Our JCC Bocce Tournament will return this fall – paired with pickleball for the first time ever! Join us on Wednesday, September 10th at the Joan & Alan Bernikow JCC (1466 Manor Road, Staten Island, NY 10314) for a day of fun, a chance at some great raffle prizes, and a Taste of the Mediterranean food cuisine all in support of the Lucille & Jay Chazanoff Sunrise Day Camp-Staten Island! Whether you play bocce, pickleball, or just want to watch the games, the day is bound to be a blast.
On this day, we are also proud to honor Paul Hamel, Rhonda Ruggiero, and the SI Chamber Business Guild III for their dedication to our community.
Lunch for all players begins at 11:00 a.m.
Honoree presentations will take place at 11:30 a.m., with bocce games to follow.
Pickleball registration information will be emailed to participants.
Event Chairs
Solomon Chemo, Cory Schifter, Brian Lincer, & Lina Fang
For more information, contact Rose Elsaadany at RElsaadany@sijcc.com or 718-475-5256.
Meet Honoree Paul W. Hamel
Paul W. Hamel is the founder and president of Iceberg Mechanical Corp, a leading HVAC contracting firm proudly serving New York City’s five boroughs since 1993. A native of Brooklyn and the son of Italian immigrants, Paolo and Maria Hamel, Paul built his company from the ground up — guided by the values of hard work, perseverance, and community that were instilled in him from an early age.
At just 19 years old, Paul launched Iceberg Mechanical with little more than a toolkit and the trunk of his father’s Pontiac Bonneville. He began servicing window units on-site and quickly gained a reputation for high-quality workmanship and dependable service. That reputation laid the foundation for the company’s steady growth — from a mobile operation to a full-service facility in Brooklyn. By the late 1990s, Iceberg Mechanical had earned its place as one of New York City’s most trusted HVAC providers.
Today, under Paul’s leadership, Iceberg Mechanical is known for its integrity, craftsmanship, and customer-first approach. The company offers expert residential and commercial HVAC design, installation, and maintenance, delivering reliable solutions in one of the most demanding markets in the world.
Beyond business, Paul is deeply committed to giving back to the community. A former competitive hockey player into his mid-40s, he is a passionate supporter of youth athletics. Over the years, he has sponsored numerous youth hockey and girls’ basketball programs across New York, donating equipment, underwriting costs for families, and helping expand access to sports for all children. Paul believes deeply in the power of sports to build character, discipline, and lasting community bonds — values he continues to uphold in all areas of his life.
Paul’s legacy is one of resilience, service, and excellence. With his sons Paul Jr. and Andrew John now working alongside him, Iceberg Mechanical is poised to continue its tradition of quality and compassion for generations to come.