RSS 2.0 FeedMay 27, 2011, Merrick Life
Merchant and Professional honorees chosen
Meet the Merrick winners for 2011.
Serengeti Design Studios and Dr. David Sukoff have been chosen as Merrick’s 2011 Merchant and Professional of the Year in the annual contest co-sponsored by Merrick Life and the Merrick Chamber of Commerce. They will be honored at a dinner, on Monday, June 6, at 6:30 p.m. at R.S. Jones Restaurant.
Also scheduled to receive certificates of recognition for being nominated are Merrick merchants Burger 9.5, Cookie Bear, Crystal Nails, Peter Holmstedt of Holms Service Station, Merrick Flower Shoppe, Plaza Nails, Steve’s Valet Cleaners, and Vanity Salon; and professionals David Levine of Garfield Pharmacy, Dr. Arun Gupta, Realtor Louise Pitlake of Prudential Douglas Elliman Real Estate, Robert Klieger of Savall Drugs, Dr. Jeffrey Silverstein, Dr. John Stanescu of Elite Family Dental Care, and Dr. Ana Trilouris.
Joyce Goldsmith wrote the winning letter for Serengeti Design Studios commending them for “Excellent service to the community during the Merrick fair.” She added, “It was so generous of them to take pictures of Robbie Rosen with his fans for hours...
The line was extremely long and although it was freezing, they kept taking these wonderful souvenir photos. What’s more is that they did this for free.” Serengeti also took photos for kids who visited Santa at a chamber-sponsored visit.
As a matter of fact, Femy Aziz began her life’s work when she was still a kid. At the age of 13, kids are often the subject of pictures, being photographed by loving family and friends who want to cherish those early teen years. Femy was already busy photographing a relative’s wedding – a hobby that would eventually turn in to a life-long passion for photography and filming.
Today, with over 25 years of experience, a bachelor’s in advertising design and master’s degree in communications, Femy is the proud owner of Serengeti Design Studios, a portrait studio and digital photo lab in Merrick.
She is in the intimate business of recording memories and making them live forever. Her clients call on her frequently to capture the most special moments in their lives, ranging from weddings to newborn portraits, communions through to graduations and everything in between.
Of course, not everyone is comfortable in front of the camera, but Femy’s quiet confidence and encouragement have led hundreds of clients to experience a fun and enjoyable time that produces quality photography and memories that last a lifetime.
Femy’s life changed forever on a spring evening in 2008, when she and her sister set out for their regular evening walk. The siblings stopped in front of a “for rent” sign at an existing photo lab on Merrick Avenue and pondered how ideal it would be for her to open a studio, right across from her kids’ school and within walking distance of her home. The next day, she had the courage to make the call, and Serengeti Design Studios was born.
She credits her quick success to her faith and to several people in her life: her father, who got her involved in photography and video from a very young age, her sister for joining forces with her to operate the studio, her husband for his steady support, and the chamber for the constant advice and assistance in helping her business grow.
Femy lives in Merrick with her husband and two sons. She is very active within the community and is a member of the Chatterton PTA, where she is chairs the DVD Committee for the sixth grade. She regularly assists with fundraisers in the Merrick School District, and frequently donates her skills and services to several nonprofit organizations. This year she’s also involved in three elementary school graduations and capturing their sixth grade events and trips.
When she’s not busy being a professional in the studio or out volunteering her time, you’ll probably find her cheering for her boys on the soccer field.
Grace Stramera wrote a moving letter on behalf of Dr. David Sukoff who is “the most understanding, patient, generous person my children and I have ever had the pleasure to meet. His staff is also so happy and pleasant because they love to work for him. He has a beautiful office catering to all the young teenage children who feel so very comfortable to go to his office and be seen by him and his staff.
“About three-and-a-half years ago, my husband passed away suddenly and I was left with four children to take care of on my own. My children had an appointment the next day. I called to cancel and tell them why. I went in the following week only to have him tell me to go to his office and say to me that my two younger children would not have to pay for their braces...” Dr. Sukoff was also nominated by Doris Castro, Tricia Lueke, Susie Rodney, and Rhoda Savitsky.
Dr. Sukoff is a board-certified specialist in orthodontics. He received his Bachelor of Science degree from American University in Washington D.C. and went on to complete his dental training at New York University College of Dentistry graduating with high honors. He received multiple awards and honors, including membership in Omicron Kappa Upsilon (OKU) the National Dental Honor Society.
Following a general practice residency at North Shore University Hospital in Manhasset, Dr. Sukoff continued his post-graduate studies at New York University College of Dentistry where he completed his residency in Orthodontics and Dentofacial Orthopedics. While at NYU he was a clinical instructor in invisalign and restorative dentistry. His research on improving orthodontic treatment for both children and adults by assessing growth and skeletal maturation has led him to win research awards and present his findings at local meetings.
Dr. Sukoff is an active member of the American Association of Orthodontists, the American Board of Orthodontics, the American Dental Association, the New York State Dental Association, the Northeastern Society of Orthodontists and the Nassau County Dental Society. To remain up-to-date on the latest technologies and philosophies, Dr. Sukoff continually attends seminars and lectures.
He has been married to his high school sweetheart, Alissa, for over 10 years. They have a son, Joshua, and daughters, Sarah Brooke, and Rachel Tess. In their spare time, Alissa and David love to travel and are avid skiers.
Other nominees:
Merrick businesses that help earn the community its reputation as a wonderful place to shop and dine also include Burger 9.5 “merchants with a great idea and a great attitude,” according to Robert Klieger, where “It’s like ‘Cheers,’” say Nancy and Marc Mauser, and the owners “buy their meat from Merrick merchants, sponsored a Little League team, donating to multiple Merrick charities, a member of Merrick Kiwanis as well as the Merrick Chamber of Commerce,” says Harold Duchin.
Cookie Bear was nominated by Lucy Murphy of American Legion Auxiliary Merrick Unit 1282 for donating to veterans and being “the friendliest merchants in the mall.”
Merrick Crystal Nails is “an asset to the community, according to Loren Weinstein, and Jennifer Cruz, Lisa DeFeis, Roberta Fields, Shelley Howe, Dawn Iacona, Julianna LaLuna, Lily Lavelli, Dana Leaf, Michelle Luffman, Samantha Manas, Virgina Ruggiero, Carla and Sofia Russo, and Rick Zokol agree.
Holms Service Station was nominated by Tom Riordan because “he has arranged with Merrick groups to raise funds for their programs by giving them a percentage of gas pumped their assigned month.”
Merrick Flower Shoppe won praise from Fred Greenblatt because they are “always courteous and very helpful” and their flowers last.
Plaza Nails’ Lauren “has a beautiful singing voice and can often be heard singing, adding nice entertainment,” says Carolyn Liebman. Fifteen others voted for her too.
Steve’s Valet Cleaners “is superior to any cleaner we’ve used in our 33-year marriage,” according to Joan and Martin Cohen.
Vanity Salon “is a great gathering place that has its finger on the pulse of Merrick,” says Donna Lou Fennema, and they have also won the hearts of Jean Basso, Angela Caputo, Annamaria DeGuglielmi, MaryBeth Day-Byrnes, Hilma Dragan, Gloria Formisano, Barbara Fritz, Kelley Ganswindt, Joan Gilmartin, Mabel Goldkrantz, Angela and Alicia Granieri, David Levy, Ivy Lowy, Margie Malone, Marlene Marziotto, Patricia McCarthy, Lisa Murphy, Marie Nappi, Michele Nikolis, Gloria Patrizio, Theresa Rybicki, Pat Saftles, Mary Lou Severese, Myrna Speback, Barbara Truglio and Margaret Verone.
Also nominated for Professional of the Year was Garfield Pharmacy. Richard Segerdahl wrote, “In the age of big pharmaceutical stores pushing the little stores out of business, it is a real credit to David Levine and his entire staff to be so successful in meeting the needs of the residents of Merrick.” Garfield was also nominated by Amy Mogel and M. Buglione.
Cardiologist Dr. Arun Gupta was nominated by Edna and Jeanette Schneider who wrote that he “helped me to know that my life can still be active.”
Realtor Louise Pitlake was nominated by Seth Pitlake because “her business will continue to touch hundreds of lives in the neighborhood every year!”
Robert Klieger of Savall Drugs “must be doing something right as he has been in business over 30 years” says Claire Von Butttgereit.
Pediatrician Dr. Jeffrey Silverstein had Lorraine Darcy bring her daughter to his house for emergency care on New Year’s Eve instead of telling her to go to the emergency room.
Joyce Goldsmith “thought it was so nice to see his [Dr. John Stanescu’s] family all volunteering to give out gifts at the fair to spread word about Elite Family Dental Care.”
Sue Solomon counts herself “among the few who always enjoy coming to work” because of her boss’s dedication to patients and staff. Dr. Ana Triliouris’ Laser, Cosmetic and Family Dentistry practice was also praised by Frances Carroll.
