First 'wind phone' in Rockland County dedicated in memory of local teen
The wind phone, located on Grassy Point Road, was installed through the efforts of Bernadette Perez, who wanted to create a space where people could continue conversations with those who have died.
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A crowd gathered Wednesday morning at the Riverfront Park in Stony Point for the dedication of Rockland County's first "wind phone," an installation designed to give people a place to speak with loved ones they have lost.
The wind phone, located on Grassy Point Road, was installed through the efforts of Bernadette Perez, who wanted to create a space where people could continue conversations with those who have died.
Many in attendance became emotional as Perez shared her story and spoke about her late son, Kenneth Bermudez.
"I love you, Kenny. Keep watching over us," Perez said while speaking into the phone.
"It may sound like a one-way conversation, but I believe it's a two-way conversation," she said about the power of a wind phone.
Bermudez died in February 2025 at age 15 from a rare heart disease.
"God sent him here to serve a purpose. That purpose was fulfilled in 15 years, a little too short for me. But I trust in God," Perez said. "And will always be known as 'Kenny's mom.'"
Perez approached the Town of Stony Point last year about installing the wind phone so people throughout the community could have a dedicated place to talk to loved ones they have lost.
"I hope it brings people a way to carry their grief in a positive manner. I want people to know that they're not alone. That they're there. They're still here," Perez said.
She also put grief books, tissues, markers to color rocks and other therapeutic ways for people to mourn inside the phone booth.
The town dedicated the wind phone in Bermudez's memory Wednesday. The installation features his favorite color, purple.
Stony Point Supervisor Amy Stamm said she hopes the wind phone will provide comfort to those who visit.
"I just hope it will bring peace and comfort to anyone who might need it," Stamm said.
There are hundreds of wind phones across the country, including several in the region.
News 12 has previously covered wind phones in Rye and Ridgefield, Connecticut.
While the phones are disconnected from telephone lines, people say it provides a symbolic way for people to express thoughts and feelings to loved ones who have died.
The concept of a wind phone is said to have originated in Japan.
