Where are you from?
Toronto(ish), Canada
What is your role on the World Trade Center project?
I'm a Project Engineer for the Port Authority on the September 11 Memorial & Museum project. I mostly deal with the project's budget and procurement of trade contracts.
Why did you become/ why are you now part of the Memorial Miles program?
To raise money for the Memorial, and to challenge myself to run on a regular basis.
Where were you on 9/11/01?
I was in high school, but I had the morning off so I was at home watching live as the second plane hit the towers.
What was your initial reaction to the attacks?
My immediate reaction was pure shock, followed quickly by sadness and fear. Since I was living in Canada, I didn't know anyone directly affected by the attacks, so it wasn't until I moved to New York in 2005 that I really felt how deeply the city and country were affected.
What are your hopes for the Memorial Miles program?
That the program will continue through the 10th anniversary of 9/11, so that we can contribute to that important milestone.
7/29/09
Monthly Group Walk, Bowling Green Park- July 27, 2009
Kamran, Tom, and Paul gather for the walk
In honor of the 233rd anniversary of the original writing and public reading of the Declaration of Independence, this month, the Memorial Milers retraced the steps of Sons of Liberty who, upon the first public reading of the Declaration (IN City Hall Park), stormed down Broadway to Bowling Green Park, and tore down the statue of King George which had been there since 1770. The fence that surrounded the statue STILL REMAINS- although somewhat disfigured. You see, in their rage, the Sons of Liberty also knocked of each of the cast- iron crowns that sat atop the fence posts. The crown-less fence is now on the National Registry of Historic Places. This was a great opportunity to retrace the exact footsteps of a very historic event.
In addition, we brought a copy of the Declaration of Independence with us in order to read a little aloud, trying to recreate some of the sounds the people heard and the emotions they must have felt 233 years ago. The final sentence of the Declaration could almost be fitting for the Memorial Milers and our commitment:
"And for the support of this declaration, with a firm reliance on the protection of Divine Providence, we mutually pledge to each other our lives, our fortunes and our sacred honor."
Abdul, Anita, Tom, Kamran, Joan, Sochieta (the newest Miler!!) Jean Paul, and Paul pose in front of the original fence, constructed in 1771
Teterboro Airport 5K
On July 18, 2009, I took part in the Teterboro Airport 5K, a great event that raises lots of money for local charities.
It was a very unique setting, to run on a closed runway, among lots of stationary airplanes!
Thanks to all the Memorial Miles and to the extreme flatness of the course, I achieved a new Personal Record with a time of 24:49.
7/23/09
Meet a Memorial Miler- Joan Hamilton
Where are you from?
I originated from Jamaica, West Indies.
What is your role on the World Trade project?
I assist the program director, WTCC, in his day-to activities. In addition, I provide administrative support to other PA staff, and consultants alike, that is, from typing, photocopying, mail distribution, running errands, ensure that all the equipment (computers, printers and fax machines) are running efficiently; scanning WTCC materials, heavy telephone duties, work diligently on the Freedom of Information Request (FOI). Meetings setup.
Why did you become/ why are you now part of the Memorial Miles program? I have chosen to become a part of the Memorial Milers in order to create awareness of the National 9/11 Memorial and Museum. Also, I want to convey to others, that they have the ability to jump over the hurdles of fear, and to conquer their obstacles with much vigor.
Where were you on 9/11/01?
I was walking toward the WTC complex when the first plane hit the first tower.
What was your initial reaction to the attacks?
As I watched the first tower rocked from side to side, and then engulfed in flame, I screamed, "Oh God, oh God, my vision is being unfolded before my eyes!" (I have had 3 dreams/visions of the attack, prior to 9/11). Then, a tremor suddenly went through my stomach, and I fell to the ground, shouting, screaming, and praying to God, for protection for my co-workers and for all the other people who were trapped in the towers. I was then held down on the ground by two men. As we were there, pondering about the first tower, another plane flew through the second tower. At that point, I gathered a little nerve to 'run for [my] life!' as the cops shouted.
What are your hopes for the Memorial Miles program?
My hopes for the Memorial Miles program are that all peoples of this world will unite in peace and love, as is portrayed through our peaceful walks (and runs) throughout the streets and parks of the different boroughs of New York. It would be interesting also, to see the Memorial Milers take our walks and runs to other cities of the U.S.A. In addition, I am hoping that the Memorial Milers will raise large funds to help in the building of the National 9/11 Memorial and Museum.
7/19/09
The Old Erie Canal State Park - July 11, 2009
On the weekend of July 11, 2009 I head to Syracuse for the wedding of my niece Alexandra to John. While I was there I took the opportunity to take a run on the Old Erie Canal State Park Trail, at it's starting point in De Witt, NY. It was a good day for a run, Louis and Vinny joined me for the run, it was a good day for a run but even a better day for the wedding! 
Old Erie Canal Trail Information:
New York State Canal Corporation
800/4CANAL4
Old Erie Canal Trail Links:
New York Canalway Trail System
The New York State Canalway Trail System is comprised of a network of more than 260 miles of existing multi-use, recreational trails across upstate New York. Major segments are adjacent to the waterways of the New York State Canal System (see our map) or follow remnants of the historic original canals of the early 1800s that preceded today's working Canal System.
Completion of the Trail will involve the creation of partnerships between the New York State Canal Corporation and a variety of organizations, including local governments, not-for-profit organizations, other New York State government agencies, and the National Park Service.
The Old Erie Canal State Park Trail is 36 miles long, and links Dewitt with Rome. The park was created from an abandoned section of the original Erie Canal. Almost the entire trail runs along the Old Erie Canal. The trail comes within four miles of Oneida Lake (a major tourist area) a few miles south of Higginsville.There are many things to see and do in both Verona Beach and Rome.
Old Erie Canal Trail Information:
New York State Canal Corporation
800/4CANAL4
Old Erie Canal Trail Links:
New York Canalway Trail System
New York State Canalway Trail System
The New York State Canalway Trail System is comprised of a network of more than 260 miles of existing multi-use, recreational trails across upstate New York. Major segments are adjacent to the waterways of the New York State Canal System (see our map) or follow remnants of the historic original canals of the early 1800s that preceded today's working Canal System.
The Canalway Trail System is comprised of four major segments: the 100-mile Erie Canal Heritage Trail in Western New York; the 36-mile Old Erie Canal State Park Trail in Central New York; the 60-mile Mohawk-Hudson Bikeway in the eastern Capital Region, and the eight-mile Glens Falls Feeder Canal Heritage Trail in the foothills of the Adirondacks near Lake George. In addition, there are smaller segments of Canalway Trail.
These trail segments and other areas of the Canalway Trail System connect with trails leading throughout New York State, providing one of the most extensive trail networks in the country.
A 36-mile Trail within the linear State Park between DeWitt and Rome in Central New York. Designated as a National Recreation Trail, this segment incorporates an abandoned section of the nineteenth century-era Erie Canal. Parking areas with foot-bridge access to the Trail are located at Poolsbrook and Cedar Bay picnic areas within the park.
A 100-mile Trail between Tonawanda and Newark in Western New York. This Trail segment is designated as a National Recreation Trail and has numerous access points, primarily where local roads intersect. Parking is available at many of the access points. Sign kiosks containing maps and historic information are located at many trailheads. Trail Uses: Hiking, bicycling, cross-country skiing (all sections); horseback riding and snowmobiling in some sections (for details call the Canal Corporation). Trail Surface: Stone dust; some portions in Tonawanda and Rochester are asphalt. Biker-Hiker-Boater Campsites are located at Lock 30 in Macedon and at the Holley Canal Port.
Mohawk-Hudson Bikeway
A 60-mile Trail along the Erie Canal and Mohawk River between St. Johnsville and Waterford in the Capital Region. Many sections of this segment were built on former grades of the nineteenth century Erie Canal towpath. The trail is continuous except for a segment between Rotterdam Junction and Amsterdam, a short segment under Interstate Route 87 (Adirondack Northway) in the Town of Colonie, and short segments in Schenectady and Cohoes. The bikeway route is signed along connecting roadways.
Glens Falls Feeder Canal Heritage Trail
An eight-mile Trail between Glens Falls and Fort Edward along the historic Feeder Canal near the Hudson River and Old Champlain Canal. The Trail follows the towpath along the Feeder Canal, which is one of the last surviving sections of the original 1820s Canal System. The Feeder Canal was built in the late 1820s to help maintain the water level in the Champlain Canal, since the section between Fort Ann and Fort Edward was higher than the rest of the Canal. A link between the Feeder Canal Heritage Trail and the Warren County/Bikeway leading to Lake George is signed along connecting roadways in Glens Falls.
WATCH THE CANALWAY TRAIL SYSTEM GROW
The New York State Canal Corporation's long-range goal for the Canalway Trail System is to create a cross-State network of multi-use trails that will span nearly 500 miles across upstate New York, paralleling major portions of the 524-mile New York State Canal System.
The New York State Canal Corporation's long-range goal for the Canalway Trail System is to create a cross-State network of multi-use trails that will span nearly 500 miles across upstate New York, paralleling major portions of the 524-mile New York State Canal System.
When completed over the next several years, the Trail System will provide a means for those who are not boaters to enjoy the beauty and the history found all along New York's Canals. The System will include both urban and rural trails to meet the needs of both visitors and local residents alike.
Completion of the Trail will involve the creation of partnerships between the New York State Canal Corporation and a variety of organizations, including local governments, not-for-profit organizations, other New York State government agencies, and the National Park Service.
FIND THE CANALWAY TRAIL TODAY
A free map of the New York State Canalway Trail System is available from the New York State Canal Corporation. To obtain a copy, or to learn more about the Canalway Trail, call: Toll-free (800)-4CANAL4 or write: New York State Canal Corporation P.O. Box 189 Albany, NY 12201-0189.
HISTORY
One of the longest of the great American canals built in the 19th Century. The Erie Canal extends from the Hudson River to Lake Erie, at Buffalo. The idea was to get goods back and forth from the Great Lakes to New York City (via the Hudson River, which connected with the Erie Canal). The Canal was built between 1817 and 1825 and had paid for itself within 10 years. The building of the Canal also helped settle Michigan, Minnesota, Wisconsin, and other states on the Great Lakes.
One of the longest of the great American canals built in the 19th Century. The Erie Canal extends from the Hudson River to Lake Erie, at Buffalo. The idea was to get goods back and forth from the Great Lakes to New York City (via the Hudson River, which connected with the Erie Canal). The Canal was built between 1817 and 1825 and had paid for itself within 10 years. The building of the Canal also helped settle Michigan, Minnesota, Wisconsin, and other states on the Great Lakes.
At the dawn of the 19th century, New York businessmen were getting anxious. New York was losing out to other port cities as a center for trade. New York offered no easy way -- besides a long, hard, overland trip -- to ship goods between the city and the Midwest, where a growing population wanted to trade.
In 1810, Mayor De Witt Clinton proposed a dramatic solution. He suggested digging a canal between the Hudson River and Lake Erie, one of the Great Lakes. Clinton asked President Madison for financial aid but was rejected. Determined, he persuaded New York State to fund the project, even though some politicians nicknamed it "Clinton's ditch."
Construction began in 1817 and was finished in 1825. The canal was an amazing 363 miles long, but only 40 feet wide and four feet deep. That may sound shallow, but it was deep enough for its flat-bottomed boats. The canal also had 83 stone locks to help raise and lower boats across steep inclines.
In 1825, when the canal was completed, Clinton traveled on the first boat from Buffalo, at the Lake Erie end, to Albany, then on down to Manhattan. When he got there, the city celebrated.
7/2/09
Monthly Group Walk, East Coast Memorial- June 29, 2009
In honor or the 65th anniversary of the D-Day invasion, our monthly group walk was to the East Coast Memorial, located in Battery Park, New York City.
Memorial Milers Jean Paul, Damian, Tom, Malik, Vivian, Amadou, and Abdol make their way to the Memorial
Malik, Damian, Abdul, Jean Paul, Amadou, Tom, Vivian, and Kamran
It's a beautiful and touching Memorial, facing the Statue of Liberty across New York harbor, the East Coast Memorial is located at the southern end of Battery Park. This memorial honors the 4,601 missing American servicemen who lost their lives in the Atlantic Ocean while engaged in combat during World War II. Designed by the architectural firm of Gehron and Seltzer, the monument consists of a large, paved plaza punctuated by eight massive 19-foot tall gray granite pylons (four each on the southern and northern sides) onto which are inscribed the names, rank, organization and state of each of the deceased.
On the eastern side of the plaza a monumental bronze eagle, sculpted by Albino Manca (1898–1976) and set on a pedestal of polished black granite, grips a laurel wreath over a wave--signifying the act of mourning at the watery grave. The monument was commissioned by the American Battle Monuments Commission (ABMC), a small independent agency of the executive branch of the United States federal government, and was dedicated by President John F. Kennedy (1917–1963) on May 23, 1963.
Jean Paul, Vivian, and Amadou check out the granite pylons with the inscribed names of each of the deceased.
the reflection of Amadou, Kamran, Tom, and Abdol in the base of the memorial
Memorial Milers Jean Paul, Damian, Tom, Malik, Vivian, Amadou, and Abdol make their way to the Memorial
Malik, Damian, Abdul, Jean Paul, Amadou, Tom, Vivian, and Kamran
It's a beautiful and touching Memorial, facing the Statue of Liberty across New York harbor, the East Coast Memorial is located at the southern end of Battery Park. This memorial honors the 4,601 missing American servicemen who lost their lives in the Atlantic Ocean while engaged in combat during World War II. Designed by the architectural firm of Gehron and Seltzer, the monument consists of a large, paved plaza punctuated by eight massive 19-foot tall gray granite pylons (four each on the southern and northern sides) onto which are inscribed the names, rank, organization and state of each of the deceased.
On the eastern side of the plaza a monumental bronze eagle, sculpted by Albino Manca (1898–1976) and set on a pedestal of polished black granite, grips a laurel wreath over a wave--signifying the act of mourning at the watery grave. The monument was commissioned by the American Battle Monuments Commission (ABMC), a small independent agency of the executive branch of the United States federal government, and was dedicated by President John F. Kennedy (1917–1963) on May 23, 1963.
Jean Paul, Vivian, and Amadou check out the granite pylons with the inscribed names of each of the deceased.
the reflection of Amadou, Kamran, Tom, and Abdol in the base of the memorial
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