The Glen Cove Chamber of Commerce will host its 23rd Annual Awards Celebration on Oct. 24, from 6 to 9 p.m., at Soundview Caterers, at 45 Bayville Ave. in Bayville. This year’s theme — A Masquerade Cocktail Affair — promises an evening of recognition, community and celebration, honoring individuals and businesses whose leadership and vision have strengthened Glen Cove. The chamber’s annual awards ceremonies began under the leadership of current chamber President Dr. Maxine Mayreis and Mary Stanco, who first chaired the event committee. Mayreis said that the evening remains one of the chamber’s most anticipated events. “It promises to be a really fun evening, and these people have been invested in Glen Cove and supporting the businesses and the community at large,” Mayreis said. “That’s why they were selected.” She emphasized that the purpose of the annual celebration is to “recognize and elevate the people in our community.” Kris Baker, recipient of the Corporate Pinnacle Award, will be honored for his achievements and leadership in corporate and humanitarian endeavors. Baker grew up learning the HVAC trade from his father, later served with the U.S. Army Military Police, and founded Baker Air in 2011. His company provides heating and cooling services in Glen Cove, Port Washington and the surrounding communities. Allen Hudson III, principal of Glen Cove High School, will receive the Leadership Award for his nearly three decades of service in education and his deep commitment to local youth. A 1991 graduate of the high school, Hudson has spent much of his career giving back to his hometown. During the pandemic, he partnered with Island Harvest and NOSH to create the Glen Cove High School Food Pantry, which supported more than 450 families. Hudson’s work extends beyond the school, to programs such as Game 7 AAU Basketball, Alumni for Youth, and the I Am My Brother and I Am My Sister initiatives. His belief that “people will never forget how you made them feel,” inspired by Maya Angelou, continues to guide his leadership. Adam and Ian Siegel, owners of The Shoppe by Trubee Hill, will receive the Small Business Achievement Award. The couple created their candle company, By Trubee Hill, in 2020, during the pandemic, selling hand-poured soy wax candles at local markets. In 2022 they opened The Shoppe by Trubee Hill — the first retailer in Glen Cove’s Village Square — expanding their offerings to home décor, pantry goods, and gifts for every season. Their commitment to community engagement includes frequent charity shopping events. The business has been voted Best Gift Shop on Long Island in the Herald’s Long Island Choice Awards for four consecutive years. Dean Mayreis, recipient of the Community Service Award, has spent decades volunteering around Glen Cove. Known for his behind-the-scenes dedication, Mayreis, who is married to Maxine, has offered vital support to chamber events, including Culinary Delights, fairs and festivals. “Glen Cove, during the summer, is very busy, with all kinds of activities and events,” Mayreis said. “It takes a lot of volunteers to do that, so I’m just one of them.” He added that volunteering helps connect residents with one another. “If everybody in town volunteered one, two or three days a year,” he said, “they could enjoy the rest of the year while other people volunteer, and make it just a continuous party.” Antonio and Olga Mazilu, founders of Scoop N Fruit Ice Cream, will receive the New Business Award, which celebrates entrepreneurial vision and community involvement. The couple moved to Glen Cove in 2016, determined to open a business that would serve their neighbors and families. “We didn’t want to move anywhere else,” Antonio said. “The reason why we opened up the business here is because we wanted our friends, families and our kids to have something in the community, and not have to go somewhere else.” Their dessert shop, on School Street, offers New Zealand-style, real fruit ice cream blended with fresh fruit, along with crepes, waffles and seasonal specialties like a cinnamon and Honeycrisp apple flavor. “Our kids go to school here, and the community is great,” Antonio said. “We’re right by the water. This reminds me of Romania. It felt like home.” Maxine Mayreis said the awards night is designed to celebrate the honorees’ accomplishments and foster community pride. “The people who are coming are there to support the honorees,” she said. “They do want to spend the time to praise them and hear all that they do and create excitement around it. It’s their time to shine in the spotlight.” Residents can support the event by attending or purchasing sponsorships. “People can show their appreciation and their support to these individuals by showing up and attending the event,” Mayreis added. “We have sponsorships at different levels and a video display ad. People can take them out individually, to support their honoree, or they can join together.” Guests will enjoy a three-hour cocktail affair featuring hors d’oeuvres, a grazing and carving station, soft drinks, coffee, tea, raffle baskets and a 50/50 raffle. A cash bar will be available. Attendees are encouraged to dress for the occasion — masks are welcome, and will also be provided.
