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100 Women: $14,100 donation will fund Northport FLUPSY program for another year

Outdoors

by Chrissy Ruggeri | Mon, Jun 5 2023

The Northport FLUPSY program, led by Marine Resource Specialist with Cornell Cooperative Extension Barry Udelson, has allowed for the release of approximately 225,000 Eastern oysters in Northport Harbor.

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At the most recent 100 Women of Huntington meeting on May 31 at Huntington Town Hall, members voted to select the Northport FLUPSY program through Cornell Cooperative Extension of Suffolk County as the recipient of a $14,100 donation.

Former Northport Village trustee and member of 100 Women of Huntington, Mercy Smith, nominated the local FLUPSY program and spoke on its behalf, explaining its benefits to Northport Harbor and beyond to the group membership.

“I remain fully committed, in partnership with Trustee Dave Weber, to sustain the Northport FLUPSY program and ensure that it remains a staple of water quality improvement that fosters our collective goal to promote clean waterways in the Township of Huntington,” Smith told the Journal.

The Northport FLUPSY (Floating Upweller System) at the Woodbine Marina is responsible for the release of approximately 225,000 Eastern oysters into Northport Harbor since its inception in 2021. The system is designed to pump water up and over the oyster seed, which stimulates them to feed more and grow at a faster rate. Oysters, like many other types of shellfish, are filter feeders, so they draw in water and filter out particulates and nutrients for food, thereby cleaning the water as they feed and reducing nitrogen in the waterways.

Smith spearheaded the Northport FLUPSY program, currently overseen by Northport Village Trustee Dave Weber and managed by Northport resident Sean Tamaro, while serving as Village trustee, and connected with Cornell Cooperative Extension to bring its aquaculture initiative to Woodbine Marina. The donation made by 100 Women of Huntington will go toward the Northport program specifically, funding it for another full year.

“I acknowledge there are so many causes worthy of our collective support, including the fellow members who nominated such amazing organizations and presented them at our most recent meeting,” Smith said. Northport FLUPSY was one of three nominations put forward by the 100 Women of Huntington group; the others were Pink Aid, an organization that provides support to underserved breast cancer patients, and Elwood SEPTA, which supports, strengthens and promotes the welfare of children with special needs.

“I am humbled and inspired by each member of 100 Women of Huntington,” Smith added. “Heather Mammolito, the founder, has created an opportunity to bring together a highly motivated, brilliant, talented and diverse group of women who share one vision – to

optimize the potential of our community. We all come from different backgrounds and have different life experiences, but we are all committed to service, and together we can truly make a difference in the lives of others.”

Last Wednesday's meeting was the second of four the group will hold this year; while initial plans were to have 100 women join, membership has grown to 141 since the group’s creation. Read the Journal’s first article on 100 Women here.

Heather Mammolito, founder of 100 Women of Huntington, alongside Mercy Smith and Sharmila Amico during the group’s second meeting at Huntington Town Hall. Photo courtesy of 100 Women of Huntington.

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