Letter to Editor: Seaford is a Wonderful Community

Seaford is a wonderful community. Sure we have our problems like property taxes and potholes, occasional vandalism and a few inconsiderate residents, but, all in all, it’s a fantastic place. 

To paraphrase my good friend Ed Kern, a Seaford Lion and Welch Post American Legionaire, “Seaford is a piece of paradise!” is a vital part of the fabric of our community. During the week of April 8-14 National Library Week was celebrated across the United States. Our Library shared in that commemoration in a number of varied ways. 

The utilized the library’s reception area display case in April to make the public aware of some of the wonderful things they do for Seaford. The Lions have always been very generous with their support for the activities of the library and I commend them for that. 

The library budget vote was held on April 4 and 68 percent of those voting . The continued support of the residents is most gratifying. Furthermore, Patricia Coughlin was re-elected as a Trustee that night. Pat does an excellent job as a trustee and is our assistant financial secretary. 

Frank Mahnken, a member of Seaford Boy Scout Troup 239, recently completed his Eagle Scout project at the library. Frank organized and lead a group of scouts with a mission to renovate the back property of the library that faces Southard Avenue. They removed old scrawny scrubs and replaced them with beautiful small trees and plants, installed attractive fencing and drainage spouts and completely beautified the area. Take a look at the fantastic job Scout Mahnken and his team did! 

The library trustees and staff were extremely proud of fellow board member Stephen Gaughran, who was selected as the New York State Library Trustee Association’s “2012 Outstanding Trustee”. Only one of these awards is given out annually. Steve, the Board vice president, is well deserving of this award based on the tireless efforts he puts into making the Seaford Library what it is. 

Recently, The Friends of the Seaford Public Library, who are a vital component of both the library’s history and its current accomplishments, elected a new leader. Dolores Humphreys, an absolute professional during her many years of employment at the library, continues her passion and fondness for the Seaford Library by assuming the role as the Friends’ president. We wish Dolores much success. 

That one week in early April may have been National Library Week, but, from my vantage point, April sure looked like Seaford Library Month to me. Again and again, things occurring in and around the Seaford Public Library are evidence of the vitality and amiability of our wonderful Seaford.

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Peter J. Ruffner

Seaford Public Library president