DON COTTER'S MEMORIAL SITE

Donald Francis Cotter moved forward on August 24, 2006 but not before finding his function here.

The following are several letters written by those Don influenced for good in this world nominating him for the Betty Foley Everyday Hero Award sponsered by the Jersey Journal:

August 31, 2005

2005 Everyday Hero/NIE Awards Panel

The Jersey Journal

To Whom It May Concern:

I hereby nominate Donald Cotter as an Everyday Hero. The Betty Foley Memorial Award.

Donald had a great influence on me and dozens of my friends whose lives have been touched and changed for the better. His selfless actions extended far beyond just helping the neighborhood youth. He provided aid in difficult times and encouraged many to be part of the community and get involved.

When Don appeared in Hoboken in the early 70’s, he was instrumental in finding young people to be cast in a community play (Jesus Christ Superstar) sponsored by St Mathew’s Outreach Program on Washington Street. The play was a tool to get the youth off the streets - an alternative to hangouts, where there was a high presence of drug use and abuse.

To keep the group together and inspire the cast to be creative and believe in themselves, Don financed (with his own money) another play called The Red Steps. It was based on the lives of real persons who had become very close and the events that happened in the street hangout / meeting place where we spent our summers. It took over a year of improvising dialogue to come up with a written script. During that time some of the cast members with musical ability began to write original music and lyrics which later became the soundtrack.

The portrait photos taken for the play hung on Don's walls, and a story can be told of each one, about how Don helped build that person's confidence and self esteem.

Don didn't stop dreaming up ideas to keep this group together and keep everyone active in the community. Don rented a storefront and opened THE OTHER SIDE. This store was known for arts and craft items. A lot of the stock was hand made from Mexico. Don bought everything from the people themselves. Blankets, pottery, plant hangers, chess sets, etc. Tee shirts were made by heat press - whatever you wanted.

This store was the only place of its kind in the 70's / early 80's and the originator of the famous hobo-ken tee shirt. This shirt was the Hoboken favorite and always found at the River City Fair, which was an annual event put on by locals in the 70's that later became a bigger and better widespread city-run event. Don Cotter was elected and served as Chairperson for the Fair via his involvement with the Hoboken Environmental Committee.

Don's main purpose for involvement with the Fair was to advocate for portions of the waterfront to be accessible to the community for recreation, rather than developed for private property, expensive condos and / or office space. Don wanted to see a place where Hoboken residents could go and ride a bike, jog, fish, fly a kite, boat (small scale). This place should always be the site of the River City Fair and any other outdoor event for the residents. One year the Committee was invited to plug the fair on the Joe Franklyn Show.

Guess who went on the show? He wore a River City Fair tee shirt and a hobo-ken baseball cap (also sold at The Other Side).

Don's voice was low on record because of his humility, however his dream to build the waterfront in that way was heard in the numbers of people who agreed and petitioned against the developers until the plans included this waterfront park. Who ever or for what ever reason other people wanted the credit for the park we see there today can have their reward; please give Don Cotter some credit.

You may want to try asking the old-timers on the committees (and even at Maxwell's) about Don and what some of Don's ideas were. How they were the basis of the dreams come true - particularly the 5th Street pier where the original River City Fair was held when it was still a pier. We must remember that it was Don's and a few others voices and dreams - since the day of the first River City Fair. I believe that's been somewhat forgotten over time.

There were a few other accomplishments for Don in Hoboken. Don played a part in the protest against using the waterfront as a tank farm. Do you remember the THANKS but NO TANKS tee shirts? How about the HOBOKEN bi-centennial calendars? Everybody got one free to their door. I remember the cold and lots of staircases delivering them!

As we became adults and started families Don was still providing the means to keep this group active and together. Don purchased the corner building at 150 Newark Street. The street level bar was refinished / restored and later rented by the group as a social club - 30 to 50 members during its existence. The club was named none other than The Other Side. The name was so catchy it had to be the name of the softball team we sponsored.

Rehabilitation to the upper floors of 150 Newark would not happen until all existing tenants were able to find reasonably-priced apartments or relocated at Don's own expense without any pressure from any agencies.

The renovations were done strictly by Hoboken locals and close friends of Don who had either self-owned construction / handyman businesses or worked in the construction-related trades as side jobs. Don encouraged local people who were out of work to come and lend a hand during their tough times and earn a few bucks to make ends meet. Three apartments were built. Don resided on the 2nd floor and rented the above 2 to longtime friends at extremely affordable rents.

We had many events at The Other Side like: Thanksgiving Bring a Dish Dinner; we sold Christmas trees, held New Years and Halloween parties. The club always had a sausage and pepper sandwich stand at the River City Fair. Watermelons were spiked (our favorite refreshment - not for sale!).

Summer holiday weekends we'd retreat (the whole group of 40 plus) up to Willow Acres in Swan Lake NY to an exclusive rental (only us). We filled the 10 bungalow every time for several years in a row. By the way Don’s cousin Cynthia and Howard owned this property.

Don’s privately-owned accounting business also served as a source of employment for people who needed a second income or needed to keep their head above water. Even as a small business his employees had medical coverage.

For all of the above reasons, I hope you will please consider Donald Cotter for the Everyday Hero award.

Bill Seidenzahl

August 31, 2005

I would like to nominate Donald Cotter for the Everyday Hero/Betty Foley Memorial Award. I wasn't sure which would be the right category, but it seems to me that Donald Cotter exemplifies the giving spirit of Journal writer Betty Foley.

Mr. Cotter is already a hero to so many people who grew up in Hoboken, and to those who live there now. Following are only a few of his many accomplishments:

Donald Cotter was active in the arts and encouraged others to participate. He got area teenagers involved with the theater through St. Matthew's Church, thereby keeping the young people off the streets. He was always looking for ways to keep the Hoboken teens busy and productive.

He regularly cooked for the Homeless Shelter on Bloomfield St in Hoboken and served the residents himself, showing the respect he thought everyone deserved. Donald got many of his friends to work there too.

As an environmentalist, Mr. Cotter fought for a better waterfront in the city of Hoboken. If you go there today, you can thank Donald (among others) for the parks and attractive walkways.

Donald Cotter was the Chairperson of the River City Fair in the 70's and 80's. He basically organized the whole event - soliciting vendors, writing press releases and setting up the grounds.

Donald always took it upon himself to help people find employment when they were out of work. If you couldn't find a job, he'd find a way to hire you himself.

Mostly Donald Cotter is the type of person who worked hard behind the scenes (usually not getting the credit) for causes big and small. He cares deeply about the environment and the arts, but mostly he cares about people.

If Donald could help any person in any small way, he would do it. Like a Guardian Angel, he was there to aid people who were down on their luck. He showed people what they could accomplish if they all worked together. He saved many teens who might have taken the wrong path in life.

In my mind, Donald Cotter is the quintessential "Everyday Hero"

GEORGIA MELENDEZ

August 31, 2005

I don't know where to begin talking about the accomplishments of my good friend, Donald Cotter of Hoboken. I've known Don for over 30 years, and in that time he has done so many things for the benefit of

Hoboken and its residents, especially the young people.

Sitting in Pier A Park recently, I realized that this beautiful setting would probably not be there without the efforts of the unstoppable Don Cotter. Along with others, Don worked hard to convince developers not to ruin the Hoboken waterfront with a wall of high-rises. He encouraged citizens to "Vote NO"; to the proposed development. He believed there should be open spaces for the people to enjoy, and it's obvious that everyone is enjoying those spaces today.

On Labor Day, my wife and I rented a wheelchair-accessible van and took Don down to the waterfront. He was so pleased to see that they had "done what they'd promised." We watched old-timers and newcomers alike - a grandmother crabbing with her daughter and granddaughter, an old man pushing a little boy on a scooter. People of all ages, colors and economic groups were enjoying the parks and walkways on the water ; just as Don had envisioned.

Don was always concerned about the environment. One time, he sponsored a fashion show. Our sisters sewed ponchos and drawstring pants from recycled burlap bags that Don provided. Don is a humble person. When he opened an arts and crafts store in his building (he asked me to manage it), we traveled cross country and down to Mexico to buy the products directly from the artists. And we didn’t go first class; Don believed in traveling and living as the locals did.

In the late 70's and into the 90's, we wore "HOBO-KEN" tee shirts (designed by Alice Muller) and "River City Fair" tee shirts (designed by Doris China) that Don had made up, to show our pride in our city. Donald Cotter was the River City Fair Chairperson. He showed us what we could do when we all worked together. He was always bringing people together, whether it was paying for a group of us "city kids" to take a trip to the Catskills each summer, or opening a coffeehouse in his backyard where the teenagers could "work" and stay out of trouble! Don persuaded area businesses to provide supplies and coffee beans.

Don directed several plays using the local talent. First there was "Jesus Christ Superstar"sponsored by St. Matthew's Outreach Program. Later, using much of his own money, Don produced "The Red Steps" an original play about the troubles of city kids. Being involved with the theater gave us a productive way to spend our free time. This group of kids stayed together, giving each other support through the years.

Don has always aided charities, focusing on anti-poverty and humanitarian causes. He regularly cooked tasty meals and then served them to the less fortunate at the Shelter on Bloomfield Ave in Hoboken that is run by the Hudson Clergy Coalition. He encouraged many others (myself included) to work there too.

In closing, I'd like to say that Don Cotter is a remarkable man. He never sought the spotlight or accolades for himself. He is truly an unsung hero. There are so many, many people he affected along the way.

JUAN MELENDEZ

August 31, 2005

     What can I say about a wonderful man like Don Cotter? He has always been there for me my whole life.

     As a little kid I remember all the trips to Swan Lake my family and I would take with help from Don. Every summer I would look forward to going on these trips. We would all go swimming in the pool, fishing in the lake, play ping pong in the rec room. We’d build a campfire and barbecue. If it wasn't for Don, I would have had to stay in Hoboken because we could not afford to take vacations at that time.

     Another thing Don did for the city of Hoboken was the River City Fair. Don would do all the hard work setting that event up. I was only a child at the time, but I still remember all the fun we had there. I really do miss that fair down on the riverfront.

     One other project Don created was a social club called The Other Side on Newark St. This was a club where a group of great friends could hang out and call their own. My father was part of this club. I really can't remember much about my father, but what I do remember is when he was at The Other Side he was with good friends and he was happy and that made me happy too.

     Don was always there for my family and because of that he is the greatest man on earth to me. He would do anything for anyone in need. I just want to say “thank you Don Cotter very much for everything you did for my family, for me and for Hoboken!”

Edwin Ramos Jr.

To whom it may concern;

     I would like to nominate Mr. Don Cotter for the Everyday Hero Award.

     Donald Cotter is a marvelous man who always saw fit to be generous and kind to my family and me. When I was a little girl I recall Mr. Cotter always seeming larger then life. He was always involved in all sorts of projects to save the environment. However he never once seemed to be too busy to stop and chat with my family.

     I can recall several summers we spent at a place called Swan Lake. This was a camping resort in upstate New York. It was my very first taste of the wilderness and I have been hooked on the outdoors ever since. My family and I were raised city-dwellers and would never have had the opportunity to stay at such a beautiful place if it weren't for him. We, all 11 of us children and parents got to enjoy the wonders of nature and learn to appreciate it during these summer camping trips. Till this day I share fond memories with my own children of the adventures we had at Swan Lake when I was a child.

      The resort has closed down and Mr. Don Cotter is now an ill man and unable to participate in any new adventures. However because of his gift to my family I now share the wonders of nature and love for the all that it encompasses with my children. Mr. Cotter is, and always will be loved and cherished by my family for his kind and openhearted nature.



Rosie Ramos

To: Jersey Journal

Re: Everyday hero award / Donald F. Cotter

Date: 9/4/05

Dear Sir/Madam

     I first read about the everyday hero award in your paper and then got word that Donald F. Cotter was being nominated by friends.

     I met Don through my husband at the time it was the early 80’s. Don was the chairperson in charge of an event I participated in called: “ The River City Fair” it was staged on the pier between what may now be Frank Sinatra Park. I can remember the majestic view on the old pier. The River City Fair was held every summer to create a vision, a dream of open space for all to walk, jog, fish, to enjoy the beauty of the river. I participated in this event as a volunteer helping to get the pier cleaned up or getting the “ Hoboken River City T-shirts” out.

     Don worked endlessly each year summoning up volunteers and the effort to make it happen. There were quite a few of us and it was an event we all looked forward to.
When I read a friends letter I realized I learned more about Don than I knew..but I can acknowledge the following:

     Yes his private business was the source of extra help to a person in need, each year he invited us all to attend his “office Christmas party. He rented the apartments he owned at affordable rents to friends.

     I visited a place in the mountains called “Swan Lake “ owned and operated by Don’s cousin Cynthia Herring and each year we opened up their summer season. It was probably Don’s way of getting us poor Hoboken kids out of the City. I arrived to this scene during the last 5 years. Others shared with me family photos of themselves having fun spending memorable summers up there with family and friends all courtesy of Mr. Don and his cousin’s hospitality.
Another moment in my life I will never forget made possible by Don’s vision was sailing on a famous vessel called the Clearwater. Don invited all
who volunteered for a sail up the Hudson on the ship ..I will never forget it.

Don was about making the impossible happen.

     Don was the person who sparked the thought gave it all he had and got everyone involved. He took no credit and that’s fine because that’s not what it’s all about.
The mission was accomplished it bears no names or credit and doesn’t need to because the dream and the vision are now Hoboken Pier A Park and Frank Sinatra Park..
Today we took Don to see the River , the Park, and I believe he was pleased

Thanks Don….



Vivian Del Valle Whalen