The Levittown/Island Trees Youth Council held its 13th Annual Presidents Awards Dinner on Friday evening, Sept. 14. Youth Council Executive Director Kevin Regan said that despite the at the World Trade Center, the Youth Council held its dinner not only to recognize the dedication of the presidents of various programs, but also to bring the community together in this time of need.

"It's almost awkward to speak tonight," Assemblyman Marc Herbst said at the dinner, "but we're here on a happy note and that's because of you," he said to the presidents. "The most important thing we can do is give our youngsters the opportunity to be themselves - teach them how to win, how to lose - what you give is so incredible [and] it's never been done with more love than in this community."

Herbst added that he can't wait until the children of the community can go back to focusing on things such as sports rather than the evil happenings in recent days.

"We all recognize the time that we are in [and] although we look forward to this every year, I can't wait to get back to that period of time [when I can] walk into a room and see that sports are what kids focus on. The people who are here teach the kids what sports are all about and what our country is all about."

Rosemary McCarthy, representing County Executive Thomas Gulotta, said "Levittown is a very special place, and Island Trees is equally exceptional. I hope each and every one of you realize just how important the encouragement you [provide] is, and there isn't the warmth of any other community as there is here."

McCarthy presented Regan with a citation on behalf of the county executive, thanking and recognizing him for all the hard work and dedication he has provided to the Youth Council and the community.

Louise Cassano, president of the Levittown Community Council, reflected on the importance of community. "There's never been a time in our country where community has been more important and all of you exemplify what community means," she said.

Levittown School District Athletic/Physical Education Director Keith Snyder offered praise to the presidents. "I know these are difficult times," he said. "On the way over here, I probably saw a lot of your players, the kids of our district, outside with candles. They're learning patriotism and they're also learning fair play from you. So with a combination of both of those things I think we're bringing up a great generation of kids. On behalf of Dr. Sirois, the Board of Education and the superintendents, thanks for the work you do with our children."

During the dinner, Regan recognized assistants of the recreation program Deidre O'Regan and Kevin Regan, and presented Linda Northrup and Anna Schmitt with plaques from the Youth Council in appreciation of their outstanding service to the children of the community.

Although those in attendance could not put aside thoughts of the devastating tragedy, many stated how important it was to bring out the community, let them get away from their televisions and spend some time away from the news.

"It's just been an extraordinary week and I think things are going to really change," said Hempstead Town Supervisor Rich Guardino. "And as things start to change I think we're going to appreciate the freedom that we have here in this country, the strength that we have here in this country and our families more and our children more. The one thing that always struck me when I came to this dinner was the appreciation that they (the presidents) have for their families and their youth. These values and the importance of that is really hitting home in a direct way and I just want to thank you for always being there for all of our youth. That's really what life is about," he said.

"Thank you for the values that you've had all along and that I think a lot of people are going to wake up to," he added.

Others in attendance included Levittown Chamber of Commerce President Jacklyn Nogan, Nassau County Comptroller Fred Parola, Hempstead Town Receiver of Taxes Don Clavin and Town Councilman Gary Hudes.

Among the presidents honored at the dinner were:

Dennis Machado, Red Devils Football and Cheerleading; Vinne Cavataio, Levittown Athletic Club; Dolf Queripel and Joe Carracino, Levittown Tomahawks Lacrosse (unable to attend); Kevin Joyce, Levittown Central Baseball; Pat Roach, Levittown North Baseball (unable to attend); Rick Williams, Levittown South Baseball; Glen Brannigan, Levittown West Little League; Mike Gennaro, Levittown Soccer Club; Skip Abrams, St. Bernard's Youth Basketball; Phil Goldberg, Island Trees Soccer Club; Nick Sguigna, Island Trees Baseball; Michael Vecchione, Levittown Senior League (unable to attend); Nassau County PAL/Levittown Police Director Rich Barkey and President Ed Lloyd (unable to attend); Fred Fogel, Levittown Swimming Association and Thomas Mastroianni, Levittown Ice Hockey Club.

Congratulations to all the presidents of the Youth Council. The community thanks them for all of their hard work and dedication to local children.