The Port Washington Chamber of Commerce held its annual installation of officers and directors at a special dinner at Ayhan's Fish Kebab Restaurant, 286 Main Street, on Sept. 17. On this occasion, the chamber bestowed its first ever Lifetime Membership Award to George T. Carr (Carr Office Chairs) and honored Sal Milazzo (Milazzo Insurance Agency) with a Certificate of Appreciation.

There was a festive atmosphere as Warren Schein, chamber co-president, was the emcee for the evening's ceremonies. Schein praised all the members of the chamber's board of directors, noting that many were active in other organizations as well as the chamber. He added, "We do it because we love the community." He said the chamber was also grateful for the help and cooperation it receives from our representatives at the Town of North Hempstead, especially Town Supervisor Jon Kaiman and Town Clerk Leslie Gross, who were in attendance. Schein stressed that Kaiman's support made the chamber's success possible. Schein also thanked Nassau County Legislator Wayne Wink and NY State Assemblywoman Michelle Schimel, who were present, and NY State Senator Craig Johnson, for their ongoing assistance.

Schein introduced the honorees. He said George T. Carr started his business in 1937 - 71 years ago! He has been a member of the Great Neck Chamber of Commerce as well as the Port Washington Chamber of Commerce, which he has supported for 45 consecutive years. At 96 years of age, he continues to go to work and is a great inspiration to all of us. Mr. Carr thanked the members of the chamber for this honor. He said that the Port Washington Chamber of Commerce has accomplished many good deeds in the community and symbolizes what America is all about.

Schein thanked Sal Milazzo for serving on the board of directors for 15 years. He said Milazzo has attended almost every meeting during that time, has served as the chairman of the nominating committee and has volunteered at most chamber events. Milazzo's readiness to help out whenever needed made it possible for the chamber to succeed. Milazzo said that, although he is semi-retiring from his community activities, he will be available to continue to help the chamber on special projects. He added that the Chamber of Commerce is one of the best organizations he has been with and he enjoyed meeting and working with the members.

After accepting award plaques from the Chamber of Commerce, the honorees were presented with official proclamations from County Legislator Wayne Wink, County Deputy Commissioner of Consumer Affairs Jim Reed, and Town Clerk Leslie Gross. The proclamations were from the State Assembly, the State Senate, the Nassau County Executive, the Nassau County Legislature and the Town of North Hempstead.

The chamber was honored to have Town Supervisor Jon Kaiman and Nassau County Legislator Wayne Wink administer the oath of office. The Port Washington Chamber of Commerce officers and directors for 2008 - 2009 are the following:

Co-Presidents: Warren Schein, dep. commissioner, Town Parks and Recreation; Richard Strautman, Picus Enterprises

1st Vice President: Phyllis Joseph, Landmark on Main Street

2nd Vice President: Charles A. Schnier. D.C.

3rd Vice President: Debbie Greco, Greco Integrated Communications

Secretary: Mitch Schwartz, Millenium Software

Treasurer: Leslie Ann Jacobi, Capital One Bank

Anne Arter, Daniel Gale Sothebys International Real Estate

Wendy Collett, personal chef

Brenda Garfield, After Five

Patrick J. Gillespie, C.P.A. (chamber accountant)

Ayhan Hassan, Ayhan's Shish Kebab/ Fish Kebab/ Mediterranean Marketplace

Bob Howard, Delux Transportation

Marilyn Howland, Main Street Wine & Spirits

Carl Lalena, Kiwanis Club

MaryAnn Luczak, Gerstein, Fisher & Assoc.

George Martin, Manhasset Bay Shipyard

Lucy Mazany, State Bank of Long Island

Margaret Minichini, The Amsterdam at Harborside

Catherine O'Neill, Sullivan's Quay

Selwyn "Jerry" Rudnick, Kiwanis Club

Sidney M. Segall, Attorney at Law, Segall Associates

M. William Solomon, All Port Travel

Kenneth R. Tuch, Esq. (chamber attorney)

Edna Turner, Twin Pines

The Chamber's Community Liaisons are Fred Falconer (S.F. Falconer Florist,) Dep. Chief Ronald DeMeo and Det. Anthony Guzzello (Port Wash. Police District), G.A. Ryder (Inspiration Wharf) and J.P. Shields (Shields Bros.) Roy Smitheimer is past president and Roberta Polay is the chamber's executive director.