Folks, fun and food—in that order—were the essential elements of the Plainview-Old Bethpage Chamber of Commerce’s Annual Paid-Up Membership Dinner. More than 100 cheerful members and guests filled the banquet room at the Heritage Club (formerly Carlyle on the Green) in Bethpage on Feb. 8. As they merrily mingled, magician David Levitan offered clever card tricks and photographer and member Alex Wolff of Concierge Photography beckoned individuals and groups to join him for professional photos.
Accolades were given to many, but one stood out: A heartfelt message to outgoing chamber president Elan Wurtzel highlighting his outstanding accomplishments these past four years. It drew a thunderous round of applause and a standing ovation from attendees. It was delivered by former chamber president and current board member, Gary Epstein.
Also recognized were members Stephanie Horn, David Lewis, Esq. and Harun Hassouni for donating their time and expertise in presenting chamber workshops in January; and a very grateful Barbara Mars for her indispensable role as the chamber’s assistant. As the home once again of the 2017 Fall Festival, the Plainview-Old Bethpage Library was recognized for its vital role. Board member Fred Morante, the festival chairman, expressed the chamber’s gratitude to Gretchen Browne and her dedicated staff.
Raffle sales were nonstop, earning the chamber’s charity of choice this year, SNAP (Special Needs Autism Program) more than $1,000 in just a few hours. Founders Barbi Schwartzberg and Paige Bravin spoke briefly about the nonprofit’s accomplishments over the past year and thanked the chamber for its support.
In expressing his gratitude to the hard working chamber dinner committee, chaired by board members Marianne Plummer and Ned Marzigliano, Wurtzel said, “Thank you to your team for organizing an amazing and smoothly run event. Thursday night was just one example of how we as a chamber work together to achieve great things.”
