Turning Fifteen!
Governors Island 2026
This year marks fifteen years, and it felt only right to head back to where it all began at Governors Island. The Island has changed and so have we.
By Alexus Colbert
For 15 years, our annual Governors Island trip has been more than just a summer outing. It’s been a chance for 4EVERKIN members to reconnect, create memories, and celebrate how far we’ve come together. The ferry ride to the island was a nice introduction to it all. A cool breeze crept across the waters as the boat shook from side to side (making Sara and Heather nauseous) making its way across the waves.
Our first stop was the bikes. There were tons of them, all in one area and in all shapes and sizes. My young daughter kept trying to climb onto one of the big adult bikes and I carefully lifted her off. We spent an hour riding around and it quickly became one of my favorite parts of the day. Watching children and adults explore side by side on family bikes, laughing as we navigated the winding paths, was a lot of fun. More than anything, it was exciting to spend time together, catch up with people we hadn't seen in a while, and enjoy the island as a group.
We all went to a popular lunch spot on the island called Fauzia's. It's become a tradition for us to stop there whenever we visit. Some of us enjoyed their signature lamb gyro, while others chose beef patties or vegan options, and many of the kids went straight for the fries. We sipped fresh coconut water straight from the coconut, and I also tried their mango lemonade slushie. Everything hit the spot and was incredibly refreshing.
Once we were all full, we took a nice walk around the Island together to do some sight seeing. The water was really pretty and we were able to see the Statue of Liberty from where we stood. The trees swayed and flowers bloomed.
Looking for a good spot to take pictures, we came across hammocks in the grass! Everyone got excited. Not only was it a picture destination but it also was a great spot to relax, swing and sleep. The grass was pretty comfortable too as some of us found cool shady spots to take rests in.
After some good shots, relaxation and fun on the hammocks, we took a walk to the ice cream cart for some more refreshing treats. As we boarded the ferry home, tired from the heat but full of laughter and memories, it was clear why this tradition continues year after year. Days like this remind us that belonging isn’t just something we talk about at 4EVERKIN but it’s something we experience together.
