9/11 Remembrances in Bedford and Nearby

Those closest to Ground Zero in the aftermath of 9/11 might remember two things: both a collective shaken faith in humanity and the amazing upsurge of grassroots goodwill.

Rather than feeling powerless on a day fraught with tough memories like 9/11, local volunteers are planning ceremonies and fundraisers to honor those lost. Regional volunteer centers the urge us to tap into that positive energy that followed the tragedy over a decade ago.

In Bedford, a candelight ceremony will start at dusk on Tuesday, Sept. 11, or at about 7:30 p.m. at the

The event is sponsored by the and includes remarks by the department's president, David Menken, Supervisor Lee Roberts, local religious leaders and Fire Chief Jason Siemers as well as about a dozen members of the Golden Apple Chorus, three selections.

An open mike is available for anyone who wishes to offer a remembrance of someone who lost their life on 9/11.

In addition, the Fourth Annual Friends of Peter Alderman Walk will take place Saturday Sept. 15 in Mt. Kisco. Participants will will walk from the Mount Kisco Train Station to the Lexington Square Café where a celebratory lunch will be waiting.  The walk benefits the Peter C. Alderman Foundation, after their son, Peter, was killed on 9/11.

The Volunteer Center in Westchester hopes to have a strong showing of volunteers at their events this week. They have expanded a day to fill a whole week of activities for everyone, all ages and interests, and ranging across three counties of Westchester, Putnam and Rockland, according to Volunteer Center's Director Alisa Kesten.

The planning started "probably the minute we finished the day of service last year," Kesten said. "It's been all hands on deck. It takes a really tremendous effort of staff and volunteers."

Director of Communications Amie Getis spoke to all the effort behind the scenes, and what's it worth.

“Don’t let 9/11 be about the violence," Getis said, "but about the community.” The ultimate goal being, “we always hope people will form a lifelong connection to a nonprofit in their area. There are year-round opportunities to give back.”

The Volunteer Center pairs people and organizations with volunteering opportunities and real need. A complete list of the volunteer project descriptions for the 9/11 events and beyond can be found at www.volunteer-center.org. Register online or by calling 914-948-4452.

Here are just some of the remembrances and volunteer opportunities taking place this week:

Tuesday, Sept. 11

7:30 p.m. at the Bedford Village Memorial Park

Remembrance Quilt Project – White Plains YMCA, 4:00PM to 6:00PM, White Plains

*Donate Books (and Create Cards) to Deployed Soldiers – Books to Soldiers, a new event in the line-up, 2:30 PM to 6:30 PM, Kensico Dam Plaza

Wednesday, Sept. 12

Trail Maintenance/Boardwalk Construction – Cranberry Lake Preserve, 2:00PM to 4:00PM, North White Plains

Thursday, Sept. 13

Food Bank Sorting/Packaging – Food Bank for Westchester, 10:00AM to 12:00PM, Elmsford

Friday, Sept. 14

Clothes Sorting Room – Yonkers Council of PTA/PTSA, 9:00AM to 2:00PM, Yonkers

Saturday, Sept. 15

Friends of Peter C. Alderman Walk: Walkers meet at 11 a.m. at the Mt. Kisco train station. There's a $50 registration fee; click here to register.

Art Project - Richmond Community Services, 1:00PM to 2:30PM Yonkers

Movie Showing. “New York Says Thank You” – White Plains Library, 2:00PM to 4:30PM, White Plains  

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