UPDATE:
What an honor and a privilege to share the Hoboken Public Library Reading Room and Garden dedication last night with the families of Mayor Dave Roberts and Nora DeBennedeto (her Dad is the Arturo Martinez honored with Anna Roberts last night).
The newly renovated Reading Room was dedicated to Mr Martinez, a distinguished author and library Trustee, and the lovely garden was dedicated to the lovely Anna, who was a library Trustee and fundraising powerhouse. But not for the contributions for these two, the library would be a different place.
My own personal connection to the Hoboken Public Library is that it my daughter practically grew up there; she read clear through the 3rd floor Children's Library. Not kidding-- we took out 20+ books at a time- our record was 35. She also went to the library's story time readings. A part of who she is, is that library. Therefore, I am personally, eternally grateful for Anna and Arturo's success in keeping this wonderful institution alive for my family and for future generations.
So, can you imagine the hard job of encapsulating what your loved one meant to you and the community in a couple of minutes? Nora's mom and Anna's husband did that, and beautifully. Mrs. Martinez spoke about the journey Arturo made from his poor, Mexican upbringing to writing books in his second language, English. Mr. (Mayor) Roberts spoke about the humanitarian nature of Anna; her kindness to everyone, no matter who they were, where they came from, where she met them. At CVS, for example. Mayor Roberts closed with these words by author and Unitarian minister. Robert Lee Fulghum.
“I believe that imagination is stronger than knowledge.
That myth is more potent than history.
That dreams are more powerful than facts.
That hope always triumphs over experience.
That laughter is the only cure for grief.
And I believe that love is stronger than death.”
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| Anna's garden |
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| Arturo's Reading Room, as guests were arriving. The room was so packed, folks lined the side aisles all the way out the door, and stood in the hall. |
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| left to right: Mrs Martinez, Nora's brother Pete (holding Mayor Bhalla's proclamation) , Nora holding The Man Otis, and Nora's hubby. |
__________________
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| Anna Roberts: wife, mom, Hoboken First Lady, a patron saint of Hoboken Public Library |
Hoboken First Lady, Anna Roberts and Arturo Martinez will be remembered tonight at the Hoboken Public Library at 6:30 PM when a garden will be dedicated in their honor. If you were lucky enough to have known Anna and/or Arturo, please stop by.
Supposed to be 80 and sunny with a gentle breeze. Perfect.
ReplyDeleteSimply Amazing!! Who did not love Anna!! I loved when she would come into my store on Washington Street with the plants and flowers and she would always wear hats. I thought I was the only one who could wear a hat well NOPE. All the best to Dave Roberts and his family on this special night! and to you Margherite my dear friend.
ReplyDeleteLovely person through and through. Hope this event brings the Roberts family peace and happy memories.
ReplyDeleteThe more I hear about Anna, the more I wish I'd been graced to know her.
ReplyDeleteI would run into Anna almost every morning as she was coming or going to Dunkin Donuts. We said hello for years without knowing each others names, as often happens in life. Eventually we got to know each other and I was heart broken when she got sick. She recovered for a time and her attitude was incredible. This is a wonderful tribute to her.
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