New & Noteworthy @ WHPLibrary

"Staffmember Matthew DeGuglielmis began working as a page in the West Hempstead Public Library starting in June 2000. This is the picture taken of him for his employee badge. To many of us, he was more than a co-worker. He was like a brother, or son, or grandson.

We were privileged to witness his growth into manhood. He was full of spirit and liked to test the limits, and often did so. We will always remember his love for cars, his passion for life, and the courage with which he met each day.

We mourn his loss on December 10, 2007." Linda Joe

"Matt had dreams. One he shared with me was his hope to find a career or job in which he could help others. He considered working in some capacity in patient support, knowing that his experiences made him well-qualified to support and encourage the sick or disabled.

Matt was a Yankees fan, but he was gentle with us suffering Mets loyalists. He endured our teasing as he pursued his driver's permit and license. He loved to strut his car around the library parking lot - putting all our non-descript vehicles to shame." Barbara Dreher

"Matt was a special friend to me. I plan the adult programs and his first words to me when he came to work were, 'OK, so what do we have today and where do I set up?'

I guess you could say he was my sergeant at arms and more than that, my buddy. I always called him 'Mattress' and he thought that was so funny. Matt was a great kid with a wonderful smile and a multitude of problems, yet showed great strength and never whined. I will always be thankful that I was lucky to have his friendship and will remember him with fondness and love.

His folks did a great job raising him." Beni Argis

"I'll remember Matt with fondness and love. When he first came to work with us as a page, Matt was so easy to train. He was enthusiastic and took to 'paging' with intelligence and a quiet demeanor. He was very polite as a young boy of 16!" Ruth Weber

"Matt will always be remembered to me as 'Buddy'. When I first met him several years ago, we hit it off big. For some reason, I called him Buddy and every time after that I, along with my children, would always exclaim 'BU-DDY!!!' to greet him.

When I worked at night, we would always talk about everything, from cars to girls. I remember him planning for his prom - it brought back memories. Since I didn't have a brother, it was like him looking up to me for advice. I also remember the Mustang, especially when he installed the air induction unit- he wanted more horsepower! Matt would tell of his dad's plans for the car and how he wanted different modifications.

I'll miss him, as we all will. God bless you Buddy, and my prayers go out to your family. Rest in Peace." Tommy Mascia

"Matt was a source of light for our library with his youthful charm and friendliness. He was a brave young man whose personal battle with cancer infused him with an empathy for the 'patient.' This was to be a path for a future vocation...if only. Miss you, Matt." Peggy Libby

"We will always remember Matt's infectious smile and constant friendliness. He will be always missed and never forgotten." Dave Whelpley

Please join us on Sunday, January 13, at 1 p.m. when we dedicate the Children's Program Room in the new library to the memory of Merrill Skrocki and unveil a mural, by artist Ginny Sena, designed to evoke Mrs. Skrocki's interests and spirit.

Merrill Skrocki was an important member of the Children's Room staff from June 1994 until February 2002. She was a natural assisting children and finding the right books. She lead storytimes, established our popular Summmer Reading Club guessing game, and was editor of the library's newsletter.

We remember her love of children's literature, her quiet presence, her sparkle, and her humor. The new mural in the Children's Program Room reflects her ability to capture her storytime audience with a good book as well as her love of frogs. Kids who came to her storytime will remember "Freddy."

Join with us on Friday, February 1, 2008, as WHPLibrary staff participates in National Wear Red Day—a day when Americans will wear red to show their support for women's heart disease awareness. Unfortunately, the "Heart Truth" is that women don't take their risk of heart disease seriously—or personally.

Women often fail to make the connection between risk factors, such as high blood pressure and high cholesterol, and their own chance of developing heart disease. The "Heart Truth" is that one in four women dies of heart disease. Heart disease can also lead to disability and a significantly decreased quality of life.

What's a Red Dress got to do with it? It's a simple visual alert to get the message heard loud and clear: "Heart Disease Doesn't Care What You Wear—It's the #1 Killer of Women."

The Heart Truth campaign is sponsored by the National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute, part of the National Institutes of Health, U.S. Department of Health and Human Services.

For National Wear Red Day ideas and resources available in Spanish, go to the en español page.

For more information:
FAQ on Heart Disease: US Dept. of Health & Human Services
Heart Disease in Women: Medline
Online Heart Checkup: American Heart Association
Ten Questions to ask your Doctor: Laura Bush

Thanks to all the West Hempsted Public Library staff who participated in National Wear Red Day on February 1, 2008 to support heart disease awareness for women.