For all the good they've done

Five village employees recognized for service
      Five long-time employees of the Village of Valley Stream were honored at ceremonies preceding the village board meeting Monday night. Library Director Marshall Botwinick, Sanitation Supervisor John McAvoy, Senior Motor Equipment Operator John Ogno, Senior Typist Clerk Phyllis Stibitz, Labor Supervisor Frank Torres were each given service awards.
      "In the midst of so much sadness and sorrow," Mayor Edward W. Cahill said, "it is important and in fact, of assistance in the healing process, when we share special accomplishments in life. Therefore, I am particularly pleased tonight to acknowledge village employees who have reached milestones in their public service careers."
      He introduced each award recipient and the family members accompanying them to the ceremonies.
      "I wish to thank our library director, Marshall Botwinick, who has been in charge of the Waldinger Library since December of 1975 and has ushered it through many challenging and exciting changes. He is a man with great dedication to his work and to our village." Marshall was joined by his wife Olga.
      "The village's sanitation supervisor John McAvoy started as a laborer back in 1971. He has worked his way up to a sanitation worker and motor equipment operator before being promoted to his present title twelve years ago. Coming to work each day must really feel like coming home for John, because I understand that he grew up in a house on Arlington Avenue that is now the site of our Department of Public Works yard." John's wife, Sharon, accompanied him.
      "Like John McAvoy, John Ogno has been working for the village for thirty years. He started as a seasonal laborer before becoming a full time laborer, a motor equipment operator-sanitation worker, a solid waste facility worker and now a senior motor equipment operator." Pamela, John's wife, joined him.
      "Phyllis Stibitz has also enjoyed a varied career over 26 years with the village, first in the library as a typist-clerk and as a principal library clerk. Then she shifted gears moving to our building department as a senior typist clerk and as clerk to the planning board." Phyllis's grandchildren, Graham and Kelsey, were with her as she received her award.
      "If you asked Frank Torres what he does for the village his answer would be that he is a labor supervisor, but Frank does much more than that job title implies. He is a jack of all trades. He started 26 years ago as a laborer. He has worked as a motor equipment operator, senior motor equipment operator, utility worker, senior utility worker and labor supervisor. His efforts are vital to the operation of our Parks Department, where his experience, common sense and dedication are most valued." Frank was joined by his wife, Pat, and daughter, Jamie."
      The mayor concluded, saying, "On behalf of the Board of Trustees and all village residents we thank you for your long and distinguished careers in service to the village."