Dear Editor:
As President of the Union City Public Library Friends, Inc. and Artistic Director of The Grace Theatre Workshop, Inc., I would like to extend my most sincere gratitude to a few people who have made the lives of many children in our community much richer and our Public Library a much better place to visit.
Library Friends, Inc. Vice President and Grace Theatre Workshop, Inc. Secretary, Gerard Karabin, has worked tirelessly for the past three years in educating Union City’s children. For the past year Jerry has volunteered endless hours and personal funds starting and running an incredibly successful Saturday morning children’s reading program at the Union City Public Library. His mission has always been to show the kids that reading can be fun. With the help of Grace Theatre Board member Sergio Londono and member Frank Bernal; they have made the reading program one to be imitated.
Gerard’s generosity does not end with the countless hours devoted to teaching the children. As the previous Secretary and current Vice President of the Library’s Friends, he is never one to miss Board meetings, and whenever there is an event or a function of any kind, there’s Jerry ready to do most of the work. It’s no wonder Union City Mayor Brian P. Stack and the Board of Commissioners recently honored him with a Proclamation.
I must also extend my gratitude to my “better half”, Megan Smith; without her many of the events of both these organizations could never take place. As Co-Artistic Director of The Grace Theatre Workshop, Inc., she is the heart of the organization. And although she is only a member of the Library Friends, she’s one of the few people that make things happen. With her help in planning and organizing all the Library Friends events, she has helped the Library awake from its slumber.
Jerry, Sergio, Frank and Megan are the kind of people our Library and our community needs. They are people who work! Who make good things happen! They are also people who never ask for anything in return, not even a thank you. To these beautiful individuals, I say thank you, and God Bless You. Know that you are greatly appreciated.
Lucio Fernandez
President, Union City Public Library Friends, Inc.
Artistic Director, The Grace Theatre Workshop, Inc.
Deputy Director, Union City Dept. of Public Affairs