East Meadow Chamber of Commerce Holds Installation Dinner

On Friday night, The East Meadow Chamber of Commerce held an installment dinner at The Fox Hollow Country Club.  The new president, Peter Cipriano, Jr., and Person of the Year, John Arigo, were both honored at the ceremony.  It was also the 56th annual installation of officers and board of directors for the town.

After starting at 7 p.m. with a cocktail hour, everyone in attendance moved into the dinner room at 8 p.m. to begin the ceremony.  Music for the evening was provided by Columbus Circle, a four-piece band. Beginning the ceremony was a color guard presented by Boy Scout Troop 362, and the Star Spangled Banner was sung by John Nunnenkamp.

The invocation was given by former President Alan Hodish, who offered thanks and support for our families, troops fighting overseas and the good fortune of those being honored and recognized.  He concluded by asking the powers that be to make one thing happen in the upcoming year:  

"Bring the Jets to the Superbowl."

The emcee was former Town Supervisor Gregory Peterson, who offered rich humor in between each offering.  The presentation of gifts was given by Secretary Mitchell Allen and Second Vice President Walter Skinner, and the presentation of awards was given by Immediate Past President Rose Fuger.

"I can't think of any other place I would rather live than East Meadow," Fuger said.  "It's a special place for everyone who lives here, or who visits.  I thank everyone I have had the fortune of working with to help make our town the best place it can be."

The installation of the Board of Directors was done by Assemblyman Tom McKevitt, R-East Meadow, and the installation of the officers and president was done by Legis. Norma Gonsalves, R-East Meadow.  The sworn-in President of the Chamber of Commerce, Peter Cipriano, Jr., kept a smile on his face the entire ceremony.  

"I want to thank everyone here for their support and generosity throughout my time in the Chamber of Commerce," Cipriano said.  "It is truly an honor to lead after President Fuger.  Let us look forward to another successful year."  Fuger presented Cipriano with the gavel, symbolizing the passing on of leadership in the Chamber.

The final offering of the dinner was the honoring of John Arigo.  Presented by former President Richard M. Bivone, Arigo accepted the prestigious award, thanking his family, friends and fellow compatriots in the Chamber.  

"I wouldn't be here without the love support of my family, my children, my wife Carol and everyone here at the Chamber who has worked so hard to make our little town East Meadow the best place to live," Arigo said.  "It's a large town geographically, but it really does have a small town feel to it.  Thank you all for your hard work and thinking of me for this award."