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A lasting tribute to Gary Schoell Gary,” Iovino said. “He was a friend to the community. He was always there as a coach, as a supFamily, friends and neighbors porter, as a steadfast rock.” The bench was donated in g athered at the Oceanside Library’s outdoor patio on March Schoell’s honor and will serve as 8 for a memorial bench dedication a permanent tribute to his dedication to lifelong learning, organizhonoring the life and legacy of longtime community member ers of the March 8 ceremony said. Chris Marra, the library’s Gary Schoell. The heart-warming ceremony director, said the memorial reflects the values — hosted by the Schoell championed Friends of the during his years of Oceanside Library service to the organiand the Oceanside zation. Council of PTAs — “It is an honor to celebrated Schoell’s have this bench at decades of quiet serthe library, that will vice to the communiprovide comfort, joy ty and recognized his and lear ning to lasting impact on the patrons of all ages,” library and town he Mar ra said. “We called home for nearthank Gary Schoell ly four decades. and his family for all Schoell, 66, died his contributions. It’s Feb. 5, 2021, after a a true honor.” battle with pancreatSchoell’s wife, ic cancer. A devoted MICHAEL SCHOELL Sandie, serves as a h u s b a n d , f a t h e r, Son trustee on the grandfather and volOceanside Board of unteer, Schoell was remembered as someone whose Education and has long been contributions often happened active in numerous community behind the scenes but were deep- organizations. The Oceanside Council of ly felt by those around him. Tony Iovino, the library’s for- PTAs also supported the dedicamer assistant director, opened the tion and helped fund the bench. Tara Brasch, the council’s past ceremony, reflecting on Schoell’s role in shaping the library and president, said the Schoell family’s commitment to Oceanside the community. “We are delighted to finally be extends far beyond any single able to recognize our good friend CONTINUED ON PAGE 7
By ABIGAIL GRIECO
agrieco@liherald.com
Town of Hempstead office/Joe Lobascio
The Island Park Fire Department supported Jessica Koenig, eighth from left, and Alfred “Uncle Al” Boulton, center, at the Kiwanis Club’s inaugural Everyday Hero Celebration on March 10.
Saluting everyday heroes in I.P. By ABIGAIL GRIECO agrieco@liherald.com
The Island Park Kiwanis Club hosted its first-ever Everyday Hero Celebration last week at the public library, honoring two community members whose years of service have quietly shaped life in the village. Jessica Koenig is the director of the Island Park Public Library, and Alfred “Uncle Al” Boulton is a longtime member of the Fire Department. Officials and residents gathered at the library to celebrate the honorees on March 10, and Nassau County Legislator Laura Ryder presented them with official citations. Mayor Michael McGinty praised Boulton’s decades of commitment to the community. “On a personal level, I’m incredibly proud to know you,” McGinty said. “I’m incredibly proud of the example you set for all of the young men and women here in the village. We are deeply appreciative of all your service.” The mayor presented both honorees with ceremonial keys and commendations.
A library, and more
Koenig was recognized for more than a decade of leadership at the library, which organizers said she helped transform into a central hub of community life. But Kiwanis President Karen Davis said that Koenig’s impact goes well beyond managing a library. “For more than a decade, Jessica has helped
shape our library into far more than a building filled with books,” Davis said. “Through thoughtful programming, a welcoming environment and strong leadership, it has become a true community hub.” Under Koenig’s leadership, the facility has hosted a wide range of programs and events that bring together residents of all ages, including outdoor summer concerts, classic car shows, educational workshops and youth activities. The library also partners with local organizations such as the PTA and the Boy Scouts and Girl Scouts. Children’s Librarian Theresa McCarthy described Koenig as a hands-on leader who prioritizes both staff and community members. “Jessica truly cares about creating a positive experience for every patron of the library, from our very tiniest visitors to our active senior community,” McCarthy said in a statement read during the ceremony. She noted that Koenig frequently works directly with visitors, assists with programs and participates in events such as children’s clubs and holiday activities. “Most library directors spend their time in an office,” McCarthy said. “At Island Park Library, you’ll rarely find Jessica sitting still. She has her pulse on every aspect of the building.” Koenig, 62, who is expected to retire in June, thanked the community for its support and CONTINUED ON PAGE 10
H
e cared so deeply about being part of the community and doing right by the people around him.