Former teacher gives talk on Newfoundland

VERNON — Vernoy Paolini, a docent at the 9/11 Memorial, was the guest speaker at the Vernon Township Woman’s Club on Thursday June 28. Paolini, a former Vernon teacher, beautifully presented a talk and slide presentation on Gander, Newfoundland, Canada and how the town graciously accepted, cared for and protected 7,000 airline passengers who were stranded immediately after the horror of 9/11. With air space shut down, 255 planes needed to be rerouted elsewhere and the small town of Gander opened their town and their hearts to 38 planes containing 7,000 displaced passengers.
“The people of Gander opened their homes, fridges, stores and shops and hearts to these 7,000 strangers,” said Paolini.
The local Wal-Mart in Gander offered every necessity to the “plane people”, as they were called.
Paolini had written an entire curriculum on the teaching of the events and impact of 9/11, citing that students needed to know the historical facts but more importantly be aware of the stories of compassion that streamed from the tragedy. In 2016, Paolini and her party made the 2,239 mile trip to the town of Gander and personally met the good folks of the town who selflessly care for the 9/11 stranded “plane people.” Called the Tour of Gratitude, Paolini and her group were again welcomed by Gander, experienced the love and lasting friendships and even became honorary members of the town.
Paolini advised everyone to read Jim DeFede’s book about the Gander experience entitled The Day the World Came to Town and also to see the new musical on the same subject entitled Come from Away.