Celebrating those who make Wantagh tick

More than 100 people gathered at the Riviera last week to celebrate the Wantagh business community, as the Chamber of Commerce hosted its annual installation dinner.

Chris Brown was sworn in as president, his second stint leading the group. Brown, the owner of Mid-Island Medical Supply, The Buff Shop and Doc Brown’s Books, all on Wantagh Avenue, succeeds attorney Denise Langweber. In between his terms as Chamber president, Brown led the Wantagh Kiwanis Club.

Gregg Markin of Andy’s Luggage was installed as first vice president, along with Astoria Bank’s Cynthia Smith as second vice president. Rounding out the officers are Recording Secretary Patrick Bénot, of Swift Life, Corresponding Secretary Paulie Briggs, of Voice Trax, and Financial Secretary Tony Parmar, of Mathnasium.

Trustees include Floyd Earl of Coldwell Banker Residential Brokerage, Laurie Erb of Drop n Lock, Jessica Freedman of Sublime K9 Dog Training, Les Kule of Friendly Software, Ira Reiter of Merrick Dodge Chrysler Jeep, and Mitchell Rich, an attorney.

The Citizen of the Year award was presented to Joseph Anderson, and the Lifetime Achievement award went to Tom Watson.

The Knights of Columbus Squires was recognized as the Organization of the Year. Members of the youth group sold chocolate and raised $2,000 to purchase a nativity scene for Triangle Park, to go along with the Christmas tree and Menorah.

Larry Weinberger received the beautification award. Linda Swanson, of Environmental Landscaping and Design and the Chamber’s executive director, was recognized as the 2014 businessperson of the year from Wantagh from the Nassau Council of Chambers.