OBEN CC Snowflakes Survive Sandy

Written by Dagmar Fors Karppi Wednesday, 05 December 2012 12:39

Michele Browner, Oyster Bay-East Norwich Chamber of Commerce (OBENCC) president  thanked guests for supporting their Light Up the Holidays fundraiser held at the Sagamore Yacht Club on Nov. 29. “Tonight a few snowflakes have gone up,” she said. Nassau County Legislator Judy Jacobs nodded her head and said she saw them coming down Pine Hollow Road. They were a welcoming sight after the power outages during Hurricane Sandy, which left a footprint on Long Island.

The north shore was lucky, said Ms. Browner, and that in spite of all the cleanup work the Town of Oyster Bay highway crews have been doing, they still devoted some time to the snowflakes. [That evening town workers were spotted cleaning up the remains of the tree that blocked Pine Hollow Road that was taken down by Sandy on Oct. 30.]

President Browner said, “Over six years, 55 snowflakes have been purchased through fundraisers; as well as a dozen wreaths. Only a handful of them will go up this year, but we are thrilled.” She added, that here on the north shore the effects of Sandy have been minimal as compared to the south shore.

“We have a little less snowflakes — 24 will go up — but we’ll make up for it with spirit,” said Michele.

She thanked Shari Cope-Dembowski, OBCC administrative assistant, and Dottie Simons, Dodds & Eder manager, for helping change the light bulbs on the snowflakes. “There are 250 bulbs per snowflake. The snow was not kind to them. That is why every year we hold a fundraiser. We store the snowflakes in a warehouse in Syosset to keep them safe but the OBENCC pays the LIPA bill which comes to $5,000.  This year the Oyster Bay Main Street Association joined us in supporting the project.” She thanked Meredith Maus, their grant writer.

Ms. Browner said next year the area will be fully adorned with lights.

Grand Openings

“Oyster Bay has done very well for businesses. On Dec. 8 there will be three Ribbon Cutting ceremonies for new businesses: the Knitted Purl, La Nonna Pizzeria and the Long Island Picture Frame and Art  Gallery. Shari will be sending out e-blasts to remind everyone,” she added.

The Long Island Picture Frame and Art  Gallery is located at 4 Audrey Ave. They are holding a Deck Your Walls wine and cheese reception on Dec. 8, from noon to 9 p.m. 

Walter Imperatore, marketing chair. added, “Join us Saturday, Dec. 8, in welcoming two new businesses in town. The Knitted Purl, a yarn and fiber arts boutique located at 22 Bayside Avenue in Oyster Bay; and La Nonna’s Pizzeria at 94 South Street.” 

“It’s a great family day, come and enjoy the events and stay for dinner, in our many fine restaurants,” Ms. Browner suggested.

FYI: Canterbury Ales is offering their annual anniversary special: half price gift certificates. They are on sale on Dec. 15, 22 and 23, right inside their front door. The gift certificates (cash only) come in $50 and  $100 dominations.

At the tables, there were copies of the chamber’s gift directory. It lists both chamber members and non-members. “The goal is to bring people here to shop,” said Ms. Browner.

OB-EN CCC car magnets were set out as table-dressing and President Browner encouraged people to take them, so that as they drive around, others will see Oyster Bay is a great place to shop.