There’s a beautiful new accessible path along Forest Hill Road, that connects the Willowbrook Campus to the Meiers Corners community. The sidewalk follows Willowbrook Road to Forest Hill Road. It then continues south past the Institute for Basic Research all the way to the group home residences along Executive Way. Before the sidewalk was built, …
Accessible sidewalks open Willowbrook to the community Read More »
On May 5, NYS Senator Andrew J. Lanza and the JCC of Staten Island hosted their Annual Resource Fair for People with Developmental Disabilities at the Manor Road Jewish Community Center. The Senator welcomed the special needs community – advocates, families, schools, and agencies – to come together to meet more than 60 exhibitors who …
Lanza and JCC hosted special needs resource fair Read More »
Disability advocates gathered for a Save Our Services “SOS” Rally at the College of Staten Island on Friday, March 10. The location marks the beginning of the Willowbrook Mile, commemorating the site’s days as an institution serving people with disabilities. More than 100 people with disabilities, parents, direct service personnel, advocates and other supporters attended …
Save Our Services “SOS” Rally at CSI Advocated for Disability Services Read More »
Emma’s Place, Staten Island’s grief and loss center, held a vigil by candlelight for Children’s Grief Awareness Day on November 17, 2022. The center is a safe place for those who have suffered loss. Anthony DiCostanzo tells us that the event, “We offered our condolences to children who’s parents had passed away.” According to Gregory …
Emma’s Place Vigil for Children’s Grief Awareness Day Read More »
Glenn Mazzola was a man of few words with an easy laugh. With dark brushy eyebrows over soft brown eyes, Glenn’s serious expression was completely transformed when he smiled. Although he maintained a quiet presence, he was ready to join in to the activity at hand. “My brother Glenn was a kind and gentle person …
Glenn Mazzola, 50, quiet and gentle, enjoyed the company of family and friends Read More »
Cosmo Caminiti was known for his independence and nice guy approach to life, along with his keen knowledge of the American Songbook and a nearly legendary bottle and can collecting route. Kevin Stiland can still hear Cosmo’s signature response. “Beautiful, beautiful.” Cosmo was part of the Leisure Group that Stiland ran at Lifestyles for the …
Cosmo Caminiti, 77, was self-reliant good guy who loved the old songs Read More »
Coletta Lurlean Bailey was a woman on the move. Tall and stylish, she was often at the center of a group of friends having a good time. Depended on for her honesty and humor, she had strong opinions about what she wanted and didn’t hesitate to try something new or advocate for something better. She …
Coletta Bailey, 48, lived life with style, humor and determination Read More »
Sheila Alamo has a fond memory of her infant daughter Tanasia locking eyes with her and smiling. “She stared at me intently and smiled,” said Ms. Alamo. “Almost like ‘Mommy, I’m going to be ok.’ It was comforting.” Known for her hugs and unconditional love from the moment she met you, Tanasia, with smiling light …
Tanasia Alamo, 25, had a gift for therapeutic hugs and a passion for pro wrestling Read More »
The late Teri Russo thought she knew all she needed to know about her gregarious, red-headed son Kris. She knew he was outgoing and mischievous, but she didn’t realize the expanse of his social circle until his death when people from all over his Pleasant Plains neighborhood expressed their condolences. They all knew Kris because …
Kris Russo, 45, aspiring chef, put a smile on every face Read More »
Grace Valdez will be missed by all her friends. Chorus or solo, she loved to sing. Little things like a cup of coffee or a soda would make her day.
