By Nick Buglione
More than 370 chamber members, civic leaders, elected officials and dignitaries gathered for the festivities on Friday, Jan. 31.
"Warren deserves praise for a job well done," said Richard Bivone, of RMB Drafting, before calling Kalmenson, of Wellcare Financial Planning, to the lectern to address the organization as president one last time. "He had many achievements of 2002, too many to mention here tonight...Warren is the type of person who never gives up, and he continues to give back to the community."
As president, Kalmenson saw the completion of the East Meadow Town Square, located inside Veterans Memorial Park, and also hosted a breakfast for Russian exchange students visiting Woodland Middle School last November.
"As chamber president of the past year, I've had the opportunity to work with the most dedicated group of people," he said. "It's been a truly rewarding experience for me."
As a going away gift, the chamber sent Kalmenson off with an umbrella and shovel, humorous reminders of the two storms that canceled both of the Town Square's inaugural events last year.
For Hodish, an attorney with a private practice in Garden City, it was an emotional evening and he spoke at length of the honor of becoming president.
In the coming year, Hodish plans to focus on increasing new membership, as well as reestablishing relations with old members whom the chamber has lost contact with.
It too was an emotional evening for Sal Napolitano, the East Meadow community leader honored as the chamber's 2002 Person of the Year. Diagnosed with cancer over a year ago, Napolitano showed great bravery in the face of a life-threatening illness and continued to remain one of the community's more-active members.
"I felt like giving up many times, but it was only thanks to you, your letters and cards, that I made it through," a visibly moved Napolitano told the packed hall. Napolitano was also honored as the East Meadow Herald 2002 Person of the Year in January.
The new chamber officers installed that evening were Walter Skinner, of Allstate Insurance, as secretary; John Arigo, certified public accountant, as treasurer; Brandon Bloom, of Sir Speedy Printing, as second vice president; and John Tufarelli, of Century 21, as first vice president.
Dolores Rome, of RMB Drafting, was presented with the Silver Fox Award for dedicated service.
