C R Y D E R P O I N T OCTOBER 9 Ellen Goldfarb www.qNS.com | October 2016 | CRYDER POINT Courier 9 kids, and for everyone, as well as her positive attitude, was unwavering, even when she was weakened in her painful battle with illness. She was remarkably strong throughout, and an exemplary role model not just for the kids, but anyone and everyone. Yes, Ellen impacted our lives, and, in October 2009, P.S. 193 held a ceremony to officially rename the auditorium in her honor. That auditorium was like her home away from home, where she brought the best out of so many young children, helping them to overcome their shyness and inhibitions as they performed in front of a room full of beamingly proud parents. In so many ways, that’s what she did; she brought out the best in people. To have her in one’s life was a blessing, as so many in our community can attest. When we found out that P.S. 193 would be competing with multiple sites for funding to renovate Ellen’s auditorium--yes, Ellen’s auditorium--the Cryder Point Community stepped up. Cryder Point’s contribution to the overall voting was instrumental in securing the funding from Councilman Paul Vallone to renovate the auditorium and honor the memory of this extraordinary woman. This is something we should all be proud of. There’s no one more deserving of having her legacy live on for generations. As children learn and perform in that auditorium for years to come, they should know that name, Ellen Goldfarb, a woman who set the bar high, who would tirelessly champion the importance of the arts, and always got the best out of the children who were lucky enough to be under her wing. Ellen’s legacy will live on at P.S. 193, Cryder Point, and throughout our entire community. She was oneof a-kind. CeCe and Michael’s tribute to Ellen compelled me to reach out to P.S. 193 in the hope that I might be able to get in touch with someone who worked with her. I was put in touch with Ruth Mezistrano, who still works at the school. Ruth was both a colleague and dear friend of Ellen’s, and she got back to me immediately when she received my request. Here is what Ruth had to say: I worked with Ellen and she was a very close friend of mine as well. Ellen touched everyone that she met. The students each had a special bond with her. She had a way of making every student feel special. She encouraged students to follow their dreams. She attended their concerts and shows outside of school. Ellen volunteered to bring all arts projects into our building. We worked very closely with City Center bringing dance into PS 193. We had evening performances of shows such as Annie performed by the students. She was dedicated and spent endless hours giving to her students and the school community. She was loved by everyone students, parents and staff. ~ Ruth Mezistrano P.S. 193, Whitestone Ellen’s Auditorium, P.S. 193
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