Congressman Reports To Chamber On Homeland Security

Jeannette and Karl Riesterer of Riesterer Bakeries.

AT the Chamber's season finale luncheon on April 11 at the Garden City Hotel, Congressman Peter King, a Republican serving his eighth term in the U.S. House of Representatives, was the keynote speaker.

Previously Chairman and currently Ranking Member of the Homeland Security Committee, the Congressman said there is no more important issue than homeland security. He said that the public's complacency since 9/11, plus the news media divulgence of "security secrets in the name of freedom of the press, have created security consequences. He reported that New York is the number one target and the enemy is working 24/7 to find ways to harm citizens. Congressman King had high praise for New York City's preparedness programs, citing that the city has approximately 1000 anti-terrorism officers in its police department compared to one in Chicago.

Photos By John Ellis Kordes

Tarah Burke and Sunil Khanna represented 57 Street Imports at the pre-luncheon Business Showcase exhibit. Kate DeBold exhibited information about the Miracle Foundation at the Business Showcase before the luncheon. Newly-elected Chamber director for 2-year terms are L-R: Suzanne Eigl (Taylor Warnen Real Estate); Cynthia Bevington (Wingate Inn, Garden City); Russell Ciolli (Grimaldi's); Connie and Deckel (Kings Supermarket). Jane Nelson, director, Garden City Fund of United Way of Long Island. Pete King delivered his message on Homeland Security and beyond. The Mineola-Garden City Rotary Club hosted Rotary's Group Study Exchange team from Mexico. The GSE groups study business in different countries to foster international understanding. Standing L-R are: Rotarian hosts: Carmen Armstrong, Connie Deckel and Kathleen Petronis, all Chamber members. Seated is the Rotary GSE team including Rosa, Anevelia, Patricia, Larco and Damaso. Russell Matthew, Chamber vice president; Cummin Clancy *Clancy & Clancy Brokerage Ltd.); Congressman Pete King; and Paul Conte, Chamber civic member. Representing Roosevelt Field Mall (Simon Property Group) from left, were Tony Robertson, Glenn Ward and Nadine Nakamura, mall manager. Mayor Peter Bee, a longtime friend and associate of Congressman Pete King, recognized him with the Chamber's framed certificate of appreciation. Chamber officials with Congressman Pete King, third from left, and Paul Cronen, treasurer, Roger Eltringham, president, Althea Robinson, executive director, and Russell Matthews, vice president. From left: Cummin Clancy, Stephanie Cullum, Chamber director, Maureen Clancy, past Chamber president; Paul Conte, civic member; and Russell Matthews, Chamber vice president. Attending from Community National Bank, Garden City L-R were: Dona Minervini; Chris Archer, AVP and branch manager and Annamaria Imbriano. Althea Robinson, Chamber executive director, left, Congressman Pete King and Maureen Clancy, past Chamber president. The grand ballroom of the Garden City Hotel was filled with nearly 150 Chamber members and guests at the Chamber's season finale luncheon featuring Congressman Peter T. King. Suzanne Eigl, newly elected Chamber director, center, with Hillary Needle, left, and Tracey Gittere of Legendary Events. Congressman Pete King with Jennifer and Russell Ciolli, Chamber director ('Grimaldi's). Newly-elected Chamber directors L-R are: Suzanne Eigl (Taylor Warnen Real Estate); Russell Ciolli and Jennifer Ciolli (Grimaldi's); and Cynthia Bevington (Wingate Inn). Danielle Genova, left, and a representative from the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation exhibited at the Business Showcase before the luncheon. Myra Jawdoszyn and Yui Nagashima represented Reproductive Medicine Associates at the showcase exhibit before the luncheon.