farmingdale chamber of commerce newsletter...margaret bertolotti for her decades of service to the...
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BOARD OF DIRECTORS
Joseph Garcia, President Weichert Realtors Performance Homes (516) 449-2028 ♦ [email protected]
Beth Mignone*, Executive Vice President Mignone’s Masonry (631) 270-4265 ♦ [email protected]
Kathy Lively, Vice President Farmingdale Public Schools (516) 967-4028 ♦ [email protected]
Joseph Minieri, Vice President MassMutual (631) 851-5787 ♦ [email protected]
Victoria LeFayt, Secretary Gold Coast Bank (631) 465-9130 ♦ [email protected]
Suzanne LoBiondo, CPA, Treasurer (516) 791-1303 ♦ [email protected]
Joel Blitzer Brooks Waterburn Corp (516) 997-9800 ♦ [email protected]
Albert Celeste Weichert Realtor and Licensed Public Adjuster (516) 369-5127 ♦ [email protected]
Ralph Ekstrand Moby Drugs (516) 249-0268 ♦ [email protected]
Suzanne D’Amico Inspired by CJA Photography (516) 319-6634 ♦ [email protected]
Dan Kornfeld 2SK Marketing & Public Relations (516) 384-2057 ♦ [email protected]
Ken Marcus Marcus Family Agency - Allstate Insurance Co. (516) 753-2600 ♦ [email protected]
Gregory Muir Cardworks Acquiring (516) 279-7814 ♦ [email protected]
Debbie Podolski* Farmingdale Public Library (516) 249-9010 ♦ [email protected]
Dave Saul Marketing Masters NY (516) 987-5001 ♦ [email protected]
William Trudden / Rosemary Trudden McCourt & Trudden Funeral Home (516) 249-1303 ♦ [email protected]
Mark Wenzel YES Community Counseling Center (516) 799-3203 ♦ [email protected]
Jo Wider, Administrator (516) 286-7800 ♦ [email protected]
Member of the Nassau Council of Chambers of Commerce *Past President
January 2020 | Volume 67, No. 1
Farmingdale Chamber of Commerce Newsletter
Installation of Officers and Directors at the Chamber’s Holiday Party on December 4 at the Heritage Club at Bethpage. Photo courtesy of Bill Moseley, BBA Photography.
Wow, 2020 sounded like the distant future at one time, yet here we are. As we look back over 2019 I think we have had an amazing year as a Chamber Of Commerce. So many events, so many new members, bringing our membership roster to an all-time high of 252, and lots of opportunities.
We had the pleasure of doing a Ribbon Cutting on Small Busi-ness Saturday for Striking 101. We had great attendance, and it was nice to see so many people walking up and down Main St on a windy cool day. I’m sure all of our businesses around Farmingdale saw an increase in traffic that day.
Our annual Holiday Parade was a great success as well. The streets were full of spectators and Santa Claus was busy taking photos and requests from the kids (I think I saw a few adults sneak in). Thanks to all who helped put it on, especially Suzanne LoBiando, CPA for organizing and Dr. Walter Priestley for his starring role as Santa.
On behalf of the board of directors and all of our members, I would like to thank Margaret Bertolotti for her decades of service to the chamber and wish her well in retirement. I’m also happy to welcome new members Albert Celeste, Victoria LeFayt, and Greg Muir to the Board. I look forward to working with you all, along with our returning board members.
Congratulations to Sam Liu of Burrito Mariachi, this year’s Presidents Award recipi-ent and Joe Minieri of MassMutual, the Vic Lambert Volunteer of the Year award recipient. It is through the great work of so many members that we keep the Cham-ber a group worth belonging to. Also this year, we awarded $500 and the Non-Profit of the Year award to YES Community Counseling Center.
I’m very excited to continue our work from last year. This year we are expanding our Lunch General Meeting schedule to include July and August and planning Hap-py Hour Networking Events now. We are hoping to make 2020 the best year yet! Be sure to save the date for the Farmingdale Community Summit Expo and Health Fair being held at Farmingdale High School on March 19th and the Chamber’s Annual Comedy Night Fundraiser at 317 Main Street on March 26th.
If I, or the Chamber, can help in anyway, just call! My cell phone is 516-449-2028.
A Word from the President - Joseph Garcia
Farmingdale Chamber of Commerce Newsletter January 2020 | Volume 67, No. 1 Page 2
Meet our Board of Directors The Farmingdale Chamber of Commerce Officers and Board of Directors are committed to serving the greater Farmingdale business community.
Joseph Garcia, President
Weichert Realtors - Performance Homes
Joseph Garcia purchased his home in Farmingdale in 2005, a year after graduating from St. John’s University. He is married to his High School
sweetheart, Stephanie, and they have two amazing sons.
Joe has been a licensed Real Estate Agent and Loan Officer for 15 years, during which time he has helped his father, Anthony, and brother, Jared,
grow their family business into one of the area’s most successful independent real estate agencies. They joined the Weichert franchise system last year to help further grow the business, and take advantage of the most aggressive and creative marketing system in
Real Estate.
Joseph Garcia is known for outstanding responsiveness, exceptional client service, and for
being totally honest with his clients.
Beth Mignone, Executive Vice President
Mignone's Masonry
Beth Mignone is the president of Mignone's Masonry, a family owned and operated masonry business established in Farmingdale in 1988. Beth was born and raised in Farmingdale where she and her husband, Tony, continue
to live with their four daughters.
Beth has been a dedicated member of the Chamber since 2008 and
served as the chamber’s president from 2013 to 2017.
Kathy Lively, Vice President
Farmingdale Public Schools
Kathy Lively has lived in the Farmingdale community for over 35 years. Throughout these years, she has volunteered her time in many community organizations, advocating for our students and the Farmingdale community. She currently serves on many committees as a Trustee on the Farmingdale Board of Education and as Executive Vice President on Farmingdale Youth
Council. Kathy is proud to be a Daler!
Joseph Minieri, Vice President
MassMutual
Joseph is a financial services representative whose goal is to provide fami-lies and business owners with assistance in building their financial freedom. He has the skills, knowledge and experience required to help meet his client's established goals. Joe's personal goal is to become a lifetime re-
source for each and every client.
Suzanne LoBiondo, Treasurer
Suzanne M. LoBiondo, CPA P.C.
Suzanne LoBiondo is the Owner at Suzanne M. LoBiondo, CPA P.C, a Farm-ingale based CPA firm. Suzanne has over 30 years of tax and accounting experience, specializing in individual and small business compliance and
planning.
Suzanne was previously a tax partner in a large Long Island based CPA firm, where she oversaw the administration of the Firm's 200-person tax department. While her main responsibility was for its entire tax compliance practice, she also spearheaded the
firm's efforts to stay on the cutting-edge of electronic tax software and filing requirements.
Suzanne received her BBA in Accounting from Hofstra University in 1986 and her MS in
Taxation from C.W. Post in 1994.
Victoria LeFayt, Secretary
Gold Coast Bank
Victoria LeFayt is a Vice President at Gold Coast Bank. She has been an active member of the chamber’s membership committee and is newly elect-
ed to the Board of Directors as the chamber’s Secretary.
Officers
Farmingdale Chamber of Commerce Newsletter January 2020 | Volume 67, No. 1 Page 3
Directors
Joel Blitzer, Brooks Waterburn Corp
Joel has been working in the Insurance industry since 1989. He holds a B.S. degree in business from the C.W. Post campus of Long Island Univer-sity. Upon graduating, he held the positions of senior underwriter for Aet-na Life and Casualty, Senior Multi-National Underwriter for AIG. and later became an Independent Insurance Agent. Joel joined Brooks-Waterburn in 2001 as Commercial Lines Manager and became Vice President in 2004. Joel is co-creator of the “Laundromat Success Pro-
gram”, Brooks-Waterburn’s premier industry program for Laundromat owners nationwide.
He is also the current president and founder of a local BNI chapter.
In his free time, he enjoys traveling, cooking, dining out and entertaining with his wife, two children and friends. He is a former VP of a local youth soccer league, a member of his community chamber of commerce and attends many local civic meetings to address topics
within the community.
Albert Celeste, Weichert Realtor and Licensed Public Adjuster
After graduating Farmingdale High School in 1977, Albert joined the USAF where he spent 4 years as a Crew Chief on C-130's. He worked at Solomon Brothers in NYC (4yrs); earned his Series 7 license in October of 1987 and eventually spent the next 9 years with Prudential, Citibank and Chase Bank. Albert eventually became a Licensed Public Insurance Adjust-er. He is a consumer advocate for Homeowners and Business Owners who have property claims AGAINST their insurance company. After 22 years
of Claims, Albert felt he needed to add to his repetoire and Real Estate seemed like the natural fit. He is thrilled to be involved with the Weichert Realtors Performance Homes.
Suzanne D'Amico, Inspired by CJA Photography
Suzanne is the owner and creative photographer of Inspired by CJA Pho-tography. Specializing in newborn, child and family photography, her
goal is to capture the most memorable moments in family life.
Suzanne is a Farmingdale resident and currently serves as a Trustee on the Farmingdale School Board of Education in addition to serving on
many various committees in the Farmingdale community.
Ralph Ekstrand, Past President
Moby Drugs
Ralph has been a chamber member since 1986 serving in many official positions on the board. He is an active member of Farmingdale and the surrounding community and, most notably, has served as Farmingdale's
Mayor since 2012.
Dan Kornfeld, 2SK Marketing & Public Relations
Dan Kornfeld is the owner of 2SK Marketing and Public Relations, a unique company specializing in small to medium businesses. 2SK helps its clients understand their customers and markets and then utilizes the proper mix of marketing, social media and their unique community outreach pro-
gram to accomplish their clients goals.
Brought up in hardworking blue collar family environment that instilled giving back to the community, Dan serves on the board of many service
organizations from the local chamber of commerce to the Nassau County Police Activity League. His involvement in the community has morphed into a unique perspective and advantage that he uses for his clients to increase community awareness and help them
succeed.
Ken Marcus, Marcus Family Agency - Allstate Insurance Co.
Ken is the owner of Marcus Family Agency, an Allstate Insurance compa-ny. Ken has been very active in the Farmingdale community since acquir-ing this office in 2011 in addition to his involvement with the Ocular Immu-nology and Uveitis Foundation, Breast Cancer Research Foundation,
Moxxie Mentoring Foundation and Blessings in a Backpack.
continued next page
Farmingdale Chamber of Commerce Newsletter January 2020 | Volume 67, No. 1 Page 4
Nassau County Local Law 7-2019 - Polystyrene Foam Container Ban Effective January 1, 2020
The Nassau County Polystyrene (Styrofoam) container ban begins January 1, 2020 and encompasses, among other items, all single-use food service items (such as coffee cups and clamshell containers) made with polystyrene foam. Products made with polystyrene foam are typically labeled with the recycling chasing arrows symbol surrounding the number 6 and followed by the letters “PS.”
If you have any questions, please contact the Nassau County Department of Consumer Affairs:: Gregory A. May, Commissioner [email protected] (516) 571-6005
Directors continued from previous page
Gregory Muir Cardworks Acquiring Greg Muir has been in the Merchant Services Industry for more than 8 + years. He started his career is the cash advance industry and that lead him into the credit card processing field. Greg got into the healthcare industry and was dealing with Top Level executives which led him to closing 15 + deals per month. His highlight as a sales rep was closing a major healthcare facility which gave him 125 + plus accounts over a 4 month period. Now he
works with several different Associations to make sure that local businesses are accepting credit cards in the most efficient way and could save merchants up to 50% on their current fees.
Deborah Podolski, Past President Farmingdale Public Library Director of the Farmingdale Public Library 2002- present Community Activities: Past President of the Farmingdale Chamber of Com-merce 2007-2011, Farmingdale Breakfast Rotary Club member 2003 - present, Rotary District 7255 District Secretary 2005, Farmingdale Commu-nity Summit Council Recording Secretary 2003 - present. Recognition: 2008 Assemblyman Joseph Saladino Woman of Distinction, 2011 Legislator Jo-
seph Belisi Woman of Distinction. Professional affiliations: American Library Association, Nassau County Library Association - past president 2007. New York Library Association, New Yorkers for Better Libraries Steering Committee.
David Saul, Marketing Masters NY David is a strategic, results oriented Marketing & Market Research Profes-sional with diverse skills; an expert client liaison; able to establish and strengthen relationships in order to grow revenue. He has extensive experi-ence strategically working with both large Fortune 500 companies and small to midsize local businesses to identify opportunities, analyze the com-petitive environment, maximize marketing efforts and seize new avenues; all designed to increase profitability and build brand image. Rosemary Trudden, McCourt & Trudden Funeral Home Rosemary has been a Farmingdale resident for over 40 years. Her philoso-phy, building a better business goes hand in hand with building a better community, resulted in her becoming a leader in many community groups. Rosemary has worked tirelessly to make Farmingdale a wonderful place to live, work and play. William Trudden, McCourt & Trudden Funeral Home Bill is a fourth generation funeral director stretching back to 1927. Like his parents before him, he is actively involved in the Farmingdale community. Along with his service to the chamber, Bill is a past president and member of the Farmingdale Rotary Club, a member of the Farmingdale Knights of Columbus and proudly serves on the Farmingdale Village Planning Board. Mark Wenzel, YES Community Counseling Center Mark is the Assistant Director of YES Community Counseling Center for more than 30 years. The agency serves southeastern Nassau County through 2 offices, Massapequa and Levittown. Services include substance abuse pre-vention and treatment programs, counseling services for Adolescents and families, and support programs through the local schools. For more infor-mation go to www.yesccc.org
Farmingdale Chamber of Commerce Newsletter January 2020 | Volume 67, No. 1 Page 5
ADT Security Services Ali Baba Halal Quick Mart Alibi Speakeasy & Lounge Chick-fil-A Corporate Expense Reduction Farmingdale Gymnastics Academy Le Slice
Merrill Lynch RAV Auto Inc St Joseph Hospital The Homestead Total Physical Therapy of Massapequa Ultimate Ninja Warrior VFW Post 516 Auxiliary
Welcome to our New Members 10/6/19 - 12/16/19
Thank you for renewing your membership
American Protection Bureau
B & B's Lock Technicians
Dunkin Donuts
Express Employment Professionals
Farmingdale United Methodist Church
FUMC Nursery School
Goldfish Swim School
Greybarn
Hardscrabble Realty
Investment Insight Wealth Management
Living Faith Christian Church
MB Dancers
McDonald's
Men on the Move
Merritt Bakery
Metadure Parts & Sales Inc.
New Life Assembly of God
Palmer's American Grille
RoadRunner Auto Transport
Sakki Computers Inc.
School of Rock Farmingdale
St. Luke's Lutheran Church & Pre-School
The Halal Guys
The Lawn Butler
Windowrama
Publicity and Sponsorship Opportunities
The Chamber is hosting our TENTH annual Comedy Night on Thursday, March 26, 2020 at 317 Main Street. Every year the Chamber recognizes Farmingdale High School students’ achievements by awarding scholarships for college. The proceeds from this event will go towards this year’s scholarship awards.
We are seeking Event SPONSORS. The cost to sponsor Comedy Night is $200. Spon-sors will be promoted in all event print and online promotions and on posters dis-played throughout the community. In addition, sponsors receive 2 tickets to the event that they can use themselves or raffle off to their customers, clients or staff.
Donations of Gift Baskets or Gift Certificates to be used as raffle prizes are also needed. All donors will be promoted in the evening's program and signs will be dis-played with your donation.
Please contact Jo Wider (516) 286-7800 or email [email protected] if you can assist in any way.
SAVE THE DATE for our Annual Comedy Night!
Thursday, March 26, 2020
Farmingdale Chamber of Commerce Newsletter January 2020 | Volume 67, No. 1 Page 6
Celebrating Business in Farmingdale
Business is booming in Farmingdale and the chamber is always proud to be on hand to help celebrate!
Jersey Mike’s Subs First Anniversary Celebration at1280 Broadhollow Rd Farmingdale. Photo courtesy of Bill Moseley, BBA Photography.
Farmingdale Public Library celebrated 25 years in their ‘new’ location at 116 Merritts Rd, Farmingdale. Photo courtesy of Bill Moseley, BBA Photography.
Grand opening of The Homestead, 2120 Broadhollow Rd, Farmingdale. Photo courtesy of Bill Moseley, BBA Photography.
January 2020 | Volume 67, No. 1 Page 7 Farmingdale Chamber of Commerce Newsletter
Is your business celebrating a milestone event? Visit the Membership tab on our website
FarmingdaleNYChamber.org to Request a Ribbon Cutting!
Small Business Saturday grand opening of Striking 101 located at 248 Main St, Farmingdale. Photo courtesy of Bill Moseley, BBA Photography.
Grand opening of Ali Baba Halal (Quick Mart), 756 Main Street, Farmingdale. Photo by Sean M. Fitzthum courtesy of NYS Assemblyman John Mikulin.
Grand opening of Chick-fil-A, 1991 Broadhollow Road, Farmingdale.
Farmingdale Chamber of Commerce Newsletter January 2020 | Volume 67, No. 1 Page 8
Farmingdale Chamber of Commerce Newsletter January 2020 | Volume 67, No. 1 Page 9
Upcoming Events
Hosting an event? Members can add their special events directly to the cham-ber’s online event calendar! Events posted on our calendar are automatically pushed out to our Facebook and Twitter accounts for even more publicity! Log in to the chamber’s member information center and follow the links in the “Welcome Message” to add your event. farmingdalenychamber.chambermaster.com/login
After Hours Networking Events
These are informal networking events. The member provides complimentary appe-tizers. Cash Bar. There is no charge to attend but please register by visiting the EVENTS tab on the chamber’s website. www.FarmingdaleNYChamber.org
January Wednesday January 15 | 5:30 - 7:30 pm Sal's Place, 1495 Hicksville Rd., N. Massapequa, NY
February Thursday February 13 | 5:30 - 7:30 pm Charlotte’s Speakeasy, 294 Main St, Farmingdale, NY
March Tuesday, March 10 | 5:30 - 7:30 pm Verona Ristorante, 1255 Melville Road Farmingdale NY
Luncheon Meetings
Thursday, January 9| 12 Noon | $25 317 Main Street, 317 Main St, Farmingdale, NY
Hands-on review of the marketing features of our membership software. Bring your cell phone. We’ll also share tips on how to maximize your membership benefits.
Thursday, February 6 | 12 Noon | $25 Harley’s American Grille, 283 Main St, Farmingdale, NY
Speaker: Dr. Walter Priestley
Topic: State of the Village of Farmingdale
Thursday, March 5 | 12 Noon | $25 Wild Rose Bar & Grill, 1660 New Highway, Farmingdale NY
Thursday, April 2 | 12 Noon | $25 That Meetball Place, 206 Main St, Farmingdale NY
If you would like to be a guest speaker at a meeting, please contact Suzanne LoBiondo as soon as possible. Limited openings are available. Suzanne can be
reached at (516) 791-1303 or email [email protected]
Please contact Albert Celeste if your business would like to host a networking
event in 2020. Limited dates are available. Call Albert at (516) 369-5127
or email [email protected]
Ribbon Cuttings
Friday, January 17 | 12 Noon AFC Urgent Care Grand Opening 1037 Fulton St, Farmingdale, NY
Friday, January 24 | 12:30 PM Farmingdale Gymnastics Academy 10th Anniversary Celebration 121 Carolyn Blvd, Farmingdale, NY
The date has been set for
FARMINGDALE’S ST PATRICK’S DAY PARADE
MARCH 15, 2020
More details will soon be available on the chamber’s event calendar www.farmingnychamber.org
Farmingdale Chamber of Commerce Newsletter January 2020 | Volume 67, No. 1 Page 10
Chamber Committees The more you put into your chamber membership, the more you will get out of it. One way to get more involved is by joining a committee. Committee work is an easy way to increase your local visibility, build credibility, and expand your contacts. The chamber has several options to volunteer at varying levels of commitment. Below is a brief description of each committee opportunity. To suggest future areas of focus, please contact chamber president, Joe Garcia (516) 449-2028 ♦ [email protected]. To join a committee, please send an email to [email protected]. Membership Committee: The membership committee focuses on increasing and enhancing Chamber membership, and other initiatives aimed at recruitment and retention of members. Ribbon Cuttings: We love welcoming new businesses to the Farmingdale com-munity. This committee organizes and attends ribbon cutting ceremonies for new businesses and members who are celebrating a milestone anniversary or who have relocated within the community.
Special Events - Comedy Night: Comedy Night is the chamber’s primary fund-raiser and the committee can always use a helping hand. Proceeds from this event are used to fund scholarships to Farmingdale High School seniors and other community projects. Special Events - Community Shredding Event: The chamber engages a mo-bile shredding truck to come to Farmingdale to help residents protect their identity. Committee members greet residents, give direction, and collect dona-tions. Special Events - Halloween: This committee is focused on creating a child-safe community celebration. Special Events - Holiday Parade: This committee organizes the chamber’s an-nual Holiday Parade and visit with Santa.
Any suggestions?
Contact a Board member to share your ideas!
Or email [email protected]
Farmingdale Chamber of Commerce Newsletter January 2020 | Volume 67, No. 1 Page 11
Farmingdale Chamber of Commerce Multi-Chamber Event Raised $4,650 for Veteran Support Groups
Farmingdale Chamber of Commerce hosted our second “Salute to Veterans” Multichamber Networking at the American AirPower Museum in November. This event, the brainchild of Kim Poulos Leiberz of KGI Design group, enabled mem-bers from Chambers of Commerce across Long Island to network and learn a bit about various Veteran Support groups. As an added bonus, those attending were offered tours of the museum by dedicated American Airpower Museum volunteers.
The event raised over $4,650 through sponsorships and tickets sales which was completely donated back to these Veteran Support Groups:
Thank you to the chamber members who supported Kim and her committee, Ron Barbis of the American Airpower Museum for use of the space, Jersey Mike’s Subs and PDQ for donating all of the food, The Nutty Irishman and 317 Main Street for donating the beer, soda and a server and American Legion Post 449 for serving as our color guard. We are also grateful to all of our members who attended, and especially the sponsors, for their support:
Blink Fitness Brooks Waterburn Corp
Burrito Mariachi Candy's Jewelers
Daleview Care Center Gott Management Services, Inc
Kahn, Ferrari & Aldieri DDS
McCourt & Trudden Funeral Home Metadure Parts & Sales Inc.
Orangetheory Fitness ScrubzBody Skin Care Products Starkie Brothers Garden Center
Verona Ristorante Weichert Realtors Performance Homes
Member News
Integrative Health and Wellness is offering Farmingdale Chamber Members 20% off any laser hair removal. 320 Conklin St, Farmingdale (516) 220-7764
American AirPower Museum American Legion Post 449 Angels for Warriors Honor Flight Long Island
S:US Services for the Underserved Team RWB Long Island United Veterans Beacon House VFW Auxiliary Post 516
PRSRT STD
U.S. POSTAGE
PAID
PERMIT #250
FARMINGDALE, NY
11735
F A R M I N G D A L E C H A M B E R O F C O M M E R C E
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P.O. Box 1166, Farmingdale, NY 11735
Phone: 516-286-7800
E-mail: [email protected]
www.FarmingdaleNYChamber.org
2020 Calendar of Events
January 9 12 Noon January Luncheon Meeting, 317 Main Street, 317 Main St, Farmingdale, NY
January 15 5:30 - 7:30 pm After Hours Networking at Sal's Place, 1495 Hicksville Rd., N. Massapequa, NY
January 17 12 Noon Ribbon Cutting AFC Urgent Care,1037 Fulton St, Farmingdale, NY
January 24 12:30 pm Ribbon Cutting Farmingdale Gymnastics Academy, 121 Carolyn Blvd, Farmingdale, NY
February 6 12 Noon February Luncheon Meeting, Harley’s American Grille, 283 Main St, Farmingdale, NY
February 13 5:30 - 7:30 pm After Hours Networking at Charlotte’s Speakeasy, 294 Main St, Farmingdale, NY
March 5 12 Noon March Luncheon Meeting, Wild Rose Bar & Grill, 1660 New Highway, Farmingdale
March 10 5:30 - 7:30 pm After Hours Networking at Verona Ristorante, 1255 Melville Road Farmingdale NY
March 15 TBA Farmingdale Village St. Patrick’s Day Parade
March 19 6 - 8:30 pm Community Summit Expo and Health Fair, Farmingdale High School
March 26 6:00 pm Farmingdale Chamber’s Annual Comedy Night
April 2 12 Noon April Luncheon Meeting, That Meetball Place, 206 Main St, Farmingdale NY
May 7 12 Noon May Luncheon Meeting, TBA
June 4 12 Noon June Luncheon Meeting, TBA
BOARD OF DIRECTORS MEETINGS: January 16, February 13, March 12 (Library 8:45AM)