Throughout the years, Lassman was innovative and creative in maintaining her viable business. Along with her husband Sy, she supported the community during Bellmore's annual Family Street Festival, providing various contributions to the many non-profit agencies and employing many Bellmore residents throughout the years.
Ellen Lassman, a certified travel consultant, opened Happy Talk Travel on October 1, 1975, on Bellmore Avenue. In January 1990, the Lassmans became associates of the Carlson Wagonlit Travel franchise. In late 1995, they bought the building at 309 Bedford Ave., and renovated and occupied it by July 1996, where the travel agency is now located. The agency is the only trademark office on Long Island. The Lassmans also opened a Carlson Wagonlit Travel office in Fishkill, N.Y., under the direction of their daughter Marilyn Schweitzer.
On January 22, 2005, Cruise Holidays of Bellmore officially opened. It's also owned by Carlson Wagonlit Travel. Cruise Holiday, which books cruise-only vacations, is the only such business in this area. Cruise Holiday is at 305 Bedford Ave., right next to Carlson Wagonlit Travel.
Ellen Lassman was also an adjunct professor, teaching a three-credit undergraduate marketing and management course in the travel industry at Adelphi University for three years. She had served on the Carlson Wagonlit Travel Advisory Board for three years, as president of the American Society of Travel Agents, Long Island Chapter for five years and as president of Business Networking International Central Nassau Chapter for two years.
Dr. Seymour (Sy) Lassman, a podiatrist by profession, retired in 1985 and joined Ellen in the travel agency as vice president and office manager, handling all financial aspects of the business.
Sy has been a member of the Board of Directors for the Chamber of Commerce of the Bellmores for many years. Both Sy and Ellen have served as chairpeople of the Wantagh Fourth of July parade and originated the Miss Wantagh contest.
