By John C. O'Connell
The event enabled dozens of Valley Stream businesses to meet potential customers for their products and services, and gave consumers in the mall an opportunity to learn about merchants, banking and other financial institutions, and professional service providers that do business beyond the mall.
Rosemarie DelGrosso, president of the Chamber, praised everyone involved in making the event a success, especially the businesses that participated in Community Day, the many shoppers who paused to speak to the companies' representatives, and last year's Chamber president Carol Gallo-Turschmann, who organized the event for the Chamber.
The three winners of a Valley Stream Chamber of Commerce children's essay contest were announced during Community Day at the mall, and special presentations were made to the children and their parents.
The Chamber had invited Valley Stream students in grades one through seven to submit essays in the Chamber's "Mom Makes Memories" contest. Children sent in compositions about their fondest memories of their moms.
Wheeler Avenue School second-grader Matthew Orlech, Willow Road School third-grader Francesca Crino and Howell Road School sixth-grader Daniel Sanchul Chang were the winners and were awarded prizes. Moms Pamela Orlech, Robin Crino and Sung Hee Chang also received gifts.
Carbonaro School first-grade teacher Shannon Quinn also received an award on behalf of the 15 students in her class who participated in the contest.
Valley Stream Mayor Edward Cahill was on hand to welcome everyone to Community Day. Joni Rupert, marketing director for the event's host and fellow Chamber member, the Green Acres Mall, facilitated the event.
