15th John May Mile Raises More Than $20K For Fire Department

GREENPORT, NY — Despite soggy skies, the 13th Annual John May Mile & 5K raised more than $20,000 for the Greenport Fire Department Saturday — and honored Southold Town Police Chief Martin Flatley.

According to Peconic Landing, 5K winners were named in the categories of Top Male Overall, which went to Chase Junell, 22, of Harper, TX, whose time was 16:29.6, and Top Female, which went to Claudine McShea, 40, of Greenport, whose time was 26:49.0.

The total donation to the Greenport Fire Department was $20,715, Peconic Landing representatives said.

Flatley was honored with the Older Americans Champion Award.

"The May Mile is a great family event and example of how Peconic Landing has become such an important focal point of our community," said Southold Town Supervisor Scott Russell, who, along with elected officials including New York State Senator Ken LaValle and Suffolk County Legislator Al Krupski, was onhand to honor the chief. "The recognition of Chief Flatley as a champion of older Americans is a honor well deserved. He takes his role as chief of police very seriously and understands the positive impact he can have on the community through accessibility and engagement."

The annual Older Americans Champion 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.

"Police Chief Martin Flatley has dedicated his more than 40-year career in law enforcement to keeping the men and women of Southold Town safe, including our area seniors," said Robert J. Syron, President/CEO of Peconic Landing. "As police chief, he helps educate and advocate for the needs of seniors in the community and understands what it takes to keep our seniors safe. It is very fitting that we recognize him with the 2018 Older Americans Champion Award."

The award has special significance for Flatley: "Obviously we have a very good relationship with Peconic Landing, and I am very honored to be recognized by Bob Syron and his staff at Peconic Landing. I also have a very unique history with the May family as my family grew up next door to the May family and were fortunate to know John May. This event will have that much more meaning to me," he said.

A beloved Older Americans Month celebration, the race is open to runners and walkers of all ages and fitness abilities, offering both a mile-long walk and a 3.1-mile run.

This year, more than 400 participants ran, with more than 150 volunteers, including students from area school districts helping throughout the day.

The intergenerational event promotes health and wellness through community involvement and sponsorship in celebration of Older Americans Month, a release from Peconic Landing said.

For 55 years, Older Americans Month has been observed to recognize older Americans and their contributions to our communities.

"Led by the administration for Community Living's Administration on Aging, every May offers opportunity to hear from, support, and celebrate our nation's seniors," a release said.

And it's an event known for giving back to the community: Since its inception in 2005, the annual John May Mile benefit has raised more than $239,800 for the Greenport Fire Department.

Last year's campaign raised a total of $24,800, helping to purchase, refurbish and maintain rescue equipment.

"The annual donation means a great deal to us. It allows us to purchase items which are not normally within our budget. The money donated last year enabled the department to do a complete renovation of the fire bell and refurbishment and cleaning of the Firefighters Memorial located at Greenport Fire Department headquarters. The donation money also funded the fire department picnic for the members and their families," said Chief Jeffrey Weingart of the GFD.

In addition, he said, the GFD was also able to purchase about 50 trench coats to complement the department uniforms in case of inclement weather during events.
"The Greenport Fire Department members and their families truly appreciate the generous donations from Peconic Landing's John May Mile event for the past 12 years," Weingart said.
The event also featured a free Kid Fun Zone and a yoga warm-up.

A barbecue with live music and an awards ceremony, where prizes from local businesses were raffled off, with all proceeds benefitting the department, added to the fun.

Patch courtesy photos.