[Congressional Record Volume 168, Number 73 (Tuesday, May 3, 2022)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Pages E451-E452]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




   IN RECOGNITION OF THE LONG BRANCH FREE PUBLIC LIBRARY 1OTH ANNUAL 
                           LIBRARY CHAMPIONS

                                 ______
                                 

                        HON. FRANK PALLONE, JR.

                             of new jersey

                    in the house of representatives

                          Tuesday, May 3, 2022

  Mr. PALLONE. Madam Speaker, I rise today to congratulate Senator Cory 
Booker, Veronica Buffaloe-Stubbs, Peggy Cadigan, Sergeant Kimberly 
Leavy and Monmouth Medical Center as they were recognized as Library 
Champions by the Long Branch Free Public Library on April 29, 2022.
  Each year, the Long Branch Free Public Library recognizes those who 
are committed to the success of the library, and libraries in general, 
with its Library Champions Dinner and Awards. These individuals and 
entities promote library programs and resources and support its 
objectives. Senator Booker, Veronica Buffaloe-Stubbs, Peggy Cadigan, 
Sergeant Kimberly Leavy and Monmouth Medical Center are truly deserving 
of the Library's Champion distinction.
  As a United States Senator from New Jersey, Senator Cory Booker 
continues to advance legislation that directly impacts our state and 
residents. In addition to introducing and supporting legislation 
benefitting children, immigrants and veterans, Senator Booker co-
sponsored the Build America's Libraries Act. His efforts to advance 
underserved populations, improve library access and internet

[[Page E452]]

connectivity for all individuals, and support community improvements 
embody the mission of the Long Branch Free Public Library. He has also 
recognized the value of libraries, and the Long Branch Free Public 
Library in particular, supporting the New Jersey State Library's IMLS 
Leadership Grant and nominating the Long Branch Free Public Library 
twice for the National Medal for Museum and Library Service.
  A Long Branch native currently residing in Neptune, New Jersey, 
Veronica Buffaloe-Stubbs is an active member of both communities and 
recognizes the importance of civic engagement. Ms. Buffaloe-Stubbs is 
the founder and CEO of A.S.T.E.P. (After School Tutorial Educational 
Program), a tutoring, enrichment and mentoring program for local 
students and volunteers her time with the Second Baptist Church of Long 
Branch, the Long Branch Chamber of Commerce, the Girl Scouts of New 
Jersey, and the Long Branch Elks Lodge No. 742, among others. She is 
also a 30-year employee of the U.S. Army Communications-Electronics 
Command and has previously worked as a youth counselor for the Monmouth 
County Juvenile Detention Center, substitute teacher and a certified 
nurse's assistant/home health aide.
  Throughout her library career, Peggy Cadigan demonstrated a 
remarkable commitment to her profession and the community. Recently 
retired from the New Jersey State Library after nearly 20 years as 
Deputy State Librarian for Innovation, Ms. Cadigan previously served as 
a Reference Librarian and a Junior Library Assistant at the Ocean 
County Library. Her knowledge and experience were well-regarded in the 
field. She gave valuable presentations throughout the United States and 
to remote audiences abroad and served as a consultant for the libraries 
of Dubai. Her vision, encouragement and support has helped other 
libraries improve their programs and adapt to societal changes and 
advancing technologies. Additionally, Ms. Cadigan expanded the Fresh 
Start re-entry program launched by the Long Branch Free Public Library.
  In her positions with the Long Branch Police Department, Sergeant 
Kimberly Leavy has been engaged in community programs. During her time 
as a Detective, she was focused on matters involving juveniles and 
currently serves in the Urban Enterprise Unit as a Community Police 
Officer in the Patrol Division. Through her role as a Community Police 
Officer and her work with National Night Out and the Citizens' Police 
Academy, Sgt. Leavy continues to enhance the relationship between the 
community and the police force. She has served as a Liaison Officer for 
many community organizations and has collaborated with the Long Branch 
School District and the Long Branch Free Public Library, promoting 
mutual programs and participating in educational presentations.
  Monmouth Medical Center continues to provide outstanding health care 
services to the greater Long Branch community and has been a valuable 
partner of the Long Branch Free Public Library. Working with Monmouth 
Medical Center, in particular Eric Carney, CEO and President, Jean 
McKinney, Regional Director of Community Health, Social Impact and 
Community Investment, and Sylvia Jacobs, Director of Diversity and 
Inclusion, the Long Branch Free Public Library has expanded their 
programs and improved their community outreach.
  Public libraries are an integral part of our communities, and it is 
my honor to join with the Long Branch Free Public Library in 
recognizing the contributions of Senator Cory Booker, Veronica 
Buffaloe-Stubbs, Peggy Cadigan, Sergeant Kimberly Leavy and Monmouth 
Medical Center.

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