Dear Fellow Chamber Members and Residents of the Massapequas,
As I write this, my favorite season of beaches, barbecues and flip flops has officially come to a close, and fall has arrived. While I’ll miss those long, sunny days, I’m excited for the season ahead and for all the ways our Chamber will continue to bring people and businesses in our community together.
This past summer, we were honored to sponsor the Massapequa Park Fireworks, and it was great to see so many families and neighbors come together for such a fantastic evening. We also had a great time participating in Park After Dark, connecting with our community and supporting our local businesses. We also held our very first Member Appreciation Picnic at Marjorie Post Park in August, and it was a wonderful evening filled with laughter, good food, and great company.
One of my favorite events each year is our Annual Police Luncheon, which we held on September 25th at the American Legion Post 1066. As the wife of a retired NYPD Lieutenant who proudly served for 31 years, this event holds special meaning for me. The Massapequa Chamber of Commerce is always proud to Back the Blue! This special celebration shines a well-deserved spotlight on the heroes of the Nassau County Police Department. This year, we had the privilege of honoring Police Officers Christopher Guardino, Christopher Lamonica, Paul Mangione, and Brittany Jackolski. They all exemplify dedication, compassion, and service to our community. A special thank you to our generous event sponsor, New You Plastic Surgery, for helping make this day possible.
With the fall season in full swing, we’re looking forward to several upcoming events that promise to bring our community even closer together! Our Second Annual Halloween Trunk or Treat, proudly sponsored by James Funeral Home, will take place on October 18th from 11 a.m. – 1 p.m. at the McKenna Elementary/Senior Center Parking Lot. This family-friendly event is open exclusively to Massapequa families and will feature our Chamber member businesses in a fun-filled, spooky afternoon!
October is also Breast Cancer Awareness Month, a time that holds special meaning for our Chamber as we remember our beloved Past President and dear friend, Patricia Orzano, who passed away in November 2023 after a courageous battle with breast cancer. Patty’s dedication to our Chamber and her love for this community were extraordinary. In her honor, we encourage everyone, especially women, to make their health a priority by scheduling routine mammograms and screenings. Early detection truly saves lives.
As the spooky season continues, we’re excited to host more opportunities for networking and fun! Join us for our Annual Fall “Spooktacular” After-Hours General Meeting on Thursday, October 23rd at 6:00 PM at Zona Restaurant. Costumes are optional but always welcome! It’s a perfect evening to connect with fellow business leaders while enjoying a delicious dinner in a festive atmosphere. Be sure to visit our website to RSVP!
Looking ahead, we’re thrilled to celebrate the continued growth and success of our members. Recent ribbon-cuttings and milestones highlight the vibrancy of our local business community. We welcomed Over South Real Estate and congratulated Sean Manning and the entire team on their Grand Opening in Massapequa – it was a pleasure celebrating this new beginning with you and we wish you great success as you help families find their dream homes! We also celebrated the 10-Year Anniversary of Mercato Kitchen & Cocktails – congratulations to Keleigh, Brian, and Matt Bivona! A decade in business is an incredible accomplishment and a true testament to your commitment to excellence, exceptional cuisine and service and we wish you many more ahead.
I am also very excited to welcome our three newest board members: Randi Jankowski, Anthony Migliorelli, and Angela Shirian. Their enthusiasm, fresh ideas, and commitment to the community will be an incredible asset as we continue to grow and strengthen our organization.
We also bid a fond farewell to our Office Manager, Shelley Siemsen, who is moving on after ten years of dedicated service to our Chamber. Shelley has been the heart of our office, and we wish her all the best in her next chapter. We are incredibly grateful for all she has done for our members and our community.
If you’d like to get involved, please call us at 516-541-1443 or visit www.massapequachamber.org to learn more about membership and sponsorship opportunities. We can’t wait to welcome you into our vibrant Chamber family.
Warm Regards,
Robin Hepworth, President
Chamber of Commerce of the Massapequas, Inc.