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GREENPORT, NY — In a true show of community spirit, Peconic Landing’s 20th Annual John May Mile and 5K race, held on May 9, raised $30,250 for the Greenport Fire Department.
Funds were contributed by race participants, Peconic Landing members, team members, and community sponsors, organizers said.
Since its inception in 2005, the annual John May Mile and 5K has raised more than $430,000 to support local first responders, organizers added.
According to the Greenport Fire Department, the funds go toward the purchase and maintenance of rescue equipment vital to keeping the volunteers safe during response efforts.
This year, more than 250 participants attended the event, with 138 individuals running the 5K, 52 walking the John May Mile, and dozens of volunteers helping to ensure that the event ran 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," organizers said. "Melissa Rockwell, 42, from Orient 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 Syron, alongside Southold Town Supervisor Al Krupski, Greenport Village Mayor Kevin Stuessi, and Thomas E. Murray Jr., former board member of Stony Brook Eastern Long Island Hospital, presented the 2026 Older Americans' Champion Award to Paul Romanelli of Cutchogue.
"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," organizers said.
Romanelli, president of Suffolk Security Systems since 1999, was honored for his 10 years of service on the Eastern Long Island Hospital Foundation's board of directors.
In 2020, Romanelli helped the hospital coordinate with the community to raise more than $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."
Those wishing to make a donation can click here. All proceeds benefit the Greenport Fire Department
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