For your convenience, we have installed the link below to make donations to this website easier. Now you can utilize your PayPal account or your credit card.

--------------

Our Primary Pages

Home
Sports
People
Features
Business
Government
Forum
Schools
PSA
Calendar
History
Obituaries
Wine & Tourism
Classifieds

---------

The Harbor Hotel ballroom was filled with diners at the Chamber's Winter Gala.

Some scenes from the Gala

WATKINS GLEN, Jan. 24 -- The 126th annual celebration of the Watkins Glen Area Chamber of Commerce -- billed as a Winter Gala -- attracted 300 diners Friday night to the Watkins Glen Harbor Hotel.

The evening was marked by a delicious meal, the presentation of awards, the tempting draw of raffles and auctions, live music for dancing, and casino-style gambling.

The honorees for the Chamber's annual awards were Tony Fraboni, who received the Community Spirit Award for his many civic achievements; Brian McKenzie, named recipient of the Leader in Business Award for the success of his Finger Lakes Distilling operation on the east side of Seneca Lake; and David Sidle Sr., recipient of the Lifetime Achievement Award for his career in the insurance business and his participation in many activities and organizations.

Fraboni and Sidle were on hand to receive their awards, but McKenzie was out of town on vacation. His honor was picked up by the business's master distiller, Thomas Earl McKenzie (no relation).

Herewith are photos of some of the people and scenes at the celebration.

Photo in text: Assemblyman Phil Palmesano, left, with Lifetime Achievement Award recipient David Sidle Sr., right, and the honoree's son, Dave, who presented an introductory speech.

Left: Community Spirit Award recipient Tony Fraboni. Right: Frank and Donna Davis.

Sharing a table were (from left) the Zingers, the Confers and the Howells.

Left: Schuyler County Legislator Van Harp. Right: Congressman Tom Reed and Chamber President Rebekah LaMoreaux.

Damita and Greg Chamberlain.

Left: Honoree David Sidle, left, and Jim Allen. Right: Judy Cherry.

On the stage: From left, Assemblyman Phil Palmesano, State Senator Tom O'Mara and Congressman Tom Reed.

The crowd listens to one of several Gala speeches.