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Replacement appointed after library board member’s death

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The Village of Valley Stream appointed resident Marie O’Connell to the Henry Waldinger Memorial Library board seat left vacant by the death of John “Jack” McDonough, a 26-year board member who died unexpectedly several weeks ago.

“I am honored to be appointed to the library board,” O’Connell said. “Filling the position of Mr. McDonough is very special to me. I look forward to continuing his good work for the residents of Valley Stream.”

Mayor Ed Fare called McDonough a “stellar member and president” of the library’s board. “His service over the past 26 years brought a level of excellence to our library and our village that was unsurpassed,” Fare said. “I know that Marie, herself a former educator and active member of our community in so many ways, is the very best choice to step into Jack’s shoes. Although Jack’s passing leaves a huge void in our village family, I do believe that his legacy will carry on through Marie, who clearly shares his vision and passion to do what is right for the thousands of library patrons who count on us to provide outstanding library programming.”

Mamie Eng, the library’s director, said that she came to appreciate McDonough’s presence on the board when she became director in 2007. “Jack helped the library evolve into the 21st century, as he embraced changes in technology and encouraged the library to introduce new services. I will miss him greatly, but I am sure that his longtime friend Marie O’Connell will honor his memory with exemplary service on the library board in the coming years.”