tony de mare

14 September, 2001

HI everyone,

I'm writing this not only to get my thoughts in writing but also to respond to the many requests from outside the city from family and friends on what's been happening and how it's affecting all of us who live here.

First of all - it's been difficult to keep my mind on music......... and I actually have gigs coming up soon. I am managing to keep up my responsibilities at Sarah Lawrence College.....but everything seems surreal, pensive and sad right now.

Yesterday, Lou and I decided to walk down West Street toward the damaged area. Needless to say - they would only allow us to walk no further than a few blocks south of Christopher Street. The area was lined with radio vans from all over the country and Canada and countless ambulances and paramedics, etc. The smoke from downtown had made it's way up to the village and Chelsea and the smell was everywhere as a permeating reminder. It was just before sunset. Throats and eyes quickly dry out and feel sore. The area way downtown visually changed several times as daylight shifted to sunset then to evening dusk. We stayed for a long while and then joined the people lining the sides of the street to cheer on and applaud all of the firefighters, police, huge trucks passing with debris, Red Cross, Con Ed vans, trucks of the National Guardsmen (who were especially appreciative - I even got a wink from one of them ) ;-) .........putting our hands out from time to time to slap them five!, amongst so many other emergency units. There were signs of "Thank You" and "We Love You" and numerous other great affirmations along with flags waving everywhere.

After awhile, we walked the quiet, eerie side streets to 8th Avenue and participated in the candlelight vigil in Chelsea and it felt so comforting to join many of our friends who came out for it too! It was very moving...........needless to say I was choked up numerous times.
Discussions amongst friends has been informative, supportive and so engaging, not to mention the feeling of warmth and compassion that New Yorkers seem to be filled with these days.

Today - as many of you know - the American Express building fell and there is an extreme threat of the weight of the debris all of those fallen buildings caving in on the subway stations down there.

Also today - Lou (and several of his co-workers) signed up for volunteer efforts at the Chelsea Piers, Javitts Center, Firehouses, etc. They've supplied goods to many of the recovery stations already. We both will continue to offer volunteer services where needed, although right now it seems that many places are only taking names because there are so many volunteers. GO NEW YORKERS! One of the reasons I stayed in this city is my admiration for those who've lived here over the years and know the meaning of struggle and perseverance. You see support everywhere right now and it's overwhelming!

I've received e-mails, IMs and phone messages from friends all over the world - from Australia to Canada to all areas of the US to Germany, Holland, Switzerland and Italy.........it's been amazing!

Much love to everyone. Will keep in touch.
XO
Tony [de Mare]


	14 September, 2001 HI everyone, I'm writing this not only to get my thoughts in writing but also to respond to the many requests from outside the city from family and friends on what's been happening and how it's affecting all of us who live here. First of all - it's been difficult to keep my mind on music......... and I actually have gigs coming up soon. I am managing to keep up my responsibilities at Sarah Lawrence College.....but everything seems surreal, pensive and sad right now. Yesterday, Lou and I decided to walk down West Street toward the damaged area. Needless to say - they would only allow us to walk no further than a few blocks south of Christopher Street. The area was lined with radio vans from all over the country and Canada and countless ambulances and paramedics, etc. The smoke from downtown had made it's way up to the village and Chelsea and the smell was everywhere as a permeating reminder. It was just before sunset. Throats and eyes quickly dry out and feel sore. The area way downtown visually changed several times as daylight shifted to sunset then to evening dusk. We stayed for a long while and then joined the people lining the sides of the street to cheer on and applaud all of the firefighters, police, huge trucks passing with debris, Red Cross, Con Ed vans, trucks of the National Guardsmen (who were especially appreciative - I even got a wink from one of them ) ;-) .........putting our hands out from time to time to slap them five!, amongst so many other emergency units. There were signs of "Thank You" and "We Love You" and numerous other great affirmations along with flags waving everywhere. After awhile, we walked the quiet, eerie side streets to 8th Avenue and participated in the candlelight vigil in Chelsea and it felt so comforting to join many of our friends who came out for it too! It was very moving...........needless to say I was choked up numerous times. Discussions amongst friends has been informative, supportive and so engaging, not to mention the feeling of warmth and compassion that New Yorkers seem to be filled with these days. Today - as many of you know - the American Express building fell and there is an extreme threat of the weight of the debris all of those fallen buildings caving in on the subway stations down there. Also today - Lou (and several of his co-workers) signed up for volunteer efforts at the Chelsea Piers, Javitts Center, Firehouses, etc. They've supplied goods to many of the recovery stations already. We both will continue to offer volunteer services where needed, although right now it seems that many places are only taking names because there are so many volunteers. GO NEW YORKERS! One of the reasons I stayed in this city is my admiration for those who've lived here over the years and know the meaning of struggle and perseverance. You see support everywhere right now and it's overwhelming! I've received e-mails, IMs and phone messages from friends all over the world - from Australia to Canada to all areas of the US to Germany, Holland, Switzerland and Italy.........it's been amazing! Much love to everyone. Will keep in touch. XO Tony [de Mare]
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