Floyd Memorial Library Podcast

In today's episode, we sit down with Sabina Streeter, a talented artist based on the East End of Long Island. We explore her fascinating German ancestry and her formative years growing up in Munich. Sabina shares her early passion for the arts, leading to her eventual move to New York City in the 1980s, where she became immersed in the vibrant art scene. She recounts her journey to Sag Harbor, ref...

In today’s episode, we sit down with Nancy DePas Reinertsen, Co-chair of ReWild Long Island/North Fork and the North Fork/Suffolk Alliance for Pollinators. Nancy shares the fascinating story of her family’s ancestry and their history in Haiti, where they were forced to leave due to political instability under the rise of François "Papa Doc" Duvalier. Her family eventually made their way to New Yor...

Today, we sit down with artist, musician, and shopkeeper Ron Rothman. He shares the rich history of his family's journey to the North Fork, beginning in 1918 when his grandfather first settled in the area. We dive into the remarkable summer of 1939, when Albert Einstein became a regular visitor at Rothman's Department Store and formed a unique friendship with Ron's grandfather. Ron offers us capti...

In this episode, we sit down with Jane Lear, a talented food writer and editor. Jane shares her journey from childhood to her early passion for journalism and writing, and how that led her to college and eventually to New York City to pursue a career in publishing. She reflects on her experiences meeting culinary legends like Julia Child and her time at Gourmet Magazine, along with her freelance w...

Today, we sit down with Tara Smith, reporter for Newsday , as she shares her rich ancestry and memories of growing up on the North Fork. Tara takes us through her school years, the pivotal decision to pursue journalism, and her journey back to Long Island after college. From her early career at The Long Island Advance and The Suffolk Times to becoming a reporter at Newsday , Tara reflects on the s...

On today's episode, we sit down with Nicolas Amara, bookseller and founder of Forked Road Press. Nicolas takes us through his journey, from growing up in Southold and exploring his rich ancestry, to his formative years in school where his love for music and literature first emerged. We discuss his time in college in New York City, where he immersed himself in the publishing world and took on v...

In this episode, we sit down with Gene Casey—musician, singer, and songwriter—to explore his fascinating journey through life and music. Gene takes us back to his ancestry and childhood on Long Island, where his early love for music began. We delve into his formative years playing in bands outside of high school and in the heart of New York City, leading to his decision to make music a professiona...

On today’s episode, we sit down with Lucinda Hemmick, President of the Southold Indian Museum. Lucinda shares her journey from an early fascination with science and archaeology to her college years, and her eventual path to becoming an educator in chemistry and science research. She also talks about what attracted her to the North Fork and the unique charm of the area. Lucinda reflects on how she...

In this episode, we sit down with Troy Gustavson, former owner of Times Review Media Group, for a deep dive into his fascinating journey. From his roots in New Jersey and an early passion for journalism to his college years at the University of Pennsylvania, Troy shares how his career took shape. He reflects on his time in politics, his eventual return to journalism, and the pivotal moment in 1977...

In this episode, we sit down with Suffolk County Sheriff Errol Toulon Jr. to delve into his rich ancestry and childhood experiences growing up in the Bronx. We explore the influences that shaped his life, his family's history in law enforcement, and his journey through education that led him to a career at Rikers Island within the corrections department. Sheriff Toulon opens up about the perso...

Today, we sit down with Leslie Merinoff, the visionary Founder and Distiller behind Matchbook Distilling Co. in Greenport. We explore her deep-rooted connection to the liquor business, tracing back to her ancestor Hiram Walker, the founder of Canadian Club Whiskey, and her family's storied history during Prohibition. Leslie shares insights from her upbringing in New Jersey, her school years, a...

Today, we sit down with Dave Kapell, the former mayor of Greenport, to explore the remarkable journey that shaped his life and career. From his early days growing up in New York City, where his love for music took root, to running various restaurants during the 70s, Dave shares his unique experiences. We dive into his transition into real estate, a move that eventually led him to the North Fork in...

In this episode, we sit down with Susan Townsend Johnson, a resident of Greenport with a deep connection to the town's history. Susan shares stories of her rich ancestry, including her family's ownership of the Townsend Manor, and offers a vivid portrait of what Greenport was like in earlier times, along with the challenges that shaped the community. We explore her path to social work, a journey s...

In this episode, we sit down with Lillian McCullough, Land Preservation Coordinator for the Town of Southold. Lillian shares her fascinating ancestry and love for genealogy, as well as her experiences growing up on the North Fork. We explore her academic journey, from the joys of high school to her college years, where she developed a deep passion for history that eventually led her to pursue a la...

On today's episode, we sit down with Cathy Demeroto, Executive Director of the Center for Advocacy, Support, and Transformation (CAST). In this episode, Cathy takes us through her fascinating journey, starting with her rich ancestry and childhood on Long Island. We delve into her college years, her decision to attend law school in Maryland, and her impactful work with the U.S. Court of Appeals...

On today's episode, we sit down with Rosario Rodriguez, a talented filmmaker and creative director whose journey spans from Guatemala to Greenport. Rosario shares the story of her family's migration to the U.S., recounting her childhood and formative years in Greenport, where her passion for storytelling and documenting the experiences of the Latino community took root. We'll hear abou...

Today, we sit down with Gregg Rivara, Aquaculture Specialist at Cornell Cooperative Extension in Southold. Gregg shares his journey from growing up in Queens to developing an early passion for marine science, rooted in his rich ancestry and academic experiences. We delve into his educational path and career, including his time as a Bay Management Specialist for the Town of Islip, and his eventual...

Today, we sit down with Nick Krupski, the Solid Waste Coordinator and Southold Town Trustee, to explore his deep roots in Cutchogue, where he grew up immersed in the unique landscape of the North Fork and its farm life. Nick shares stories of his childhood, his early fascination with science, and how these interests led him to study at college and eventually work for Cornell Cooperative Extension...

We sit down with Louise Harrison, a Long Island Naturalist to explore her childhood in Queens, where she frequently took trips upstate, sparking her love for nature, plants, and animals. Louise shares her journey through college and the many roles she has taken on throughout her life, starting with her work as a regional parks naturalist for the New York State Parks Department in the Long Island r...

Today, we have the pleasure of sitting down with Thomas McKenzie, a resident of the North Fork with a rich and storied past. Thomas takes us on a journey through his ancestry and his days serving as a court officer and clerk in Queens, weaving tales of his encounters with famous personalities and the myriad experiences that shaped his life. As we listen to Thomas reminisce about his decision to mo...

Today, we sit down with Katherine Halikias to explore her rich ancestry, her childhood in Brooklyn, and her early journey to college to pursue a career in teaching. Katherine shares her memories of what drew her to the North Fork back in the 60s and what she treasures about life here today.

Today, we're chatting with Josh Sommer, co-owner of Aldo's Coffee Company in Greenport. We'll explore how the opportunity to purchase this beloved business came about and what attracted Josh to the North Fork. We’ll discuss the importance of preserving the legacy of Aldo's while also making improvements and growing the business. Josh will give us a behind-the-scenes look at the company's operation...

Today, we have a delightful conversation with David Serure, the owner of Ralph's Famous Italian Ices of Greenport. David shares his journey of discovering the North Fork in the 2000s and his eventual purchase of the Ralph's store in Greenport in 2019. We dive into the initial challenges he faced during the pandemic and the remarkable growth since then. Along the way, we explore the rich hi...

Welcome to another episode of our podcast. Today, we're privileged to sit down with Reverend Roger Joslin, a man whose life journey reads like a rich tapestry of experiences and insights. From his roots in rural Texas, where the values of community and hard work were ingrained in him, to the vibrant and tumultuous Summer of Love in 1969 California, Reverend Joslin's story is one of constan...

In this episode, we sit down with Sonomi Obinata, a biodynamic farmer and the visionary behind the Dandelion Festival. Sonomi takes us on a journey through her rich heritage in Japan, reminiscing about her formative years in Kanagawa Prefecture on her grandfather's farm. We chat about her childhood, her early passions, and her time in cosmetology school in Japan. Then, alongside her husband, s...