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Business & Tech

Merrick Chamber Honors Community Professionals

Serengeti Design and Dr. Sukoff were recognized for service to the community.

The Merrick Chamber of Commerce honored those businesses and professionals who give their time and best efforts to the Merrick community on Monday.

Held at RS Jones, and attended by dozens of business and community members – many of whom had been recognized in previous years for their own civic accomplishments – the dinner’s principal honorees were Fahmida Aziz of Serengeti Design Studios and orthodontist Dr. David Sukoff.

It was presided over by current chamber president, Randy Shotland, and former president Marian Fraker-Gutin. Margaret Mueller, immediate past president and co-owner of RS Jones Restaurant, was also on hand.

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“We had lots of nominees for these awards,” said Fraker-Gutin. “We were looking for businesses that give back to the community, something over and above your business itself.”

The list of merchant nominees was impressive – Cookie Bear, Holms Service Station, Plaza Nails, Merrick Flower Shoppe, Vanity Salon, Steve’s Valet Cleaners and Burger 9 Point 5.

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Nominees in the professional category included cardiologist, Dr. Arun Gurta, pediatrician, Dr. Jeffrey Silverstein, dentist, Dr. Ana Triliouris, phamacists David Levine of Garfield Pharmacy and Robert Klieger of Savall Drugs, and realtor Louise Pitlake.

While each had their merits, noted Fraker-Gutin, the 2011 winners stood out. Among the kinds of community support offered by Aziz of Serengeti Design Studios, she noted, was souvenir photos when American Idol contestant Robbie Rosen showed up at the Merrick Kids Fair. According to Fraker-Gutin, Serengeti Design Studios has also been supportive of the local school district, PTA and non-profit organizations.

As for Sukoff, she spoke about his exceptional assistance to families of patients during especially conditions of difficult personal and financial constraints, as described in a nomination letter from Grace Stramera. Sukoff was also nominated by Doris Castro, Tricia Lueke, Susie Rodney and Rhoda Savistky.

In accepting his award, Sukoff thanked his staff and family for their support.

Aziz expressed her appreciation to Joyce Goldsmith, whose moving letter describing her businesses’ accomplishments. Aziz also expressed appreciation to her family, in particular her husband – who she declared was her realtor, her accountant, her advisor and her original backer.

A legislative resolution the New York State Senate declared, “Throughout the entire period of her professional and community service, Aziz has stood constant in dignity, good grace and humor, and has earned the respect and admiration of her colleagues.”

A similar resolution declared, “Sukoff has distinguished himself in his career and community involvement, and the community has profited greatly from his dedication and service.”

A banner proclaiming the Merchant award was presented to Aziz by Douglas Mills, of Printing Emporium. Dr. Gary Shore presented a banner to Sukoff.

Legis. Dave Denenberg was also there to celebrate the honorees.

“A business that makes nothing but money is a very poor business,“ he said.

But Merrick, he said, is blessed with plenty of rich businesses.

 

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