The Moriches Chamber of Commerce recently announced the swearing in of the new board members of the chamber of commerce for the upcoming year.
Councilwoman Karen Dunne Kesnig and Legis. Jim Mazzarella performed the swearing in at the chamber’s annual Christmas party last month.
“We would like to extend our congratulations to the following individuals who will be leading the chamber with passion and dedication,” said Jackie Osborne, chamber president.
The 2025 officers include: Art Gerhauser, past president; Jackie Osborne, president, Jimmy Osborne Music; Lisa Goulding, vice president, Lifestyle Fishing Company; Amy Mahnken, recording secretary, Oasis; Gerry Sapanaro, treasurer, Moriches Bay Realty; and Melissa Molloy, corresponding secretary, notary public.
The 2025 directors include: Judy Eberhard, Eberhard Nursery; Miriam Gillies, resident; Paul Quinn, vice president, Federal Savings Bank; Florence Fournaris, Lemon Tree; Roseann Gencarelli, Moriches Bay Deli; Jennefer Susskraut, South Shore Plumbing and Heating; Joseph Bonanno, Jet Direct Mortgage Bankers & MCG Merchant Services; Katie Goulding, AJ Sunflower Boutique; and Jennifer Gagliano, Robertaccio Funeral Home.
“We are excited about the leadership and vision this new board brings and look forward to all the accomplishments we will achieve together in the year ahead,” Osborne said. “Thank you to everyone for your continued support of the chamber!”
Additionally, this month, the chamber held their annual tree lighting and menorah lighting supported by Miriam Gillies, Gerry Sapanaro, Art Gerhauser, Judy Savino, the Center Moriches High School Holiday Ensemble, directed by Sara Green and Paul Conefry, Greg Delong, who built and maintains the menorah, Puccio Electric for lighting up the town, Steve Druek of True Value Hardware, who donates and decorates the tree each year, Eberhard Nursey for donating the tree, Hampton Coffee, Chuck and Bonnie Schultz, and Village Music for MCing the event.
“This beloved event would not be possible without the support of many wonderful individuals,” added Osborne of the event.
The chamber also thanked the Damianos family, owners of the shopping center, for their continued support of the tree-lighting event. The chamber places a star lit at the top of the tree in honor of John Damianos.
“The tree and menorah lighting is a cherished event that the chamber of commerce is honored to host each year. It is a time when our community comes together to celebrate the holiday season, spreading joy and creating lasting memories. This event has become a beloved tradition, and we are grateful to be able to share it with all of you,” said Osborne.
The William Savino Holiday Decoration Contest
Every year Dr. Judy Savino honors her father, Dr. William Savino, by holding the annual William Savino Holiday Decorating Contest.
About 14 years ago, Dr. Savino started the tree-lighting ceremony to bring some holiday cheer to the town.
The five finalists this year were Brothers Four Pizzeria, 5 Star Construction, Century 21 Sparrow Realty, Build NY, and AJ Sunflower Boutique! And the winner was 5 Star Construction.
ANNUAL CHRISTMAS PARTY
Last month, the chamber also hosted their annual Christmas party at LaVolpe Restaurant in Center Moriches.
During the party, the chamber recognized several local businesses for their remarkable longevity and continued success in the community.
“These businesses have been an integral part of our town’s growth and prosperity, and we are proud to celebrate their milestones,” said Osborne.
The businesses honored include:
STUDENTS OF THE MONTH
September - Gabriella DeAngelis is a senior at Center Moriches High School, where she serves as senior class president and president of the DECA Club. As captain of the girls varsity soccer team and a member of the varsity flag football team, Gabriella has demonstrated exceptional leadership both on and off the field.
Her commitment to community service is equally impressive, as she actively contributes to organizing youth sports and advocating for mental health awareness. Gabriella is passionate about leadership and management, and her involvement in various school initiatives has helped her develop these skills further. Through her work with the student leadership group, she has played a key role in organizing events such as PS I Love You Day week, the Mental Health Run Series (a collaboration with three other school districts on Long Island), the Turkey Trot, and the ALS Ride for Life.
Gabriella’s dedication to leadership, community engagement, and business has inspired her to pursue a degree in business management in college, where she looks forward to continuing her growth in these areas. Her experiences at Center Moriches High School have shaped her into a passionate and driven individual, eager to make a positive impact in both her local community and beyond.
October - Austin is a senior at Center Moriches High School, with a 4.0 GPA, ranked in the top 10 percent of the class. He is an active member of several honor societies, including the National Honor Society, Mu Alpha Theta, and the English, Foreign Language, Social Studies, and Science Honor Societies.
Outside of academics, Austin is heavily involved in athletics as a captain of both the varsity football and varsity lacrosse teams, as well as a longtime club lacrosse player. He engages in a variety of community service activities, including volunteering with local youth sports clinics, participating in mental health outreach programs, and assisting at local government events.
Notably, Austin was awarded the Gold Tier in the Suffolk County Legislature’s Distinguished Youth Award.
His leadership roles include being involved in initiatives like the Upstanders program and Compassion Without Borders, PS I love You Day, and facilitating the Center Moriches Goal Getters group.
Austin strives to be a positive influence and to use his skills to help others. He has a passion for academics, athletics, and community service, and is excited to further his academic and athletic career in the fall of 2025 at Misericordia University.
If you’re interested in becoming a friend of the chamber and volunteering, please reach out by emailing info@moricheschamber.org.
The next chamber of commerce meeting will be held at Camp Paquatuck on Jan. 14. Join them for networking at 6 p.m., followed by the meeting at 6:30 p.m. Visit the chamber website at www.moricheschamber.org for more information.
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