Karl and Jennifer Riesterer with their famous gingerbread house. This past November 17, more than 100 Chamber members and guests gathered at Saks Fifth Avenue, hosts of the Chamber’s 2nd annual “Taste of Garden City” networking event. Fourteen members restaurants and eateries showcased their specialties in the festive holiday atmosphere created by Saks. This was the last in-store event before its closing on January 15. A “Taste of Garden City” served as a bittersweet farewell to Saks. Having brought the concept of the “Fifth Avenue of Long Island” to Franklin Avenue when it opened in 1960, Saks has served the community well, and is “proud to have participated in the development and growth of Garden City.”

Kharla Daly, Chamber assistant director (center) with Marie Marcelino and Dave Allen (Mainly Marketing Inc.), publishers of the Chamber’s forthcoming Business Bulletin. With “Taste Of Garden City”

Enjoying the festivities were Dr. Anthony Libertella, Chamber vice president; Roger Eltringham secretary/treasurer; and Peter Bee, Village Trustee and 2005 Citizen of the Year Catherine Davi and Isabel Garcia (Gift Baskets Delights); Kathrine Schenker; andJennifer Anthony (Independence Community Bank). Pictured with Alan Tobman, Saks Garden City’s General Manager and Chamber director, right, are Ross Mongiardo, immediate past Chamber president; and Roger Eltringham, secretary/treasurer. Michael Ventre, Chamber director candidate; John Henry and Kathleen Petronis (Commerce Bank) and Kharla Daley, Chamber assistant director. Ken Mataix, owner, and the boys from Bageman cooked up omelets to go with the Bagels. Michael Demetriou (Demetriou & Demetriou) and Mrs. Demetriou; Jerry Unger, Chamber president (Printing X-Press); Althea Robinson; executive director; and Stephen Guido (Bridge). Andrew Nigohosian (Bonaventure Bridal &Tuxedo); John Pettoni (Pittoni, Bonchonsky & ZainoLLP); Marie Marcelino and Dave Allen (Mainly Marketing, Inc.); and Jaynee Hasson (Curves) Chamber director candidate. Dr. Anthony Libertella, Dean of Business, Adelphi University and Chamber vice president; Michael Ventre (Newmark Global Real Estate Advisors), Chamber director candidate; and Maura Clancy (Clancy & Clancy Brokerage). Joe Sellito and Joe Insalaco (Standard Pension Services). John Collins (Margolin Winer & Evens); Gloria Sena and Jean Marie Philippou(Evergreen Mortgage Co.) Suzanne Saramak (All State Insurance); Mary Saramak; and Suzanne Egil (Coach Realtors). Rich Deremer (Dooley Deremer Orr), Jing Deremer and “Jimmy” Karanikas, new owner of Barbatsuly Furs. Denise Rinfret and Barbara Barnet, partners, of Tassels, new Seventh Street. Ray Donnelly and Jack Robinson sample the Seventh Street Café’s spread created by Fran Nelson, manager, event chair, Chamber director, and 2005 The Victory Oyster Bar & Steak House. Serah Schlichte and Christie Mongiardo sold raffle tickets for a $500 Saks gift certificate with proceeds to benefit the Chamber of Commerce Charitable Foundation. Ralph Bonelli and Alex Garofalo from E.B.’s Grille, a new Chamber member. Kelly Leong, owner of Sushi Ya offers sushi along with other delicacies.