Oceanside Chamber to bestow awards

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The Oceanside Chamber of Commerce will host its annual installation dinner dance on Saturday, Feb. 8, at Robert Ian Caterers at the Oceanside Jewish Center, 2860 Brower Ave., Oceanside. In addition to the installation, the Chamber will celebrate their honorees: Fred Koller, named the Citizen of the Year; South Nassau Communities Hospital, the Chamber’s Business of the Year; and Kelsey Muller, recipient of the Chamber’s Youth Award.

Cocktails will be served at 7:00 p.m., and dinner at 8:00. For information on tickets ($75), email Leslie Braun at lbraun7197@aol.com.

Citizen of the Year, Fred Koller

Everybody knows Fred as Oceanside High School’s Associate Principal, former Castleton Academy Principal, Director of Community Activities or baseball, basketball, soccer coach. These positions, among some others, are a few of the hats Fred has worn over the years, setting an example for our kids live by.

Fred’s dedication to children has been a predominant factor in his life. Upon moving to Oceanside in 1988 with his wife, Bette, and young son, Jesse, he immediately became involved with youth activities such as soccer, basketball and baseball. Fred was elected President of the Oceanside National Little League and served in that capacity for three years. He also coached in the Oceanside United Soccer League and CYO Basketball.

Fred’s talents, both on and off the field, were well-recognized. He served as lead teacher at the Oceanside High School’s Alternative program at the Castleton Court Campus, now called Castleton Academy.

In 1999, he went on to complete his administration and licensing program and became Castleton Academy’s Director of Alternative Education in addition to taking on leadership roles at the Department of Community Activities, Continuing Education, GED and New Horizons programs.

Recognizing Fred’s talents, former Superintendent of Schools Herb Brown brought him to the High School as Associate Principal, a position which he held until his retirement this past summer.

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