Seamen’s Society kicks off 175th year on SI with Fitzsimmons family fund
Updated Apr 11, 6:00 AM;
Posted Apr 11, 6:00 AM
The Fitzsimmons
Through the Civil War, the Great Depression, two World Wars and now a pandemic, the Seamen’s Society for Children and Families has served Staten Island’s neediest with passion and compassion – and without interruption – for 175 years.
Founded on April 2, 1846, the non-profit organization strengthens and preserves families through foster care and adoption services, family support services, domestic violence counseling, behavioral healthcare, a youth enrichment program, tutoring support and a scholarship program.
To kick off its yearlong 175th anniversary celebration, the St. George-based agency has announced the creation of the Robert and Barbara Fitzsimmons Children and Family Fund at Seamen’s Society, established by their children, Laura L. Volsario and Robert J. Fitzsimmons Jr.
Robert Fitzsimmons, East Ferry Farm, East Ferry. \ Donal O Leary
Up high in the fields of East Ferry Farm, Co Cork, the surrounding view of water on three sides is spectacular on this crisp winter’s day. Strolling through a paddock of turkeys, Robert Fitzsimmons Sr helps me get my bearings. Carrigtwohill direction that way, Whitegate over there.
Robert Fitzsimmons Jr begins to recount the family connection to the land. How poultry farming has been part and parcel of his life from a young age and that it’s totally ingrained in their family.
At this juncture, surrounded by 950 turkeys, this writer feels it may not be the best time to let the figurative cat out of the bag. You see, I actually have a slight phobia (if that’s possible) of birds. It’s mainly rooted in the flying variety, but these turkeys aren’t making me feel too hectic either.