Culminating a two year fundraising campaign, the Friends of the Mineola Memorial Library dedicated a brand new baby grand piano during an invitation-only key players' reception on Tuesday, April 22. Attended by a variety of benefactors, Friends of the Mineola Library President Bernadette Vaskas and Library Director Charles Sleefe organized a stellar lineup of performers to inaugurate the new addition. A standing room-only crowd of residents and friends were royally entertained.

Opening the festivities, Sleefe welcomed the attendees with a brief update on library activities (including 2009's Lincoln exhibit) before introducing Vaskas to celebrate the occasion. Vaskas, joined by fellow Friends Board Members Ann Hurley, Dottie Campbell, Carolyn Orlick and Diane Hammond, thanked the community for their generous donations in acquiring what will be a centerpiece of the library.

In a classic gesture recognizing the various contributors, each of the 88 "piano keys" was auctioned and a plaque unveiled on the auditorium wall to honor those who participated. A wide range of individuals, businesses, local organizations and other parties have been handsomely remembered for posterity. The official ribbon cutting ceremony was handled by Sleefe in the presence of the evening's master of ceremonies, Nassau Pops Symphony Orchestra maestro Lou Panacciulli.

Panacciulli inaugurated the event with a beautiful personal rendition of America the Beautiful. Jonathon Lubrano from East Meadow High School then performed Gershwin's historic Rhapsody in Blue.

Mineola resident Joe Galante, the son of former mayor Ann Galante who spearheaded the Nassau Pops performances in Memorial Park over the past 24 years, performed his own 1999 composition in memory of his parents' 50th wedding anniversary. Panacciulli was so moved by the piece that he promised to incorporate the music and lyrics into the orchestra's appearance in the park later this summer.

Daniel Fitzpatrick, a Chaminade High School alumnus who will share his talents as a music teacher in the near future, added his touch to Debussy's Clair de Lune.

Panacciulli reprised the evening's flair by leading the group in a choral representation of God Bless America. Following the keyboard spectacle of stars, the baby grand piano took its own cue on center stage by electronically treating the crowd to a variety of pre-programmed selections as the attendees milled about and congratulated one another on a job well done.

The night was well attended by local dignitaries such as Mineola Memorial Library President Terence Timlin, vice president Walter Hobbs, secretary-treasurer Tom Winters and Ann Hurley. Village Trustees Paul Cusato and Paul Pereira ably represented Mayor Jack Martins, who could not be in attendance. Judge Scott Fairgrieve and his wife, former Village Trustee Linda, were also in attendance. Mineola Chamber of Commerce President Steve Ford represented the commercial portion of the community while Sleefe and library staff members Cathy Sagevick, Mary Parker, Jose Dores and Pat Lackner were gracious hosts.

Campbell, the Friends of the Library's past president and a central figure in the fund raising effort, was singled out for her devotion and effort in the cause. The catered affair was elegantly prepared and serviced with champagne toasts donated by Nando Wines.

The piano will be on display in the lower level of the library as you pass through the Joan and Walter Hobbs Art Gallery on your entrance into the auditorium. The library's adult program schedule will feature the piano in several musical concerts this year, beginning this summer. Details will be listed in the summer newsletter to be published in June. Patrons are welcome to view the plaque and instrument during any visit to the library. Additional donations are welcome, which support other Friends of the Library efforts and can be made to maintain the service and upkeep of the new piano. Please address all inquiries to Bernadette Vaskas, care of the Friends of the Mineola Memorial Library.