Retiring Trustees, Installs New Officers

Outgoing trustees were honored and new officers were voted in at the annual on Feb. 11.

It's an even that happens every year, the gets together to present awards to its members and unveil new plans for coming year.

“Retiring trustees John Hiz, Donna Palmer (who was not present) and Kate von der Heyden were honored for their many years of service to the society,” said Catherine Quinlan, a historical society trustee. “They were given proclamations from Assemblyman Steve Engelbright.”

Quinlan said that a new slate of officers were voted in this year, including Nick Acampora, Beth Pranzo, Kate Thomas, Chuck Brock, Anthony Butera Jr., Catherine Quinlan, Grace Ryan and Barbara Schroeder.

Among the accomplishments from this past year was updating the interior of the and replacing a boiler in the Craft House.

President Nick Acampora said that the society received donations in memory of Dr. Sherman Mills and that that they will be updating and improving the Country Stops that were named for him last year.

They also hear an update on an ongoing project constructing an new archive building for the society.

Museum Curator Laura Warren spoke about the upcoming exhibit about celebrations and festivals and requested old photos or memorabilia from members to lend or donate to the society.

“I spoke about the upcoming Antiques and Garden Weekend, which is the societies biggest fundraiser,” said Quinlan.

The Historical Society’s calendar sold well this year according to Grace Ryan. She asked for photos from the 1940s through the 1990s for possible inclusion into next year's calendar.

The society had Chuck Cutolo, as a guest speak. Cutolo spent 17 years on Capitol Hill and his speech was titled, “The Constitution and Members of Congress – A Lethal Brew or Good For What Ails you: An Insiders View.”

Other special guests in attendance were state Sen. Kenneth Lavelle, R-Port Jefferson, Legis. Vivian Viloria-Fisher, D-East Setauket, and Mayor Margot Garant.