Merrick Chamber honors its own, community members

The Merrick Chamber of Commerce held its 77th annual installation dinner on Jan. 26 at Chateau Briand in Carle Place. Randy Shotland was reinstalled as the chamber president for the second straight year, and Alphonse Lage and Meme Wanderman were honored as 2012’s Man and Woman of the Year.

“People are beginning to recognize Merrick as a unique place,” said Shotland, who works as an annuity representative for New York Life Insurance. “The chamber has grown, and in 2012 we expect it to grow even further.”

Also installed at the dinner were Ira Reiter and Susan Helsinger as vice presidents, Ellen Firer as secretary, Douglas Mills as treasurer and Sam Jaghab as assistant treasurer. Assemblyman David McDonough, who lives in North Merrick, was honored as special presidential adviser. Assemblyman Tom McKevitt and Nassau County legislators Dave Denenberg and Norma Gonsalves were also in attendance, along with Town of Hempstead Councilwoman Angie Cullin.

After introducing past men and women of the year, dating back to 1960, the chamber honored Lage and Wanderman with this year’s honor.

Wanderman, who has lived in Merrick for 34 years, has been involved with various Parent Teacher Associations of local schools for 25 years, including a stint as an executive board member for the Nassau Region PTA. She is also a member of the Merrick Library’s Board of Trustees, and is a founding member of the South Merrick Community Civic Association. “Thank you to the Chamber of Commerce for selecting me to receive this wonderful award. I am deeply honored,” said Wanderman, who has been married to her husband, Jay, for nearly 40 years. Together, they have three children, Adam, Joshua and Daniel.