Business & Tech
Changed By 9/11: Stephanie Giardina, Mother and Business Owner
Paint A Piece owner Stephanie Giardina recalls her thoughts following September 11, 2001.
Stephanie Giardina, a Commack mother and owner of pottery shop Paint A Piece, says that although she did not lose a close family member or friend on September 11, 2001, the events of that day have had a lasting impact on her.
"It didn't affect me directly, but how could we all not be affected by it? You think about what those people lost and how they died and its terrible," Giardina said.
"I was pregnant at the time of the attacks, and the thought of bringing my daughter into this world was unsettling."
Interested in local real estate?Subscribe to Patch's new newsletter to be the first to know about open houses, new listings and more.
A decade later, her daughter asks her about the events of that day, not fully comprehending what happened. Giardina said she taught her daughter not only about the tragedy itself, but the workers and volunteers who became heroes in its wake.
Giardina is now paying tribute to those heroes and those who lost their lives in the World Trade Center attacks in a pottery display in the front windows of her shop.
Interested in local real estate?Subscribe to Patch's new newsletter to be the first to know about open houses, new listings and more.
She hopes Commack residents will and view the memorial.
"Since I live in Commack and have my business here, I'm always looking for ways to connect with the community," she said. "I thought the display was a perfect way to pay tribute to those we lost and those who helped, and it's on display for the community to see."
Giardina plans to place candles in the window to illuminate the memorial Sunday evening. It will be on display through Monday.
Get more local news delivered straight to your inbox. Sign up for free Patch newsletters and alerts.