A milestone event such as this, requires the perfect date, honorees, the best
caterer, and planning. NYSD Superintendent, Dr. Bradley Porche’, immediately
enlisted the services of Linda Mosca-Ginis and Arlene Rice to Co-Chair the
event, and before long, the planning commenced!
Linda said, lets invite the dynamic duo from back then, Taras Denis and Bob
Davila. They worked together as teachers here at Fanwood for years and
years. When Bob Davila left Fanwood, he could not stay away. He became the
first deaf Board member and later in 1994, he became our first deaf
Headmaster. So many alumni were so disappointed that neither Bob or Taras
could be here for the 200th Anniversary celebration and looked forward to a
second chance to reunite with them. The date was chosen and Arlene and Linda
reached out to both Taras and Bob, to invite them to be the honorees at the
80th Anniversary Dinner on May 31st...and they accepted.
That night, over 125 alumni, former employees, friends of Fanwood, and fans of Dr. Davila and Taras
Denis, filled Winthrop Hall. Paul Feiner, Town of Greenburgh Supervisor, joined in the fun and shared
memories about his early introduction to Fanwood through Taras Denis. Mr. Feiner said that experience
molded who he was as a person, and how he thinks about issues affecting deaf and disabled people
today. "I have been eternally grateful to Taras all these years for that valuable life lesson."
Board President, Alexis Kashar, and Vice President, Steve Weiner
were joined by Trustee, Suzi Oppenheimer, at the event. They
recognized the contributions of both honorees and thanked them for
their service and dedication to New York School for the Deaf. Each
were given a plaque depicting the famous Fanwood steps as a token
of appreciation.
Following that, Arlene and Linda returned to the stage to announce
Fanwood's decision to create a Lifetime Friendship Award, which was
presented to a couple who has supported the school in many ways
during their time at Fanwood, both as students, and spanning the last
45 years. The award was given to Larry and Gwen Rocque.
Taras Denis, Bob Davila, Larry, and Gwen Rocque will forever hold a
special place in our hearts at Fanwood.
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