Farmingville, NY - On September 12, Supervisor Ed Romaine (center) and Brookhaven Councilman Dan Panico (fourth from right) attended the 2nd Annual Keith Romaine Memorial Snapper Derby at Union Avenue Dock in Center Moriches. The event was co-sponsored by the Town of Brookhaven, in partnership with the Montauk Surfcasters Association (MSA). The event is named in honor of Supervisor Romaine’s son, former Town Councilman Keith Romaine, who passed away in 2009. The Snapper Derby was open to children up to 18-years-old. Each participant received a complimentary tee-shirt donated by the MSA and the Chamber of Commerce of Moriches. Prizes were awarded for different categories including biggest fish. Participants were also asked to make a $5 donation to benefit the Joseph Rera Memorial Scholarship Fund. Joseph, who passed away in November 2020, was a Center Moriches resident and high school student who had a passion for fishing, and often could be found fishing off Union Dock.
Supervisor Ed Romaine said, “The Snapper Derby is the kind of fun community event that Keith championed as a Town Councilman and it is very fitting that it is held in his memory. I thank Councilman Panico and the members of the Montauk Surfcasters Association for honoring him in this way.”
“We are proud to partner with the Montauk Surfcaster’s Association and the Chamber of Commerce of the Moriches to promote the sport of fishing among children,” said Councilman Panico. “This is a special event as it honors my predecessor and friend Councilman Keith Romaine who passed away in 2009; and this year, all donations benefitted the Joseph Rera Memorial Scholarship Fund, which has been established in memory of a young man who had a sincere passion for fishing.”
Left photo: Supervisor Ed Romaine presents a check to Derek Rera as a donation to benefit the “Joseph Rera Scholarship Fund.” Derek’s son, Joseph was a 16 year-old student at Center Moriches High School who drowned in November 2020 while fishing at Cupsogue County Park. Pictured left to right Frankie Valani, Alexa Rera; Erin Rera; Derek Rera; Supervisor Romaine; Councilman Dan Panico; William Jakob and Chris Sawicki of the Montauk Surfcaster’s Association and Grant Panico.
Right photo: William Jakob of the Montauk Surfcaster’s Association; Third Place Winner Sarah Trionfo; Derek Rera; First Place winner Nicholas Hristidis; Second Place winner Derek Booth and Councilman Dan Panico.
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