The Oyster Bay Chamber of Commerce is making plans for the new year. It will be hosting two free events during the month of January. Chamber President Brian Morrison said, "They both should be great."

The first is a Business After Hours hosted by Steve Gourlay of Evolution Fitness at 138 South Street. It will be held on Wednesday, Jan. 18, from 5:30 to 7 p.m. Wine and hors d'oeuvres will be served. "These popular gatherings are an opportunity for business owners and their representatives to meet and network in an informal atmosphere. Besides refreshments, there will be door prizes," said Mr. Morrison of Trading Places.

The next general meeting is scheduled for Tuesday, Jan. 31 hosted by Paul Rosen of Harbor House which is located at 150 South St. The meeting will be held from 6:30 to 8 p.m. "The meeting is for both members and non-members. In lieu of a guest speaker, attendees will have an opportunity to participate in an open forum to ask questions and offer suggestions to the chamber's board of directors," said Mr. Morrison.

A light buffet will be provided. Please call the chamber office at 922-6464 and leave a message if you plan to attend the events.

The Oyster Bay Chamber of Commerce announced the winners of this year's decorating contest as part of the Holidays in Oyster Bay events. The judges were John Specce of the John Specce Agency, Inc. and Diane Grochecki of State Bank of Long Island. The first prize went to Woodstock Kitchen and Bathrooms. Mr. Morrison said, "They have done a beautiful job. They are located at the entrance to the hamlet and with the new statue of Theodore Roosevelt, and the renovated building they are located in - they enhance the area." The first place winner will receive the chamber's silver trophy cup (to keep and display for one year) plus a $100 gift certificate from Canterbury Ales. Andrew Woodstock will receive his trophy at the Jan. 18 chamber meeting.

The second prize goes to Jacques Chalikian's jewelry and watch repair business on Audrey Avenue. "It is great. They won the first prize recently," said Mr. Morrison. Mr. Chalikian will receive a certificate and a $60 gift coupon to Canterbury Ales.

The third place prize goes to Buckingham's Variety store. They will receive a certificate and a $40 gift coupon to Canterbury Ales. "We are very appreciative of Mark Fox of Canterbury Ales for his generous contribution," said Mr. Morrison.

Claire Bellerjeau, Buckingham Variety's manager had a special Christmas event for seniors going on during the holidays. A Christmas tree was set up inside the store and on it were the name tags of senior citizens who are alone in the world. Buckingham customers took the name tags and bought presents for the seniors.

Ms. Bellerjeau explained, "Home Instead Senior Care brought the program into the store. It was for local people they contacted through the Doubleday Babcock Senior Center and Jones Manor. All those seniors would not have gotten a present, they are alone in the world with no relatives and are in need. The tags included a suggestion for a gift. Some customers took more than one senior tag. Buckingham wrapped the presents for them and arranged for the pick up. The people were so generous; they were thinking about complete strangers but who were part of their larger Oyster Bay and Bayville family."

Mr. Morrison was pleased to announce two new board members for the chamber: Larry Nathan of Appliance World and Steve Gourlay of Evolution Fitness.

"Mr. Gourlay will co-chair this year's Health Fair with me. It will be held on May 20. We will be working with NYS Senator Carl Marcellino and Veronica Lyons and Kathy Wilson from his staff. Paige Dawson of Century 21, Robert Martin, Joe Mimmo of Cove Point Realty and Paul Rosen of Harbor House will be on the committee. It should be really something special this year. We have major sponsors to be announced soon," he said.

The chamber is planning on having a Business After Hours every month, possibly on the last Tuesday of the month. They are deciding on how often to hold their open meetings, monthly or bimonthly. "I would like to see a Business After Hours and a general meeting every month but we have to see how many people would be interested in attending two events a month. We are preparing a list of guest speakers," said Mr. Morrison.

For information about the chamber call 922-6464 and leave a message. Your call will be returned.