The team that brings Cruise Night to Oyster Bay was thanked for their work at the Feb. 28 Oyster Bay Chamber of Commerce meeting at Il Piatto. They are furthering the mission statement of the group, to promote a healthy economy in Oyster Bay. Chamber President Alex Gallego especially thanked Austin Azzaretto, chair of Cruise Nights in Oyster Bay, held on Tuesday nights on Audrey Avenue saying, "It's been a great success. The program runs 25 weeks a year from May to October - right up to the Oyster Festival. The 'car show,' as it has become known to the chamber, does a lot for the town." He quoted Mark Fox of Canterbury Ales who said visitors to the car show stop at CVS, McDonald's and shop while they are in town. Mr. Gallego said, "That shows that the car show is good for the hamlet."

Mr. Gallego said, "It's amazing how much work Austin Azzaretto and Paige Dawson do," as he presented awards to them.

Mr. Azzaretto talked of his chamber involvement, saying he was told by Mr. Gallego, "'You have to be a board member.' I am happy I did. I have been meeting all my neighbors in town who I hadn't met in the 15 years I have lived in town. Now I see how much work it takes to run the chamber and I appreciate it.

"In doing Cruise Night, we have so much fun," he said and credited Senator Carl Marcellino for teaching him how to shmooze. Mr. Azzaretto said the car show collects some money through their entrance fees and that it is used to help the chamber fund things for the hamlet such as flowers for the planters in the spring, and their contribution to the Christmas decorations as well as charitable contributions during the year to local organizations.

He thanked everyone on his team including Bob Martin who he said is there every week helping out. His daughter Karen accepted his award, as Mr. Martin arrived late.

Mr. Azzaretto thanked Bob Basta, "A neighbor, a friend and a car nut who is there every week and helps collect money."

"He also helps with the raffle, Bob is very reliable," added Paige Dawson.

Mr. Azzaretto said another aspect of the success of the program is that he has "sets of eyes" watching over the event. He said, "With cars like Ferarris and Maseratis coming to the show you have to be attentive to see that nothing happens. They look out for each other and the cars. We also get help from the town's new uniformed public safety officer."

"We are hoping for a second officer for next year, since the event has grown so much during the past year," added Ms. Dawson. "We had some amazing nights last year. Maybe because of the good weather, and word of mouth. People from all over Long Island are coming and what they love about the event is that it is held on the street in Oyster Bay. They can walk to a restaurant, and/or go get ice cream. They feel safe and comfortable here. People stop me and say 'this is such a great event here in town. We feel so happy.' They bring the kids; they bring dogs; it is a great time for everyone. And, it shows the village off very nicely. Buckingham's stays open late on Tuesday evenings and the restaurants and delis do very nicely, as do Carvel and Gooseberry Grove. Ralph's Italian Ices brings a wagon to town. He has a peddlar's license, or whatever you need to do that."

Mr. Azzaretto continued with his thanks to the team. He said, "Chris Masone helps put up the barricades. His father brings him. Chris is very much a car enthusiast. He missed our awards dinner because they were at a car show out-of-state. He helps us rain or shine. He picks up the garbage pails and he actually pays to attend! At the next chamber meeting, he and his father will attend. They come and never ask for anything and are terrific."

Next he thanked Tony Antetomaso. "We call him Tony Boom Batz. He and Paige do the 50/50 and when Tony Boom Batz asks they pay. And he pays to get in!"

Joe Mimmo of Laffey Associates was the next member of the team to be thanked. "He's solid," said Austin.

Mr. Azzaretto also thanked local musicians who play during the car show. He called up "The Musical Refrigerator", Larry Nathan of Appliance World and Il Piatto owner Mike Ringle. He called them, "The high school band with gray hair, known as the South Street Band. They played at several Cruise Nights and brought down the house. Four or five guys come and play." Mr. Ringle said Rich Hutchinson, Esq. recently joined the group.

Paige Dawson presented all the car show workers with a pin. The card congratulated the winning team for making all the right turns and coming down the straightaway every time.