Library honors 84-year-old board retiree

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Before retiring from the Seaford Public Library Board of Trustees at the age of 84, Stephen Gaughran taught computer skills to the library staff, such as using Microsoft Excel to keep track of circulation and inventory statistics.

“Steve is the one who ‘excelified’, for lack of a better word, our monthly library system,” said Peter Ruffner, president of the Library Board.

On Saturday Aug. 4, Gaughran — a retired Nassau Community College computer professor — will be honored for outstanding service as a Seaford Library board member. Before the evening’s 7:30 p.m. Steel Silk Band concert, Gaughran will be presented with the Frank J. Hoschek Memorial Award for 17 years of service to the Library, according to the Library Director Frank McKenna. Gaughran became a board member on Nov. 16, 1999 and retired on Dec. 31, 2015.

Gaughran said he was not officially a board member until after his retirement from NCC, due to his four-nights-a-week teaching schedule.

“I really enjoyed my time…on the board,” Gaughran said.

Mckenna said Gaughran was on the board that hired him back in January 2011. “I’m grateful for that,” said McKenna. “It was just a real pleasure to work with him.”

All 5 board members are volunteers, McKenna said.

Ruffner said Gaughran was always seen together with his wife, Claire. He said the couple makes a wonderful team.

“Steve is the guy you would love to have as your relative, friend, or neighbor,” Ruffner said.

Gaughran said he feels flattered and pleased to be honored.

“I had a lot to do with the library over the years,” Gaughran said.

Mckenna said Gaughran’s name will be printed on the plaque, along with only three other trustees who have received the Frank J. Hoschek award and been recognized as outstanding trustee members. Gaughran will also receive a certificate at the ceremony.

Hoschek was the first Board of Trustees president in 1956, Ruffner said.

McKenna said it was a “great pleasure” to serve alongside Gaughran during his years on the Board.

“He’s a gentleman and a scholar and all around just a very good man,” McKenna said.

The Seaford Chamber of Commerce is sponsoring the Steel Silk Band concert following the brief ceremony for Gaughran, McKenna said. The concert will take place in the town’s parking lot behind the library.

This is the 18th year of summer concerts at the library.