Howell Chamber of Commerce Celebrates 34th Annual Awards DinnerDa

Located at the beautiful Eagle Oaks Country Club in Farmingdale, New Jersey, our 34th Annual Dinner Dance took place on Friday, November 7, 2014.

Inside the Cocktail Lounge, raffle prizes were displayed and hors d’oeuvres were served by the Eagle Oaks staff. Entertainment was provided by Lou Coppolino, who set the mood for the night, as attendees were able to enjoy a few drinks and laughs, as well as support the Howell Chamber of Commerce by bidding on over forty prizes.

As the bells rang for dinner at 7PM, guests made their way to the dining hall, as they enjoyed live entertainment. Singers from Howell Township High School’s “FPAC” sang “Love is an Open Door” from the movie Frozen, followed by a dance routine to “Let it Go”, also performed by FPAC members. Special effects from the fog machine gave a “wintry” feel on the dance floor, as both beautiful performances opened a night of recognition for all of the Chamber’s honorees.

Sam Pearson, also from FPAC, recited the Pledge of Allegiance and National Anthem, followed by President George Krebs who gave special thanks to the Dinner Dance Committee chairperson Leigh Wilkins and her committee. All members were asked to stand up and take recognition for the hard work and dedication they provide to the Chamber, as guests applauded them for all of the effort they have put in this past year.

Assemblymen David Rible, Freeholder John Curley, Howell Township Mayor William Gotto, Deputy Mayor Rob Nicastro, and Councilman Bob Walsh were then introduced. Guests enjoyed food with fellow Chamber Members at their tables, as George Krebs thanked Chamber Sponsors Cores and Nachlinger Family Law; Lomurro, Davison, Eastman and Munoz; and Dr. Julie Stern, who represented CentraState Healthcare System as our Cocktail Sponsor.

Honorees Paul Schneider, Citizen of the Year; Mark and Penny Estomin of Calgo Gardens, Business of the Year; Dr. Renay Friedman, who unfortunately was unable to attend, Volunteer of the Year; The Brennan Stands Alone Foundation, Service Organization of the Year; and Marilyn D. Kinelski, Years of Service. Honorees stood together as Assemblyman David Rible and Mayor Gotto each read one proclamation.

Each honoree stood and informed the crowd of their service to the community, as well as a background of their personal lives. Among the honoree speeches, Lt. Brian Brennan’s parents, of The Brennan Stands Alone Foundation, gave all attendees a glimpse of their life and the struggles they faced as they nearly lost their son in 2008 to an explosion in Afghanistan. Marilyn D. Kinelski informed the crowd of her efforts to prevent substance abuse within the township, as well as provide a safer community for the youth. Calgo Gardens and Paul Schneider also spoke, as all honorees thanked the Chamber for recognizing their efforts they put into the community.

The night was then finished with dancing and announcing raffle winners, as all guests enjoyed each other’s company and honored another year of success and hard work. It was a night to remember for all members, as it provided a wonderful atmosphere and helped support the Chamber that supports the local businesses within our community.

Written by chamber intern John Silvestri