I've been covering the Oyster Bay Chamber of Commerce since I started writing for the newspaper in 1985. It has been interesting seeing it evolve.

Critics of the chamber often say that it is a clique - that only a few people run it - that new people don't have a chance.

That is not the way I see it.

I most remember Laurie Manno and Sue Murphy who both opened in business at about the same time. They joined the chamber, volunteered to work and were put on the board immediately.

That has happened since and it has happened again. At the Feb. 4 meeting Rebecca Rhodes-Weinreich and Jerritt Gluck joined the board. Jerritt made a presentation before the board with suggestions on what he would like to see done, including signage telling people where parking is available in the village.

Rebecca is interested in beautification of the hamlet. She has already been involved with it, which makes her a natural for the job.

Andrew Batten is joining Tom Kuehhas on the Visitor's Service Committee, which brings together the directors of the local tourist locations: Raynham Hall, Sagamore Hill, the Earle-Wightman House, Coe Hall and Planting Fields.

Jerritt Gluck suggested the chamber should have a web site and Tom Kuehhas will look into that. The Oyster Bay Historical Society has one presently.

It is wonderful to hear the new ideas. It will take a lot of dedicated work to make those ideas come to life. This might be a great time to join the chamber and let this enthusiasm catch on - and to inspire a great time for the organization. Karen DeVine-Minicozzi did a great job running the Oyster Festival last year and is starting out running as chamber president this year.

There is a great deal going on in the entire community at this moment. It bodes well for the future.

Remember the Lotto slogan: "You have to be in it to win it." That could be true for the chamber too. If you are not a member - this is the year to join. It's going to be a fun ride!

- DFK