A successful year for Wantagh Chamber

The Wantagh Chamber of Commerce is wrapping up another successful year, capped off by the return of the Snowball Run.

Following my installation as president in early January, myself and the officers and Board of Directors got to work. We hosted our Spring Fun Hunt just before Easter, as hundreds of children came out to Wantagh Park and collected eggs.

The Chamber hosted several ribbon-cutting ceremonies this year, welcoming Amul Yoga Studio, Subway, Platinum Party Planners, Flour Girl, Oregano Joe’s and Pow Burger to town. We supported the first ever Community Picnic at Wantagh Park, organized by the Lions Club, and were represented at the Memorial Day and Fourth of July parades, Sept. 11 memorial ceremony and Veterans Day service.

Most recently, we hosted a successful holiday lighting ceremony at Triangle Park. A large crowd turned out on a warm Sunday afternoon to celebrate Christmas and Hanukkah. We thank all the participants and partners including the Wantagh High School vocal jazz ensemble, the high school Key Club, the Wantagh Fire Department, Spotlight Dance Studio and, of course, Santa and Mrs. Claus.

Saturday, Dec. 12 marked the return of the Snowball Run, which was last held in 2012, and it was a great success. More than 200 people came out for the five-mile run, and we thank the numerous volunteers and donors.

Money raised from all of our events goes toward our various initiatives. Those light-up snowflakes you are seeing along Wantagh Avenue are paid for by the Chamber. Every June, we present a scholarship to a graduating Wantagh High School senior and the 2015 recipient was Kenneth Mintz. Speaking of the schools, we continue to maintain our relationship with the Junior Chamber of Commerce, and invite the students to many of our events and networking opportunities.

Joseph and Dorothy Cieslewicz, owners and operators of Park Avenue Gardens, were Wantagh’s recipients of the Small Businessperson of the Year Award, presented in October by the Nassau Council of Chambers of Commerce. We also partnered with the council in its Shop Local campaign, encouraging residents to keep their dollars in Wantagh this holiday season.

On Jan. 14, we will host our installation dinner at the Riviera in Massapequa. In addition to the swearing in of officers, we will present awards to Heidi Felix, our Citizen of the Year; the Lions Club, our organization of the year; and Dr. Barbara Rosinsky, for beautification.

The chamber is always looking to grow its membership. Business owners are invited to come out to our monthly meetings and learn about the organization, and what we can do for you.

I look forward to more great things in the new year and wish everyone a happy holidays!