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Massapequa Chamber of Commerce honors USCG members

by Carolyn James

Also honored recently by the Chamber of Commerce were Dr. Christopher and Laura Schmitt. They are shown, at right with, left to right Chamber President Gary Slavin and Past President Bob Rubino.

The Chamber of Commerce of the Massapequas recognized the work and dedication of the United States Coast Guard and its role in helping to protect the New York Harbor, especially following the terrorist attacks on the World Trade Center September 11. Accepting the tribute on behalf of the Coast Guard were Chief Mark Davenport and Petty Officer Jim Weber.

"They protect our harbor and are always there," said Chamber President Gary Slavin, who made the presentations.

Following the September 11 attacks, Coast Guard members from across the country rushed to New York to secure our harbors.

"Many of them left their posts within hours of the attack, packing up whatever they could and heading here as quickly as possible," said Slavin.

Chamber member Denis Monet is given an award for his commitment to Chamber by President Gary Slavin.

The work they did was brought to the attention of the Chamber by Chamber member Dennis Monet who helped organize a Chamber effort to collect toiletries and other items for the Coast Guard members.

"It was really Dennis’ idea," said Slavin. "He has a masters captains’ license and worked with the Coast Guard during those critical first few days and we were very appreciative of their work, so we wanted to let then know that."

Davenport said the thoughtfulness of the Chamber touched the Coast Guard members. "It was very nice to know that the people we work to protect appreciate us," he said. "Many of the men were from out of town and the packages of toiletries came in handy, but it was really the thought that made them feel as if we were not so far from home."

The United States Coast Guard’s role is to provide maritime law enforcement, including harbor protection, search and rescue efforts and navigational boating safety information and training. A spokesman said that the Coast Guard’s responsibility has not changed since September 11, but the public’s awareness of them has. "I think that people are just noticing what we do more," he said.

"This is your station and you should come down and visit with us and see where your tax dollars are going," said Davenport. "We can pinch a penny and make things happen with a dollar and we would love to show the station to you."

In other Chamber business:

• Dr. Christopher and Laura Schmitt were honored as business people of the year by the Massapequa Chamber and were recognized at a County Chamber breakfast last month. Described by Slavin as the Chamber’s dynamic duo, the couple have, and continue to work on many Chamber projects.

"We are honoring both of them, because Laura is only able to participate in Chamber functions because her husband watches the children while she’s working for the Chamber," said Slavin.

"It is an honor to be involved with the Chamber," said Dr. Schmitt. "My work in serving the community by providing health-care and information on hygiene and healthy living habits, and our work in the Chamber helps us make a difference here."

The Chamber office is at 674 Broadway, Massapequa. Their phone number is 516-541-1443.