The Levittown Chamber of Commerce marked its 40th Annual Installation Dinner Dance, last Friday, with the recognition of other organizations and individuals who have also helped to shape the community as well as the installation of the board of directors and president.

Appreciation Awards were bestowed upon two Levittown volunteer organizations which are celebrating their 50th year of service to the community. Both the Levittown Kiwanis and the Levittown Fire Department were recognized for their contributions over the last 50 years. "It is one of the most remarkable attributes of Levittown that its 17,000+ homes are and always have been protected by a totally volunteer force," noted the Chamber of Commerce of the Levittown Fire Department. The chamber also recognized the many ways that Kiwanis has contributed to the community, including food drives, college scholarships for Levittown students, assistance and leadership to high school Key Clubs, an annual holiday party for elementary school children in the Special Education program in the Levittown School District, and the Terrific Kids Program, among others.

County Comptroller Frederick Parola inducted the 15 members of the board of directors as well as the first vice president, second vice president and treasurer. Lois Cornibert was inducted as 1st vice president for a second term; Kathy Wilbert was inducted for a second term as 2nd vice president; and Fred Form was inducted for his second term as treasurer. The members of the board of directors are: Dr. Michael Bernstein, Louise Cassano, Frank Hermantin, Mitchell Mann, John O'Neill, Barry Room, Ed Rudnicki, Kevin Wilson, Bianca Boyle, Steve Haller, Cathaline Ithier, John Tufarelli, Kevin Regan, Eric S. Rosenblum, and Ed Szala.

Nassau County Executive Thomas Gulotta then came forward to speak about the Levittown Chamber of Commerce and Dr. Jacklyn J. Nogan, who was being inducted for her second term as chamber president. Gulotta described the Levittown Chamber of Commerce as being, "Clearly one of the most proactive chambers in the county," and called Nogan, "truly dynamic." The county executive then swore Nogan in as president.

Nogan, who was joined at the dinner dance by her parents, brother, aunts and uncles, took the opportunity to thank the many people who had helped her throughout her first year as president, including her vice presidents who she described as being her "right hand throughout the year." She spoke about how Levittown had become a big part of her heart and what an honor it was to be among such a great group of people.

Nogan also spoke about the new heights the Levittown Chamber of Commerce was going to be brought to in the coming year. She enthusiastically spoke about the beautification project that is planned for Hempstead Turnpike this year and informed those gathered that in either March or April the Chamber would be launching its own website.

As well as looking ahead to what will be happening in the chamber during the coming year, Nogan also took the opportunity to honor some individual chamber members who made a difference this year and in years past.

Nogan presented the President's Award to Thomas A. McGee, who is the account executive for Anton Newspapers which publishes the Levittown Tribune. McGee has served on the board of directors of the Levittown Chamber of Commerce for many years and just retired from that role. In presenting the award to McGee, Nogan stated, "He has been a trustworthy advisor and valued member of the board of directors. Always patient and soft-spoken, Tom has worked with the chamber in placing advertising that was suitable and affordable to the organization and its members. His Chamber of Commerce pages, in which members could jointly wish the community good wishes on select occasions, were welcome opportunities for members to advertise affordably."

The Community Service Award was presented to Joe Rogers, Barry Room, Kathy Wilbert, and Rich Zerah, who were honored for their volunteer work with the Nassau County Special Olympics. "Their association with the Levittown Chamber of Commerce brought these individuals together to support the work of the Joseph P. Kennedy Jr. Foundation, a completely volunteer international organization, which provides training and competition for athletes who are mentally retarded, and, of which the Nassau County Special Olympics is a part," noted the chamber president of the award recipients.

Members of the chamber's various committees also received plaques for their contributions throughout the year. Those who received the committee awards were: Barry Room, Bianca Boyle, Cathaline Ithier, Debra Herrmann, Diane Shapiro, Ed Rudnicki, Fred Form, Joel Berse, John O'Neill, John Tufarelli, Kathy Wilbert, Lee Goldman, Lois Cornibert, Louie Pensa, Louise Cassano, Dr. Michael Bernstein, Mike and Nicole Weiner, and Steve Haller.

Following all the awards and presentations, members of the chamber and their guests enjoyed dinner, dancing and spending time with friends from the community.