The Town of Oyster Bay held an Induction Ceremony on Jan. 8 to celebrate the terms of newly elected and re-elected board members.

Master of Ceremonies Councilman Joseph Muscarella started the afternoon with both wit and wisdom. He spoke of the importance of the Town of Oyster Bay Board and the many responsibilities that come with the title. "We are public servants," said Muscarella. "We are not above the public and not equal to them either. We are here to serve the public."

Sworn in on Tuesday were Town of Oyster Bay Supervisor John Venditto, Councilman Angelo Delligatti, Councilman Chris Coschignano, Councilwoman Mary McCaffrey and Town Clerk Martha S. Offerman. They join Councilman Joseph Muscarella, Councilwoman Bonnie Eisler, Councilman Anthony Macagnone and Receiver of Taxes James J. Stefanich on the Town of Oyster Bay Board.

The Colors were presented by American Legion Post 1066 and Amvets Post 88, both from Massapequa. They led the approximately 400 people in attendance in the Pledge of Allegiance. The invocation was then said by Msgr. Peter J. Pflomm, pastor from Maria Regina R.C. Church, Seaford.

Not only does being a town board member bring a great deal of responsibility and sacrifice, so does being the spouse of a board member. Councilman Anthony Macagnone presented the spouses of the newly inducted with a flower to thank them for their understanding and compassion.

After being sworn in, Town Clerk Martha Offerman thanked her family and friends for their support and for the voters for re-electing her.

Republican Councilman Delligatti, a resident of Massapequa, has more than 15 years of experience in town government, including being supervisor. He was first elected to the town board as a council member in 1985. He served on the board for three years and in 1987 was elected as town supervisor and served as supervisor of the township from 1988 to 1991. In 1993, he was elected town councilman again and was just sworn in to his third term since returning to the board.

"My advice to newcomers Chris [Coschignano] and Mary [McCaffrey] is the same advice I got when I was first elected - for the first six months, keep your mouth shut and listen," Delligatti joked. "In all seriousness, it has been great serving on this board especially with Supervisor Venditto and I am looking forward to my new term."

Democrat Mary McCaffrey, a resident of Bethpage, prides herself on her community involvement and innovative ideas. McCaffrey, a newcomer to the political scene, is excited to begin her post as Town of Oyster Bay Councilwoman.

McCaffrey thanked her family, she and her husband Jack have six children and 10 grandchildren, and everyone who supported her throughout her campaign. She plans to follow in the lead of newly elected Nassau County Executive Thomas Suozzi and bring unity to the Town of Oyster Bay - unity in trying to resolve the fiscal troubles in the town and unity in protecting open spaces.

"I am delighted to serve and looking forward to the public service," said McCaffrey.

Republican Chris Coschignano, a resident of Syosset, believes his years of experience as attorney for the Town Zoning Board were perfect training for his council seat. He is looking forward to representing Syosset on the board and working for the betterment of the entire Town of Oyster Bay.

Coschignano thanked his parents, family, friends and supporters for helping him with his campaign. "I will work as hard as I can for the residents of the Town of Oyster Bay," said Coschignano.

"It is tough being a great leader - you don't know if people are following or chasing you," said Muscarella as he introduced Supervisor John Venditto, the CEO of the Town of Oyster Bay.

After swearing in Supervisor Venditto, Judge Kenneth S. Diamond, supervising judge of the Nassau County Family Court said, "There is no public official that cares more for his residents than this supervisor does."

Venditto, the 59th Supervisor of the Town of Oyster Bay, first took office in 1998 and brings nearly two decades of experience in public service to the supervisor's office. On Tuesday, he was sworn in to his third term as supervisor of the Town of Oyster Bay.

"The people who live in this town make it as great as it is," said Venditto. He recognized local veterans, civic leaders, senior citizens, media, police, law enforcement, volunteer firefighters, his workforce, local residents and his family for their support and dedication to making Oyster Bay so great. Many of Venditto's family members were in attendance including his wife, two sons, daughter and mother.

To close the ceremonies, the benediction was given by Rev. John McKenna, C.Ss.R., Associate Pastor from St. Martin of Tours R.C. Church in Bethpage. Those in attendance were invited to enjoy refreshments after the ceremony to celebrate with the new Town of Oyster Bay Board.