Community

Peconic Landing’s May Mile renamed after late chairman John May

John May

Peconic Landing’s annual fundraising race is getting a small change of name in honor of a big figure who “played a vital role in bringing the retirement community to Greenport, with a goal of creating a community hub that benefits all residents of the North Fork.”

The organization’s race — previously called the May Mile after the month its held in — has been renamed the John May Mile & 5K in honor of John M. May, the longtime Peconic Landing board chairman and community advocate who died last August.

Mr. May, a Southold resident for more than 25 years, was known as a perennial optimist who was devoted to making sure Peconic Landing connected to its surrounding community. Mr. May was a member of Peconic Landing’s board of trustees since its inception more than 20 years ago and had served as chairman since 2003.

During Mr. May’s tenure, Peconic Landing earned The Suffolk Times’ Business of the Year award in 2010.

“John May was an irreplaceable force behind much of the success of Peconic Landing. He worked on a premise of doing good business for the benefit of all,” said Peconic Landing president and CEO Robert Syron. “Our organization would not be what it is today without John May. Peconic Landing looks forward to honoring his contributions with this annual tradition.”

Mr. May was also a supporter of political campaigns, including former Congressman Tim Bishop’s, as well as a nationally ranked tennis player who competed into his 80s.

At the event on May 7 — proceeds of which will benefit the Greenport Fire Department — Peconic Landing has announced it will posthumously award Mr. May with its “2016 Older American Champion Award,” which honors a local individual for making a difference in older Americans’ quality of life. Members of the May family will accept the award on his behalf.

A portrait of Mr. May will also be added to the retirement community during a private event before the race.

This year’s 11th annual race will begin with registration and stretching at 8 a.m. at Brecknock Hall. The race and walk will start at 10 a.m. More than 400 participants are expected to run with more than 150 volunteers, including student-athletes and ROTC cadets from local school districts.

A barbecue lunch and the awards ceremony will follow at 11:15 a.m. on the back lawn of Brecknock Hall. Items from local businesses including gift certificates and donated goods will be raffled off to also benefit the Greenport Fire Department (Times Review Media Group, which owns this news site, is among the sponsors of the annual event).

Since kicking-off in 2005, the May Mile race has raised more than $180,000 for the Greenport Fire Department.

Peconic Landing have asked any organization or individual interested in becoming a sponsor or donating a raffle prize to contact [email protected]. Online registration is available at http://peconiclanding.com/john-may-mile-2016/. Pre-registration is recommended however participants can register the day of the event.

[email protected]