Dear Fellow Chamber Members and Residents of the Massapequas,
As we move into March, I am filled with gratitude and excitement for all that we have accomplished and the exciting events ahead. Our community continues to grow stronger, and it’s inspiring to see so many come together to support one another.
We just recently honored our local heroes at our Annual Firefighters of the Year Awards Luncheon, where we had the privilege of honoring four outstanding local firefighters from the Massapequa and North Massapequa Fire Departments. Their dedication and service to our community are truly commendable, and we thank them for their bravery and commitment. A special thank you to Investment Insight Wealth Management for sponsoring this wonderful event. Congratulations to our well-deserving honorees: From the Massapequa Fire Department, Fire-Medic David Lee (Rescue Company 3) and Firefighter Eric Devine (Ladder Company 6.) From the North Massapequa Fire Department, Ex-Chief Mark Frascella (Engine Company 3) and Ex-Captain Jack Smalley (Ladder Company 1.)
Our Multi-Chamber Networking Event at Knights of Columbus – Our Lady of the Island Council was a great success! It was fantastic to see so many local businesses come together, fostering new relationships and opportunities for collaboration. These events are a testament to the strength and unity within our business community, and we look forward to more successful gatherings in the future. Special thanks to Neil DeRosa for coordinating this special event, as well as Grand Knight Matt Salvo for your continued support and generosity.
As we move forward into 2025, we are thrilled to host our First Annual St. Patrick’s Day Parade on Saturday, March 15, 2025! The parade route will start on Broadway and Jerusalem Ave., proceeding south on Broadway to Veterans Blvd. This event is something I have long believed was overdue for our community, and I couldn’t be more excited to see it finally come to life. With a few short weeks away, we invite all Chamber member businesses, Massapequa schools, and community organizations to march and participate in what we hope will become a cherished annual tradition. This is a fantastic opportunity to celebrate our vibrant community, showcase local pride, and bring people together in the spirit of unity and festivity.
We are honored to have Nassau County Police Commissioner Patrick J. Ryder and Past President Gary Slavin as our Grand Marshals for this special event. Let’s make this a memorable milestone for our town! Stay tuned for more details as we finalize plans. Thanks again to our Chairperson Past President Keith Wilson for all his hard work and efforts. And sincere appreciation to all of our sponsors, especially our Main Event Sponsor, Embassy Diner, for your generosity and support.
We are also excited to announce our 2nd Annual Taste of Massapequa. On Thursday, April 24th from 6:00 PM – 9:00 PM, come sample the best of Massapequa’s culinary scene at Wren Kitchens (5500 Sunrise Highway, Massapequa.) For just $30 per person, you’ll enjoy over 30 local restaurants sharing their signature dishes, raffles and prizes to win, and live music and entertainment. We invite all our member restaurants to participate and showcase their culinary expertise. This is a fantastic opportunity to connect with the local community and promote your business! And to our community, we encourage you to come out and support your favorite local eateries while discovering new flavors and favorites! Reserve your space now and join us for an unforgettable evening of food, fun, and community connection! Special thank you to Co-Chairs 3rd Vice President Janice Talento and Chamber member Linda Rowse for all of your hard work in coordinating this event.
Finally, join us for the Anthony Ventiera / Patricia Orzano Memorial Annual Massapequa Community Street Festival on Sunday, June 1st at 11:00 AM – 6:00 PM on lower Broadway in Massapequa! Enjoy delicious food to satisfy your cravings, great music to get you grooving, amazing prizes to be won, fantastic vendors with unique finds, and fun family activities for all ages. Calling all vendors – don’t miss out on this amazing opportunity to showcase your business! Reach out to secure your spot! Bring your friends, bring your family, and get ready to make some unforgettable memories! Special thanks to Event Chairperson Past President Keith Wilson, as well as Vice-Chairs Stephen Parmiter and Pastor Chris Merz, for all your efforts in organizing the special event.
As we continue into 2025, I look forward to a year filled with collaboration, growth, and shared success. Our Chamber remains committed to supporting businesses, fostering connections, and strengthening our local economy. Your participation and dedication make all the difference, and I’m grateful to be on this journey with such an incredible group of individuals.
All the Best,
Robin Hepworth, President, Massapequa Chamber of Commerce