The Port Washington Chamber of Commerce held its annual installation of officers and directors at a special dinner held at the new f.i.s.h. on Main restaurant on Sept. 30. On this occasion, the chamber bestowed the 2015 Community Service Award to the Baxter’s Pond Foundation.
There was a festive atmosphere as Warren Schein, chamber copresident, was the emcee for the evening’s ceremonies. He said that the room was filled with people who belong to many organizations in the community and numerous public officials. He noted that they give up precious time with their loved ones to devote to the community they love.
A highlight of the dinner came when Schein announced that two of the guests present had just been married earlier that evening. They were Steve Maun and Marina Carroll, of the Helen Keller National Center. Furthermore, another guest officiated at the wedding—Mayor Nora Haagenson of the Village of Baxter Estates. Mayor Haagenson was thrilled to have performed her first wedding ceremony since taking office. The newlyweds received a standing ovation from the other guests.
The chamber was honored to have Town Councilwoman Dina De Giorgio administer the oath of office to the board of directors, NYS Assemblywoman Michelle Schimel administer the oath to the officers and Town Supervisor Judi Bosworth administer the oath to the copresidents. All of the officials praised the work of the chamber and the dedicated volunteers who devote their time and expertise to making Port Washington such a great place to live, work and visit.
After dinner, Chamber Copresidents Schein and Mitch Schwartz called on Nancy Comer to accept the 2015 Community Service Award on behalf of the Baxter’s Pond Foundation. Comer is the Foundation’s president and treasurer. Schein described how the Baxter’s Pond Foundation is devoted to beautifying the area and maintaining its environmental integrity. The foundation has made it possible to continue to have the HarborFest Model Boat Regatta for all 3rd graders in Port Washington. Over the years, they have partnered with the Chamber’s volunteers to ensure that the event is run smoothly and successfully.
The Port Washington Chamber of Commerce officers and directors for 2015-16 are:
Officers:
Copresidents: Warren Schein and Mitch Schwartz
1st vice president: Debbie Greco Cohen
2nd vice president: Anne Arter
3rd vice president: Catherine O’Neill
Secretary: Wendy Collett
Treasurer: Leslie Ann Jacobi
Directors:
Jerry Baldassaro
Katherine Crean
Mariann Dalimonte
Beth Michalson Fiore
Patrick J. Gillespie, CPA (chamber accountant)
William Gordon
Anthony Guzzello
Ayhan Hassan
David Heller
Carl Lalena
Kathy Levinson
Hal Linden
Kenneth Magida, Esq.
Marie Marcellino
Selwyn “Jerry” Rudnick
Laurie Scheinman
Ilene Silberstein
Kenneth R. Tuch, Esq. (chamber attorney)
The chamber’s past presidents are Howard Blankman, Roy Smitheimer and Richard Strautman. Board members Emeriti are James Eisenman, Richard Garofalo, Phyllis Joseph, J.P. Shields and Edna Turner. Bobbie Polay is the chamber’s executive director.
