Former Village Mayor To Discuss His New Novel

Richard A. Benack.

Richard A. Benack, former Mayor of the Village of Garden City, will appear at the Garden City Library on Thursday, May 31st at 2 p.m. to discuss his new novel, Saints Aren't Angels, the life story of Saint John Bosco.

The book concentrates on the initial twenty-two months of Don Bosco's priestly career. In 1844, in a slum section of Turin in the foothills of the Alps, the enthusiastic 31 year old priest, with no experience, attracted, motivated, encouraged and educated hundreds of needy boys while pursuing his own philosophy of teaching 'the preventive method."

Mr. Benack is a product of the Salesian Order of Teaching, having attended Don Bosco Preparatory High School in Ramsey, NJ where he was introduced to priests and brothers who followed in the footsteps of their founder.

It took Mr. Benack over 40 years to complete this novel. He will discuss the long trail from conception to publication. In addition, members of The Garden City Readers Theatre, Marjorie Maher, George Papoulas and Sal Catania, will read excerpts from the book.

Mr. Benack will autograph copies of the book ($17 for paperback or $25 for hardcover) . Royalties will be shared with The Brothers of the Salesian Order.

In addition, one lucky member of the audience will win a copy of the book as a door prize. Mr. Benack is appearing under the auspices of The Friends of the Library.