The Manhasset Chamber of Commerce holds an annual cocktail party at which a Man and Woman of the Year are honored. This year's honorees were Eileen Murphy, director of music programs at Manhasset High School and John Shorter, director of theater arts. Held at Strathmore Vanderbilt Country Club, it was one of the most successful events the chamber has sponsored and drew a mix of local business people, civic leaders, parents, students and friends, as well as public officials. Rev. Ray Ormond, pastor of Church of Our Saviour, Lutheran, in Manhasset, gave the invocation, saying that "In an uncertain and confusing world, the work you do is holy work. We thank God for our good schools." Chamber Co-President Diane Harragan introduced the school officials present, including Assistant Superintendent of Schools Robert Feirsen, High School Principal John Stark and Munsey Park Principal Jean Kendall. Chamber Board Member Rita Eredics then thanked major donors and merchants who support Chamber of Commerce programs. Americana Manhasset gave $2500 to help underwrite the event; Manhasset-Port Washington Real Estate Board $1000 and Rotary Club of Manhasset $500 toward the purchase of holiday wreaths to give Manhasset a festive appearance this coming season. Ms. Harragan introduced Co-President Rae Dowling who enumerated the Chamber's activities throughout the year, including the Adopt-a-Pole program, Business Card Exchanges, Craft Shows, Antique Car Shows, summer concerts and the upcoming poster contest and Tree Lighting. Mr. Maimone then took the microphone to present awards to the honorees. He spoke of Ms. Murphy's "creative muse" and her ability to teach music. "She connects with kids," he concluded. Ms. Murphy thanked him and said that the arts have always been supported by the central office. She said that she looks forward to many more years of teaching, which drew enthusiastic applause from the audience. After a brief interval in which Manhasset Postmaster Bob Trombley gave an abbreviated version of a speech from Macbeth, Mr. Maimone went on to describe Mr. Shorter's many accomplishments in his 28 years at Manhasset. He reminded those present that the high school's fall musical production will be presented on Nov. 18, 19, 20 and 21. This year the show will be South Pacific. In his response, Mr. Shorter said that the honor was "more than I would have expected." He spoke of meeting so many wonderful poeople and, like Ms. Murphy, he said, "My joy is always kids. It's always sad to see them leave but exciting to see them arrive."