A who’s-who of the Bay Shore community attended the 20th annual Bay Shore – Brightwaters Distinguished Citizen Award dinner Friday, Dec. 20, at Captain Bill’s restaurant in Bay Shore. This year was extra special in that Bay Shore’s own immediate past president of 27 years, Donna Periconi, was honored by 250 adoring guests… and there was also a waiting list! Eddie Fraser, who has taken on the position as president of the chamber since Periconi’s retirement, quipped, “Donna was reluctant to have a fuss made over her and modestly expected around 50 people to come.”

Among the attendees were Islip Town supervisor Angie Carpenter, past senator Phil Boyle, Suffolk Transportation’s John Corrado, Frank Boulton, Long Island Ducks and Boulton Center for the Performing Arts fame, Mike McElway, Bay Shore Restaurant Committee, Winnie Mack, Northwell Health/South Shore University Hospital, former Islip Town supervisor, Phil Boyle and Robert Waring, acting commissioner of the Suffolk County Police Department… to name a few. Also in attendance were Periconi’s three daughters and their families, including her three grandsons, who affectionately doted on their grandmother throughout the evening. Quite a showing for the “ Grande Dame” of Bay Shore.

From the moment one entered the banquet hall, it was a night to remember. At the entrance, guests were greeted by Victorian carolers and passed hors d’oeuvres before enjoying the delicious dinner. As the evening progressed, Bay Shore High School’s Harmonaires sang several carols and finally, a strolling violinist capped off the night of festive holiday music. Locally sourced cupcakes, truffles and a personal copy of Bay Shore’s Tricentennial Journal were gifted to everyone as they left.

Periconi, elegantly dressed in a striking red ensemble, gave a speech and spoke of her love of Bay Shore and proudly listed many of its triumphs over her three decades of spearheading its revitalization with the help of so many volunteers. She said, “After 50 years, I have discovered the finest people live in Bay Shore.”

Thanks to her efforts, Touro College came to Bay Shore, the Bay Shore train station was refurbished, Lord and Taylor had come to the South Shore Mall, Tritec invested in Bay Shore and developed beautiful much needed housing.  Historic Main Street was restored to a shopping and dining haven… adding attractive pavers, lampposts and a community bandshell for summer concerts. Every single detail was meticulously planned with Periconi’s well thought out signature touch. There are too many successful projects to name, but evidenced by a thriving downtown, a complete turnaround from the blighted streets of the 1990s. “We are a caring people,” she said, remembering the time they found housing and furnishings for community members who’d lost their home when their complex was closed down.

When she finished speaking, the entire room stood to give her a thunderous standing ovation showing their appreciation. On a personal note, having worked with Donna and being a fan these last 24 years of her accomplishments and knowing of her desire for perfection, I would love to see the street where the chamber office was housed renamed “Donna Periconi’s Way” because we who know her know that’s the only way!