Two members of the Community Development Corporation of Long Island (CDC) spoke at the Sept. 8 meeting of the Oyster Bay Chamber of Commerce, held at Il Piatto. Their talk was very informative as Stan Grochocki of the Community Development Corporation of Long Island and Richard M. Bivone, president of the Nassau Council of Chambers of Commerce delivered their messages. Mr. Bivone told the members that his organization stands ready to help them with problems involving government and Mr. Crochocki told them of the programs the CDC has to offer to help people set up a small business.

It was not the first time the CDC has been involved locally. James A. Nemely, CDC Lending Group director of small business consulting services has been working with Vangie Kohn of A Second Impression & Tiques helping her improve her business prospects. He was the person who suggested the chamber hold an appraisal day.

Mr. Nemely said, "We thought it would be an exciting event for the community and to raise their awareness of all the great things in Oyster Bay. And, doesn't everyone have treasures in their attic?"

The Appraisal Day was held in the Oyster Bay Community Center on Saturday, July 23. Offering appraisals that day was Theresa Schirripa of Centerport Antiques & Etceteras.

Elizabeth Roosevelt brought a bronze statue of Diana the Huntress. She said it had been in the family for some time and that she had inherited it. "I think the actual statue is in Central Park," she said of the work.

"She's really nicely done," said Ms. Schirripa, as she offered her appraisal and suggested what the statue could bring if sold.

At the table having some items appraised were Terry McDonald and her son Joe, a student at Katherine Gibbs who is studying digital film animation. "He's been on the president's list at the school twice," she said.

Ms. McDonald brought in two pieces that belonged to her mother, who had worked on the Garver Estate and was given a large urn and a plate by the owners. The blue and white vase has a piece missing from the top which affected the value. The plate was estimated by Ms. Schirripa at about $100.

Pat Burke brought a small bronze statue and her father's gold pocket watch for appraisal. Mr. Nemley brought paintings he wanted appraised. At the CDC, he offers Core-4 classes in business. They are technical assistance programs for small business owners; and the marketing of those businesses.

He is really "off the hook" said Vangie Kohn, Oyster Bay Chamber of Commerce vice president. She said CDC has access to financial aid, and to bankers. They are a not for profit group.

Mr. Nemley has been helping Ms. Kohn to attract more business. "The more business that comes in, the better," said Vangie.

Oyster Bay Chamber of Commerce Executive Director Toni Junjulas said, "Vangie loves the courses and has learned a lot. She's 'off the hook'."

"It's important to have new ideas for business, especially in Oyster Bay where there is no traffic. He has me on e-Bay and he's getting me a website," said Ms. Kohn. She added that she had two great years in Oyster Bay that she is trying to reproduce by reinventing her business. At the Sept. 8 meeting she said her new strategies are working.

Profits from the Appraisal Day were donated to the Oyster Bay Historical Society. During the Appraisal Day Ms. Kohn asked people to suggest a motto for her business. She will be announcing the winner the last Saturday in September at a reception to be held in her store, A Second Impression & Tiques, located at Townsend Square. It has windows that open onto the parking lot and courtyard. The store is open Monday through Saturday from 10 to 5 p.m. and on Sunday from noon to 4 p.m. The store features consignment items, antiques, furniture, new and gently used clothing, designer name items, children's toys, specialty gifts and knick knacks. Call 922-9080 for more information about her September event.

The OBCC is looking forward to their Fine Arts & Crafts Festival, ArtWalk, to be held on Saturday, Sept. 17 (raindate: Sept. 18) outdoors in downtown Oyster Bay. It will be held from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. There will be art on display and for sale, entertainment and food vendors. For more information please call the chamber at 922-6464.

The OBCC will hold a Business After Hours on Wednesday, Sept. 28 at the South Street Oyster Bar at 100 South Street from 5 to 7:30 p.m. Please RSVP to Ms. Junjulas at 922-6464 by Sept. 25 if you plan to attend the Business After Hours event.