On October 15th, 2014, the Turkish Cultural Center in Staten Island (TCCSI) celebrated the grand opening of its new offices in Staten Island, New York. The ribbon-cutting ceremony was was led by NY Assemblyman John Borelli; Sadri Altintok, TCCSI President; and Ismail Alaca, a TCCSI representative. The event was attended by over 80 people and included NY state senators, NY state assembly members, and local community, business and religious leaders.
TCCSI President Sadri Altinok delivered opening remarks, describing the Cultural Center as a place to “build bridges and open doors between cultures, religions, languages and people.” Soon after, the audience received a tour of the Center and enjoyed traditional Turkish food and delicacies prepared by volunteers before concluding with a video presentation showcasing the Center’s diverse programs and major activities.
Among the distinguished guests in attendance were Kelvin Elkins, Office of NYC Comptroller Scott Stringer; Linda Baran, President & CEO of Staten Island Chamber of Commerce; NY Assemblyman Michael Cusick; Steven Matteo, Council Member at New York City Council; NY Assemblywoman Nicole Malliotakis; Rev. Fr. Roy Cole, St. Johns Episcopal Church; Rev Dr. Demetrius Carolina of First Central Baptist Church in Staten Island; NY state senator Andrew Lanza; and NY Assemblyman Matthew Titone.
Additionally, New York state senator Diane Savino sent a letter praising the Cultural Center on its contributions to the community, upholding its mission of “encouraging cooperation, good will, broadening understanding and developing strong lasting relationships.” Letters of commendation on the new Cultural Center were also written by Assemblywoman Nicole Malliotakis, Assemblyman John Borelli and Scott Stringer, NYC Comptroller.
The new office is located at 1665 Richmond Road, in the Dongan Hills area of Staten Island. and includes a library, a children’s playroom, a modern kitchen and a Şark Odası, a traditional Turkish Room.The Center is open to the public and will offer educational activities such as language and cultural classes, in addition to seminars and forums.
Established in 2008, The Turkish Cultural Center in Staten Island (TCCSI) aims to promote cultural awareness and engage in dialogue through educational activities, annual friendship dinners and Turkey trips. The Turkish Cultural Centers are member organizations of the Council for Turkic American Associations (CTAA). CTAA is one of six member federations under the Turkic American Alliance (TAA), which is located in Washington, D.C.
For more information:
More pictures: facebook.com/TCCStatenIsland
Local news coverage by the Staten Island Advance: http://www.silive.com/eastshore/index.ssf/2014/10/turkish_cultural_center_opens.html
