Franklin Square Chamber installs officers, board of directors

A new board of directors and officers for the Franklin Square Chamber of Commerce were named last Wednesday during the chamber’s first meeting of 2011, which was held at the Plattduetsche Park Restaurant and included a dinner.

Officers who were renamed to their current positions include Mary Seifert, president; Bruno Caracciolo, first vice president; Frank Francia, third vice president; Joseph Ardito, fourth vice president; and Lisa DelliPizzi, secretary. Maria Caliendo, who was third vice president for 2010, was named second vice president for 2011, and Bill Yougfert was named treasurer.

Two new board members were also named: Frank Culmone, whose son owns Frostys Ice Cream Club and Coffee Bar; Dave Herman, who owns New Generation Karate; and Debbie Hickey, who manages the Plattduetsche Park Restaurant.

Peter Caruso received a plaque from the Chamber of Commerce, commemorating his 2010 Broker of the Year Award from the Long Island Board of Realtors. Two other awards were given to Ronnie Cione and Joseph Ruscillo for their years of service to the Franklin Square Chamber of Commerce, from Nassau County legislator Vincent Muscarella.

Cione and Ruscillo, active chamber members for many years, manage the Franklin Square Holiday Decorations Committee, which includes installing all decorative holiday banners on utility poles on New Hyde Park Road, Dogwood Avenue, Franklin Avenue and Hempstead Turnpike.

The Franklin Square Chamber of Commerce currently includes 126 members.