The Town of North Hempstead held its Annual Senior Recognition Day, under the direction of Commissioner of Community Services, Anne Croce, only this year, it was a marvelous luncheon at the Swan Club and the entire room was packed to capacity.

The lively program included entertainment by the Roslyn High School Chamber Singers, Johnny LaRosa and the Bob Roberts Band and a special first time appearance by Catherine Castagna LaBianca who sang a lovely ballad that she had written as well as several other numbers. Hopefully, this will not be her last appearance; she has a magnificent voice.

In introducing the awards Commissioner Croce said," Since 1999 has been designated as the International Year of Older Persons by the United Nations, it is a privilege for me to salute and honor our senior citizens for their enthusiasm, dedication and hard work. Your selfless endeavors have made the Town of North Hempstead the best place to 'grow old in.' Thank you for all you do to ensure that our seniors continue to age with pride and dignity and to live the quality of life they so richly deserve."

Town Supervisor May Newburger added, "I'm delighted to host this show as town supervisor. All the senior clubs in North Hempstead offer our active seniors many wonderful programs, pleasant companionship and a warm, caring atmosphere. This is a day on which we want to thank and honor all those who are really responsible for the success of our senior clubs."

Newburger concluded, "These are the people who give their time and energy to see that our seniors are actively involved. Their caring, concern and dedication benefit us all. They deserve every bit of thanks and applause we can give today."

The following folks were honored at Senior Citizen Recognition Day: Theresa Irace, AARP Chapter No. 4202, Mineola; Virginia Hendricks, Mineola Gold Age Club; Mary Brewer, Notre Dame Gold Age Guild; Toni Walter, Manhasset Thursday Adult Drop-in Center; Ann Vendinello, AARP Chapter No. 5176, Town of North Hempstead; Robert Wulfhorst, Men's Club of Congregational Church of Manhasset; Joan Leston, AARP Chapter No. 1868, The Willistons; Norma Plett, AARP Chapter No. 1234, Greater Manhasset Area; Mary Falvo, Active Seniors of Manhasset; Paul Salvato, New Hyde Park Senior Citizens Club of Knights of Columbus Council No. 2852; Anne Stock, Great Neck Senior Community Service Center; Lillian Cacioppo, Senior Citizens Club of Westbury Center; William Messina, The Leisure Club of Mineola, Inc.; Carmine Catapano, The Tiffany at Westbury Socialites; Yvonne Schmidt, AARP Chapter No. 3983, New Hyde Park; Lois Collins, Magnolia Gardens Seniors; James Blake, Williston Park Senior Citizens, Inc.; Stella Manaker and Rose Sofio Port Washington Senior Citizens; Peter Corte, Carle Place Senior Citizens, Alice Eng Young, New Hyde Park Senior Citizens; Thomas Cummings, New Cassel Senior Community Service Center; Peter Kivatisky, Williston Park American Legion Retirees Post No. 144; Frances Kivatisky, Herricks Leisure Club; Christine Monteleone, Port Washington Senior Community Service Center; Inez Dobie, Pond Hill Adult Learning Center; Evelyn Schmidt, Sperry/UNISYS/Paramax, Retirees Council.

The town also honored the following Special Honorees:

Deidre Major, of The Americana; Alice Hay, of Magnolia Gardens; The Swan Club and Marie Bonnie, Department of Community Services.