The Bainbridge Chamber of Commerce awarded Shane Nordberg as Bainbridge Hero for a selfless rescue of two youth from the Susquehanna River on August 7, 2026. (Submitted photo)

BAINBRIDGE — On Saturday, Oct. 10, the Bainbridge Chamber of Commerce presented its Commitment to Community Awards to notable businesses and individuals in the village.

Bainbridge Hero: Shane Nordberg.

Shane Nordberg was awarded Bainbridge Hero by the chamber at this year's Commitment to Community Dinner for saving youths who had been swept away by a flooded river.

On Aug. 7, while he was about to lock up after a day's work, Nordberg heard screams for help and acted. Three young boys had gone fishing on the Susquehanna River nearby. When two of the boys entered the river to retrieve a fishing lure, they began struggling against a strong, unseasonable current caused by recent heavy rains.

Drawn in by their screaming and noticing a struggle, Nordberg went in for the rescue. Despite getting pulled into the current himself, Nordberg returned all three of them to safety on dry land. Credited with saving two lives, Nordberg was recognized for his commitment to the community as a Bainbridge Hero by the Bainbridge Chamber of Commerce. .

NY Assemblyman Joseph Angelino  and Bainbridge Supervisor Dolores Nabinger also recognized Nordberg at the dinner and presented him with an New York Assembly citation.

Angelino said "[Nordberg's] selfless actions prevented the drowning of two young boys” and that he took “swift, decisive action."

Citizen of the Year: Ron “JR” Bogert.
With the Citizen of the Year award, the chamber recognizes an Bogert for making a significant, lasting impact on the community and demonstrating commitment to improving the quality of life of others. 

Business of the Year: John's Garage.
John's Garage has operated in Bainbridge for over 70 years. Originally established by John F. Winn, it grew from a small repair shop to a garage that can support a wrecker fleet.

Now owned by descendant Hugh Winn and family member Steven Buchanan, John's Garage continues to provide quality workmanship and reliable service to its customers. To be presented this award, the chamber recognizes the business's significant contribution to the economic vitality of the community.

Businesses of Distinction: Michelle A. Gifford DDS & Blitz Family Dental Service.

With the Businesses of Distinction awards, the chamber honors those businesses whose operations, customer service and community involvement exemplify excellence.

Michelle A. Gifford DDS PLLC and Blitz Family Dental have both been serving the community for decades. Gifford, a lifelong Bainbridge resident, has used the practice for community outreach as a Veterans Administration Community Care site, contributed dental health supplies to the student council's annual food drive and sponsored many other events and youth sports teams.

Blitz Family Dental was established in Bainbridge in 1980 by Dr. Robert P. Blitz, DDS. Blitz developed a sustaining practice with dedicated long-term employees, some of whom were family when his daughter, Dr. Leah Blitz, joined the practice. Now owned by Dr. David Rogers after Blitz's retirement, they are proud to carry on a legacy of compassionate care and community relationships.

Service Organization of the Year: Jericho Arts Council.

The chamber recognizes organizations that, through their programs and initiatives, have made a lasting impact on the community as a whole and demonstrated commitment to improving the quality of life for others through its Service

Organization of the Year award. This year, the award went to the Jericho Arts Council (JAC), which was founded in 1976 to restore the town theater that was built in 1909 and to “promote the cultural betterment of our area.” Since its founding, JAC has built a performance space that seats 250 and hosts multiple performances throughout the year.