Westbury resident Benjamin Pardo recalls how, in 1969, Marty Weiss, the editor of The Westbury Times, revived the then dormant Chamber of Commerce. "Marty rounded up a group of us businessmen," Pardo said, "and together we brought Christmas lighting to Post Ave.

Since then, the chamber has initiated many such improvements in the Village of Westbury. To celebrate, a cocktail party in honor of the Chamber's 50th Anniversary will be held Nov. 7 at the Piping Rock Restaurant in Westbury. The focus of the event will be on past achievements, present endeavors, and future plans for the chamber.

Additionally, the chamber board will formally establish a new scholarship to be awarded to a Westbury High School graduating senior in June. The $500 scholarship will honor Al Parillo, the chamber's former treasurer, who passed away several months ago. Members of Parillo's family, many community friends and former colleagues will be in attendance. "Mr. Parillo's abiding love was music," said event organizer Andrea Feinberg. "We felt a fitting way to recognize his appreciation for music would be to bestow a scholarship in his name to a student who showed extraordinary musical ability."

Parillo, who was an active member of the chamber, and a volunteer fireman, also owned Parillo's Shoes on Post Ave. for decades. Catharine Moramarco, owner of Cobblestones, an antique and gift shop located two doors away from Parillo's store, has fond memories of her merchant neighbor. "When my kids were growing up, we used to buy shoes from him," she said. "I was fortunate to know him all my life."

Moramarco, who has been an active member of the Chamber since she opened Cobblestones approximately four years ago, said she enjoys participating in the chamber's annual street fair, and various other projects, and she is looking forward to the 50th Anniversary celebration. "Westbury is a special place for me," she said. "It seemed very natural for me to open my business here."

Pardo, past president of the chamber, and former owner of 100-year-old Barley's Pharmacy on Post Ave., said, "I think the chamber is making great strides here in Westbury. If you had been in Westbury five years ago, as opposed to now, you would see we have accomplished some very positive things--simple things in some cases, but positive nonetheless."

Pardo attributed much of the chamber's recent success to its close cooperation with the Westbury Business Improvement District (BID). "The chamber often works hand in hand with the BID," he explained. "That we don't have two competitive organizations, but two synergistic organizations, has been the greatest factor in moving Westbury forward."

Chamber President Peter Roukis was also optimistic about the organizations' combined improvement efforts. "Times are changing for Westbury," he said, "but if we work together, I know we can bring about something positive in the village."

For more information about the event, or to purchase tickets for the 50-50 reverse raffle, call the chamber at 997-3966.