Community

Photos: CAST celebrates 50 years helping fellow North Forkers

By Katharine Schroeder

CAST board members.
CAST board members.

Community Action of Southold Town (CAST) celebrated its 50th anniversary at Soundview Restaurant in Greenport Thursday night.

The organization was founded half a century ago through an alliance of concerned citizens and local church leaders as part of the “War on Poverty” movement launched a year earlier by President Lyndon B. Johnson during a State of the Union address.

Originally, CAST was federally funded, but “that money ran out and wasn’t renewed,” the Rev. Ben Burns of Greenport said last year. He was one of the group’s nine founding members when he was affiliated with the former Southold Methodist Church.

CAST president Denis Noncarrow gave a speech acknowledging the many people who work to aid the residents of Southold Town, as the nonprofit mainly runs on donations from locals.

The mission of the Greenport-based organization is “to promote self-sufficiency and provide a safety net for Southold Town residents in need.”

He thanked local companies who have stepped up to donate food, fuel and supplies to those in need. He thanked those who volunteered their time to tutor, mentor and raise funds for school supplies, food and education.

Mr. Noncarrow also mentioned that over the 50 years that CAST has been in existence, the needs of the community continue to grow. This year alone, over 140 backpacks filled with school supplies had been distributed to local children.

“This is a blessed organization,” he said.

In attendance on Thursday night were CAST board members and employees, volunteers and supporters. Representatives from the State Assembly, the state Senator’s office, the Suffolk County Legislature, and Southold Town were also on hand to offer congratulations to CAST.

The CAST birthday cake.
The CAST birthday cake.
John Stype speaks on behalf of legislator Al Krupski, who could not attend.
John Stype speaks on behalf of legislator Al Krupski, who could not attend.
Scott Russell presents Denis Noncarrow with a proclamation honoring CAST's 50th anniversary.
Scott Russell presents Denis Noncarrow with a proclamation honoring CAST’s 50th anniversary.
Colleen Cummings, CAST Pantry Manager.
Colleen Cummings, CAST Pantry Manager.
Denis Noncarrow, CAST President.
Denis Noncarrow, CAST President.
Jeff Kito, Community Liason for Senator Ken LaValle, who could not attend, with Southold Town Supervisor Scott Russell.
Jeff Kito, Community Liason for Senator Ken LaValle, who could not attend, with Southold Town Supervisor Scott Russell.
Former CAST Board of Directors president Peggy Murphy, left, with present CAST treasurer Jeanne Kelley.
Former CAST Board of Directors president Peggy Murphy, left, with present CAST treasurer Jeanne Kelley.
Some of the many people who benefit from CAST.
Some of the many people who benefit from CAST.
Linda Ruland, Executive Director of CAST
Linda Ruland, Executive Director of CAST
Assemblyman Anthony Palumbo presents Denis Noncarrow with a proclamation honoring the 50th anniversary of CAST.
Assemblyman Anthony Palumbo presents Denis Noncarrow with a proclamation honoring the 50th anniversary of CAST.
Christina DiBona, CAST Vice President.
Christina DiBona, CAST Vice President.
Sarah Benjamin, coordinator of the North Fork Parent-Child Home Program, with husband Charlie.
Sarah Benjamin, coordinator of the North Fork Parent-Child Home Program, with husband Charlie.
From left: Jerry Martoccia, Joann Maynard, Southold Town board members Jill Doherty, and Bob Ghosio.
From left: Jerry Martoccia, Joann Maynard, Southold Town board members Jill Doherty, and Bob Ghosio.
Phyllis Noncarrow of Cutchogue with Brian Noncarrow, 10, of Peconic.
Phyllis Noncarrow of Cutchogue with Brian Noncarrow, 10, of Peconic.

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