5Q: Gina Russo

 / PBN PHOTO/MICHAEL SALERNO
/ PBN PHOTO/MICHAEL SALERNO

1 The Station Fire Memorial will recognize the victims of the 2003 nightclub fire. What are some of the features and the timetable?

The park is all about music and honoring our 100 angels. You will walk through a gateway that leads you along a path to 10 circles. Each circle will have 10 granite monuments (resembling sound speakers) with an angel’s face etched into it with their name and age. Toward the back of the park there will be a gathering shelter where we can host an event. Right near that will be a granite wall telling the story of The Station. Construction should start in late spring or early summer.

2 Former Gov. Donald L. Carcieri and his wife have agreed to lead a committee that will oversee the memorial through to completion. How important was his support?

Having former Gov. Carcieri and his wife, Sue, on our leadership committee is vital. … They attended every funeral and made a point to visit every survivor that was hospitalized, including me, at Massachusetts General Hospital. Having his name added to our project opens doors to businesses and people that the foundation alone would never have been able to meet.

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3 What companies have contributed assistance or services?

John Sinnott of Gilbane Building Co. has been our biggest supporter and is working closely with Michael Sabitoni of Build RI, along with a team of contractors, laborers, electrical, plumbing and iron workers. Our designer is Tom Viall.

4 What do you hope people will take away after visiting?

Our goal is for families and friends to have a peaceful place to come to, to reflect and just be with their loved one. First and foremost, a place for reflection, but we are looking at a possible way of having the community visit and learn something about each victim. Technology is getting more advanced each day, but to have something like this available would be at a very big financial cost.

5 What have you learned from your involvement?

Personally, this means everything to me. As a survivor, who is burned over 40 percent, and had 53 surgeries to date, but most important is for my boyfriend, Alfred Crisostomi, to be remembered always. … I am sure we will never please everyone with our park but we will absolutely honor our 100 angels together. •

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