The Bay Shore Chamber of Commerce held their fifth and final meeting of the year on Nov. 26, just two days before Thanksgiving and the start of the holiday season. The meeting was held in the Bay Shore-Brightwaters Public Library at 7 p.m.

Chamber of commerce president Donna Pericone will be stepping down from the position this year. At September’s meeting, Pericone said that she was stepping down, but introduced Bay Shore native Edward Fraser as her successor. Fraser led the final meeting of the year.

“My dearest friend, who is such a gift from God and to Bay Shore, is going to take over this meeting,” Pericone said. “We are so thrilled to have Eddie Fraser to take over this chamber, which is a wonderful chamber.”

The meeting began with a government update from the office of New York State Sen. Alexis Weik. Director of constituent services Nicholas DeVito spoke on behalf of Weik, regarding the recent regionalization plan for New York public schools. DeVito urged those who have concerns to reach out to Weik’s office, regardless if they’re for or against the regionalization plan.

Pericone introduced police commissioner Robert E. Waring and inspector Vincent Maronski and thanked them for their assistance over the years in helping keep Bay Shore safe. Over the course of Pericone’s 27 years as president of the chamber, with the help of the people of Bay Shore and the Third Precinct, Bay Shore grew as a community.

Great South Bay YMCA executive director Bob Peterson gave an update on the facility. They will be revamping the fitness center, replacing every piece of equipment. Additionally, the YMCA plans to revitalize within the next three to five years within a $15 million range.

The Bay Shore-Brightwaters Library announced that they are holding a toy drive, food drive, and mitten drive through mid-December. Anyone interested in making a donation can drop off items at the circulation desk or the children’s department in the library.

Suffolk County Legis. Steve Flotteron spoke about current funding on eastern Long Island. Flotteron explained the hotel and motel sales tax that allows funds to be set aside for arts and culture events such as the Summer Concert Series in the bandshell. This year saw a similar dollar amount as in the past, which Flotteron called a significant improvement than 10 years ago.

He also mentioned walkability tourism that was brought to him by AARP. With the current construction on Shoregate to the hospital, Flotteron got a budget to help create a nicer and safer street. The money in the budget will go toward walkability and traffic-calming designs to provide a safer environment.

The Bay Shore Beautification Society announced their “Light the Night” event, which will be held on Dec. 7. Since it will be their 25th anniversary putting the event together, they’ve decided to “Light the Town.” Downtown Bay Shore will be illuminated, restaurants will partake in specials, the tree lighting will take place, and Santa will be present.

Toward the end of the meeting, Pericone was recognized for her work and accomplishments during her time as president. She was given flowers on behalf of the board and the South Shore University Hospital community.

“I have grown to love this town dearly and the finest people in the world live in Bay Shore—there’s no question in my mind,” Pericone said. “So, I thank you all for being here tonight. I thank you for this wonderful board who has put up with me for a long time.”