The Staten Island Historical Society Hosts 10th Annual Literacy Leadership Luncheon

The Staten Island Historical Society will be hosting its 10th Annual Literacy Leadership Luncheon on Tuesday, March 16th. The Staten Island Reading Association will be honored at this year's Luncheon for promoting literacy throughout the local community. Nina Long, the president-elect of the Staten Island Reading Association, will be accepting the honor on the Association's behalf. "We are honoring the Staten Island Reading Association for its dedication to the teachers and students of Staten Island," said Caroline Ferreri, co-chair of the event. "Year after year, the Association continues to inspire and encourage the love and appreciation of reading."

FDNY Commissioner Salvatore Cassano will also be recognized by the Staten Island Historical Society for his efforts to provide fire safety literature in multiple languages to New York's diverse communities. The Staten Island native and current Huguenot resident was appointed by Mayor Michael Bloomberg as New York City's 32nd Fire Commissioner, effective January 1st. "Salvatore Cassano has spent over 40 years of his life saving people, so supporting fire safety programs in multiple languages is no surprise," said the Society's Treasurer and Honorary Battalion Chief Robert Coghlan. "My friend Commissioner Cassano puts the safety of his force and the safety of the public before anything else, even when the city and the department are feeling the pressure of a tough budget and an economy that continues to struggle every day. We are honored that the Commissioner can take some time from his busy schedule to share this moment with people who respect him immensely."

"The Staten Island Historical Society is thrilled to recognize leaders who use creativity and innovation to promote literacy," said Ed Wiseman, the Society's Executive Director. "They demonstrate how literacy leads to understanding and understanding to success."

This year's guest speaker will be Jordan Sonnenblick, author of seven books for children and young adults, including Drums, Girls & Dangerous Pie and Zen and the Art of Faking It. Sonnenblick met a creative writing teacher at Stuyvesant High School who completely changed his life. According to event co-chair Andrew Wilson, "Jordan Sonnenblick grew up on Staten Island and studied with Frank McCourt (the Pulitzer Prize-winning author of Angela's Ashes). Jordan's books have been named to the American Library Association's Teens' Top Ten list, among numerous other honors. We are very fortunate to have such a noted author as our keynote speaker."

There will also be a special appearance by William T. Davis (1862-1945), the preeminent Staten Island naturalist and historian who will be brought to life again by Joseph Smith.

This year's Literacy Leadership Luncheon will be held at the Excelsior Grand (2380 Hylan Boulevard, Staten Island, NY 10306). Admission to the event is $65 per person. Pre-paid reservations are required, so please RSVP to 718.351.1611 (ext. 244) by Monday, March 8th.

About the Co-Chairs

Caroline M. Ferreri is serving as co-chair of the Literacy Leadership Luncheon for the fourth year in a row. Mrs. Ferreri is noted for her work as a volunteer for a diverse group of community organizations, including the Alice Austen House Museum, the Snug Harbor Cultural Center, Wagner College's Da Vinci Society, St. John Villa Academy, and Our Lady Queen of Peace Church. She has been involved with the Staten Island Historical Society since 2006, and was awarded the Society's Douglas D. Donald Award for Development in 2007.

Andrew Wilson is also serving as co-chair of this year's Literacy Leadership Luncheon. Mr. Wilson has worked for the New York Public Library for over 20 years, and has been the Library's Digital Producer and Youth Web Editorial Coordinator since 2004. He is the President of the Board of Directors of COAHSI and is the Technology Committee Co-Chairperson for the 350th Anniversary of Staten Island Celebration. Mr. Wilson is on the editorial committee of The Staten Island Historian and is a member of the Directors' Council of the Staten Island Historical Society.

For additional information about the Staten Island Reading Association: https://www.sireading.org/Home_Page.html

For additional information about Commissioner Salvatore Cassano: http://www.nyc.gov/html/fdny/html/general/commissioner/32/biography.shtml

For additional information about Jordan Sonnenblick: http://www.jordansonnenblick.com/