GREENPORT, N.Y., May 11, 2026 — Peconic Landing’s 20th Annual John May Mile and 5K race on May 9 was a great success, raising $30,250 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 $430,000 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 250 participants attended the event, with 138 individuals running the 5K, 52 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 8 to 90. Eric Palencia, 23, from New York, NY was the first to complete the 5K race,finishing with an impressive time of 17 minutes, 7.22 seconds. Melissa Rockwell, 42, from Orient, NY was the first female to cross the finish line at 20 minutes, 8.16 seconds. This was Rockwell’s second year in a row finishing in first for overall female.
As part of the awards ceremony after the race, Peconic Landing’s President and CEO Robert J. Syron, alongside Southold Town Supervisor Albert J.Krupski Jr., Greenport Village Mayor Kevin Stuessi, and Thomas E. Murray Jr.,former board member of the Stony Brook Eastern Long Island Hospital, presented the 2026 Older American’s Champion Award to Paul Romanelli of Cutchogue, 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. Romanelli, president of Suffolk Security Systems since 1999, was honored for his 10 years of service on the Eastern Long Island Hospital (ELIH)Foundation Board of Directors. In 2020, Romanelli helped the hospital coordinate with the community to raise over $450,000 to cover the costs of protective gear during the height of the COVID-19 pandemic. In addition to his tenure as an ELIH Foundation Board Member, he has also served on the North Fork Chamber of Commerce and has contributed to many local philanthropic efforts.
“Those who are fortunate to know Paul understand that he is always putting the community first,” said Syron. “His decade of service on the ELIH Foundation Board reflects a genuine commitment to ensuring access to quality healthcare for older adults and families across the North Fork. Through his dedication, Paul has helped strengthen vital resources that support not only older residents, but the greater community as a whole. We are proud to honor him as this year’s Older Americans Champion for his exceptional service and impact.”
Sponsors for the event included: Times Review Media Group, Lowe’s,Graham Company, McBurnie Tent, NexDine, Dan’s Papers, Express News, Island Portables, J&S Flooring, PKF O’Connor Davies, Stony Brook Eastern Long Island Hospital, USI Insurance Services, We’ll Floor U, Charel Contracting,Bulovas Restorations, ConnectOne Bank, Jackson Lewis, Jernick Moving &Storage, The Haverford Trust Company, Commander Power Systems Corp, Anthony Newman, REP Electric, Maria Kokkinos, Charles R. Cuddy, Lincoln Retirement Services Company, Engel Brite, Chateau Hasbib, and Mullen Motors.
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.
