Connecticut Commission on Children: Children Eclipsed by Natural and Unnatural Disaster

Children and the Fifth Anniversary of 9-11
September 11, 2006, Legislative Office Building, Hartford

To mark the fifth anniversary of the September 11 attacks, the Connecticut Commission on Children and the Connecticut Department of Emergency Management and Homeland Security (DEMHS) held a presentation on how the attacks -- along with other recent disasters, like Hurricane Katrina -- have affected children. COC Executive Director Elaine Zimmerman did this with the help of artwork and writing that students from throughout Connecticut submitted a year ago, while DEMHS Commissioner James M. Thomas gave an overview of his agency's mission and responsibilities. Senator Andrea L. Stillman of Waterford, who co-chairs the legislature's Public Safety and Security Committee, gave introductory remarks.

Also present was Burlington student Christine Sniadack, whose artwork was selected for inclusion in awareness posters that DEMHS is placing on Connecticut Transit busses.

PowerPoint presentations | More meeting materials | Photo gallery |

'I found 9/11 more horrifying because this was not a natural disaster . It could have been stopped with a heart, but was not.'

- Brianna Soares, Grade 7, Stratford

PowerPoint presentations, as PDF files
Click on the icon

Elaine Zimmerman, Executive Director, Connecticut Commission on Children

"Children Eclipsed by Natural and Unnatural Disaster:
What They are Telling Us and What We Can Do"

James M. Thomas, Commissioner, Department of Emergency Management and Homeland Security (DEMHS)

An overview of DEMHS's mission and responsibilities...

.... and a short inspirational video, "I Believe." (Includes music.)

Additional meeting materials

	A call for students to participate in this year's program, "Students Coping in an Uncertain World: Thoughts on Safety, Conflicts, Homeland Security." (PDF)
	Connecticut Guide to Emergency Preparedness, published by the Department of Emergency Management and Homeland Security (DEMHS)
	The Commission's 2001 report, 'Children in the Wake of Terrorism'
	The Commission's 2002 report, 'Children in the Wake of Terrorism: One Year Later'
	'Pillars of Hope, Country of Pride': Quotes from student writing about the September 11 attacks, presented on January 14, 2003

Photo gallery

	Senator Andrea L. Stillman of Waterford gives introductory remarks, with COC Executive Director Elaine Zimmerman looking on.
	Among those listening to the presentations: Senator Jonathan A. Harris of West Hartford and Susan Quinlan of Families in Crisis, a nonprofit agency that helps at-risk children, offenders, and their families.
	DEMHS Commissioner James Thomas describes his agency's work while COC Executive Director Elaine Zimmerman looks on.
	Burlington student Christine Sniadack with the DEMHS poster that incorporates her artwork. From left: COC Executive Director Elaine Zimmerman; Senator Andrea Stillman; Christine; Christine's art teacher, Mary Thompson; and DEMHS Commissioner James Thomas.

Photos: Pat Estill

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