Maverick Foundation

Joe’s 14th Annual Memorial Picnic

Joe loved getting family, friends, and neighbors together at his house for an outdoor barbecue where he would exchange jokes and stories, share his passion for music, especially the Grateful Dead, recount the heroic exploits of our greatest generation, talk about his favorite Honeymooner episodes or his favorite movies such as Saving Private Ryan and Lonesome Dove.

He would pick up the basketball and initiate games of 21 in the driveway talking about Larry Bird. The last time Joe had the opportunity to regale in the day like this was his daughter Isabel’s first birthday in late August 2001.

It is in this spirit that The Maverick Foundation carries the spirit of Joe on this day dedicated to him and all who made the ultimate sacrifice.

It is a fun-filled day for kids with rides, games, pony rides, petting zoo, and face painting, yet the day begins as it always does with a respectful and solemn remembrance of September 11^th with an outstanding FDNY color guard with members who knew Joe for years and members who are also new to the department. Retired FF Zeke Quin carries the Memorial 343 Helmet with white gloves while flanked by FDNY Chiefs Joe Jim Boylan and Kevin Woods who are accompanied by Lt. Steve Cunningham, Firefighters Andrew Francis and Charles Bernardi, and Probationary Firefighter Joseph Falcone with Ladder 101. This is followed by Jerry Sculley’s outstanding rendition of “God Bless America”.

We were especially privileged this year to have former FDNY Commissioner Sal Cassano provide opening remarks for the audience.

Some clouds and occasional showers could not dampen the positive atmosphere under the pavilion with live music provided for the second consecutive year by The Fine Line.

Special thanks to Joe Byrne of Turner for donating his $1,500 raffle prize to The Maverick Foundation! By the way, the winning number was 2468.

Special thanks to Joseph Falcone of Ladder 101 for getting there early and helping with set-up!

Congratulations to FDNY Chief Ed Kearon on his retirement after 34½ years of outstanding service to NYC!

I would like to thank everyone for their outstanding support each and every year and I look forward to seeing everyone back next year for the 15^th Annual!

Congratulations to the 8 New Scholarship Recipients of 2015

The Maverick Foundation is proud to announce the following scholarship recipients for 2015. Congratulations to all!

• Kristen Brennan – Gullickson McGuire Scholarship
• Matthew Pleszewicz – Gullickson McGuire Scholarship
• Emilie Lauria – Bill Hodge Memorial Scholarship
• Christopher Clancy – Terry Sweeney Memorial Scholarship
• Jenna Ann Carrera – Jim Boylan Scholarship
• Jacqueline Sutera – Jim Boylan Scholarship
• Hannah Nyquist – Jim Boylan Scholarship
• Madison Rose Gorman – Jim Boylan Scholarship

The Red Hook Raider Award Recipient for 2015

Andy Singleton is the proud recipient of the Red Hook Raider Recognition Award this year.

In his words:

“I was truly humbled and honored to get Captain Kearon’s email, and just the consideration meant a lot to me. To now know that I will be receiving the award is overwhelming!

I actually got on the job in October of 2001, as a member of the first class after 9/11. Along with my mother, we were at Ground Zero for the first 24 hours, mostly spent in the quarters of E-10/L-10. She is a doctor, and we went as volunteers, clearing out 10 house’s kitchen for use as a triage. I wasn’t technically a fireman at the time, but I think that experience gave me a connection few other incoming probies ever had. While I didn’t get the chance to meet, or work, with Lt. Joe, Sal, Joe, Brian, Terry, Pat, or Tom, I have had the great fortune of getting to know the families of all.

I am proud to get this recognition, because it makes me feel as though I would have earned the approval of those seven men. The stories and tales of their achievements tells me that truly getting that approval didn’t come easy. Thank you for this honor.”

The previous awardees of the Red Hook Raider Recognition Award are:

• 2014 . . . Chief Thomas Giordano
• 2013 . . . Chief Edward Kearon
• 2012 . . . Lt. Erik Knudsen
• 2011 . . . Chief Jack Oehm
• 2010 . . . Firefighter Eddie Davis
• 2009 . . . Firefighter Tony Catapano

12th Annual Good Citizen Award Program Presents 15 Awards

The Maverick Foundation is proud to announce that fifteen well deserving eighth grade students received Good Citizen Awards during their school’s graduation ceremony that included a certificate along with a tee shirt and a medal. Each student was nominated by their eighth grade teacher for being an exemplary role model who regularly demonstrates respect for others, willingness to help others, and having a worthy academic record especially regarding conduct and effort.

Students were also selected for having overcome a significant obstacle in their lives such as an illness or difficult family situation while maintaining a positive attitude and achieving their goals. The recipients for each of the following schools are:

• Kristen Gullickson – Blessed Sacrament
• Amanda Kwasny – Blessed Sacrament
• Rebecca Soler – Notre Dame Academy
• Juliana Vasile – Our Lady Help of Christians
• Matthew Giacobbe – Our Lady of Good Counsel
• Lizbeth Rocha – Our Lady of Mount Carmel
• Joseph DiPaolo – Our Lady Queen of Peace
• Rebecca Regis – Saint Adalbert
• Christopher Dodge – Saint Ann
• Joseph D’Ambrosio – Saint Charles
• Andrew Trimarchi – Saint Christopher
• Nicholas Demetriades – Saint Clare
• Drew Pearlstein – Saint John Villa Academy
• Jenna Karnatski – St. Joseph–St. Thomas
• Julie Boyd – Saint Rita