Chamber dinner honors Oceanside citizens

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Oceanside residents and business owners enjoyed a good meal and an evening of dancing at the Oceanside Chamber of Commerce Annual Dinner Dance on Feb. 8.

The event was hosted at the Oceanside Jewish Center, where attendees enjoyed an open bar and appetizer hour, followed by a three-course dinner and dancing. Bob Transom, of Oceanside Community Service, presided over the evening’s ceremonies, which included the installation of the Chamber’s new officers and recognizing the Chamber’s Citizen of the Year, Business of the Year and Outstanding Youth Award recipients.

Assemblyman Brian Curran was all smiles as he swore in Tom Lanning, owner of Pastosa Ravioli on Long Beach Road, as the new Chamber president. Officers Andrew Mallor, Leslie Braun, Kim Kellar, Tom Cesiro III and Alan Schwartz, along with the board of directors, also took their oaths.

Oceanside student Kelsey Muller received the Outstanding Youth Award for her dedication to her schools and community. An officer of the Oceanside Key Club and a dedicated member of Kiwanis, Muller has been on the honor roll throughout her high school career.

“Kelsey Muller is a dedicated, motivated, caring, community-minded leader in Oceanside High School,” said OHS principal Geraldine DeCarlo. “To say that she is compassionate, sensitive, and a humanitarian is an understatement.”

South Nassau Communities Hospital was named Business of the Year in recognition of its commitment to the well being of south shore residents and due to its active participation in the Oceanside community. Former Oceanside High School Associate Principal Fred Koller received the Citizen of the Year award for his lifelong dedication to Oceanside’s youth as assistant principal of Oceanside High School, Director of the Department of Community Activities and a soccer, basketball and baseball coach.