By Dana Williams
Since March of 1990, the Stampfels have owned Malverne Cinema, a five-screen complex devoted to art, independent and foreign films. The theater is one of the few on Long Island where people can see such films, with many residents calling the cinema the “Angelika of Long Island.”
On any given day, dozens of film lovers of all ages from across the metropolitan area gather outside the theater, in Malverne’s business district, to buy tickets to see films ranging from the renowned to the obscure.
Henry Stampfel attributes part of the theater’s success to its location. “The theater is near the Southern State Parkway, it’s right in the busiest part of the Village of Malverne and there’s plenty of parking, so it’s in a great location,” said Stampfel, who also serves at the president of the Malverne Merchants & Professional Association. “Our success has to do with the people of this village, also. The residents here give us a lot of support and encouragement ... and that really helps to keep our business flourishing.” During the trustees’ award presentation, McDonald paid tribute to the Stampfels’ continuing efforts to keep the village’s businesses and residents busy with community events, such as the MMPA’s annual Easter Egg Hunt, Merchant Fair and Classic Car Show, among others. Henry also spearheaded efforts this year to help children and merchants celebrate Halloween together, encouraging families to visit shops for candy while they were out trick-or-treating.
The Stampfels have been members of the MMPA for 18 years. “We’re very fortunate to have you and Anne in this village,” McDonald said, adding that the citation was a way for village officials to say thank you to the couple for all of their hard work. The honor came just weeks after the Stampfels were honored by the Nassau County Council of Chambers of Commerce as its Small Business People of the Year from Malverne. The two were honored at the chamber’s 24th Small Businessperson of the Year and Legislative Breakfast on Oct. 17. “We’re very proud to have been chosen for the chamber award also,” said Henry. “We’re just happy to be running a successful business here in Malverne ... and we just appreciate being able to run our business in such a great community.”
Comments about this story? DWilliams@liherald.com or (516) 569-4000 ext. 205.
