Chamber of Commerce Celebrates Local Accomplishments at Annual Awards Dinner

The Riverhead Chamber of Commerce held its 2010 award ceremony on Friday night at . The award ceremony and dinner was in attendance by a couple hundred of people which included state representatives, local politicians, Chamber members, and of course several local businesses.

The Chamber of Commerce presented six awards to recognize businesses and individuals who have made a significant contribution to the town of Riverhead in 2010.  The highest award went to Linda Dieterich, a lifelong Riverhead resident who died suddenly on Aug. 7, 2010. Because of her dedication and commitments to various civic organizations, including the Chamber, and their cause to bring the community together, the Gold Key Award was officially re-named to the Linda Dieterich Gold Key Award. Her mother and sisters accepted the award in her honor from Monique Gablenz, 1st vice president of the Chamber. Linda was tearfully remembered by many in the room.

The second award for Director of the Year was presented by immediate past president of the Chamber, Bob Lanieri, to Tracy Stark-James. Tracy, also a lifelong resident of Riverhead and current New York State Empire Zone coordinator in Suffolk County and Riverhead, was recognized for her dedication and accomplishments for planning and constant willingness to be involved.

The third award, Business of the Year, went to Dee Muma and the for transforming a historic corner of Main Street into a beautiful establishment and for her contributions and commitments to helping make Riverhead a better place. Tim Kelly, Chamber secretary, presented Muma the award after recalling his days as a "cub reporter" working at 1 East Main Street, where his office used to be.

Kelly finished with a quote from one of his own articles on the Dark Horse: "If and when downtown Riverhead does make that long-anticipated turnaround, Ms. Muma will have played a major role."

The fourth award went to Long Island Vodka for the Agricultural Green Key Award. Richard Stabile, who was in California and unable to accept the award, produces the only vodka actually made on Long Island made by the "celebrated Long Island Potato."

Connie and Jim Lull were awarded the Persons of the Year, and for close to 30 years before stepping down this past year. Also absent due to an open-heart surgery Jim Lull had last week, the Lull's son, Jim, accepted the award on their behalf. Noting his parents' favorite comedian, George Carlin, recalling the tragic recent events in Tuscon, and observing the gathering on Friday night in a celebration of making Riverhead a better place, Lull shared a moving reading of Carlin's 'Paradox of Our Time.'

Commenting on his parents' natural humility, Lull said they "would have been embarrassed to receive the award. They always find a way to accept criticism leveled at them, but deflect the credit."

Lastly, the award for Spirit of Riverhead went to a inspirational Riverhead High School junior, Drew Achilich. Drew started selling T-shirts to raise funds for the Horton Avenue flood victims in the of spring 2010. As of Jan. 21, he had raised just  over $3,000.

Achilich's message was a simple yet often overlooked one: "If you think of other people every day, Riverhead will be a better place."