Annemarie McMullan The Chamber of Commerce of the Massapequas is gearing up to throw a huge party celebrating its 60th anniversary. Founded in September 1948, the Chamber has promoted local businesses and has helped improve the community by working together. This year they are honoring three local businesses in the categories of the anniversary theme: past, present and future.

"We are so happy to be honoring these businesses," said Jamie Bogenshutz, a member of the Chamber's board directors and Director of the YES Community Counseling Center in Massapequa. "It's wonderful to be part of the Chamber- the members are so committed to the Massapequa Community."

Honored to represent the Chamber's past is The Massapequa Post Newspaper whose founder, Ira Kahn was one of the Chamber's organizers six decades ago.

The Massapequa Post was established Nov. 15, 1951 by Massapequa resident Barbara and Ira Kahn, became an integral part of the community. Ira Kahn was an outspoken advocate for the Massapequas and promoted the welfare of its residents in strong, hardhitting editorials every week.

Left to right, Vinny and Joe Bordino of Pequa Florist. In the late 1980s, the Kahn's sold the Post to Chanry Communications, a conglomerate that published advertising shoppers across Long Island, including the Pennysaver News. Chanry eventually sold the Post, and its sister newspaper, the Amityville Record, to its current owners Alfred and Carolyn James.

"Our goal each week is to be an even greater voice for the residents of the communities than the week before, and to focus on issues and events that are vital in the lives of residents," said Alfred James. "And of course, our membership in the Chamber is part of that."

The "present" honoree is the Pequa Park Florist, 536 Broadway Massapequa, which is currently owned by Joe and Vinny Bordino. The Bordino family moved to Massapequa from Ozone Park in 1969 and Vinny and Joe grew up watching their father establish the business that they run today. They have raised their own families here in Massapequa and said that they have been proud to serve the people of the Massapequas.

Annie Shines Cleaning Service, owned by Annemarie McMullan, is the "future" honoree. Based in Massapequa, the business began in 1997 and has expanded into a second business, "Staging Home Sales," which helps homeowners to highlight the features of their homes during the selling process.

McMullan is a board member of the Chamber, which has 340 members, an active member of the Nassau Council of Chambers, a board of director with the Long Island Junior Chamber of Commerce. In 2007, she was named the first person in New York State to be awarded the Creative Entrepreneur Award, and is currently the Chairwoman for the award committee.

Nominated as theChamber 's Diamond honoree, is James (Nunzio) Grella. He was chosen, said the nominating committee, because of his "altruistic and supportive history" with the organization.

Jim is the founding partner of NJ Grella& Associates, CPAs. In 1998, he co -founded Island Imaging, Inc., a leading MRI facility, where he serves as chief financial officer. He is a graduate of Hofstra University where he excelled in academics and sports. in 1975, and he served six years with the Army National Guard.

Jim and his wife Dorothy have been married 40 years and have three children, James, Jennifer and Stephanie. In addition to his passion for helping his community, he is a diehard NY Jet and Yankee fan and enjoys boating, swimming and collecting sports memorabilia.

A dinner and dance celebrating the anniversary and recognizing the honorees will be held Fri., March 28 at the Manor East in Massapequa. Keynote speakers will be New York Sen. Charles Fuschillo and Town of Oyster Bay Supervisor John Venditto. Comedian Chris Monty will perform.

For information on the event, call the Chamber at 516-541-1443.