Community Mayors Continue A Long Tradition
COMMENTARY - Dr. Roy Blash, Executive Director, CISNY
It has been my great pleasure to have known and worked with Jerome (Jerry) Parker for over 35 years. His passing recalled to me the many hats he wore; perhaps the one he was most proud of was that of a Community Mayor . CISNY began its association with the Community mayor’s six years ago and continues it to today with the involvement of Alan Dubrow, a CISNY consultant. I think the Community Mayor’s mantra clearly expresses their vision and spirit in which they work: “No Man Stands So Tall As When He Stoops To Help A handicapped Child.” The number of volunteers that join each year’s events are truly amazing. For example, at the 2005 Operation Santa Claus held annually at JFK’s Hanger # 19 over 2,000 volunteers joined District 75 teachers, and school aides to make the day a success. At this year’s holiday event, CISNY’s own Broadway singing star Roosevelt Andre Credit will be entertaining the group.
The New York City Community Mayors volunteer force comes from Delta Airlines, the FDNY, the NYPD, NYC Department’s of Sanitation & Transportation, US Customs and US Immigration Offices, the Secret Service, the FBI, the PA Police, Homeland Security, JFK Employee Unions, NYC Public School Bands & Cheerleaders, Medical Maintenance Departments, and many more.
A Day at the Circus - 2006
5,000 kids attended this year’s Community Mayor’s Day At The Circus. Everyone did their utmost to assure that every child had a spectacular day and a wonderful memory to take away with them. Children were seated down on the floor nearest the performers so they can have a first-hand view of all the activity. The performers, people and animals all were part of the art and made a special effort to connect to the kids. From elephants, to Zebras, to ponies trapeze artists, dancers, and clowns, the Community Mayors made sure that every child had an up close and personal experience.
Both Madison Square Garden and Barnum & Bailey Circus staff participate in the program, welcoming the youngsters and making sure they are comfortable, safe, and fully engaged.
Its Always About The Kids
Following are examples of diverse activities offered by the Community Mayors during the year in addition to the annual Day At The Circus, They serve in excess of 20,000 youngsters:
- A Day At The Staten Island Zoo
- A Day At Astroland
- A Day At The New York Aquarium
- A Day At The Bronx Zoo
- A Day At The Prospect Park Zoo
- A Day At The Botanical Gardens
- A Day At The Intrepid
“I believe the following quote as most appropriate to the contributions of all who participate in the program....
'And there were three men
went down the road
as down the road went he;
The man they saw;
The man he was;
The man he wanted to be.'
— John Masefield, Renowned English Poet
....as human beings we are enriched in our minds, bodies, and souls when we extend a helping hand to someone in need.” - Dr. Blash
Founded in 1875 by "Wireless" Louis Zeltner, a great humanitarian, the Locality Mayors were devoted to communal, charitable, and civic activity, with outstanding members such as the late Teddy Roosevelt, then a NYC Police Commissioner. In 1957, they became the Community Mayors with chapters across the country. For more than 40 years, the Community Mayors have been dedicated to providing recreational therapy for disabled and physically challenged children. Each year they sponsor a schedule of events benefiting more than 30,000 children, many of whom are wheelchair-bound