More than 150 people gathered in the tiny park at the corner of Main Road and Marlene Lane in Mattituck this evening to honor a man they clearly hold in high regard: Raymond F. Nine of Mattituck.
The Mattituck Chamber of Commerce dedicated the park to Nine, who has been a true pillar of the community for as long as anyone can remember. Nine is a former business owner, longtime member of the Mattituck Chamber of Commerce, volunteer fireman and, as chamber president Danielle Lascala said during the dedication, “a beloved member of our community.”
The dedication ceremony was a surprise for Nine, who thought he was attending a gathering to honor other people who have done things for the chamber.
“I had no idea until I came and saw the fire truck and the police cars,” said Nine. “We have a good town with a lot of nice people who do a lot of good things.”
Nine, who has Parkinson’s Disease, spoke from a wheelchair, his wife Dotty at his side.
“I’m here and I’m still able to move a little bit and keep going. I’m thankful for what I can have. I try to make the best out of every day.”
Supervisor Scott Russell presented Nine with a proclamation and praised Nine’s dedication to the community, calling him a model we can all follow.
“And on Tuesday I’m going to ask the town board to rename Mattituck ‘Matti-Nine’ or ‘Matti-Ray.’ Your call,” Russell joked.
Legislator Al Krupski presented Nine with a proclamation from Suffolk County and said, “You’re such a big part of this community… all those years doing so much for so many people. You set such a good example; you taught a lot of us to help other people when they need it.”
Gesturing to the park, Krupski joked, “This was so well done I thought that Ray planned it.”
The ceremony was also attended by members of Nine’s family, representatives from the Mattituck Fire Department, Southold Town Police Department and the NJROTC.
SoutholdLOCAL photos by Katharine Schroeder
