Merrick Chamber honors leaders at annual dinner

Toasts, clinks of silverware against glasses and good conversation filled the air at every table during the Merrick Chamber of Commerce’s 81st annual Installation Dinner.

The formal affair, held at Chateau Briand in Carle Place on Jan. 28, celebrated the chamber’s Man and Woman of the Year. This year, the chamber also recognized the Merchant and Professional of the Year. The awards were co-sponsored by the Merrick Herald Life, published by brothers Cliff and Stuart Richner.

Charles Fuschillo Jr.

“First, I’d like to thank the politicians…No, I’m kidding!” said Man of the Year Charles J. Fuschillo, Jr. to a full room upon accepting his award.

The former state senator from Merrick was appointed president and chief executive officer of the Alzheimer’s Foundation of America in 2014, and under his leadership, the non-profit organization has expanded to more than 2,400 members.

Fuschillo served 15 years in the Senate, from 1998 to 2013, authoring many laws, including one that prohibits insurance companies from denying autism treatments and therapies. It passed in 2011.

“I owe a lot of my success to my wife,” he said. “It’s not easy raising kids when your husband is away a lot.”

One elected leader whom Fuschillo thanked was his successor, Sen. Michael Venditto, who had a message for Fuschillo. Venditto said it was penned by his former team at his district office in Massapequa: “Dear Chuck, congrats. We like you a lot better than the new guy.”

“Seriously, congratulations to Charles,” Venditto said.

Donna Rosenblum

“My mother taught me that nothing is more important than education,” Woman of the Year Donna Rosenblum said.

She was honored for her outstanding work at Merrick and Bellmore libraries. Rosenblum is now president of the Merrick Library Board of Trustees.