Garden City Man Recognized For Nearly 24 Years Of Dedicated Service To Library

GARDEN CITY, NY — Randy Colahan was presented with a citation on behalf of the Village for his dedicated service on the Library Board of Trustees.

Colahan has provided nearly 24 years of service to the Garden City Library.

He was first appointed to the Board in 2002 and served as chairman for 18 years beginning in 2007. He will serve as Trustee until his term ends on Dec. 31.

He has been in attendance for more than 275 meetings, as well as many executive sessions and Village Hall budget hearings. He attended his final meeting on Dec. 8.

Library Board Vice Chair Mary Maguire led the meeting in Chair Colleen Foley’s
absence, and thanked Colahan for his mentorship of newly appointed Trustees, including herself.

"He responded to every incident that occurred in the Library during his 18 years as chairman, whether a leak in the roof or a disruptive patron," she said. "We are filled with gratitude and pride in your accomplishments. You set a remarkable example for all of us to follow.”

Mayor Ed Finneran presented Trustee Colahan with a citation on behalf of the Village. Part of the citation read: “His executive and management experience has provided invaluable levels of understanding and empathy, which has helped make the Garden City Public Library a warm, welcoming place for all."

“We all know what it takes in terms of time, dedication, and being away from home,” Finneran said. “Having a person like Randy, who’s probably one of a handful who have served for nearly a quarter century, we are exceptionally lucky for his dedication and for the sacrifices his family made.”

Colahan received an engraved gavel set from the library and proclamations from U.S. Congresswoman Laura Gillen, U.S. Senator Chuck Schumer, State Senator Siela A. Bynoe, State Assemblyman Edward P. Ra, Hempstead Town Supervisor John Ferretti, and Nassau County Legislator John J. Giuffré.

Colahan thanked those in attendance, including his wife Elena, his daughter Claire Long, and his sister Laurie Burke.

“Something that comes out of this is all the friendships I've been able to develop," he said. "Hopefully, I will continue to see you in years going forward,” he said.