Bellmore Chamber honors its own, volunteers

Members of the Bellmore Chamber of Commerce celebrated in style at the Woodbury Country Club on Jan. 29 as the business group installed its president and Board of Directors, as well as honored chamber members and community volunteers.

Ron Mare was named the chamber’s president. The Executive Board includes William Wilgus, vice president; Debby Izzo, recording secretary; and Karen Meyerowitz, treasurer.

The Board of Directors comprises Jill Bromberg, Greg Conneely, Virginia McClean, Kevin McKinnon, Kevin McVeigh, Mark Meyerowitz, Bob Podolski, John Sirabella and Bob Vecchi.

The membership representative is Martha Verdi, the administrative assistant is Nancy Seifer, and the festival coordinator is Dee Marcellino.

Gary Hudes, a Town of Hempstead councilman, former Bellmore Chamber president and owner of Gennaro Jewelers, was honored with the chamber’s Lifetime Achievement Award. Joni Caputo, the chamber’s executive director, who is retiring from her post, was recognized for her long service to the chamber. Rhonda Faulkner, who volunteers for the homeless, was named Community Person of the Year. Matt and Steve Lazar, owners of Nature’s Museum Store, were named Chamber Members of the Year. And Debby Izzo, owner of the Dirty Dawg, was named Board Member of the Year.

The Bellmore Herald annually sponsors the chamber’s awards.