Wantagh Chamber of Commerce celebrates businesses

The Wantagh Chamber of Commerce partied like it was the 1930s at last week’s installation dinner, as it celebrated the contributions of several of its members.

The event, which attracted a crowd of around 70 guests, took place on April 11 at Gatsby on the Ocean, at Jones Beach’s historic West Bathhouse.

“This is such a beautiful place that represents the history of Wantagh,” chamber President Cathy McGrory Powell said. “It’s such a historic place, and it’s an incredible example of art deco. We’re really excited to be able to do this here tonight.”

McGrory Powell, who has been the organization’s president since 2019, was sworn in again by Nassau County Legislator Michael Giangregorio, who also presented several special award winners with citations.

Looking back, McGrory Powell said, getting involved with the chamber was a matter of making a difference in the business community.

“I love the community,” she said. “I always want to do more for the community, and make memories with people and help our businesses.”

She and her husband, Bill Powell, operate Universe Home Services in Seaford, which is celebrating its 70th anniversary this year.

Marilynne Rich, the chamber’s second vice president, presented the Nassau Council Chambers of Commerce Businessperson of the Year award to Frank Ubriaco, owner of Blackbird Kitchen and Cocktails and Uncle Frank’s Wood Fired Pizza. According to Rich, Ubriaco and his brother-in-law, chef Chris Perrotta, have built a family-run restaurant group that has been a highlight on the Wantagh dining scene since 2016.

“Frank will always greet you with a smile, and ask what he can do to help,” Rich said.

Ubriaco said he was thankful for being welcomed into the community, and that the chamber has always been supportive of his business.

“They’ve been fantastic,” he said. “Huge support from everybody. A mutual support, professional and personal.”

The Wantagh Fire Department, which celebrates its 125th anniversary this year, won both Organization of the Year and Lifetime Achievement awards, presented by Karen Lofgren, the chamber’s first vice president.

“We are honored to recognize the Wantagh Fire Department for both awards, as they are the epitome of distinction, demonstrating a steadfast commitment to our community through their services as volunteer firefighters and EMTs,” Lofgren said.

Parlour on the Park received the Beautification of the Year award. The salon was founded in 2022 by Alexandra Tumminello-Ciullo and Jennifer Romeo-Laucella, friends and co-workers for over 15 years who had dreamed of opening a shop of their own.

The Citizen of the Year award went to Laura Dupkin Memisha, an associate broker for Realty Advisors. According to the chamber, Memisha specializes in new construction, and has extensive experience in sales of both residential and commercial properties.

“It feels absolutely fabulous, and I am honored,” Memisha said. “I love my Wantagh community, and I live for it.”

McGrory Powell presented the Leadership award to John Theissen, founder and executive director of the John Theissen Children’s Foundation, a nonprofit that helps sick and underprivileged children through donations and fundraisers. Since 1992, Theissen’s organization has collected more than a million toys for children in need at more than 180 hospitals and child-care facilities.

“He is always so gracious, and appreciates anything that people do to help his cause, his mission, his purpose on this earth,” McGrory Powell said of Theissen. “It is that kind of leadership that we need a lot more of.”

Theissen said he was honored to receive the award, but added that everything he does has always been a community effort, and the people who donate and bring awareness to his organization help him continue to be there for children in need.

“People make it possible,” Theissen said. “The volunteers, the supporters, it’s a community effort.”

Gail Sherwood, of West Babylon, who has been a volunteer for Theissen’s organization since 2002, was the President’s Choice award winner. According to McGrory Powell, Sherwood has been dedicated to Theissen’s cause, whether answering phones, collecting donations or helping him organize events to help children in need.

“To me, this award is for someone who isn’t in the spotlight, but is always there, as an important piece of the puzzle,” McGrory Powell said. “That’s Gail Sherwood.”