Valley Stream Chamber planning awards gala

Fall will busy a time of year for the Valley Stream Chamber of Commerce, which will resume its monthly networking lunches, host its annual awards gala and take part in the upcoming street festival.

The organization of local merchants, professionals and community organizations is gearing up for its Sept. 27 gala dinner at the Pompei restaurant in West Hempstead. Magic Bagels, a long-time eatery on Merrick Road, will receive the Business Achievement Award. Mamie Eng, the director of the Henry Waldinger Memorial Library, is being honored with the Special Recognition Award.

Debbi Gyulay, president of the Chamber of Commerce, said this year’s two recipients were chosen because of their contributions to the organization. She said that Mike Magioncalda, owner of Magic Bagels, has helped out in many ways. He has donated money for the annual fireworks show, desserts for the holiday party and raffle prizes.

Magic Bagels has been a long-time member of the Chamber. The library also belongs to the organization. Eng, the director for the past five years, has been a guest speaker at past Chamber meetings, discussing business resources available at the library.

The library also supports various Chamber initiatives. It is a drop-off spot for the annual Toys for Tots holiday drive, and a ticket sales location for the fireworks show.

Gyulay and Chamber member Charles Chiarello, owner of Classic Coffee Systems, are members of the Valley Stream Community Fest committee, which is planning the Sept. 29 Rockaway Avenue street fair. Several members of the Chamber, from all areas of Valley Stream, will be participating.

“It’s a good way to highlight the good things that compose our community,” Gyulay said. The street fair will include craft vendors, entertainment and children’s activities.

On Sept. 17, the Chamber will host its first monthly networking lunch following its traditional summer break. The regular networking breakfasts will continue at Sip This on Rockaway Avenue, on the first Tuesday of each month. Gyulay said these meetings typically draw about a dozen people and are a chance to learn more about the Chamber and its members. Held at 8 a.m., she said these gatherings are convenient for business owners who can’t make the lunch meetings.

The Chamber will be purchasing 14 snowflake holiday decorations for the village, and will be providing T-shirts for all the children in this fall’s pumpkin painting contest.

Gyulay said the Chamber has about 110 members and always welcomes more. For more information on the organization, visit www.valleystreamchamber.org.

CHAMBER GALA

When: Thursday, Sept. 27, 6:30 p.m.

Where: Pompei restaurant, West Hempstead

Tickets: $60 per person, call Dominick Minerva Jr. at (516) 872-7400