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Mostly Cloudy East Rockaway Chamber bestows awards
Ed Reicherter names Man of the Year; two outstanding businesses chosen
The East Rockaway Chamber of Commerce held its annual Networking and awards dinner on Nov. 18 at the East Rockaway Yacht Club. Businessowners, family and friends enjoyed the great food and lively company — and the fun raffles.
“Tonight we honor Ed Reicherter for his outstanding service to the community, especially the fire department,” said Chamber President Debbie Hirschberg. “Tutor Time is a long-standing business in our community, and The Dance Space has just grown so much over the years. Congratulations to all of you.”
Ed Reicherter, Man of the Year
This year’s Man of the Year award went to Edward Reicherter. Reicherter moved to East Rockaway in 1986 and married Ann in 1991. They have three children: Adam, Eric and Alison. He joined the East Rockaway Fire Department in 1992 and rose through the ranks from 2nd lietenant, to 1st lieutenant, captain of Protector Hook and Ladder Co. #1 three times. He was elected 3rd assistant chief in 2006 and completed a four-year term, then was reelected for 3rd assistant for a second term this year.
Reicherter coached the East Rockaway Raider football team for five years, going on to coach the high school’s junior varsity football and track. He is involved in various local committees, as well as being a member of the Bay Park Civic Association.
Businesses of the Year: Tutor Time, The Dance Space
Fifteen years ago, Reed Fedner and his wife, Joann, opened their first Tutor Time in Mineola. As parents of two children who attended day care, they understood the strong demand for quality child care on Long Island. They constructed the East Rockaway School 1997 and opened in 1998. Over the years, they have cared for more than 2,000 children and have employes many people from the community and surrounding areas. “We owe our success to our employees because of their hard work, dedication and strong desire to work with children ... we are team and proud of what we do.”
The Dance Space opened for business in 2006 on Main Street in East Rockaway. “From the day we opened, the town of East Rockaway, the chamber and the village has been welcoming and encouraging,” said Director Lauren Quaranta. The dance school has been involved in many events in the village, including the Huckleberry Frolic and the Holiday festival. They run a program that invites all children to develop aerobic and dance skills, and award a scholarship every year. The also run a holiday toy drive, a cultural arts fair and a program for girl scouts.
