One of oldest sewer districts on Long Island, the Oyster Bay Sewer District celebrated 75 years of service to the community this past August. To mark the occasion, the district opened its door to elected officials, the media, community leaders and the public at large for an informational guided tour.

Hosted by Oyster Bay Sewer District Commis-sioner Thomas D. Galasso, morning ceremonies were held outdoors in front of the district administrative offices on Bay Avenue. Among others, Galasso thanked fellow commissioners James P. Murphy, Jr. and Joseph G. Pecora, PE, as well as sewer district Superintendent Thomas Rossetti and the entire district staff for their hard work and commitment to preserving and protecting the Oyster Bay Harbor. He also gave a warm welcome and thank you to former Commissioner David Layton, who was in attendance.

Words of praise and congratulations were delivered by keynote speaker Oyster Bay Town Councilman Angelo Delligatti, who was Town Supervisor when the district underwent a $6 million renovation project in the 1990s.

"After 15 years on the town board, I have seen first hand how hard the commissioners have worked," Delligatti said. "It is not an accident the Oyster Bay Harbor is as clean as it is. Congratulations on a great job and keep up the good work."

Oyster Bay Councilman Anthony Macagnone presented district officials with a proclamation on behalf of the entire town board in honor of the occasion.

"Too many times people take for granted the important job you perform," stated Macagnone. "Thank you for the great work you are doing."

Gary Loesch, PE, Executive Vice President of H2M, consulting engineers and architects for the district, provided an overview of how the facility operates, calling the district "the guardian of the Oyster Bay Harbor since 1926." He pointed out how spotless the plant and the grounds are kept, a clear sign of how much pride is taken in the operation of the facility. He also cited the district's 1998 NY State Department of Environmental Conservation "Operations and Maintenance Award."

Mr. Loesch presented former Commissioner David Layton with a plaque for his more than 30 years of service to the sewer district. Commissioners Galasso, Murphy and Pecora were presented with plaques as well.

State Senator Carl Marcellino, always a strong supporter of the Oyster Bay Sewer District, also presented a proclamation and offered his sincerest congratulations. Senator Marcellino recently secured a $500,000 grant for the district to assist with the revitalization of its West End Avenue section.

"This is not the first time the senator has helped us get funding," stated Commissioner Galasso. "He has been a friend to the district for a long time and we are always grateful for his help."

Other elected officials also in attendance for the 75th anniversary celebration were Oyster Bay Councilman Joseph Muscarella, Bayville Mayor Victoria Siegel, Centre Island Mayor John Williams, NY State Supreme Court Justice Roy Mahon and Acting NY State Supreme Court Justice John M. Galasso.

Following morning festivities, tours were conducted throughout the day for anyone interested in getting a first hand look at the operation.