RSS 2.0 FeedFebruary 3, 2011, Cover Stories, Merrick Life
Merrick Chamber honors Man and Woman of the Year
Chamber and community newspaper honor those that have given back to the community.
HONOREES OF THE YEAR: From left are county Legislator Dave Denenberg, Woman of the Year Erin Donohue, Man of the Year Lenny Heide and Hempstead Town Clerk Mark Bonilla. More photos here.
Neither rain nor snow or freezing temperatures could keep more than 100 people from attending the 76th annual installation of the Merrick Chamber of Commerce on Thursday, at Chateau Briand in Carle Place.
Chamber President Randy Shotland was sworn in by Immediate Past President Margaret Mueller.
Mr. Shotland spoke enthusiastically about his wishes to have the Merrick chamber continue to “grow and give our fellow merchants, professionals and business owners’ methods of increasing their businesses. It is our goal to provide our members and residents a quality of life they want and deserve.”
He also thanked Past President Mueller for the “past four years,” as well as to the outgoing Treasurer Cathy O’Malley and MC Douglas Mills, “who put this together, and for everything else he does unnoticed,” said Mr. Shotland.
Phyllis Guttilla, the 2010 Merrick Woman of the Year, thanked Merrick Life and the chamber for her honor and introduced the 2011 Woman of the Year, Erin Donohue. “I’m very happy to be passing my crown over to such a well-deserving and special woman,” said Mrs. Guttilla, who added that in addition to many professional and civic accomplishments, it is Mrs. Donohue’s soul that makes her Woman of the Year.
“You see a sweet, caring, loving and dedicated woman, mother, wife and friend who never fails or falters through anything she is asked to do, or chooses to be part of. You see someone who shows you strength and encouragement...a truly beautiful woman, inside and out,” she said.
Mrs. Donohue, who had many friends and extended family attending the event, thanked all the “great people who have helped me along the way.”
Mrs. Donohue, a community advocate, local businessperson with a graphic design business, former assistant editor of Merrick Life – and its current webmaster, shared with her friends and neighbors the motto by which she lives by: “Do unto others as you would have them do to you,” she said.
“This phrase has always stuck with me,” said Mrs. Donohue, adding that “the measure of a person’s real character is what they would do if they knew they never would be found out,”
Lawrence Garfinkel, the 2010 Man of the Year, also talked about character and those individuals who go above-and-beyond what is asked. “It is not their job to speak loudly, but they do it anyway,” said Mr. Garfinkel, when he introduced Lenny Heide, the 2011 Merrick Man of the Year.
Mr. Heide is head custodian at Calhoun High School and has taken personal time to help during the annual Kiwanis pancake breakfast, the food and toy drive in December and the spring food drive.
“Principal David Seinfeld tells us Len is a gentleman with a huge heart. He uses his position to find ways to go way beyond the expected,” said Mr. Garfinkel.
“I like Mr. Seinfeld’s and Ileen Dixel’s comments ... ‘Len Heide? Make sure you tell everyone he is just a good guy,” Mr. Garfinkel exclaimed.
Mr. Heide told the gathering, “I’m not much for talking. I'm more of a doer. I believe that actions speak louder than words. I would like to thank the Merrick Chamber of Commerce and the Kiwanis for the recognition.”
He concluded, “I would also like to thank my colleagues, my friends and family for attending. I especially want to thank my wife; she’s the woman of the century who has enabled me to become the Man of the Year.”
