East Rockaway Chamber hosts networking BBQ

East Rockaway chamber members gathered for a photo during their networking barbecue held at the VFW Hall on Main Street last week.

Mary Malloy/Herald

Chamber president Debbie Hirschberg tried the spicy chicken and the corn on the cob.

Mary Malloy/Herald

Jeanie Annecco sold raffle tickets.

Mary Malloy/Herald

Photos by Mary Malloy/Herald ROK’S Craig Durso and Mike Hawksby invited fellow business owners to “come check out the club!”

Mary Malloy/Herald

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The East Rockaway Chamber of Commerce held a barbecue networking night, hosted by the East Rockaway VFW.

With delicious chicken, burgers, hot dogs and salads prepared by Charlene Fried, business owners and organization members gathered to talk, trade stories and wish each other well. President Debbie Hirschberg invited those in attendance to speak.

East Rockaway Music store owner Paul Lanzetta thanked Guy Donza, of Donza Funeral Home, for being the original president of the then East Rockaway Trade Association. “Without this guy,” Lanzetta said, “we wouldn’t even be here.”

Although many business said that they were still hurting after Hurricane Sandy, there was some good news: Jennie Annecco, of Jeanie’s Bakery, announced that she has opened a new location in Wantagh. Village Trustee Stanley Lombaro said there will be shuttle buses running to transport people to the Stars & Stripes Festival next weekend. Trustee Ed Corrado talked about the Robin Hood Foundation. ROK Health & Fitness co-owner Mike Hawksby announced a "$100 for 100 days” summer special.

And Kiwanis Club’s Ethel Gilloon summed it up when she said, “As bad as Sandy was, that community spirit is coming back!”