East Rockaway Chamber hosts awards dinner

The East Rockaway Chamber of Commerce held its annual awards dinner on November 17 at Rocco’s Catering Hall on Main Street in East Rockaway, handing out “Man of the Year” and two local businesses.

Mayor Francis Lenahan was the recipient of the first award, because, according to Chamber President Debbie Hirschberg, “He’s our new mayor, and he lowered taxes — and a lot of people are happy with that.”

Lenahan, elected mayor in March, was a village trustee and a veteran of the armed forces. He served as a military police officer and eventually served as a detective in the Fifth Precinct Detective Squad, Special Investigations Squad and Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Force. His law enforcement career spanned 35 years. He is a 43-year active firefighter with the East Rockaway Fire Department and holds the rank of Ex-Captain. He is also a member of many local organizations.

Long Island Processor, established in 1986, was the recipient of one of two “Businesses of the Year.” Their primary business ins sales and service of medical X-ray systems. Over the past 26 years, they have employed many men and women, and are “proud to be part of the East Rockaway community.” The owners are Harold and Patricia Gearity.

ROK Health and Fitness was the recipient of the second award. The establishment is not yet open to the public, but Hirschberg said that they are already very involved with the community and other business owners.

“They went to all the merchants and gave discounts to their fellow businesses in town. They are already involved.”

Owner Robert D’Urso owns Bob’s Auto Body in Lynbrook, and is noted as being one of Lynbrook’s largest property owners with more than 170,000 square feet of buildings and property.

Michael Hawksby, with a career in business development, realized years ago that the health and fitness business was the place to be, and partnered with D’Urso to create ROK.