Annual Celebrate Glen Cove Gala Held

Glen Cove Chamber of Commerce recognizes those who have made a difference

In the aftermath of Superstorm Sandy, residents of Glen Cove and the surrounding communities had a chance to relax and unwind in an elegant setting at the Annual Celebrate Glen Cove Gala presented by the Glen Cove Chamber of Commerce, held at the Crescent Beach Club in Bayville.

Originally scheduled for Nov. 3, the gala was rescheduled for Saturday, Nov. 17, and though the date change did have an impact on attendance, the gala was still a success. This year’s gala honored four community members for their contributions to better the welfare of other businesses, residents and the community at large. The honorees were Patty Carrotta of Astoria Federal Savings, Angela Susan Anton of Anton Community Newspapers, Roberto Telese, Glen Cove Police Department and Betsy Gibbs, owner of Worth Repeating.

“Highlighting our honorees serves to showcase the valuable resources and talents available to us, residents and businesses alike,” said Phyllis Gorham, executive director of the Chamber of Commerce. “The spotlight allows these honorees to sparkle like the gems they are to Glen Cove. We are so fortunate to be able to count them among the distinguished members of our chamber.”

The Pinnacle Award for Corporate Excellence was given to Astoria Federal Savings, managed by Patty Carrotta. Carrotta has been with Astoria Federal for more than 30 years, most of which has been as Branch Manager. The Pinnacle Award recognizes the achievements and leadership in corporate and humanitarian endeavors that enrich the lives and health of the whole community of Glen Cove.

The Small Business Achievement Award was given to Anton Community Newspapers, the Record Pilot. Publisher Angela Susan Anton devotes her time and energy to keeping her newspapers’ readership informed of all the news in their communities, and also strives to make a positive difference in those communities.

“I have a huge commitment to the community and giving back,” says Anton. “I believe strongly in that.”

Roberto Telese of the Glen Cove Police Department was awarded the Community Merit Award. Telese was born and raised in Glen Cove. After graduating from college, he spent 12 years at Photociruits Corporation before pursuing his childhood dream of becoming a police officer. In 2006 Telese became a mentor with the Glen Cove Youth Bureau, utilizing one of the programs offered by the bureau to help guide and direct local youth. Telese also joined the Glen Cove Youth Board, which is comprised of community volunteers with an interest in helping the Glen Cove Youth Bureau in advocating for the needs of local youth. He is currently Chairman of the Youth Board and has been instrumental in its direction, leadership and fundraising efforts.

Telese said he was honored to receive this prestigious award, and is dedicated to his commitment to the City of Glen Cove.

The Leadership Award recipient was Betsy Gibbs, who has had careers and a life “worth repeating,” a name utilized in the name of her current business. Gibbs possesses an entrepreneurial mindset along with contagious enthusiasm and high energy. After trying her hand in several business ventures, she opened the consignment shop Worth Repeating, located in Locust Valley. This store is a store that features high-end boutique items that affords Gibbs the ability to give back to the community. Gibbs volunteers her time and merchandise for fashion shows for so many organizations and schools, too numerous to mention individually, in addition to her generous donations for the less fortunate.

According to Gorham, the evening’s success was due in a large part to the generous sponsors: Glengariff Healthcare, Whitting Funeral Home, Arena Taxi, RXR Glen Isle Partners, LLC, Bethpage Federal Credit Union, Mary Stanco, Laffey Fine Homes Real Estate, Jaymar Insurance Agency, Glen Cove Hospital and Betsy Gibbs, Worth Repeating.