Library friends honor staff

Eighty members of the Friends of Pike County Public Library honored fourteen librarians and volunteers from our three branches at the annual Staff Appreciation Luncheon on Oct. 22. Following a long tradition, we gather each year to show our gratitude to the staff members from Lacawaxen, Dingmans’ and Milford by treating them to a leisurely lunch. This year’s affair was held at the Riverview Inn in Matamoras, and was expertly arranged by Luncheon Chairperson Ann Marie Catalano. Our Library Director, Ellen Schaffner, was unable to attend because she had a day in court due to the Delaware Township debacle. In her absence, Friends President Kenneth Corcoran presented a check to Library Board member Centa Quinn in the amount of $6,000. This money, which is raised primarily from membership dues, bus trips and bake sales, will be earmarked for children’s programs at the various branches. Mrs. Catalano arranged for a musical program to be performed by children from the Milford Hill Learning Center. Since the theme of the luncheon was “We’re All Americans”, the youngsters displayed red, white and blue flags and banners, and were dressed as characters from American History. They sang and paraded their way through the dining room to the delight of the guests. The Friends unanimously elected their Executive Committee for the year 2010. Nominating Committee Chairperson Patricia Corcoran read off the roster as follows: President, Ken Corcoran; Vice-President (pro tem,) Sheila Gabriel, Treasurer, Richard Nachman, and Recording Secretary, Joan Gerland. Next year, 2010, will mark the 30th anniversary of the Friends of PCPL organization. As the Friends and guests enjoyed their delicious luncheon, Ann Marie Catalano awarded many door prizes to lucky winners. At each table setting, a small gift was thoughtfully included. Our Volunteer of the Year for 2009 was our former President, Martyn Freed. Pat Corcoran gave a summary of the reasons why Mr. Freed had been chosen. Martyn has served in almost every capacity in the Friends organization, sometimes wearing several “hats” at the same time. He recruited many new members, including the Corcorans, into the Friends organization. Freed served as President of the Friends for five consecutive years, and worked successfully with several library directors and boards. In addition to the Friends, Martyn is past president of the local AARP branch, and social director for his residence at Heritage Point and for the Matamoras Seniors. A personal gift from the Friends was presented to Martyn, and a special plaque was awarded to him by President Ken Corcoran. Patricia Corcoran, Friends of PCPL Milford