For the dozen years or so that Kings Market has sat on Franklin Avenue, the one constant has been store manager Connie Deckel. A preternaturally friendly person who fits hand in glove in taking the lead on customer service in her market, Deckel has endeared herself to village residents. And while what she does within the four walls of Kings Market is a key reason why people so faithfully patronize this store, Deckel’s heavy involvement in and around Garden City has her a treasured fixture. In addition to serving as the director of the Chamber of Commerce board of directors, she’s tirelessly supported both the Boy Scouts and Girls Scouts of Garden City, is heavily involved in the Salvation Army Holiday Drive and enjoys a strong bond with the Interfaith Nutrition Network (INN), a nonprofit organization serving hungry and homeless Long Islanders. Not surprisingly, the Kings Market manager was the recipient of the 2011 President’s Award given by the chamber. It’s this kind of selfless involvement topped off by Deckel’s relentlessly cheery approach towards everything she does that makes a trip to Kings that much more special whether you’re picking up a carton of milk or doing a full shop.
– Dave Gil de Rubio
