On Sunday, Oct. 14, the board of directors of the Levittown Public Library conducted Recognition Day in the Mildred B. Cantor Community Room of the library. The event offered appreciation to members of the Levittown 60th Anniversary Committee and the Levittown Fire Department for their service to Levittown. The event also honored three staff members who are celebrating 25 years of service to the library as well as John Bosco who is completing his term as a trustee on the library board.

After a selection of songs about Levittown from resident Bob Koenig, Board President Dr. Jacklyn Nogan welcomed everyone to the event and led the Pledge of Allegiance. Among those in attendance were Hempstead Town Supervisor Kate Murray, Legislator Dennis Dunne, Sr. and Joe Belesi, a challenger for the 14th Legislative seat.

The first people recognized at the event were those who contributed to Levittown's 60th anniversary celebration. Among this large group of honorees were the 60th anniversary committee co-chairpersons Kevin Regan, Louise Cassano and Mauro Cassano. The library board presented certificates to members of the 60th anniversary board of trustees.

"I want to congratulate all of the committees and organizations that make Levittown such a great community," said Supervisor Kate Murray, a Levittown resident for all of her life. "I want to thank the library's board of directors for giving us a wonderful opportunity to come together and celebrate all of these organizations. It's what makes Levittown great. Thanks for your service. It makes us all better."

Board trustee Margaret Santer made a presentation to John Bosco, who just completed a five-year term as a trustee. Bosco first came to the Levittown Library in 1973 as a librarian trainee. He left Levittown in 1979 but returned in 1998, only to leave again in 2000. However, he returned in 2002 to serve as a trustee on the board for the past five years. Bosco thanked all the people who gave him breaks over the years, especially P.W. Martin who first hired him in 1973, re-hired him in 1998 and then encouraged him to become a trustee. He also thanked Assistant Director Laura Hoffman whom Bosco called, "Someone I look up to" and his wife, Rosemary for, "Making everything in my life work and for her dedication and sacrifice."

Library board trustee Rich Santer then made presentations to staff members Marie Andreski, Edward McNamara and Patricia Reese, who are all completing 25 years of service to the Levittown Library.

"It's been a wonderful 25 years," said Andreski who is currently the library's Head of Media after starting with the library in 1982. "I've worked with such wonderful people. It's family. I couldn't have done it without all of you."

Pat Reese also stated that the library staff was like family. Said Reese," I thank my family for being here and all the people I work with. It is like a family. I've loved my job from the very beginning and I love it even more today."

Also reaching 25 years of service is Ed McNamara who started in 1967 and is reaching 25 years after a 15-year absence. Said McNamara, "Levittown is a lot like a magnet. Everyone seems to come back. My return to Levittown was very interesting. You never knew what was going to happen next but the most interesting thing was the people I was working with. We had a lot of fun. People from Levittown are very special and very down to earth. Levittown people have a way of respecting you."

Additionally, the Levittown Fire Department was honored for the service it provides to the community. Chief Mark Janovsky, Second Deputy Chief Charles D. Guidice and Chairman of the Levittown Fire Department Timothy Courtney were present to accept a plaque for the department's service.

"It is with great privilege that we honor the Levittown Fire Department," said Library Board President Dr. Jacklyn Nogan. "The volunteers undergo vigorous training and put in many hours to protect our community - even on weekends and holidays."

At the conclusion of the ceremony, Legislator Dunne and Belesi spoke to the gathering.

Said Dunne, "This library was an integral part of my education. I used this library so much. What a great service they provide and I'm glad to be a part of it."

Added Belesi, "I congratulate all the recipients on their hard work and dedication. There is a sense of pride in Levittown that is touching."