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Obituary: In remembrance of Ronald L. Gerry

by TBR Staff - December 12, 2024

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Ronald L. Gerry

*This article has been updated to reflect the correct dates for the service. We regret the error.

Prepared by Kara Hahn

Ronald L. Gerry of Ocoee, FL (formerly of Stony Brook) passed away peacefully on December 7. He was 81. Family, volunteer firefighting and love of home, community and country defined his life which was rich in purpose and deep in connection.

Volunteer firefighting was a core foundation of Ron’s identity. He was a Life-Member, Ex-Captain of Engine Company No. 1 and former Vice President of the Stony Brook Fire Department. Following in the footsteps of his father and grandfather, his calling was to volunteer to protect his community as a firefighter. He joined the East Rockaway Fire Department as a teenager. When he and his wife Pam moved to Stony Brook Village in 1968, he immediately joined the Department. He quickly signed up for the Company’s Softball Team and rose in the ranks of the Department to Captain in 1978 – 1988. So committed to volunteering, that when his career brought him frequently to his company’s office in the Philadelphia suburbs, Ron rented an apartment so he could join a Fire Department there. As a result, he was a member of the West Whiteland/ Exton Fire Department in Exton, Pennsylvania from 1993-1995.

Firefighting dominated his life both as a volunteer and as an advocate. Through founding and leading the Long Island Association of Firemen’s Benevolent Associations, as Vice President of the Central North Shore Volunteer Firemen’s Association and memberships in the Suffolk County Volunteer Firemen’s Association, the Firemen’s Association of the State of New York (FASNY), the New York State Fire Departments’ Long Island Legislative Committee and the Suffolk County Volunteer Firemen’s Emerald Society. among others, Ron advocated for firefighters and their families.

In his professional career as an insurance broker, Ron had over 30 years of sales and management experience in the health, life and property insurance industries holding various positions from sales manager to Vice-President in the New York Life, Prudential Life, American International Group, Aetna and Mandeville Financial Services companies. Firefighting found its way into his work as well. He learned arson investigation to be a part of the Aetna Arson Task Force and after establishing his own insurance agency, the Florian Agency, Inc., Ron carved a niche in offering life insurance products to professional firefighters in the FDNY. After the devastating terrorist attacks on 9-11-01, Ron attended dozens of funerals of his clients who had perished in the collapse of the World Trade Center and their families were forever grateful for the salesman who had convinced them to invest in coverage.

Ron was a proud Patriot, his love of Country was another pillar of his identity. The Gerry family legacy of service dates back to the signing of the Declaration of Independence where the family boasts of ancestor Elbridge Gerry, American Founding Father as signer of this document that led to the founding of the Nation. Ron followed in his father’s footsteps in the U.S. Army serving overseas in the defense of Europe from 1965-1967 as a Combat Engineer where he built bridges and other structures, studied atomic demolitions and munitions to become an explosives and demolitions specialist.

Ron in his younger years was a decorated athlete across many sports. A star running back for the East Rockaway Rocks High School football team, Ron was Captain of the Track Team in his junior and senior years and still holds the ERHS record for the 50 yard hurdles. He won the state title in 1962 for the Long Jump, jumping 21 feet, 6.25 inches. ERHS Football teammate Mike Jacobs said, “It was often noted by spectators and other players that Ron ran and jumped like a gazelle, powerful yet graceful. He was an incredibly natural athlete who also worked diligently and dedicatedly to improve every time he hit the field.”

Ron was a well-known family-man. His love of his family was his most prominent attribute. He married his high school sweetheart, Pam Stevenson, a cheerleader who he met during his time playing football at ERHS. Ron was a devoted father to four remarkable children and an adoring grandfather to his ten grandchildren. He was a proud and guiding presence in the lives of his children. His daughter Kara, a Suffolk County Legislator, often credited her father for inspiring her commitment to public service and her belief in the power of community. Kevin, a high school and college soccer star turned successful financial advisor, spoke often of his father’s influence in shaping his discipline and drive, values that led to his professional success not to mention his commitment to volunteer firefighting and EMT service. Kristin, a skilled CPA, carried forward Ron’s attention to detail and steadfast work ethic, building a life of accomplishment and integrity. Kurt, an attorney and high school and college lacrosse standout, reflected on his father, saying, “He built a climber on Christmas Eve in our living room so I would have a surprise on Christmas morning and then disassembled it and rebuilt it in our backyard when springtime came. I now strive to create those kinds of fun and memorable experiences for my own boys. I just sometimes wish I didn’t follow in his footsteps as a perennial heartbroken Mets fan.”

Beyond his role as a father, Ron embraced his role as a grandfather with boundless enthusiasm and pride. Whether attending sports games, school plays, or simply sharing quiet moments, his love and wisdom became the foundation of lasting memories for his grandchildren. Known for his kind smile and steady presence, Ron’s legacy will live on in the countless lives he touched.

Ronald was admired not only for his devotion to his family but also for his deep-rooted values. He believed in hard work and the transformative power of kindness. Friends and neighbors alike remember Ron for his quiet generosity, always offering a helping hand or thoughtful advice when needed.

“Working in the fire department with his son Kevin, who’s the same age as me, I looked up to him. Ron was legendary. He stole the other team’s playbook in terms of being an extraordinary firefighter, but he also did that in life,” said Sean Lynch, a volunteer firefighter who worked alongside Ron, as well.

Ron’s life was a testament to the enduring strength of family. He leaves behind a legacy not only in the personal and professional achievements of his children, but also in the love, guidance, and values he imparted to his grandchildren and all who had the privilege of knowing him.

Though he will be deeply missed, Ronald L. Gerry’s impact will remain indelibly etched in the hearts of those who loved him. His spirit will continue to shine brightly in the lives he helped shape and the family he held so dear. Ron is pre-deceased by his father Clarance, his mother Maud and his brothers Harold and Jack and is survived by his wife Pam, daughters Kara Hahn (Christopher) and Kristin Ruffini (Mike) both of Setauket, sons Kevin (Jennifer) of Winter Garden, FL and Kurt (Casey) of New Hope, NJ as well as grandchildren Karina Gerry, Tyler and Samantha Ruffini, Hope Hahn, Kevin, Andrew, Kate, Nicholas, Carter and Eli Gerry.

Services will be held at Bryant Funeral Home, 411 Old Town Road in East Setauket on Thursday, Dec. 19 from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m. and again on Friday, Dec. 20 from 9 a.m. to 11 a.m. with burial to follow at Oak Hill Cemetery at 53 Hollow Road in Stony Brook.

Port Jefferson fire destroys garage, melts cars, damages homes

by Lynn Hallarman - February 25, 2024

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By Lynn Hallarman

Christian Neubert, third assistant chief for the Port Jefferson Village Fire Department, was first on the scene, responding to the emergency dispatch called to the Port Jefferson fire station at 5:44 AM, Thursday, Feb. 22.

At 5:46 AM, Neubert arrived at the corner of Thompson Street and East Main Street in the Village to find flames shooting in the air from the roof of a two-car garage on the residential property at 119 East Main Street. He quickly realized the worst was possible and told the dispatcher to alert neighboring fire departments that a full-structure fire was underway.

When a report of a structure fire is called to the Port Jefferson Fire Department, the Terryville Fire Department is simultaneously alerted, putting in motion a quick response firefighting team as an extra layer of support for dangerous fire situations, Neubert explained the emergency response process in an interview with TBR. “This system is excellent and part of our automatic mutual aid program. And we do the same for Terryville,” he said.

Belle Terre resident Mel Kravitz, on his early morning walk with his dog, could see the flames reaching into the sky from the Gap parking lot.

“I heard explosions, then shortly after, I saw the fire trucks shooting down East Main,” Kravitz said.

At 5:51 AM the Terryville Fire Department arrived on the scene.

At 6:03 AM, neighboring fire departments began to arrive to fight the blaze: Setauket Fire Department, Mount Sinai Fire Department, and Stony Brook Fire Department responded, according to Neubert. The Miller Place Fire Department stood by at the Port Jefferson Fire Station in case an alarm sounded for another village fire.

After confirming residents were safely outside, the crew assessed if the fire had extended into the house. The fire jumped from the garage and was eating its way through a low roof on the side of the house. Firefighters split efforts between containing the garage fire and extinguishing the rapidly spreading fire inside the home.

Several firefighters were fighting the blaze — some were on the house’s roof and inside the house searching for hot spots, while others drenched the destroyed garage with water. Cars parked inside the garage were now heaps of melted metal. Smoke plumed from burnt remnants, and radiant heat melted the siding off the house next door on Thompson Street. Firefighters doused a charred shed on the adjacent property on East Main.

At 6:48 AM, the Port Jefferson Fire Department declared the fire incident under control.

“The theory is the fire originated in a car in the garage,” Neubert said. But as a firefighter, you can’t know.” The incident will now be under investigation by the village Fire Marshall and the Suffolk County police, who make these determinations, he explained.

No residents were hurt in the fire. A second-degree hand burn sent one firefighter to the emergency room at Stony Brook University Hospital. He was treated and released, according to Neubert.

Fire Safety Tips

“The number one fire safety tactic is to install smoke detectors,” Neubert said.

“And don’t assume that the fire department knows because your smoke alarm is going off; call 911 immediately,” he said.

“Sleep with the doors closed at night. A closed door is imperative to stop fire spread,” he warns.

The Port Jefferson Fire Department has a designated fire alarm hotline: 631-473-3232.

“We’re proud of having that capability. Residents can call the firehouse directly, saving critical minutes in response time.

Neubert reminds the public that every firefighter in the Port Jefferson fire department is a volunteer.

“Volunteer firefighters responded to this fire, then left, showered, and went to work.”

Family Fun Day heads to Stony Brook Village Center Sept. 30

by Press Release - September 24, 2023

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Join the Ward Melville Heritage Organization (WMHO) and the Stony Brook Fire Department (SBFD) for Family Fun Day in Stony Brook Village on Saturday, September 30^th with WMHO’s Annual Scarecrow Competition and the Stony Brook Fire Department’s Annual Fire Prevention Day and Open House from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. This event is free to the public.

Throughout the Stony Brook Village Center there will be over 35 scarecrows lining the sidewalks. Voting for WMHO’s Annual Scarecrow Competition will begin on Family Fun Day. Vote for your favorite scarecrow creation using ballots found in all shops and eateries in Stony Brook Village.

The SBFD Annual Fire Prevention Day and Open House will take place behind the Stony Brook Fire Department in Stony Brook Village. Here are several activities planned for people of all ages to enjoy!

— A Touch-A-Truck display allowing people of all ages to get an up-close look at big trucks and emergency vehicles such as firetrucks, ambulances, and the Brookhaven Town Fire Marshal’s Mobile Command Post.

— The SBFD will be providing a knockdown house, which allows kids to operate a fire hose to knock down flames in a mock-up of a small house.

— Stony Brook University Fire Marshal’s Office will attend with their Fire Extinguisher Simulator allowing members of the community to learn how to use a fire extinguisher first-hand.

— Terryville Fire Department will be present with a Fire Prevention/Safety Trailer which has the ability to teach fire safety within a simulated home and also what to do at the sound of a smoke detector.

— The Explorer Post #0528, will provide information to children about junior firefighting and provide firefighting gear that kids can try on.

— There will be giveaways for children and adults. SBFD plans to raffle off smoke detectors, carbon monoxide detectors and fire extinguishers while teaching community members the importance of safety with these items. Servpro will giveaway desktop calendars, activity books and pens/pencils

— The SBFD will demonstrate vehicle extrications and how to put out stove top fires throughout the day.

— Stony Brook Medicine will be in attendance with their Mobile Stroke Unit, a specialized ambulance designed to provide specialized, life-saving care to people within the critical moments of stroke.

To learn more about the Stony Brook Village Family Fun Day and to learn more about the WMHO, call 631- 751-2244.

Walter Hazlitt, SBFD commissioner, dies at 96

by Rita J. Egan - November 30, 2022

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Walter Charles Hazlitt, of Stony Brook, passed away on Nov. 27. He would have celebrated his 97th birthday on Dec. 2.

Born in Brooklyn, Walter was a World War II veteran, who served in the Marines from 1944-46. He was also a retired Brookhaven Town Republican Committee chairman. According to a statement from the Suffolk County Republican Committee, Walter was a former Suffolk County legislator in the 5th District “and helped advance the industry-recognized services provided by the Suffolk County Water Authority.”

Walter served 62 years with Stony Brook Fire Department. A former chief, he was an active commissioner serving since 1999.

Nicholas Simonsen, 3rd assistant chief, described Walter as “a man for the community,” and said everybody with the fire department will miss him.

“He was definitely a patriarch of the department,” Simonsen said. “He set the example for many, and he was overall a great man — he really was.”

In 2016, he was honored by U.S. Congress “for service to his country and community,” and also received the Brookhaven Community Leadership Award. He was on the board of Suffolk County Community College for many years.

Walter was the beloved husband of Elizabeth, who predeceased him in 2020. The two were married for 67 years and first met at Stony Brook Yacht Club, where Walter was a member for 75 years.

His sister Marcella and brother Arthur also predeceased him. He leaves behind his children Walter Hazlitt and Elizabeth Emerson and four grandchildren.

Arrangements were entrusted to Bryant Funeral Home in East Setauket. Visitation will be held at the funeral home on Saturday, Dec. 3, from 2 to 4 p.m. and 7 to 9 p.m., and Sunday, Dec. 4, from 2 to 5 p.m. A firematic service will be held at 8 p.m. on Dec. 3 at the funeral home, and Stony Brook Yacht Club will hold a service on Sunday, Dec. 4, at 2:30 p.m. A funeral Mass will take place at St. James R.C. Church in Setauket on Monday, Dec. 5, at 10:45 a.m. Burial to follow in the churchyard cemetery.

Setauket Fire Department remembers those lost on 9/11

by TBR Staff - September 14, 2022

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The Setauket Fire Department invited the community to its annual 9/11 ceremony at its memorial park on Nicolls Road in Setauket Sunday evening.

Volunteers from the Setauket and Stony Brook fire departments, below, raised a huge American flag in front of the Nicolls Road firehouse adjacent to the memorial.

Setauket Chief Richard Leute, right center, opened the ceremony that included speakers state Assemblyman Steve Englebright (D-Setauket), left center, and Town of Brookhaven Councilmember Jonathan Kornreich (D-Stony Brook).

During the ceremony, Stony Brook and Setauket firefighters along with community members lined up around the memorial pond that contains a piece of steel from the World Trade Center and an artist’s impression of the flag that day. Later, attendees participated in a candle lighting ceremony.

Stony Brook FD hosts outdoor screening of ‘The Goonies’ Aug. 7

by TBR Staff - August 6, 2021

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MV5BNWFhNzFhNjgtZmIxNi00YTI0LTgwMDEtMTQ1MjJlY2UxZjMzXkEyXkFqcGdeQXBrZWVzZXk@._V1_ — 'The Goonies'

The Stony Brook Fire Department, 1406 Stony Brook Road, Stony Brook (Station #2) hosts its 3rd annual Drive-In Movie Night fundraiser on Saturday, Aug. 7 at 6:30 p.m. The movie of the evening will be “The Goonies.” Rain date is Aug. 21.

Plot: When two brothers find out they might lose their house they are desperate to find a way to keep their home. They find a treasure map and bring some friends along to find it. They are all out looking for the “X” and trying to get away from a group of bad guys who also want the treasure.

Rated PG, the 1985 film stars Sean Astin, Josh Brolin, Corey Feldman, Jeff Cohen and Jonathan Ke Quan.

Tickets are $50 per car. Assorted sodas, popcorn, assorted boxes of candy, hamburger, cheeseburgers and hot dogs will be sold at the concession stand.

To order, click here.

Santa comes to Stony Brook in the 1950s

by TBR Staff - December 22, 2017

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Santa visits Stony Brook via helicopter in the 1950s.

Santa Claus will make his annual journey from the North Pole to drop off gifts to kids around the world this weekend, but before he does that, take a look back at a visit he paid to Stony Brook in the 1950s.

Ditching his sleigh for a helicopter, Santa landed on the Stony Brook Village Green and proceeded to the Stony Brook Fire Department to greet children.

Remembering Rebecca Lynne Weissbard: A Gold Medal equestrian’s legacy

by Donna Newman - September 15, 2016

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"Ride for Becca" foundation created to help promising equestrians

rlweisseard001w — 22-year-old equestrian Rebecca Weissbard died suddenly when her horse fell on her during a jumping competition. Photo from the Weissbard family

Gold Medal-winning, 22-year-old equestrian Rebecca Weissbard died Aug. 31 in Saugerties, New York, when her horse accidentally fell on her during a jumping competition.

Her father Eric and her mother Lynne plan to honor their daughter’s memory by establishing a nonprofit for talented riders to help them fulfill their dreams, he said in a telephone interview. Acknowledging the fact that it is an expensive sport, their goal is to provide financial help to working-class kids who show potential and share Rebecca’s passion for horses.

Becca, as she was known, died instantly. “It was quick,” her father said. “[The paramedics] tried their best, but nothing could be done.”

She was participating in one of the largest horse shows in the country, called HITS-on-the-Hudson. Becca and her mother were in upstate New York, and her father was home on the North Shore, serving a shift as an EMT with the Stony Brook Fire Department.

Rebecca Weissbard with her father, Eric. Photo from the Weissbard family

“She was such a dignified and well-put-together young woman,” Eric Weissbard said. “She wanted to be the best — to do it properly. She lived her passion and her dream. She worked hard and excelled. It is only fitting that we help other kids pursue their dreams.”

Her grandmother, Rochelle Weissbard, remembered Becca being around horses practically from birth.

“Rebecca was on a horse when she was a few months old — on her mother’s back; on her father’s back,” Rochelle said. “When she was two Lynne went back to training riders at Smoke Run [Farm] in Stony Brook and she took Becca with her. Right from the beginning she was a natural — and fearless.”

Raised in Stony Brook, Becca attended William Sidney Mount Elementary School through sixth grade. Her parents established Sundance Stables in Medford in 2003 but soon outgrew their rented barn and relocated the stable to Manorville.

“Rebecca was the welcoming, cheerful pied piper of the kids,” her grandmother said. “Wherever she was there was love and there was joy — and silliness — but when she was ready to ride, she’d take care of business. And she did. When focused, there was no one better. She rode to win.”

The grandparents have long supported the quadrennial Maccabiah Games held in Israel that bring together Olympic-caliber Jewish athletes from around the world. Traditionally held the year following the Summer Olympic Games, they are sanctioned by the International Olympic Committee and the World Federation of Sports.

As she became more and more proficient at the sport, Becca’s grandfather, Richard Weissbard, realized there were no equestrian events at the games. He contacted the director to ask why. That was about five years ago. The director said he’d get back to him.

The next Maccabiah Games — in 2013 — included equestrian events. Becca trained with Olympic equestrians Neal and Elisa Shapiro at Hay Fever Farm in Robbinsville, New Jersey, for several years. Neal Shapiro was the coach of the American Equestrian Team, which had 38 athletes. Becca won the first gold medal awarded in individual competition, which also helped the team earn silver overall.

The team members had to compete riding Israeli horses because the expense of bringing their own horses was too great. That was problematic for Becca considering, as her grandparents described seemingly in tandem, the horse she ended up with was “defective.” They said it actually went lame the day before the competition.

Very upset, Becca called her mother to find out what to do.

“She wanted to be the best — to do it properly. She lived her passion and her dream. She worked hard and excelled.”

—Eric Weissbard

“You march in there and you tell them you don’t care where they get a horse — just get one!” According to the grandparents, Becca practiced with a reserve horse for about two hours before winning the competition.

“She flew with him,” Richard Weissbard said; “…because she’s been around horses all her life,” her grandmother added. “We were so proud.”

At the games in Israel the then 19-year-old made connections that provided her with European opportunities.

“Wanting to go where the best horses are she chose to go to Holland,” her father said.

Becca worked at a horse stable in Holland for eight months. Her father said she learned a lot about top-tier horses and established a relationship with one particularly difficult horse. She made riding him look easy.

Labor laws for foreign workers dictated a return to the U.S., but a year later she returned to the Dutch farm for another three months. She’d fly back and forth as an escort for horses.

“In those 22 years she crammed in an awful lot of stuff,” her grandmother said. “But most of all she was a wonderful daughter, a great granddaughter, a terrific niece, and everyone who knew her loved her. Wherever there was excitement, there she was. Never a dull moment. She brought laughter and cheer and happiness and joy to everyone. She will be sorely missed.”

The Weissbards are setting up a foundation called Ride for Becca. “It will be a 501(c)3 nonprofit with the goal of helping kids who have potential to get to the next level,” said Eric Weissbard. “We want to find kids who are good and get them good training and get the horse good veterinary care.” They plan to keep Becca’s spirit and passion alive by helping others.

Once the 501(c)3 is established, tax-deductible contributions made out to Ride for Becca may be sent to Sundance Stables, 37 North St., Manorville, NY 11939.

North Shore ceremonies pay tribute to 9/11 victims

by TBR Staff - September 10, 2015

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02_Setauket_FireHouse_9_11_CandleLightVigil_Donlonw — Members of the Setauket Fire Department participate in the annual ceremony in memory of those lost on Sept. 11, 2001. The event is a cherished annual event on the North Shore. File photo by Barbara Donlon

By Giselle Barkley & Victoria Espinoza

After 14 years, the tragic events of Sept. 11, 2001, have not been forgotten, by residents across the North Shore.

In honor of those who lost their lives on 9/11, this Friday, from 7:30 to 8:00 p.m., the Setauket Fire Department is holding their annual 9/11 Memorial service. The department is holding the ceremony at September 11 Memorial Park on the Setauket Fire Department’s Nicolls Road Station.

The East Northport Fire Department will also be hosting its 13th annual memorial service this Friday, with two separate events, both being held at the 9th Avenue side of the Larkfield Road firehouse at the 9/11 Memorial Monument on Friday, Sept. 11. The morning ceremony will begin at 9:45 a.m., and the evening candlelight vigil begins at 8 p.m.

Both ceremonies are set around an eight-foot, 8,000 pound steel beam from Ground Zero that the department received from the Port Authority of New York and New Jersey. During the ceremony, firefighters will read victims’ names, and the sirens will sound at the time of the collapse of the twin towers. The Suffolk County Police Department’s helicopter will do a flyover during the ceremony, and the Northport High School Tights will sing the national anthem and “America, the Beautiful.”

The Commack school district will also be presenting a night of remembrance, also for the 14th year in a row, and the theme this year is patriotism, remembrance and resiliency. The ceremony will be held at the Commack High School football fields at 6:30 p.m. on Friday, Sept. 11. Music will be performed by J.D. Leonard, and honorary guest speakers will attend. This year, there will also be a dedication of the three survivor trees planted in their memorial garden.

Residents, or anyone who wishes to pay their respects, are free to attend this candlelight ceremony. According to Dave Sterne, district manager of the Setauket Fire District, the department will serve light refreshments at the event.

“When it comes to September 11th tragedies, it’s one of the worst things to befall the United States of America, and it was in our own backyard,” Sterne said.

According to Sterne, in light of Sept. 11, the fire department’s park was established and dedicated on Sept. 11, 2004. The park was originally designed by Emily Quinn, who was a Ward Melville High School student at the time. Sterne said Quinn implemented steel beams from the World Trade Center into her design of the park. Additional features were added over time, including lights and a granite wall, which illustrates the twin towers and shows the names of those who lost their lives 14 years ago.

“Unfortunately, in the fire service, it’s a close knit community, and we all knew people that unfortunately [lost their lives].” Sterne said

The Setauket Fire Department’s ceremony is one of several ceremonies responders on Long Island are dedicating to those who died on 9/11. This Friday, Sept. 11, the Port Jefferson Fire Department is holding its annual 9/11 memorial ceremony at 9:30 a.m. on Maple Place in Port Jefferson. Rocky Point Fire Department also scheduled its ceremony on Sept. 11. Residents can attend the service from 7:00 to 8:00 p.m. in Shoreham, next to the Firehouse. Locals can also go to 9/11 Responders Remembered Park in Nesconset at 10 a.m. on Saturday, Sept. 12, for a reading of the names.

John A. Meringolo, first assistant chief of the Stony Brook Fire Department said his team of heroes would be doing its part to make sure the memories of those lost live on.

“We continue to be mindful of the sacrifices made on that day and believe that it is important that a memorials take place so such events remain in the memory of all those who continue to benefit from living in a free society,” he said.

While many lost their lives on 9/11, Sterne acknowledged that there are also people, including responders, who are still suffering from the injuries or health complications they acquired from 9/11. Regardless of whom someone is remembering, Sterne said it’s simply important to remember him or her.

“It’s important for ourselves and future generations, as time goes by, that we remember to remember,” Sterne said. “And [that we] gather in a beautiful place that was dedicated just for this reason, and that they respect those that were lost, and continue to be lost, as a result of that tragedy.”

Huntington Town will also be holding a small ceremony at Heckscher Park at noon this Friday, Sept. 11.