The Pine Island Chamber of Commerce held its Installation of 2020-2021 Directors and Presentation of Awards on Sun., Oct. 25 at the Polish Legion of American Veterans. During the event, everyone wore masks and practiced social distancing. The chamber was honored to have Judge Peter Barlet conduct the installation.
The installed directors and officers for 2020-2021 are: Susan McCosker, President; Janet Zimmerman, Vice President; Joseph Maggio, Treasurer; Gregory DeBuck, Secretary; Leonard DeBuck; Mena Messina-Genetti; John Redman; John Ruszkiewicz; and Marsha Talbot.
The chamber did not honor a citizen of the year because of the COVID-19 pandemic, but did present a special recognition award to the Warwick Area Migrant Committee, distinguished service awards to Jeanette Shanahan and Leonard DeBuck, and three high school students with Youth Achievement Awards.
Warwick Area Migrant Committee Honored
The Warwick Area Migrant Committee (WAMC) was honored as a long-time lifeline for the farmworker community of Pine Island, Warwick and other neighboring towns. The WAMC has provided food, clothing, and numerous social services to our local workers for 60 years, and has run a children’s camp at Pine Island Elementary School.
Three Students Recognized
The three students recognized were Paul Gagliano, Ellie Hanson, and Yanelli Guttierez. They are all seniors at Warwick Valley Central High School. Paul Gagliano is a member of the All-State Orchestra and Choir. He participates in a local theater group and is a volunteer musician for his church.
Ellie Hanson volunteers for the Girl Scouts and the Community Center. She has been an Espirit Award winner and has sung the National Anthem at public events. She is a member of the All-State Choir and Wind Ensemble.
Yanelli Guttierez has been an important volunteer for several years with the Alamo Community Farmworker Center and the WAMC. This past summer, she worked closely with WAMC delivering meals to various farm camps in the area.
Judge Peter Barlet (from left) performs the swearing-in ceremony for the Pine Island Chamber of Commerce Officers – Leonard DeBuck, Susan McCosker, Greg DeBuck, Marsha Talbot, John Redman, Janet Zimmerman, Joseph Maggio, John Ruszkiewicz, * Mena Messina-Genetti.
