GREENPORT, N.Y., May 14, 2025 — Peconic Landing’s 19th Annual John May Mile and 5K race on May 10 was a great success, raising $28,570 for the Greenport Fire Department. Funds were contributed by race participants, Peconic Landing members, team members, and community sponsors.
Since inception in 2005, the annual John May Mile and 5K has raised more than $400,570 to support the local first responders. According to the Greenport Fire Department, these funds go towards the purchase and maintenance of rescue equipment vital to keeping the volunteers safe during response efforts.
This year, over 300 participants attended the event, with 152 individuals running the 5K, 82 walking the John May Mile, and dozens of volunteers helping the event run smoothly. The event attracted runners and walkers of all ages and abilities, with participants ranging in age from 5 to 93. Jack May, of Guilford, CT was the first to complete the 5K race, finishing with an impressive time of 18 minutes, 1.58 seconds. Melissa Rockwell, of Orient, NY was the first female to cross the finish line at 20 minutes, 16.16 seconds.
As part of the awards ceremony after the race, Peconic Landing’s President and CEO Robert J. Syron, alongside Peconic Landing’s Chief Operating Officer Gregory Garrett, United States Congressman Nick LaLota, New York State Assemblyman Tommy John Schiavoni, Suffolk County Executive Ed Romaine, Suffolk County Legislator Catherine Stark, Southold Town Supervisor Albert J. Krupski Jr., Greenport Village Mayor Kevin Stuessi, Stony Brook Medicine Executive Vice President Dr. William Wertheim, and Stony Brook Eastern Long Island Chief Administrative Officer Paul Connor, presented the 2025 Older American’s Champion Award to Thomas E. Murray Jr. of Orient, NY.
The annual award honors local individuals or organizations for their years of service and continued dedication to older Americans, acknowledging the contributions they make to improve the lives of seniors on the East End. Murray was honored for his 25 years of service on the Stony Brook Eastern Long Island Hospital (ELIH) Board of Directors and 18 years on the Board of the ELIH Foundation.
“Mr. Murray’s unwavering commitment to advancing healthcare on the East End has made a profound and lasting impact on our community,” said Robert J. Syron, President and CEO of Peconic Landing. “Through more than two decades of leadership at Stony Brook ELIH, he has helped shape a healthier future for generations to come. We are proud to honor Mr. Murray as this year’s Older American’s Champion for his exceptional service, vision, and dedication to the well-being of older adults and all who call the North Fork home.”
The starting line at the 2025 John May Mile and 5K Race.
Sponsors for the event included: Times Review Media Group, McBurnie Tent Rental, Nexdine Hospitality, Lowe’s, Stony Brook Eastern Long Island Hospital, Island Portables Inc., Custom Computer Specialists, J&S Flooring, Express Magazine, Corazzini Asphalt, Inc., USI Insurance Services, PKF O’Connor Davies, Alzheimer’s Association Long Island Chapter, Wm. J. Mills & Co, Haverford Trust Company, Mattituck Environmental Services, First National Bank of Long Island, Best Climate Control Corp., Jernick Moving & Storage, Schneps Media, Ratsey Construction, Riverhead Building Supply, We’ll Floor U, George’s Painting, Inc., Charles R. Cuddy, Engel Brite Dishwasher and Laundry Service, American Woodmark, Chateau Hasbib, and Hartcorn Plumbing & Heating, Inc.
Those wishing to make a donation may visit www.peconiclanding.org/jmm. All proceeds benefit the Greenport Fire Department.
Peconic Landing is a nationally recognized, equity-based Continuing Care Retirement Community overlooking the breathtaking Long Island Sound. Located on the North Fork on a half-mile of private Sound Beach, the organization works on a mission of being the retirement community of choice for individuals age 62 and better by encouraging our members to enjoy a vibrant lifestyle and presenting ample opportunity for members to pursue their interests and passions to the fullest. For more information on Peconic Landing, please visit www.peconiclanding.org.