Rev. Mark Lukens and Jennifer Derrig
Herald file photos
The Nassau Council of Chambers of Commerce Inc. held its 29th annual Small Businessperson of the Year and Legislative Breakfast on Oct. 18, honoring local individuals whose efforts contributed to the advancement of their community.
Among those honored were Rev. Mark Lukens, pastor of the Bethany Congregational Church and a member of the East Rockaway Chamber of Commerce, and Jennifer Derrig, owner of the Lynbrook Irish Shop and a member of the Lynbrook Chamber of Commerce.
Rev. Mark Lukens
Lukens came to Bethany Congregational Church in 1998. He has worked as a clinician, community organizer, and administrator in human service agencies from the south Bronx to the Genesee Valley regions of New York. He has a master degree in Special Education from Columbia University and a Master of Divinity degree from Drew University.
Lukens has served as the Chairman of the board of the Interfaith Alliance of Long Island, President of the Lynbrook/East Rockaway Clergy Association, a board member of the Long Island Council of Churches, Chaplain of the East Rockaway Fire Department, and chair of the Western Nassau Crop Walk against Hunger.
After Hurricane Sandy, Lukens and the congregants of Bethany opened their church providing food, clothing and other necessities. They also hosting Next step Ministries, who providing assistance to residents in the aftermath of Hurricane Sandy. Lukens was a presenter and a workshop leader in the Parliament of World Religion Faith Against Hate Campaign at Hofstra University in 2013.
Jennifer Derrig
Derrig is the owner of the Lynbrook Irish Shop and the Lynbrook Internet based business. The Irish Jewelry Company. She has a degree in Fine Art and Jewelry Design from the FIT, prior to launching her own companies, she was senior jeweler designer for one the country; largest jewelry manufacturer selling to Macy’s, QVC and HSN, among others.
Since joining the board of the Lynbrook Chamber of Commerce in January, she has designed the chamber’s website streamlining their email marketing created the chambers popular Facebook page and launched the Shop Local Lynbrook loyalty card program,
Derrig is also as resident of Lynbrook where she raised her two children with her husband, Andrew. She has always been an active member of the community serving as Vice President and Treasurer of the local PTA, is a member of the LAOH Div. 14 and is currently at catechist as Our Lady of Peace Church.
