HKSB News Release
Ribbon-Cutting Ceremony for Renovated Children’s Gym
Congressman Edolphus Towns Honored for Spearheading Efforts for $147,000 Federal Grant
Grant included Major Capital Improvements, Expansion and Renovation of Gym for Blind and Visually Impaired Children
September 14, 2010, Brooklyn — “It’s like coming home.”
So said Brooklyn Congressman Edolphus Towns, the keynote speaker at Helen Keller Services for the Blind’s (HKSB) ribbon-cutting ceremony for its newly renovated children’s gym. The ceremony was held Friday, September 10th at HKSB’s Children’s Learning Center.
Towns began his career as a mobility instructor at HKSB over 30 years ago (when it was known as The Industrial Home for the Blind). “Coming up today in the elevator reminded me of those days and the work we did to help people,” said Congressman Towns. It’s the major reason he said “for being here today” as he knows first hand about the importance of physical activity for special needs children, especially the children who attend HKSB’s Children’s Learning Center.
“Congressman Towns championed the funding on our behalf and got us the money needed to not only build and renovate but provide for new and essential equipment as well,” said Garth White, Principal. As a token of appreciation, Garth White and President & CEO Thomas J. Edwards presented Congressman Towns with a placque commerating the ribbon cutting. “I’m very proud of this one,” said Congressman Towns. “This one goes up in my office!”
Also present at the ceremony were Xamayla Rose-Persadi, Policy Analyst representing Brooklyn Borough President Marty Markowitz, Brooklyn Chamber of Commerce President Carl Hum, Verizon’s Government and External Affairs representative, Susanna Zwerling and, with much enthusiasm, the children from the school.
