The Levittown School District hosted its Seventh Annual Recognition Night for Community Service last Thursday, March 13, at the Levittown Memorial Education Center (LMEC). This event was established for local organizations to be given the opportunity to honor those members of the community who go above and beyond to make the Levittown area a better place.

"[This event] has become a tradition, and a nice one for the community. The dictionary defines community as people living in the same district, city, etc. under the same laws and it defines service as helpful, beneficial or friendly action or conduct; act of giving assistance or advantage to others," said Chairman Mario A. Bucci, who organizes the event. "Levittown is a shining example of this kind of community service. Over the years we have seen this dinner grow from a very small, intimate dinner to a very loud, large dinner - and the louder the better."

The program for the evening, printed by Levittown Vocational Printing students, further stated that, "There are many members of our community who do so much for Levittown. The majority of the community does not know their names or faces but do reap the benefits because of their efforts." This event gives the community a chance to see such individuals. During the awards ceremony, which was preceded by a delicious dinner coordinated by culinary arts students at LMEC, several organizations and its members proudly announced and shared the names and efforts of community members who have truly made a difference. In allowing for organizations in the community to honor group members, the school district sent out letters to various local organizations inviting them to participate in the ceremony.

The district hosts this annual event not only to associate members of various local organizations with others in the community, but also to recognize and acknowledge the efforts of community leaders. Through their efforts to local organizations, those honored have contributed not only to their individual organization but to the community as a whole.

"I'd like to thank the Levittown School District for supporting the culinary program. I started this dinner years ago to give them some experience and some more work for the students to do. Slowly but surely it's grown into something really nice and I think that they did a marvelous job tonight." Culinary students and their instructors came out at the end of the ceremony and received a standing ovation from all in attendance.

The following organizations honored individuals at the dinner:

The first organization to honor a representative was ALSA (Association of Levittown School Administrators). The presentation was made by Dr. Harry Chertok, ALSA president, to Diane Koprowski. Koprowski has been principal of East Broadway Elementary School for nearly a decade.

"Diane has dedicated her life to education and has spent 32 years doing so. Prior to coming to Levittown, she held several positions," Dr. Chertok noted, adding that among those positions included being a kindergarten teacher. "What's unique about Diane is that she has such a varied background, including being an ESL teacher, a reading specialist, a language arts supervisor, and principal in both middle and elementary school. All the members of ALSA are very proud of Diane and her achievements."

Past Commander Bill Hynes of American Legion Post 1711 honored Vice Commander Andy Booth.

"This gentleman was a member of the United States Marine Corps. He became an active member of the Levittown Fire Department and was one of the first to initiate training programs for advanced CPR," Hynes said. "He has for many years trained firefighters on the matter of search and rescue, and the fundamentals of firefighting. Though awarded many times for bravery, his primary focus has always been the care and well-being of others. This gentleman, along with members of the Levittown Fire Department, [is] responsible for the festive holiday dinner for seniors held in November of each year."

Hynes further noted that Booth is a member of several organizations, including the Levittown Property Owners Association, Levittown Chamber of Commerce and Levittown Kiwanis. As vice commander of American Legion Post 1711, Booth is involved with programs that help those in need; the Americanism Program, which honors individuals and organizations; and other programs that address the needs of veterans and their families.

"He is a true believer in what is right for America," Hynes said. "He believes in what is right for everyone in Levittown."

Denis Midnet of the CSEA honored Lisa Vanderburg for her outstanding dedication to the organization.

"Like so many extraordinarily capable and thoroughly committed people, she's probably the only one around who's not fully aware of just how terrific she is," Midnet said, noting that Vanderburg works as account clerk in the Levittown School District. "She goes beyond the ordinary in helping others - gives of herself and volunteers her time in the Levittown community," Midnet said, noting many organizations and groups for which Vanderburg volunteers.

Michael Perfetti of the Knights of Columbus Holy Innocents Council #3581 honored Deputy Grand Knight James McHale.

"Our honoree tonight has done a lot of work for the Levittown community, as for the church," Perfetti said. "He is an active member with the Association for Children with Down Syndrome, and has helped with many of our Birthright fundraisers." Perfetti further noted that McHale will be grand knight next year.

Levittown Chamber of Commerce President Barry S. Room recognized Kevin Regan for his outstanding dedication to not only the chamber, but also the community. He noted that Regan has been involved in a variety of organizations on both a professional and community level.

A retired New York City Police detective, Regan is currently serving as deputy commissioner of engineering for the Town of Hempstead. On a community level, Room noted that Regan has been executive director of the Levittown-Island Trees Youth Council for nearly 20 years, has served on Nassau County Youth Board, was a three-year president of Levittown Kiwanis and is current Lt. Governor of the Long Island South Central Division which oversees 17 Kiwanis Clubs in Nassau County. He has been on the board of the chamber of commerce, a director of the Levittown Community Council and treasurer of Dollars for Scholars. In addition, he has been inducted into LI Soccer Hall of Fame and has been recognized with many awards including the Make a Difference Award from the Town of Hempstead and the Small Businessperson Award from the chamber.

"Levittown Soccer Opening Day - Kevin is there. The tree lighting ceremony - Kevin is there. Kevin has a big family, a job - Kevin is there," Room said. "Kevin, you're there for me personally, you're there for the people in Levittown. I wish we could do more for you - I thank you, and you deserve this award."

Levittown Community Council President Donna Ryan presented an award to Louise Cassano, past president and one of the founding members of the organization.

"[Louise] is a person who has been dedicated to the service of Long Island and the Levittown community since graduation from Levittown Memorial High School and SUNY Old Westbury," Ryan said, noting that Cassano has been a den mother, a member of the Northside PTA, involved in little league, has taught CCD at St. Bernard's and also taught their Pre Cana program.

"She was the public relations chairman of Levittown's 40th anniversary. For the 50th anniversary she was co-chairman of the executive committee and as such co-chair of all events," Ryan said, adding that as one of the founding members of the Community Council, Cassano wanted to keep the spirit of the community alive. She further noted that Cassano is a member of many organizations.

Levittown Kiwanis President Mauro Cassano honored Mario Bucci.

"The Levittown Kiwanis Club is very proud to recognize Mario Bucci. He has been an outstanding member of the Levittown Kiwanis Club for 18 years. Mario is a dedicated Kiwanian, always ready to volunteer [and] contribute, exhibits his beliefs in the principles of Kiwanis to serve the needs of the community," Cassano said. "Mario is one of those club members who is always there when work begins - he is always in tune to the needs of others."

The Levittown PTA Council, as is tradition, honored its entire organization at this year's dinner. Roseanne Gullens explained at the dinner that when the event was held for the first time, it presented members with a dilemma as all members of the PTA uphold the goals and objectives of the organization.

The Levittown Fire Department, led by Chief John Rottkamp, honored Edward Sutch.

"[Sutch has been a member of the Levittown Fire Department for over 45 years and in that term, besides all that he's gone through in meetings and trainings, he had five sons also join the department," Rottkamp said. "As he got a little more time on his hands, he got involved with the fire/police company. At three o'clock in the morning, even after 40 years in the fire service, you'd see Ed out directing traffic. He recently has been promoted to honorary deputy chief."

Superintendent of Schools Dr. Herman A. Sirois honored Emma Burkert for her many of years of service to the school district.

Dr. Sirois noted that Burkert has been dedicating her time to the school district in many capacities over the years, beginning at Northside, where she was a class mother and president of the PTA. In addition, she was the founding president of SEPTA, co-president of Abbey Lane PTA, co-president of Wisdom Lane PTA , chairperson of PTA Nutrition Committee and Transportation Committee.

"She says she's retired but don't believe her. Emma has contributed to so many committees and so many aspects of our school district that I really cannot do her justice in any short amount of time," Dr. Sirois said, noting that she has been especially dedicated in the areas of special education, transportation and nutrition. "Almost singlehandedly, Emma began Levittown's outstanding Special Education Program. Perhaps more than any other individual in our entire community she is responsible for the ongoing commitment and quality education that we provide to children with disabilities."

Dr. Sirois noted that Burkert has also been very committed to transportation and nutrition.

"Emma has evaluated and monitored the purchase and safety requirements of literally our entire bus fleet," Dr. Sirois said. "In the area of nutrition, she has transformed the entire food service program in our school district. We have better equipment, better cafeteria environments and better food under her guidance. Emma is a real champion of kids and of all of us and we hope she never retires."

Levittown-Island Trees Youth Council Executive Director Kevin Regan honored Phil Goldberg for his dedication to the children of the community.

"In his youth, he himself was an All-County and Most Valuable Player," Regan said of Goldberg. "We are honoring him because of his dedication to the children of our community. He has coached soccer for over 24 years and has been president of the Island Trees Soccer Club for over 20 of those years.

Regan further noted that Goldberg is also coach of Island Trees Varsity Soccer and involved in many other sporting activities. He also instituted a scholarship fund.

Annette Kosar of the March of Dimes LI Chapter presented an award to Edward Creegan.

"In every community there are those individuals who are extremely active in community affairs - there are also those individuals who are involved in outside organizations and instrumental in helping others," Kosar said. "The March of Dimes has the privilege to have the support of Ed Creegan for over 24 years."

Kosar noted that Creegan, a longtime resident of Levittown, has been involved in many programs for the March of Dimes and in turn has helped countless community members.

Deputy Inspector Thomas G. Carroll of the Nassau County Police Department 8th Precinct presented an award to Officer Brian McCarthy.

Carroll noted that the 8th Precinct is physically the smallest precinct in Nassau County but has the biggest population. He also noted that it is probably one of the safest precincts in the county, with the crime rate down approximately 16 percent this year as compared to last.

"Officer McCarthy has accounted for 40 arrests, half of which were felony charges," Carroll said, adding that McCarthy was also instrumental in arrests by other officers and helped 6th Squad to solve a major burglary.

"He also issued 300 summonses over the past year," Carroll said. "The purpose of summonses is not to raise revenue, it is to keep the streets safer for all of us. The combination of his arrests, summonses, his knowledge, his dedication to his job in the community that he works in, the 8th precinct has nominated officer Brian McCarthy as the officer of the year."

Alison Mori of Yours, Ours, Mine Community Center (YOM) presented an award to Giles Courter on behalf of the organization. Mori noted that Courter is extremely dedicated and reliable and has volunteered much of his time to the organization's tutorial program, where he was a peer tutor to a high school freshman. She noted that there were no required hours and Courter was eager to donate his time.

Mori added that as a senior at MacArthur High School, Courter has a very busy schedule and stressful year due to deadlines in college applications. She further noted that it is a rare occasion that a teen would be willing to dedicate so much time to helping others, and for that the organization felt he should be recognized.

The Girl Scouts of Nassau County honored Ruth Reed at the ceremony, although representatives from the organization could not attend. They received a round of applause from all in attendance.