The Wantagh Chamber of Commerce celebrated new leadership, honored longtime community supporters and reflected on the importance of volunteerism at its annual Installation Dinner at Gatsby on the Ocean at Jones Beach.
The evening featured the installation of the chamber’s new executive leadership team, recognition of community award recipients and an emotional tribute to the late Mike Dunphy, a longtime chamber member and a fixture in the Wantagh community, who was posthumously honored with the organization’s Lifetime Achievement Award.
“This was the first year that we did not have rain,” First Vice President Marilynne Rich joked. “We were actually able to see the beach and the sunset. People were taking pictures outside with the beach behind them. The setting in and of itself encompasses really what Wantagh is all about, the gateway to Jones Beach.”
The chamber installed Karen Lofgren as president, Rich as first vice president, Matthew Koundrup as second vice president and Kim Kefer as corresponding secretary.
“We all work well together,” Rich said. “We all have the same outlook for Wantagh.”
She described Lofgren as deeply rooted in the community and committed to ensuring that chamber events run smoothly. “She loves this town and this community,” Rich said. “When we walk down the parade route, everybody knows Karen.”
The evening also highlighted the chamber’s annual community awards, recognizing residents, organizations and businesses for their contributions to Wantagh.
This year’s Citizens of the Year honors went to members of the Wantagh Fire Department, whom Rich described as longtime supporters of chamber initiatives and community events. “They’ve always been a tremendous supporter of the chamber in all events and all we do in helping the community and helping our neighbors,” she said.
The Beautification Award was presented to Karen Matson of Tease Hair Bar and Glam Events for her efforts to maintain and decorate her business, including a mural painted on the building’s exterior.
The Junior Achievement Award went to Faith Stallone, a graduating Wantagh High School senior recognized for years of volunteer work and community involvement.
The Organization of the Year honor was presented to the Wantagh American Legion Pipe Band, which Rich credited with inspiring the creation of Wantagh’s now-popular St. Patrick’s Day Parade.
According to Rich, a conversation with pipe band members during a ribbon-cutting event in 2018 sparked the idea for the parade, which has since grown into what the chamber says is the largest St. Patrick’s Day parade on Long Island.
Rich said the parade now draws more than 50,000 attendees, according to estimates from the Nassau County Police Department helicopter flybys.
The night’s most emotional moments came with the recognition of Dunphy, the longtime owner of the Wantagh Inn, who died last month. His family accepted the Lifetime Achievement Award on his behalf.
“It was a little bit somber, but a very special night,” Rich said. “For the Dunphy family to see how much Mike Dunphy was loved and cared for in this community.”
Rich described Dunphy as a quiet philanthropist who consistently supported local organizations, churches and residents without seeking recognition.
“He never liked to be in the spotlight,” she said. “But he did so much that we felt it was time that he was honored for it.”
She remembered him as “the quintessential gentleman,” recalling how he would personally escort guests to their tables at the Wantagh Inn and proudly share stories about his Irish heritage and his gratitude for becoming an American citizen.
Beyond the awards and installations, Rich said, the dinner reflected the chamber’s broader mission of supporting local businesses and strengthening community connections.
“When we came on, there really weren’t any events, and most people didn’t know what the chamber was,” she said. “My personal mission was to educate Wantagh on what the chamber does.”
The chamber, she said, has since expanded its social media presence, increased membership, hosted ribbon cuttings, supported beautification efforts and launched community events including Thursday Night Live and Wantagh Wonderland. You can also see the organization’s strides downtown in the recent improvements to Triangle Park and the gazebo.
Looking ahead, Rich said, the focus is on another season of Thursday Night Live events, continuing beautification projects and preparing for next year’s St. Patrick’s Day Parade. “We don’t ever take a break,” she said.
Rich said that supporting local businesses remains especially important, as small-business owners continue facing rising costs and competition from online retailers.
“Amazon is great,” she said, “but your local stores and your local restaurants and your local service people … these are the people that are supporting the community.”
