with your family member – whether through a shared hometown, through a college fraternity or sorority, through a common religious faith, or through a shared interest in sports, volunteering or a hobby.

We very much hope you will join us in the Unity in the Spirit of America initiative. We understand and sympathize with you as you face the difficult task of once again answering questions about your family member. But we hope that you can appreciate the potential of the initiative to rebuild communities across the nation and to have your family member memorialized through a volunteer project.”

Euro Brokers is not in a position to advise on the highly personal decision of whether or not individuals should participate in the initiative. As an informational service, however, we are forwarding to all families later this week individual packets of materials about the initiative and how to participate that The Points of Light Foundation has prepared and asked us to distribute on their behalf.

UPDATE – 4:00 PM, Monday, June 17, 2002

Woodworkers United For America was formed out of the desire to lend a hand in this time of need. The group is undertaking a projects to honor the victims of the 9/11 tragedy by building flag boxes for the victims' families. For more information, you can send an e-mail to DuboisGe@attbi.com and can also go their website: http://www.woodworkersunitedforamerica.org/.

UPDATE – 4:00 PM, Wednesday, June 05, 2002

Christina Lynch will be a holding a Blood Drive in memory of her husband, Richard, on Monday June 17^th. It will be held at the Douglaston Community Church, Queens, NY from 3:00pm to 8:15pm. If you wish to participate, please call Christina on (718) 423 0848 or (917) 324 9854.

UPDATE – 4:00 PM, Tuesday, June 04, 2002

Monika Iken has asked that we publish a reminder for all family members and survivors who may not know about September's Mission, which she founded. If you have not yet registered and wish to do so, please go http://www.septembersmission.org/ or email Monica at mailto:monicai@septembersmission.org". Monica has stated that her mission is to make sure we have the most beautiful memorial that honors all the lives lost and that her goal is to be the main information source for the families, survivors, and rescue workers. Her contact numbers are 917-476-3876(C) and 888-424-4685(O).

UPDATE – 4:00 PM, Monday, June 03, 2002

The Department of Justice Special Master has scheduled five "town meetings" to assist families of victims of September 11 in New Jersey and New York during June. Meeting location, date, and times are listed below. The purpose of the meetings will be for families of victims to meet with the Special Master as he explains how you should best go about filling out and filing the appropriate claim forms. In addition, he will encourage the families of victims to schedule an individual appointment with a representative of the Victim Compensation Fund to answer specific questions and help make the process of filing a claim as convenient as possible.

The first will be in Staten Island, New York , on Wednesday, June 5^th, at the Staten Island Hilton, 1100 South Avenue, Staten Island, New York, 10314, from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m.

The second will be in Jersey City, New Jersey on Saturday, June 8^th, at the Doubletree Club Jersey City, 455 Washington Boulevard, Jersey City, New Jersey, 07310, from 10:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m.

The third will be in Iselin, New Jersey on Saturday, June 8^th, at the Hilton Woodbridge, 120 Wood Avenue South, Iselin, New Jersey, 08830, from 3:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m.

The forth will be in Manhattan, New York on Monday, June 17^th, at the Hotel Pennsylvania, 401 7^th Avenue, New York, New York, 10001, from 1:00 p.m. to 3:00 p.m.

The last meeting of this series will be held in Melville, New York on Monday, June 17^th, at the Hilton Huntington, 598 Broad Hollow Road, Melville, New York, 11747 from 5:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m.

There will be five Claim Assistance Sites, staffed by representatives of the Special Master's office. One temporary site will be in Staten Island and the four other sites will be in New York (2) and New Jersey (2). All sites are open to take appointments to assist victims' families. There will be extra staff on hand from June 6^th through June 22^nd to accommodate additional appointments. Details on site location, hours, and appointment scheduling are listed below:

Staten Island, NY . Address: Wagner College, Main Hall, 1 Campus Road, Staten Island, NY 10301. For directions, dial (718) 390-3100, Option 9

Additional Appointment Dates: Thursday, June 6^th to Saturday, June 8^th
Appointment Hours: Thursday and Friday from 9:00 am to 5:00 pm, and Saturday from 10:00 am to 5:00 pm.
To Schedule An Appointment: Please call 888-714-3385 (walk-in service is also available without an appointment on a first-come, first-served basis)

Note: In addition to this temporary site there are several other regular sites in New Jersey and New York (please click on the Claim Assistance Sites link at the end of this section of the Update or see location address below). The closest regular facility to Staten Island is the Edison, New Jersey site, located in the Metro Park area at 399 Thornall Street, Edison, New Jersey, 08837.

Jersey City, NJ . Address: 101 Hudson Street, Jersey City, NJ 07302

Additional Appointment Dates: Monday, June 10th to Saturday, June 15^th
Appointment Hours: Monday through Friday from 9:00 am to 5:00 pm, and Saturday from 10:00 am to 5:00 pm.
To Schedule An Appointment: Please call 888-714-3385 (walk-in service is also available without an appointment on a first-come, first-served basis)

Metro Park (Edison), NJ . Address: 399 Thornall Street, Edison, NJ 08837

Manhattan, NY . Address: One Hudson Square, 75 Varick Street, New York, NY 10013

Additional Appointment Dates: Monday, June 17^th to Saturday, June 22^nd
Appointment Hours: Monday through Friday from 9:00 am to 5:00 pm, and Saturday from 10:00 am to 5:00 pm.
To Schedule An Appointment: Please call 888-714-3385 (walk-in service is also available without an appointment on a first-come, first-served basis)

Melville (Long Island), NY . Address: 401 Broad Hollow Road, Melville, NY 11747

For directions and detailed information on the New York and New Jersey sites, please click on this link to the Claim Assistance Site http://www.usdoj.gov/victimcompensation/claims_assistance_centers.html

Saturday Appointments. Effective May 4, 2002, all Claim Assistance Sites will also be open by appointment only on Saturday. Saturday appointments can be made for times between the hours of 10:00 am to 3:00 pm. Saturday appointments should be made by 5:00 pm Thursday the same week.

UPDATE – 4:00 PM, Friday, May 31, 2002

We have received an update from The Gift of New York for the month of June 2002 with the main listings displayed in the section Third Party Aid. If you are interested in getting more information, or to make reservations, please call 1-800-528-1499 or go to their website at http://www.thegiftofnewyork.org/.

UPDATE – 2:00 PM, Wednesday, May 29, 2002

The New York District and the International Kiwanis Clubs have got together to offer the Kiwanis Adventure Week for Children of Heroes, a week of camping fun for children who lost a parent or guardian in the 9/11 tragedy at Kamp Kiwanis.

Kamp Kiwanis is a licensed, coed, 57 acre, handicapped accessible campground located in the western foothills of the Adirondack Mountains, about four hours from NYC near Utica. The camp will provide a busing program from NYC. The outdoor experience is aimed at providing a safe, fun-filled adventure while developing friendships and leadership skills for children. Daily activities include arts and crafts, drama, fishing, sports of all kinds, canoeing and enjoying campfires. Children will be able to swim and receive swimming instruction in the newly built pool. The camp houses an infirmary, dinning hall and kitchen, sleeping cabins, bath houses, athletic fields, sports courts and even a Tee-Pee. Nature trails and a fishing pond provide unique experiences for many campers. Kamp Kiwanis is also equipped for children with special needs. A professional guidance counselor will be available if needed by the children.

The camp week offered is Sunday, July 7^th through Saturday July 13^th, 2002. Children must be ages 8 through 14. The generous donations of the Kiwanis Clubs throughout the world have made this camp experience open to qualifying children and their families free of charge.

Applications are now being accepted on a first come-first served basis. For more information and an application packet, please contact Nancy Ann Nowak at Kamp Kiwanis, 9020 Kiwanis Rd., Taber, NY 13471: Phone: (315) 336-4568 or E-mail: kampkiwanis@mybizz.net. You can also click on this link http://www.kiwanis-ny.org/ to get more information and download an application form.

UPDATE – 4:00 PM, Tuesday, May 21, 2002

Camp Haze is a summer camp that has been created by The Scott Hazelcorn Memorial Children's Foundation for kids who lost a parent or loved one on September 11. Camp Haze will take place for the week of August 19^th to 25^th, 2002 at Camp Kennybrook in Monticello, New York, without cost to the families. Camp Haze will be a week filled with fun and laughter, a critical outlet in children’s lives. It is hoped that each child will have the opportunity to return year after year to meet old friends and make new ones as more children join each summer.

The Camp Haze staff will consist of certified teachers, therapists, and camp staff with years of experience, all of them carefully screened to ensure they will meet the needs of your children. The staff plan to host several events throughout the year designed to be positive ways to remember loved ones that were lost. Additionally, it is hoped that Camp Haze will provide the parents with a valuable network of peers to help through grieving and healing.

Because space is limited, please fill out the initial application and return it to the Camp Haze staff as soon as possible. Upon receipt of your application, a member of the Camp Haze staff will contact you to discuss your application further. For more information, please contact Amy Callahan, Executive Director at 1-866-FOR-HAZE (367-4293) or click on this link http://www.camphaze.org/.

UPDATE – 11:30 AM, Thursday, May 09, 2002

We have been informed by Greg Manning that he is going to be on the United Services Group Advisory Council. The USG, with the assistance of a number of leading financial firms, is helping coordinate the distribution of charitable funds collected by a number of organizations for the victims of September 11 attacks.

The mission statement of the USG states that: "the 9/11 United Services Group facilitates, expedites and enhances coordination of services among various charities and the victims, families and others affected by the World Trade Center attack, to ensure that their short-term and long-term needs are compassionately and efficiently met.”

For more information, including details of the program, please click on the following link: http://www.9-11usg.org/

The USG also designs programs to serve the victims, and one that was announced recently is the Financial Advice Referral Program, under which families that have received large payments as a result of the losses they suffered Sep 11 can obtain expert guidance at no charge in how to manage that money. The list immediately below announces when and where seminars are to be held, with specific locations to follow.

May 21 Staten Island, NY
May 22 Paramus, NJ
May 23 Long Island, NY
May 29 Redbank, NJ
May 30 Stamford, CT
May 30 Westchester, NY
June 3 Brooklyn, NY
June 6 Queens, NY
June 8 Manhattan, NY
June 13 Boston, MA
June 13 Manhattan, NY
TBD Connecticut

Please pass this information on to anyone who you think could benefit under such a program of financial planning and education. We will update the site with more details of the times and specific locations of the seminars.

UPDATE – 11:00 AM, Tuesday, May 07, 2002

We have received a telephone call from Cathy Spencer who informed us that there has been positive identification by the authorities of her husband, George. Our heartfelt condolences go out to her and her children Ted and Lisa and the rest of George’s family and friends.

UPDATE – 11:00 AM, Friday, May 03, 2002

Janet Cascio has informed us that a scholarship fund has been set up in her son Paul's name at his High School. If anyone would like to contribute to the fund, you can make your check payable to: Paul Cascio Scholarship Fund and mail it to the Paul Cascio Scholarship Fund, Attn: Mr. Ruiz, c/o Manhasset High School, 200 Memorial Place, Manhasset, NY 11030.

UPDATE – 3:00 PM, Wednesday, May 01, 2002

We recently posted information concerning The Gift of New York, a non-profit organization that is offering free admission to the full range of the New York area’s theatrical, artistic, cultural, sports and live entertainment venues to the immediate family members of those who died in the September 11th terrorist attacks. We have received an update for the month of May 2002 with the main listings displayed in the section Third Party Aid. If you are interested in getting more information, or to make reservations, please call 1-800-528-1499 or go to their website at http://www.thegiftofnewyork.org/.

UPDATE – 3:00 PM, Monday, April 29, 2002

We have heard from Margit Arias, Adam’s wife, who has informed us that the Adam P. Arias Scholarship Fund has met its endowment. This will mean that, beginning the fall of 2003, a student will be the first to receive a scholarship for Applied Behavior Analysis graduate study in the memory of her husband. Margit will be giving a speech to Florida State University on May 14^th, 2002.

UPDATE – 11:00 AM, Thursday, April 18, 2002

We have learned from Bernadette Torres that there has been positive identification by the authorities of her brother, Denis McHugh. Our deepest sympathies go out to Bernadette and all of Denis’s family and friends.

UPDATE – 1:00 PM, Tuesday, April 16, 2002

1. Governor James E. McGreevey has signed an Executive Order to require that tuition and fees at State colleges are waived for the New Jersey resident dependent children and spouses of the victims of the September 11 terrorist attacks. The Executive Order is retroactive and will provide families with reimbursement for tuition payments and fees for the Fall 2001 and Spring 2002 semesters. For more information, including the full text of the Executive Order, click on the following link, http://www.state.nj.us/infobank/circular/eom16.htm

2. The New York State Higher Education Services Corporation (HESC) is the New York State agency that administers New York's college grant, scholarship and loan programs. HESC has created a web page to provide information about scholarships and aid related to the World Trade Center attack of September 11^th, for more information click on the following link, http://www.hesc.state.ny.us/WTC/Scholarship/Index.html

3. The UNCF and its thirty nine member colleges and universities have announced the establishment of the UNCF Liberty Scholarship for children of victims of the September 11th terrorists attacks. The children, regardless of age, race, creed or color, will be provided full scholarships for enrollment in any of the 39 member colleges and universities. For more information click on the following link, http://www.uncf.org/libertyscholar/index.asp

4. The new family room overlooking the Ground Zero site has recently opened on the 20th floor of 1 Liberty Plaza. The room is open from 8:00 am to 9:00 pm on weekdays and from 8:00 am to 6:00 pm on weekends. Families will need to show their case numbers to enter.

5. An American Quilt, Inc. is a not-for-profit organization responding to the September 11th tragedy which is inviting everyone to create a fabric/collage panel as a commemorative memorial, which will be woven into a multiple panel quilt. The public unveiling of An American Quilt is expected to take place on Saturday July 13th at Central Park. For more information, go to their website at http://www.anamericanquilt.com/.

6. As part of their Compassion Partners Program, Universal Orlando has kindly agreed to extend one-day, two-park tickets (retail value $69.95 each without tax) to the families of the victims of the tragic events that occurred on September 11, 2001. For more information, please contact Judi Lebredo, Community Relations, Universal Orlando on Tel: 407-224-3202.

Disney has also generously offered a three day hopper pass for the entire family and discounts on lodging of fifty percent. For more information, please call Cindy Baron on Tel: 407-828-3118.

UPDATE – 11:00 AM, Thursday, April 11, 2002

The Internal Revenue Service has released a list of names of tax-exempt charitable organizations that have been formed to help the victims of the September 11 terrorist attacks. For more information and a full list of the organizations involved, please click on the following link: http://www.irs.ustreas.gov/exempt/display/0,i1=3&genericId=20932,00.html.

UPDATE – 11:00 AM, Tuesday, April 09, 2002

The Gift of New York is a non-profit organization that is offering free admission to the full range of the New York area’s theatrical, artistic, cultural, sports and live entertainment venues to the immediate family members of those who died in the September 11th terrorist attacks. This offer is expected to continue through April 2003. There are more than 160 participating venues, including museums, zoos, Broadway shows, circuses, sporting events and botanical gardens. For more information, or to register to obtain a Gift of New York Pass Card, you can call their toll-free number at 1-800-528-1499 or go to their website at http://www.thegiftofnewyork.org/.

UPDATE – 11:00 AM, Monday, April 01, 2002

We have received a message from Teresa Cunningham who has informed us that there has been positive identification by the authorities of her husband, Micky. Our deepest sympathies go out to her and her son, William.

UPDATE – 11:00 AM, Thursday, March 28, 2002

We have been contacted by Camp Comfort who have announced the third series of free camps exclusively for the children who lost family members or primary caregivers in the September 11, 2001 attacks on the World Trade Center. The weekend camp, to be held in New Jersey is for children ages 7-17, and will be held April 26-28, 2002 and is free of charge to all participants. For more information about Comfort Zone Camp Inc., visit http://www.comfortzonecamp.org/, The camp is being sponsored by the band Creed’s With Arms Wide Open Foundation. To register call the Comfort Zone office toll-free at 866-488-5679, or email us at comfortzonecamp@aol.com.

UPDATE – 10:00 AM, Thursday, March 21, 2002

1. A September 11th advocacy group, Give Your Voice, http://www.giveyourvoice.com/, has asked us to publicize their site, so that any interested family members can review it and then consider contacting and/or joining them. Euro Brokers is posting this update solely for informational purposes. We are plainly not in a position to sponsor or endorse any particular advocacy group or, on a more basic level, whether or not it is a good or useful thing to join one. Those are obviously very personal decisions. Please also note that we have not independently researched or verified the bona fides of this particular organization.

2. We have received a letter with details of the establishment of the Peter K. Ortale Scholarship Fund. In order to celebrate Peter’s life and accomplishments, a fund has been set up at the William Penn Charter School where he attended High School. The Fund seeks to provide tuition assistance to an upper school student who demonstrates a high level of motivation, self-reliance and leadership. For more details, please write to the Peter K. Ortale Scholarship Fund, William Penn Charter School, 3000 West Schoolhouse Lane, Philadelphia, PA 19144.

UPDATE – 11:00 AM, Tuesday, March 19, 2002

We have just learned that there has been positive identification by the authorities of Randy Scott. Our heartfelt condolences go out to Randy’s wife Denise, her three daughters Rebecca, Jessica and Alexandra and the rest of Randy’s family and friends.

UPDATE – 10:00 AM, Monday, March 18, 2002

This morning we received a telephone call from Barbara Chucknick who informed us that there has been positive identification by the authorities of her husband, Steve. Our deepest sympathies go out to her and the rest of Steve’s family and friends.

UPDATE – 10:00 AM, Wednesday, March 13, 2002

Helping the Heroes, a volunteer not for profit organization has contacted us with details of their first Family Outing Day on Sunday March 24^th, 2002 at Astroland Park in Coney Island, Brooklyn. All families with children affected by the loss of a loved one on 9-11 are invited and it is intended to be a great day away from all the issues that are at the height of their concerns. In addition to being an enjoyable day out, Helping the Heroes plan to have mental health workers there to aid in any problems that may arise. It is necessary to sign up for this event so please go to http://www.herowtc.org/ and click on the family outing day link. You can also sign up by mail: Helping The Heroes, 65 Broadway, Suite 1004, New York, NY 10006. Please include: name, name of deceased, relationship, number of children and contact information.

UPDATE – Monday, March 11, 2002

1. The Department of Justice late last week issued its "Final Rule” with respect to the September 11th Victim Compensation Fund that Congress set up in late September to compensate victims and their families for their economic and non-economic losses suffered as a result of the terrorist attacks. The Final Rule changes and clarifies in certain important respects the "Interim Final Regulations” that were issued in late December. A letter of our general counsel was sent out to our Euro Brokers families on Friday, enclosing and describing aspects of the Final Rule. You can access copies of the Final Rule, the revised Presumed Economic Loss Tables and the Interim Final Regulations by clicking on the highlighted links. You can also access them at the DOJ’s web site, at www.usdoj.gov/victimcompensation.

2. In connection with the Tax Relief Bill passed by Congress in late December, which, among other things, generally provides victims of the September 11th attacks with federal income tax relief for the years 2000 and 2001, the IRS has issued Publication 3920, "Tax Relief for Victims of Terrorist Attacks.” The Publication explains the scope of the tax relief available and how to apply for refunds of federal taxes already paid. To see a copy of IRS Publication 3920, click here. You can also visit the IRS’s web site at http://www.irs.gov.

3. The U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of Virginia has asked us to publicize on our web site that they are holding meetings in New York throughout the week of March 25^th, at the Southgate Hotel at Seventh Avenue and 31^st Street, in order to interview any Euro Brokers survivors and family members of Euro Brokers victims who are interested in doing so, with respect to the trial of Zacarias Moussaoui, the alleged "20th member” of the crews that carried out the September 11th hijackings and attacks. Our understanding of the purpose of these interviews is to provide you with the opportunity – but only if you want it – to give input (known as victim impact evidence) before and, if applicable, at the penalty phase of the proceedings (the government may seek the death penalty in this case). Euro Brokers has been given the date of March 25^th for interview appointments. If you are interested in participating – which we stress should be completely a personal decision on your part (we are not making a recommendation one way or the other) – please call 866-828-1834 to set up an interview appointment directly with the U.S. Attorney’s office.

UPDATE – 3:00 PM, Thursday, March 07, 2002

We have been contacted by Westchester Jewish Community Services with information about their September 11th Support Services program. This program provides services to people directly affected by 9/11 who live in Westchester County. Services include individual and family counseling, support groups (including a group for widows/widowers with young children with a group run concurrently for their children), case management and referrals when needed. For more information please contact Sherry Birnbaum, CSW on 914-949-7699 ext. 367.

UPDATE – 1:00 PM, Monday, March 04, 2002

On Friday March 29^th, there will be a benefit for Jon Ryan at the Weeping Willow, 23 Smith Street, Farmingdale, Long Island (corner of route 110) at 8 pm. Entry will be $35 per person and will include a buffet, live band ,DJ, silent auction and a 50 -50 raffle. All proceeds will go to the Jonathan S. Ryan Memorial Fund to support Autumn and Colin’s education. While you can just turn up at the door, if possible please RSVP Bernadette Ryan or Pete Triolo (Pete went to high school with Jon) at jryanmarch29@aol.com For more details please call Billy Wickes on 212 778 7850.

UPDATE – 11:00 AM, Tuesday, February 26, 2002

Monica Iken along with September's Mission has organized another get together which will take place at 1:00 pm at the Turquoise restaurant in Great Neck, New York on Sunday, March 3^rd. If you wish to attend, please RSVP September's Mission on (888) 424-4685. As the restaurant only sits forty five to fifty people, space is limited to please reply as soon as possible; directions will be given once an RSVP has been received.

UPDATE – 1:00 PM, Tuesday, February 12, 2002

We are pleased to announce that we have established a Euro Brokers memorial website, http://wtc.technologyshoppe.com/, consisting of profiles and photographs, as a tribute to our colleagues and friends who were lost on September 11th. The site is a work in progress so please bear with us as we refine it and add and revise content and photographs. Please also note that if you are a family member or close friend of one of our lost employees, we would very much value your input on his or her profile and/or your contribution of additional photographs (which will be returned). Instructions for how to do so are at the site itself.

UPDATE – 11:00 AM, Friday, February 08, 2002

Eric Steen’s mother has recently informed us of the positive identification by the authorities of Eric’s body. Our deepest sympathies go out to her and the rest of Eric’s family and friends. A private funeral service for family members only is being planned.

UPDATE – 11:00 AM, Monday, February 04, 2002

The American Red Cross has announced that it will provide an additional $360 million in support to people affected by the September 11th attacks, including $125 million in direct cash to those seriously injured and the estates of the deceased and $15 million to help extended family members and nontraditional family members.

The final plan for the Liberty Disaster Fund, established for relief efforts in response to the Sept. 11 attacks, calls for $240 million in additional financial assistance; $80 million for long-term services to those affected; and $25 million in immediate disaster relief. Overall, the Red Cross expects to spend $850 million to help people affected by the terrorist attacks, including families of the deceased, people seriously injured in the attacks, displaced residents, economically affected individuals and disaster workers. Ninety percent of this aid will be disbursed by the first anniversary in September 2002.

The three-part plan is premised on the Fund’s belief that the "recipients of these monies are in the best position to assess their own immediate and long-term needs and to choose how to use the monies in meeting those needs." The plan's three main features are as follows:

· Financial Assistance to Those Directly Affected., 2002 Of the $360 million remaining in the Fund, the plan calls for the distribution of $240 million to families of the deceased, people seriously injured in the attacks, displaced residents, economically affected individuals and disaster workers. There are several components to this aid. As previously announced, the Red Cross is extending the Family Gift Program to provide a full year of living expenses to families of the deceased or missing, and persons seriously injured in the attacks. To date, assistance for nine months of expenses has been distributed. The final three-month distribution will be made in 2002 totaling $40 million. The Red Cross also will distribute one-time, supplemental gifts of about $45,000 to the estates of the deceased and seriously injured, totaling approximately $125 million. For families who have participated in the Family Gift Program, this means an average financial gift of $109,000. The plan also allows for $15 million to assist those beneficiaries of the Family Gift Program who are not eligible for a supplemental gift, do not receive significant sums from other sources, or otherwise have compelling financial needs. For instance, extended family members or nontraditional family members who may not be the beneficiary of victim's estate, but who did receive benefits from the Family Gift Program, may receive some additional assistance from the Red Cross based on need. Assistance will also be provided to displaced residents, economically affected individuals and disaster workers. This needs-based support will be assessed on a case-by-case basis out of a budget of $60 million.

· Long -Term Services to Those Directly Affected., 2002 The plan allows for $80 million to provide for longer-term disaster relief over a 3-5 year period. This support will include mental health care and uncovered physical health care and overall service support. In addition to the types of assistance that will be funded directly by the Liberty Fund, the Red Cross will work closely with other relief agencies, the 9/11 United Services Group, the September 11th Fund, and other funding organizations to coordinate and jointly fund services and to refer individuals to organizations with the most relevant expertise.

· Immediate Disaster Relief., 2002 The plan provides $25 million to support the continuing disaster needs of the communities affected - including maintaining call centers, supporting service centers, and winding-down operations.

Any family or individual in need of assistance or support related to the September 11 attacks is urged to contact the American Red Cross at (877) 746-4987. For more information, including the full content of the Red Cross’s press release, please visit the American Red Cross website at ttp://www.redcross.org/press/disaster/ds_pr/020130libertyfund.html

UPDATE – 3:00 PM, Tuesday, January 29, 2002

The Office of the Chief Medical Examiner of the City of New York has recently reiterated that it remains committed to doing everything possible to attempt to identify victims of the September 11 terrorist attacks. The OCME has had discussions with and received supportive suggestions from representatives of a number of family groups in order to assist the OCME in an outreach program to collect an initial DNA sample or additional DNA samples from the families of victims of the September 11th attacks. Obtaining DNA samples from the family members is crucial to the process the OCME uses to identify their loved ones.

Unfortunately, in some instances, personal articles submitted did not produce conclusive DNA profiles, and it has become necessary to collect more DNA material. The OCME also needs samples from the families that have not yet submitted material for analysis. The OCME has prepared a list of those victims who do not have a usable DNA sample on file, and they have established a DNA hotline number for families to call. A trained investigator will interview callers and will make an appointment to collect samples. The OCME DNA Hotline number is (212-447-7884), 9:00 am. to 9:00 pm, seven days a week.

The Office of Chief Medical Examiner and the families' organizations urge all families of victims who have not already been positively identified to immediately contact the Medical Examiner's office by telephone to determine whether any previously submitted DNA sampling materials were useful in conducting analysis. Families of such victims that have not yet submitted DNA samples are urged to do so at their earliest convenience. For more information, including a list of those reported missing, but not yet identified, please go to www.nyc.gov/html/em/dnapr.html

UPDATE – 5:00 PM, Thursday, January 24, 2002

As a follow up to the December 21^st letter from Roger Schwed, our General Counsel, and our last update of December 24^th (see below), regarding the September 11th Victim Compensation Fund, we are pleased to advise you that President Bush yesterday signed the income tax relief bill that, among other things, provides federal income tax relief to surviving kin for the years 2000 and 2001, as well as estate tax relief, and confirms that payments from the Victim Compensation Fund are tax-free.

The IRS has also announced that it is finalizing a new Publication 3920, "Tax Relief for Victims of Terrorist Attacks,” which will include details on preparing refund claims. The IRS expects to make the Publication available in February on its website at http://www.irs.gov, or you can call 1-800-TAX-FORM.

UPDATE – 9:00 AM, Thursday, January 17, 2002

1. Please note that in paragraph 2 of our January 15^th update, we gave the wrong web address for the Families of September 11 advocacy group. The correct address is http://www.familiesofseptember11.org/. We hope the error did not inconvenience anyone.

UPDATE – 5:00 PM, Tuesday, January 15, 2002

1. There are two upcoming meetings that have been organized by various advocacy groups and others to provide families of September 11th victims with a forum for expressing their views and asking questions about the government’s victims compensation fund. We have been asked to publicize these meetings for those of you who may be interested in attending (it is recommended if you do that you bring a form of picture ID to facilitate any sign-in processes).

The first meeting is tomorrow morning, January 16^th, at 9:00 a.m. at the East Brunswick Hilton, Route 18 off of Exit 9 of the NJ Turnpike (we apologize for the last second notice). Representatives Rush Holt and Mike Ferguson of New Jersey have requested and been told that Special Master Kenneth Feinberg will attend and address this meeting. The phone number of the Hilton is 732-828-2000, and the specific driving instructions, after passing through the Exit 9 NJ Turnpike toll plaza, are to bear right onto Route 18 North, stay in the far right lane for approximately 10 seconds and then turn right onto an unmarked service road. At the stop sign, make another right and go to the traffic light and make a left onto Tower Center Boulevard (the Hilton’s actual address is Three Tower Center Boulevard).

The second meeting is Thursday evening, January 17^th, starting at 7:00 p.m., at the Park Avenue Armory (in Manhattan on Park Avenue between 66^th and 67^th streets, tel: 212-452-3067). We’ve been told by the Armory that you may want to consider arriving earlier than 7:00 (which is when Governor Pataki is scheduled to appear). The following is part of a notice that one advocacy group, WTC United Family Group (their web site is at http://www.wtcunitedfamilygroup.org/), has posted about this meeting:

Notice of Family Rally
Thursday, January 17, 2002
The Family Committee—the advisory board comprised of the Sept. 11 family advocacy groups, WTC United Family Group, Give Your Voice, 911WVFA, and September’s Mission—invite all family members of Sept. 11 victims to attend and participate in our upcoming "Family Rally” to Address the Inadequacies of the Federal Victims’ Compensation Program on Thursday, January 17, from 7:00 PM to 9:00 PM, at the Park Avenue Armory (Park Ave. between 66^th and 67^th) in NYC.
The Family Rally will be announced by Governor Pataki and members of the Family Committee at a Press Conference on Thursday, January 10. This is our LAST attempt to REFORM the regulations governing the federal program—deadline to submit comments is January 21. Our goals for the rally are as follows:
·    Disseminate Informative packets containing up-to-date information on available resources, as well as specific information on the Victims’ Compensation program.
·    Political leaders will speak, offer support and guidance concerning the Federal Compensation program.
·    Gather your comments (i.e. petition, comment cards) concerning the federal compensation program and relay those concerns to Mr. Feinberg directly.
·    Distribution of grief and support books by WTC United Family Group
A picture ID and sign in are required to gain entry to the rally.

2. If joining or participating in a September 11th advocacy group is of interest to you, you may also want to look at the Families of September 11 website, which is located at http://www.familiesofseptember11.org/. They have asked us to publicize their site, so that any interested family members can review it and then consider contacting and/or joining them.

3. Euro Brokers has posted today’s updates solely for informational purposes. We are plainly not in a position to sponsor or endorse any particular advocacy group or, on a more basic level, whether or not it is a good or useful thing to join one. Those are obviously very personal decisions. Please also note that we have not independently researched or verified the bona fides of any of these particular organizations.

4. Also, please note that we are still separately planning on organizing our own meeting – solely for Euro Brokers family members – with Special Master Feinberg and/or his representatives, as well as with representatives of the pro bono lawyers group, Trial Lawyers Care, in order to provide a forum for asking questions and obtaining information about both the victims compensation fund and obtaining free legal assistance in evaluating whether to make (and/or in making) a claim against the fund. We expect this meeting to be scheduled in late January, and will post more (as well as individually contact family members) once we have firm commitments and details.

UPDATE – 1:00 PM, Tuesday, January 08, 2002

Monica Iken along with September's Mission has extended an invitation to all the families of the September 11th tragedy to come and give their views on a future memorial site for the World Trade Center. The meeting will be held at 6:00 pm on 16^th September at 548 Broadway between Spring Street and Prince Street in New York City. You can RSVP Monica Iken at rememberseptember01@yahoo.com or call toll free at (888) 424-4685. For more information see the Update on December 11th.

UPDATE – 3:00 PM, Wednesday, January 02, 2002

The American Camping Association has introduced a new program called Heal the Children. Accredited summer camps from across the country are designating spaces in day and resident summer camps, free of charge, for children who have lost parents in the September 11th tragedy. Both private and not-for-profit accredited camps are designating spaces for as many years as each child wishes to attend. Camps are individually choosing how many spaces they will donate and will hold these spaces for up to seventeen years, when the youngest participants in Heal the Children will age out of camping. For more information, including an application, please visit http://www.healthechildren.org/.

UPDATE – 12:30 PM, Saturday, December 29, 2001

The Company has been in contact with the office of the Special Master charged with administering the Government's Victim Compensation Fund and is planning on hosting an informational and question and answer session about the Fund at a date and locale to be determined later in January 2002. We plan on having representatives there from the Special Master's office, as well as from Trial Lawyers Care (a non-profit organization set up to provide pro bono legal assistance to families in connection with evaluating whether to file and in actually filing claims under the Fund). Once we have more details, we will post them on this site and also contact each family to convey them.

UPDATE – 11:00 AM, Thursday, December 27, 2001

Camp Comfort Inc. is a Rockville, Virginia, based nonprofit organization that runs bereavement camps for children who have lost loved ones. As a LibertyUnites organization, they are able to lend their expertise to help the children and families of the September 11 tragedy and to offer bereavement support to World Trade Center widows and their children. They held their first mini-camp in Montclair, New Jersey in November and are scheduled to return to NJ and NY January 19-20, April 26-28, and Fall 2002. Please visit http://www.campcomfort.org/ for more information.

UPDATE – 9:00 AM, Monday, December 24, 2001

1. As you may already have seen in Friday’s and this past weekend’s newspapers, the September 11^th Victim Compensation Fund that Congress set up in late September at the end of last week issued "Interim Final Regulations” that define the compensation program with greater precision and will allow claims to begin being filed and paid. For the full text of the regulations and other documents, you should visit the Department of Justice’s web site at www.usdoj.gov/victimcompensation/.

In addition, both houses of Congress yesterday finally reconciled and passed an income tax relief bill that, among other things, will provide federal income tax relief for this year and last year, as well as estate tax relief, and confirms that payments from the Victim Compensation Fund are tax-free. The bill still requires President Bush’s signature to become law. The press release of the House Ways and Means Committee summarizes the provisions of the bill. The Technical Explanation of the Staff of the Joint Committee on Taxation is a more detailed and, well, technical, summary. The full text of the bill is available here

A mailing about both the Victim Compensation Fund and the tax relief bill, with an explanatory cover letter from Roger Schwed, our General Counsel, was sent out Friday night to surviving family members of our lost employees. Although Roger tries to summarize the salient points of both of these governmental relief efforts, he also strongly recommends you seek your own financial, legal and tax advice before acting.

2. As we approach the end of 2001 (our updates are likely to slow down a bit), please accept our best wishes for the holiday season and our fervent hope that the New Year brings you comfort, healing and happiness.

UPDATE – 2:00 PM, Thursday, December 20, 2001

Please note that the Santa Cause Project (see Update – November 29^th) still has plenty of toys available for the holidays. For more information, including how to register to receive these toys, please go to http://www.santacauseproject.com/

UPDATE – 2:00 PM, Wednesday, December 12, 2001

1. We have received a letter from the Citizens’ Scholarship Foundation of America, Inc. (CSFA) in which they give details about the Families of Freedom Scholarship Fund. The Fund was established to provide education assistance for post secondary study to member of families impacted by events of September 11. Dependent children or spouses who were killed or are permanently disabled as a direct result of the terrorist attacks in the United States on September 11, 2001 are eligible. Those who meet the above criteria and are currently enrolled or could potentially be enrolled in the future in an undergraduate course of study at an accredited two-year or four-year college, university or vocational school in the United States are also eligible. The CSFA website is www.familiesoffreedom.org and you can call toll-free 877-862-0136 or email freedom@csfa.org for more information.

2. We would like to send our thanks to Ms. Eileen Dodini and Mrs. Irene Kesteloot and the entire Third Grade Class of St. Dominic’s School in Benicia, California. Their kind sentiments as well as the wonderful, handmade holiday decorations have been gratefully received by our staff and the decorations now adorn our office walls!

UPDATE – 1:00 PM, Tuesday, December 11, 2001

Monica Iken, who lost her husband, Michael, in the World Trade Center on September 11 has founded September's Mission with the help of Rebecca Kay, the foundation's benefactor, and her sister, Felicia Morton, a writer, who helps communicate the goals of the mission. The goals of September's Mission are three-fold: The first part of the mission is to keep the memories of the people who died on September 11 alive by creating a forum where families of the victims can connect. The second part of the mission is to support the development of a memorial park on the site of the former World Trade Center and at the Pentagon. The third part of the mission is help children who lost their loved ones on September 11. To learn more about September's Mission or to get involved, please telephone 240.221.0911 or email info@septembersmission.org or visit the website at http://www.septembersmission.org/. A meeting is being planned to discuss ideas for the memorial park, please contact Monica Iken if you have any comments or would like to attend.

UPDATE – 2:00 PM, Tuesday, December 04, 2001

We have approximately 100 tickets available for the performance of Charles Dickens’ classic, A Christmas Carol, at The Theater at Madison Square Garden on Saturday, December 15^th from 11:00 AM – 12:30 PM, which we are offering to the children and spouses of our lost Euro Brokers’ employees. Please contact Janice Brooks or Kristen Accetta at (212) 778-3073 with your ticket requests. We will make a roster of the requests and try to accommodate as many requests as possible on a first-come first-served basis.

UPDATE – 2:00 PM, Friday, November 30, 2001

In the face of unprecedented emergencies in New York City, The Children's Aid Society has expanded its outreach to include all affected children, families and other adults, regardless of whether they have an ongoing relationship with the Society. The following is a partial list of services and relief that the Society can provide or obtain: food certificates, clothing, furniture, rent and moving assistance, utility assistance, home/apartment repairs due to related damage, child care assistance, legal information and referral, medical assistance (including prescriptions, inhalers, face masks, and other breathing/asthma related assistance), mental health, post-traumatic stress and grief counseling, scholarships and other assistance as needed. Those needing assistance may call (212) 949-4800. The Children's Aid Society is located at 105 East 22^nd Street, New York, NY 10010.

UPDATE – 11:00 AM, Thursday, November 29, 2001

1. It is with great sadness that we report the positive identification by the authorities of the body of Susan Pollio. She will be deeply missed and our deepest condolences go out to Susan’s family and friends.

2. The Santa Cause Project has been set up by the Tomorrows Children's Fund, which is a privately funded, non-profit organization. The group has established a series of toy drives specifically to help children, who lost a parent on September 11^th, receive toys for the holidays. For more information, including how to register to receive these toys, please go to http://www.santacauseproject.com/

UPDATE – 1:00 PM, Wednesday, November 28, 2001

It is with deep regret that we have been informed of the positive identification by the authorities of the body of Kevin Cleary. A burial attended by family members took place on Monday, November 26^th. Our deepest sympathies go out to Kevin’s family and friends.

UPDATE – 12:00 PM, Tuesday, November 27, 2001

The New York Mets are hosting a free Holiday Party for the children of the World Trade Center victims on Saturday, December 8^th from 11:00 AM to 1:30 PM at Shea Stadium’s Diamond Club. There will be refreshments, face-painting, music, Santa Claus and holiday gifts for the children.

We have been offered 100 reservations for the children of our Euro Brokers families, which we will make available on a first-come-first served basis. Please contact Janice Brooks or Kristen Accetta at (212) 778-3073 with the number of reservations requested and the ages of the children. Due to the limited number of spaces being offered, please limit your request to one adult for each group of children. We will make a roster of the requests and try to accommodate as many requests as possible.

UPDATE – 6:00 PM, Tuesday, November 20, 2001

Governor George E. Pataki has announced the families of victims of the World Trade Center attacks will receive a minimum of $5,000 per family from the New York State World Trade Center Relief Fund beginning Thanksgiving week. Checks will be mailed initially to about 800 families, while applications will be sent to an additional 3,300 families. For more information, including an application form, please visit http://www.state.ny.us/. In addition, there is also a toll-free telephone hotline: 1-866-244-3839, for people wishing to obtain applications or with questions about the fund distribution.

UPDATE – 11:00 AM, Monday, November 19, 2001

Citibank has established the Citigroup Relief Fund to provide scholarships for these children who lost a parent in the disaster. The Fund has already attracted contributions of over $17 million. Application forms will soon be made available and you can call 1.888.441.CITI for more information.

UPDATE – 6:00 PM, Wednesday, November 14, 2001

1.     Please note that, effective November 15^th, we will have a NEW toll-free number for confidential counseling services - 1-800-833-8707. This number will connect you to Euro Brokers’ new Employee Assistance Program, which is run for us by Corporate Counseling Associates in New York (www.corporatecounseling.com). In addition to Euro Brokers’ employees, the counseling services are available to all family members of employees, as well as to family members of all of our employees lost in the September 11th terrorist attacks.

2.     Euro Brokers is also pleased to announce that it has decided to extend for 3 months - until March 31, 2002 - at the Company’s sole cost, whatever medical and dental benefits coverage was in effect for family members of our lost employees prior to September 11th. With the holidays coming up, we do not want anyone to have to struggle at this time with the issue or cost of how to continue benefits.

3.     In addition, our medical benefits provider, Oxford Health Plans, has informed us that it will extend the COBRA period of medical coverage from 3 years to 6 years. This means that medical benefits coverage will be made available to family members after March 31, 2002 - until September 30, 2007 - at the same price as it is available to Euro Brokers. More details about COBRA coverage and its costs will be mailed out to family members in the new year.

UPDATE – 11:00 AM, Monday, November 05, 2001

It is with great sadness that we report the positive identification by the authorities of the body of Michelle Scarpitta. She will be deeply missed and our deepest condolences go out to Michelle’s family and friends.

UPDATE – 7:00 PM, Thursday, November 01, 2001

In an effort to handle the crisis we have been living through, we are attaching an article which we have received from Kemper and which may be of interest; it is entitled Parenting in a Crisis. Please click here for the document.

UPDATE – 5:00 PM, Wednesday, October 31, 2001

We understand that a memorial to those lost in the World Trade Center tragedy is under construction. The memorial is called the ‘Flag of Remembrance’ and it has been officially endorsed by Senators Schumer and Corzine, as well as First Lady Libby Pataki. The (20 by 30 feet) memorial will be made up of the photos of those lost on September 11, and it is intended that it will travel the country and the world. The objective is that it may eventually find a place in New York to hang permanently so that for generations to come, children can gaze upon the faces of their grandparents and great-grandparents who were lost on September 11. The project is non-profit and has private funding and is run by volunteers. For more information, including how to send in photographs of loved ones, visit http://www.flagofremembrance.com/

UPDATE – 7:30 PM, Friday, October 26, 2001

1.     We learned this afternoon that John Kren passed away at the Staten Island Hospital Burn Unit from injuries suffered on September 11th. John has been in our thoughts and prayers ever since the tragedy and our deepest condolences go out to his family and friends.

2.     It is with deep regret that we have to report the positive identification by the authorities of the body of Edward J. Mardovich. He will be greatly missed and our deepest sympathies go out to Ed’s family and friends.

3.     There is more news about the interdenominational memorial service for family members of those who were lost in the September 11th attacks, that was posted yesterday. It will be held at 2:00 pm, on Sunday, October 28^th, 2001 at the site of the World Trade Center disaster. The World Trade Center Family Memorial Service is expected to last one hour and will be open only to family members. There is no rain date scheduled for the service. The memorial service will take place at the World Trade Center site on Church Street between Vesey and Cortlandt Streets in Lower Manhattan. Families will be admitted to the event beginning at 12pm and they are advised to arrive early by 1pm. Entrances to the event are located on Broadway at Vesey Street and at Cortlandt Street. Families who have not yet obtained tickets or need further information on the service should call 646-710-6245 (8 AM to 8 PM). Families of uniformed service personnel should call 646-710-6070 (8 AM to 8 PM). Families can also obtain tickets by visiting the Family Assistance Center located at Pier 94, 12th Avenue and 54^th Street. More information, including methods of transportation, is available at: www.nyc.gov/html/om/html/2001b/pr336.html

UPDATE – 6:30 PM, Thursday, October 25, 2001

Mayor Giuliani and the City of New York will host a Memorial Service for family members who have lost loved ones in the morning of Sunday October 28^th. Please note that the Service is limited to family members who have lost loved ones. The service will be held at Ground Zero. Details of this service will only be given to the families concerned and as such we have very limited information to pass on. If family members wish to attend, admission is by ticket only. Tickets may be obtained by calling 646-710-6245

UPDATE – 5:00 PM, Tuesday, October 23, 2001

We have received a note from Carolyn Goodman who own a tutoring business in Wyckoff, NJ. Carolyn has kindly offered to make a donation of free tutoring services to the children of any employee. She is doing this in memory of Susan Pollio. Carolyn’s company is called Expert Tutoring and they do tutoring for all subjects but specialize in SAT Prep. The telephone number is 201-891-5575. Please contact Carolyn if you have any questions.

UPDATE – 5:00 PM, Monday, October 22, 2001

1.     The National Association of REALTORS® has established the REALTORS® Housing Relief Fund to help pay (four months of) the mortgage and rental costs of the families devastated by the terrorist attacks in New York City and Washington, DC. For more information, please visit http://relief.realtor.org/ for background and an application form or telephone 518-463-0300.

2.     Please note that affected families, as crime victims, may also be eligible for continuing (as opposed to one-off) payments of $600 per month up to a total of $30,000. For more information, please look at the Helping HandBook - Legal Resources for Families of Victims of the World Trade Center Disaster (details on October 16^th Update). If a family has already received a payment from this source and would like to continue to claim monthly payments, please note that the original claim form will still apply and you do not have to continue to submit new forms on a monthly basis. You may also call 1-800-247-8035 for more information.

3.     Please check the Press Releases section to see the full text of today’s press release in which Euro Brokers announces resumption of full range of brokerage operations.

UPDATE – 6:00 PM, Saturday, October 20, 2001

Please continue to check the Families Bulletin Board as there are new entries with requests for information.

UPDATE – 5:00 PM, Friday, October 19, 2001

Please continue to check http://www.fema.gov and http://www.nyc.gov for new updates.

UPDATE – 5:00 PM, Thursday, October 18, 2001

1. Please check the Families Bulletin Board as there are a number of new entries with requests for information.

2. We have added a new link entitled Euro Brokers Relief Fund on the homepage to ensure easier navigation to this area of the site.

UPDATE – 12:00 PM, Wednesday, October 17, 2001

The Little Orchestra Society is giving a free concert entitled The Land of Make Believe Featuring Babes in Toyland for the World Trade Center children and families on Saturday, October 27 at 3:00pm at Avery Fisher Hall, Lincoln Center, New York (Broadway & West 64^th Street). Babes in Toyland brings nursery rhymes to life and its charming story and classic American music makes this performance perfect for the entire family. The concert lasts one hour.

To receive your free tickets, which are available on a first-come-first-served basis, please call The Little Orchestra Society Box Office at 212-971-9500 ext 127 or email losticketing@aol.com. You will need to provide your name, company, the address the tickets should be mailed to (orders received after 10/17 will be held at the box office for pick-up), daytime phone number and the number of tickets.

UPDATE – 7:00 PM, Tuesday, October 16, 2001

A useful booklet entitled Helping HandBook - Legal Resources for Families of Victims of the World Trade Center Disaster, 2001 has been produced by The Association of the Bar of the City of New York and is available on the web at www.probono.net/September11. We also intend to send out hard copies of the Helping HandBook, 2001 to all families who have lost loved ones within the next few days.

The book provides an overview of some of the legal issues that individuals and families may face as a result of the World Trade Center disaster. Topics covered in the handbook include Death Certificates, Probate (Wills) and Intestacy, Social Security, New York State Aid, Federal Aid, Unemployment Assistance, Life Insurance, Health Insurance, Retirement Plans and Benefits, Family Law, Personal Finance, Tax, Immigration and Other Resources.

UPDATE – 5:00 PM, Monday, October 15, 2001

It is with deep regret that we have to report the positive identification by the authorities of the body of David Vera. Our deepest sympathies go out to David’s family and friends.

UPDATE – 8:00 PM, Sunday, October 14, 2001

Please note that the Disaster Assistance Service Center (DASC) on 141 Worth St. in Manhattan will be changing hours of operation starting Monday, October 15. The new hours will be Monday through Friday, 9 a.m. to 7 p.m. and Saturday, 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. For more details visit www.fema.gov

UPDATE – 6:00 PM, Saturday, October 13, 2001

Please check the Families Bulletin Board as there are a number of new entries with requests for information as well as an email from a former employee, entitled Fallen Heroes, which is addressed to "all the survivors".

UPDATE – 5:00 PM, Friday, October 12, 2001

Please look at the Forthcoming Memorial Services section as there are a number of services this weekend.

UPDATE – 5:00 PM, Thursday, October 11, 2001

1.     It is with great sorrow that that we report the positive identification by the authorities of the body of Kevin York. Kevin will be deeply missed by his colleagues. Our deepest sympathies go out to his family and friends.

2.     Some members of families who have lost loved ones have expressed a desire to contact other families that have also lost loved ones. To this end we are establishing a Families Support Directory which will contain a list of names and telephone numbers of those missing employee family members who would like to be contacted by, and be able to contact, other such family members. As this is information is of a personal and sensitive nature, we will not publish this on the website but rather, if you would like to either obtain or offer such information, please contact Janice Brooks on 212-778-3073.

3.     We have been able to restore our general office number, 212-748-7000 and this is available during regular office hours. Please note however that prior extension numbers are not accessible.

4.     We have redesigned the format for Memorial Services for improved clarity. Instead of one generic section, we have formulated two new categories – Past Memorial Services and Forthcoming Memorial Services.

5.     Euro Brokers employees should note that a Kemper National Services counselor will be available at our offices at One New York Plaza every business day through the month of October 2001. Please feel free to either visit in person or call on 212-748-7000.

UPDATE – 7:00 PM, Wednesday, October 10, 2001

Please have a look at Families Bulletin Board section as a number of new requests for information have been posted.

UPDATE – 7:00 PM, Tuesday, October 09, 2001

A Memorial Mass will be held for Joe Sacerdote on Saturday, October 20th at 11:30 am at St. Catherine of Siena Church, 31 Asbury Road, Farmingdale, NJ 07727. Tel: 732-938-5375. Joe was a former Euro Brokers employee who spent a number of years at the company and was working at Cantor Fitzgerald at the time of the attack on September 11th. In lieu of flowers please send donations to the "Joseph Sacerdote Memorial Fund". For more information please contact Diane Veneziano at 732-446-5438.

UPDATE – 7:00 PM, Monday, October 08, 2001

Thank you to all who turned up to today’s Memorial Service and reception at the Grand Hyatt in New York City. It was a time for all those affected by the events of September 11th to honor and mourn those that were lost as well as celebrate their lives. All sixty of those lost were remembered by name and Anne Kelly gave an inspiring speech entitled ‘Remembrance and a New Beginning’ in which she gave a very personal account of how she was able to cope during this period of incredible loss and sadness. The Service was introduced by Brian Clark and there were messages from the Very Reverent Boniface Ramsey, O.P., Pastor of St. Vincent Ferrer, New York City; from the Reverend Dr. Carl E. Flemister, Regional Minister (Retired), American Baptist Church of Metropolitan New York and from Rabbi Arthur Schneier, Park East Synagogue, New York City and President, Appeal of Conscience Foundation. Each gave unique and insightful perspectives on dealing with this tragedy. The final speaker was the Chairman of Maxcor Financial Group Inc., Gilbert Scharf, who honored and remembered those lost. He emphasized that Euro Brokers has always been committed to upholding family values and as such we grieve together and will draw strength from the missing members of the Euro Brokers family in the rebuilding of our business.

UPDATE – 9:00 AM, Sunday, October 07, 2001

Please look at the Benefits section as there is information regarding the delivery of two separate benefits information packages for the principal family contact for each missing employee. These packages will be sent out by mail but also, if you plan to attend the Memorial Service on Monday, October 8^th, we intend to have a table set up afterwards that will permit you to pick up the forms or drop off completed ones.

UPDATE – 11:00 AM, Saturday, October 06, 2001

Please look at the Memorial Services section as there are a number of services being held both today and tomorrow.

UPDATE – 5:00 PM, Friday, October 05, 2001

As a reminder, please remember that it is Columbus Day on Monday, so, if you intend to come to the Company memorial service, give yourself additional time to get to the hotel as the service will start promptly at 11:00 am.

UPDATE – 6:00 PM, Thursday, October 04, 2001

1. It is with great sadness that we report the positive identification by the authorities of the body of Manish Patel. He will be deeply missed and our deepest condolences go out to his family and friends.

2. Oxford Health has announced a change in policy coverage that has been developed to meet the needs of families during this time of tragedy. They are waiving the authorization and referral requirements for outpatient behavioral health care needed as a result of the disaster. For more information, please visit the Benefits section.

UPDATE – 7:00 PM, Wednesday, October 03, 2001

1. In addition to the Company memorial service being held at the Grand Hyatt in New York on Monday, 8^th October, the Company will also host a memorial service in London for all of its missing and lost New York employees. The service will commence at 4:30 pm at St. Helen’s Church, Bishopsgate, London. The church is located between Bishopsgate and St. Mary Axe. Attendees will need to arrive at 4:15 pm. This service will be held to coincide with that being held by Euro Brokers/Maxcor in New York and is for all employees, family, friends and clients you wish to invite. Initially, please contact Laura Beaumont on 0207 204 3000 Ext. 3006 as soon as possible if you wish to attend. We will need to know numbers of guests by midday, Thursday 4^th October, so that we may advise the Church of how many people are expected.

2. Please look at the Third Party Aid section to see the full text of today’s Wall Street Journal article that suggests that the Senate is looking to broaden relief for victims’ families.

UPDATE – 6:00 PM, Tuesday, October 02, 2001

Please check the Memorial Services Bulletin Board as there have been a number of recent additions.

UPDATE - 5:00 p.m., October 1^st, 2001

We would like to invite families who have lost loved ones to bring a photograph of the family member to the Company memorial service on Monday, 8^th October. We will set up a display of framed photographs of all who were lost to honor their memory. Photographs may either be brought directly to the service or sent to Janice Brooks prior to the service at our offices - One New York Plaza, 16^th floor, New York, NY 10292. If you do decide to send the photograph, it may be easier to send it via a staff member given the possible delays in the post.

UPDATE – 8:00 PM, Sunday, September 30, 2001

1. Please keep checking http://www.nyc.gov for updated information on establishing a record of missing loved ones. Also, http://www.fema.gov continues to have useful news and information.

2. A reminder that the NYC Family Assistance Center is located at Pier 94 which is located at 54^th Street and 12th Avenue. The Center is open 8 a.m. to midnight, seven days a week. Family Assistance Center Hotline 646-710-6245.

UPDATE – 9:00 PM, Saturday, September 29, 2001

Please check the Memorial Services Bulletin Board as there have been a number of recent additions.

UPDATE – 5:00 PM, Friday, September 28, 2001

1. EURO BROKERS / MAXCOR MEMORIAL SERVICE
We are now able to confirm that the Company will host a memorial service for all of its missing and lost employees at 11:00 am on Monday, 8^th October. It will be held in Ballrooms B and C at the Grand Hyatt Hotel (212-883-1234) on East 42^nd Street between Park Avenue and Lexington Avenue, New York City. The service is for all employees, spouses, children and other close family members as well as any customers who wish to attend. A reception will follow immediately thereafter, ending at 1:30 pm. Please RSVP to Janice Brooks on 212-778-3073 if you wish to attend. It is important for us to know how many people are expected so we are prepared to accommodate all who wish to attend.

2. It is with deep regret that we have to report the positive identification by the authorities of the body of Keiichiro Takahashi. Takahashi-san was a quiet, gentle family man who was well respected by his colleagues. Our deepest sympathies go out to Takahashi-san’s family and friends.

UPDATE – 5:00 PM, Thursday, September 27, 2001

1. There a number of new entries in the Third Party Aid section relating to different types of benefits and assistance being offered.

2. Please check the site http://www.nyc.gov. which gives a considerable amount of information, especially regarding the NYC Family Assistance Center. At the Center, friends and family of can help establish a record of missing loved ones, assist in search efforts by providing information, gain as much information as is currently available about their missing family members and get free legal assistance for filing a death affidavit.

UPDATE – 9:00 PM, Wednesday, September 26, 2001

1.     We are extremely sorry to have to report the positive identification by the authorities of the body of Domenick Mircovich. Domenick was a cornerstone of the Euro Brokers family and was one of our longest serving employees, having been at the company for over sixteen years. His death will be felt throughout the company and he will be tremendously missed by all. His wife, Marla, and their three young children survive him. Our deepest condolences go out to Domenick’s family and friends.

2.     We have created a new section - Third Party Aid. We intend to use this section to post relevant information from a number of third party sources that may be pertinent with regard to those families who have lost family members.

3.     Please note the changes we have made to the Benefits and Donations sections; they have been updated with new information so please look at them to see if there is any news pertinent to you.

UPDATE – 9:00 PM, Tuesday, September 25, 2001

1.     It is with great sorrow that that we report the positive identification by the authorities of the body of Michael Taddonio. Michael was extremely popular within the company and will be deeply missed by his colleagues. Our deepest sympathies go out to his family and friends.

2.     Please look at the revised Employee Lists for a list of employees and staff members, missing or lost, along with the latest information we have. Also, please continue to visit the Memorial Services section as this is continually updated.

3.     In the midst of this tragedy, we should acknowledge the incredible efforts of all staff members who have worked so tirelessly to rebuild the infrastructure of the trading operation. It is a tribute to the spirit and endeavor of our company that so many areas of the business have been recreated in the most adverse of circumstances. As a company we believe that these efforts reflect the wishes of all our missing or lost colleagues and mirror their commitment to the company.

4.     We expect to have information about the Company memorial service very shortly so please check back as this will be posted here as soon as we have more information.

UPDATE – 9:00 PM, Monday, September 24, 2001

There is no new information at this time.

UPDATE – 9:00 PM, Sunday, September 23, 2001

There is no new information at this time.

UPDATE – 9:00 PM, Saturday, September 22, 2001

There is no new information at this time but please check our Memorials Services section for any updates with regard to memorial services.

UPDATE – 9:00 PM, Friday, September 21, 2001

1.        We regret to report that we have learned of no new information on the status of any missing employees at this time.
2.        We hosted the second Support Center today, on the 16^th floor at One New York Plaza. As was the case yesterday, it appears that those who attended found some measure of comfort at this very difficult time.
3.        We have received a letter from the American Red Cross who are offering, as interim relief, a tax-free, direct grant for those families who have lost family members. Please look under the benefits link to find out more information.
4.        We have tentatively scheduled the date of Monday 8^th October for the Company memorial service for the families, friends and employees of Euro Brokers. We hope to confirm this date along with the venue and time within the next few days. Please keep checking back here as we will post this information as soon as we get it.

UPDATE – 11:00 PM, Thursday, September 20, 2001

1. It is with a heavy heart and great sorrow that we inform you of the positive identification today by the authorities of the body of Adam Arias. Adam was a mainstay of our finance and settlement operations, and will be missed tremendously by all. Our deepest sympathies go out to his wife, Margit, and to the rest of his family and friends. Please check our Memorials Services section for information on the wake for Adam, which is scheduled for tomorrow, Friday, September 21^st

2. Please remember that we will be hosting another Support Center tomorrow, from 11:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m., on the 16^th floor of our new temporary offices at One New York Plaza. Feedback on the first Support Center was generally very positive. Families, friends and employees all had an opportunity to gather and comfort and support each other, as well as to meet individually and in groups with trained counselors. We hope you will consider coming to tomorrow’s support center if you could not make today’s.

3. Please note that we now have a separate hotline number for obtaining benefits information and obtaining assistance in making and processing claims: (212) 778-2701.

4. In addition to the web site http://www.nyc.gov, which we have previously recommended to you, you may also want to visit http://www.fema.gov, which provides a good listing of various aid and assistance programs available to victims of the WTC attacks.

UPDATE – 10:00 PM, Wednesday, September 19, 2001

1. It is with great sadness that we report the positive identification today by the authorities of two bodies from the WTC rescue and recovery effort: Patrick McGuire and Paul Cascio. We will miss Pat and Paul incredibly, and our deepest condolences go out to their families and friends.

2. It is now confirmed that we will be hosting our Support Center at our new temporary office space, One New York Plaza (16^th floor) on Thursday, September 20^th, from 1:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m., and on Friday, September 21^st, from 11:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. The Support Center is open to all friends, families and employees of Euro Brokers, and we hope you will be able to stop by. Please note that we will also have counselors available on the premises for any one who wishes to meet with them.

3. We apologize for this web site being unavailable for a good portion of today. We were affected by a computer virus that is making the rounds, and it was particularly hard to cleanse.

UPDATE – 10:00 PM, Tuesday, September 18, 2001

1. As a reminder, we will be hosting a Support Center at One New York Plaza (16^th floor) on Thursday, September 20^th, from 1:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m., and on Friday, September 21^st, from 11:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m., for all friends, families and employees of Euro Brokers. Our hope is that the Support Center will provide an additional opportunity for families and friends of missing employees to gather together in support of each other and to communicate with Euro Brokers employees and staff about their loved ones. PLEASE CHECK THIS SITE BEFORE LEAVING TO GO TO THE SUPPORT CENTER – THERE IS A POSSIBILITY THAT WE MAY CHANGE THE LOCATION.

2. Please note the new U.S. hotline number: (212) 778-6265. This number should be used for all informational inquiries, whether they are about missing employees or benefits. Beginning Wednesday, September 19^th, if you call the old hotline number you will be referred to this number. The transition may have its hiccups, so if the line rings unanswered please be patient and try again in 5 minutes.

3. Please check the benefits link for some important recently added information.

UPDATE – 10:00 PM, Monday, September 17, 2001

1. We regret to report that we have no new information on the status of any missing employees at this time.

2. As we transition to our new temporary office space, the hours of the hot line number (212-317-1000) will be reduced to 8:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. A new hot line number at One New York Plaza will be introduced in the next day or two. We owe a tremendous debt of thanks to Michael Scharf and his entire staff at Niagara Corporation for lending us their main telephone number and hosting our crisis command operations over this past week.

3. We will be sponsoring a Support Center at One New York Plaza (16^th floor) on Thursday, September 20^th, from 1:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m., and on Friday, September 21^st, from 11:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m., for all friends, families and employees of Euro Brokers. Our hope is that the Support Center will provide an additional opportunity for families and friends of missing employees to gather together in support of each other and to communicate with Euro Brokers employees and staff about their loved ones.

4. We will be attempting to contact all families of missing employees over the next two days or so in order to bring the Support Center specifically to their attention, as well as to answer any questions they may have about various Company benefits. If we do not reach you, it may mean we do not have a correct contact number for you, so please do not hesitate to call us first.

5. Please also check the new bulletin board link for an initial listing of family members of missing employees who would like to hear from any Euro Brokers employees who may have seen or spent time with their loved one on September 11^th.

6. Finally, please also check the new donations link to learn how to contribute to the Euro Brokers Relief Fund that the Company is establishing.

UPDATE – 9:30 PM, Sunday, September 16, 2001

1. We regret to report that we have no new information on the status of any missing employees at this time.

2. We continue to recommend the web site, http://www.nyc.gov, as a good source of reliable, up-to-date information on locating missing loved ones.

3. In order to give our volunteers, who have been working around the clock, some much needed rest, the Euro Brokers hotline will be shut down briefly from Midnight tonight until 8:00 a.m. on Monday morning.

UPDATE – 11:00 PM, Saturday, September 15, 2001

1. We have no new information on the status of any missing employees at this time. An early evening cross-check of our missing employees list against both the hospital and medical examiner’s lists being maintained by the Mayor’s Office of Emergency Management did not reveal any new matches. We were told – although we are not 100% sure that it is accurate information – that the medical examiner’s list is about 75 names at this point.

UPDATE – 10:00 PM, Friday, September 14, 2001

1. We have no new information on the status of any missing employees at this time. A late evening cross-check of our missing employees list against both the hospital and medical examiner’s lists being maintained at the 26^th Street and Lexington Avenue Armory by the Mayor’s Office of Emergency Management did not reveal any new matches. It was not clear to us, however, the extent to which any of the lists had been significantly updated over the past 24 hours. We will keep checking.

2. If you wish to check the hospital lists yourself, a web site maintained by the Greater New York Hospital Association in association with the Mayor’s office now permits you to do so. Go to http://www.nyc.gov/ and click on "Patient Locator System.” Then enter the name for which you are searching.

3. At 10:00 a.m. on Monday morning, September 17^th, there will be a meeting for all Euro Brokers employees to be held at the W New York Hotel, located at 541 Lexington Avenue (at 49^th street). The meeting is in the Forest Ball Room on the 2^nd floor. See meeting details for more information.

4. As described in the Chairman’s letter, we have secured new space on the 16^th floor at 1 New York Plaza, in the Prudential Securities building, that will permit us to recommence operations next week, after the employee meeting referenced above.

5. With respect to the payroll direct deposits that were made today, please note that because of a processing error your bank account will have been credited for your salary amount twice, with a correcting debit following.

UPDATE – 10:00 PM, Thursday, September 13, 2001

The Mayor’s Office of Emergency Management has now established a centralized location at the Armory at 26^th Street and Lexington Avenue in Manhattan to aid in the identification of persons missing in the aftermath of the World Trade Center attack.

We are told that one list they are maintaining is a cumulative list of all persons at area hospitals who have either been treated (i.e., in the emergency room) or admitted. They did not identify the specific hospitals contributing to the list, but they are maintaining one New York area list, with about 9 hospitals, and, as of about 7 p.m. tonight when we believe it was last updated, it had about 2500 names. They are also maintaining a New Jersey area hospital list, with about 15 hospitals contributing information and about 2000 names as of 7 p.m. We are told updates are made to the list about every 2 or 3 hours, but it is not clear what the extent of such updates is or what their underlying source is (i.e., from new hospital admissions or better or new data contribution from existing or additional hospitals).

We sent a volunteer to the Armory to check their hospital lists against our list of missing employees early this evening, and are sorry to report that there were no matches at that time. We will continue, however, to check the Armory’s lists on a periodic basis.

The other list we are told they are maintaining is a NYC medical examiner’s list of bodies that have been identified. This list, we are told, is being updated one or two times a day at the moment. This evening the list had about 65 names on it and had last been updated in the early afternoon. We are extremely sorry to report that a cross-check of our missing employees list against it has revealed one match – Justin Molisani – which has also been confirmed independently by Judd’s family (and okayed by them to post on this site).

Words are inadequate to express our feelings of sadness and anger over this loss or, frankly, the additional losses that we are afraid we may learn about in the days to come. Judd was an extraordinarily well-loved member of the Euro Brokers family and we will miss him very much. Our deepest condolences go out to his family and friends.

We have also provided the Mayor’s Office of Emergency Management with our list of missing employees, along with family contact numbers for such employees. In the morning, we will also be delivering to them whatever fingerprint files for our missing registered representatives that we have been able to obtain from the NASD. The Mayor’s office will try – without further contact from us – to let family members know if matches occur with our list as and when the medical examiner’s list is updated. However, as you might imagine, they are operating under very difficult circumstances and cannot make any guarantees in this regard. Accordingly, we will independently continue to try to check the medical examiner’s list periodically and promptly contact any family members if we obtain any news on their loved ones from this list.

* * *

If you are a family member of an employee who is as yet unlocated and can get into Manhattan, we believe it would make sense for you to go to the Armory yourself, for the following reasons:

1. You can – and we are told by the Mayor’s office that you should – file a "missing persons” report at the same time, which is about 7 pages long and asks for all identifying information you can provide (e.g., hair color, eye color, clothing worn on September 11 ^th, scars, blood type, birth date, etc.). We are told that you should bring a photo that you are willing to leave and COPIES of any medical x-ray records (especially dental) that you can obtain.

2. They have numerous crisis and grief counselors on the premises with whom you may want to talk.

3. You should be able to check the updated lists yourself – although we are told that they might be made available only through the counselors.

If you CANNOT get into Manhattan to do this, you should nonetheless file a missing persons report by telephone – although the Mayor’s office personnel STRESSED that they significantly preferred and recommended the in person intake process. The number we have been given for this purpose is (212) 447-2998. They emphasized that this number is NOT for updates on the lists and that they will NOT give out individual status information by phone.

* * *

Euro Brokers has an employee assistance program that will provide counseling sessions for employees who survived the attack and/or family members of persons who are missing. The number to call is 1-800-292-2780. Please use it. Talking to a trained professional is one of the best coping strategies we know. The program can also set up individual, in person, counseling sessions.

We are also working on identifying with precision the full scope of financial benefits that will be made available to the spouses or other beneficiaries of employees who did not survive the attack. We know this is important information for you to have and will provide it as soon as we have finished meeting with our insurers and are confident that we are describing all benefits accurately.

* * *

If you have not already heard, we will be making our regular payroll on Friday. If you have historically received direct deposit, you will again get direct deposit. If you have historically been mailed your check, you will again be mailed your check.

We believe that one of the best therapies for this cowardly and evil attack is to get our business back up and running as soon as possible. To this end, we are negotiating over several alternative new locations and will update you as soon as we have something more definitive to report. Our current intent – if Gil Scharf and Keith Reihl can get a flight back from London by then – is to hold a business continuation planning meeting for all employees this coming Monday at 10:00 a.m. – at a Manhattan location to be announced. We have received tremendous expressions of support from customers, vendors and friends and are confident that they will be there for us when we recommence operations.

* * *

Please remember to check this web site on a regular basis for updates. We are NOT contributing to or verifying the information on ANY other web sites.

-- Roger Schwed

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