Dan's Papers - May 9, 2008 - The Sunshine Society

The sunniest spot in all of New York State? That's easy. Everybody knows it's Cutchogue (according to the National Weather Service a few years ago). But just a few miles to the east of Cutchogue is another North Fork town with a sunny reputation. Nothing to do with weather, with grape-growing, with beach-going. No, Southold's sunshine comes by way of the village's Sunshine Society. That's the group aiming to brighten up the lives of folks who need a little help - a ray of sunshine on a rainy day, if you will.

And so it was I drove to Wharf House at Founders Landing in Southold. The Sunshine Society was hosting its second annual fundraiser - a luncheon and card/game party. Now don't think for a minute that the Sunshine Society is a new kid on the North Fork block. It's been around since the 1930s and up till last year survived on donations alone. But fundraising helps.

Help is what it's all about. Speak with Southold's Peggy Murphy, president of the Sunshine Society for the past five years. By the way, Peggy's also president of Community Action Southold Town (CAST). So she's one busy ray of sunshine. Peggy stresses that the goal of the Sunshine Society is to bring some kindness, some neighborly concern and cheer, to Southolders who are going through a difficult time. Maybe illness, maybe the death of a family member, maybe loss of a job. Help is not a big chunk of money (a nice thought but not always an answer) but rather an outpouring of "we're here for you" help like flowers, cards, food, conversation.

I met Peggy on the day of the luncheon - a rainy, cold spring Monday. But inside Wharf House it was sunny indeed. Sunny mostly from the smiles and laughter of Sunshine Society members and guests (well over 100 people). I'll tell you more about the attendees after I tell you about the food.

It so happens I'm looking to gain about 15 pounds. So I'd certainly come to the right place. Two huge tables of food were set up and even more was on its way from the kitchen - along with punch and coffee. There were sandwiches of chicken, turkey, ham. You name it. And desserts. Mini-cheesecakes, lemon bars, gingerbread, peanut butter cookies and on and on. Yes, I took some home.

Happily fed, I "worked the room," talking to members young and old. And the oldest wanted me to tell you she's 98 and going strong. That's Dorothy Greet of Southold who's been a Sunshine member for years and years and years. She had a plateful of cookies and high hopes for winning one of the door prizes. They were free, all made or donated by members. Lots of good stuff here. Plants from Glass Greenhouse in Jamesport, a great big cherry cheesecake, woven placemats. That's just a sample.

I learned much as I walked about. For example, there are some real live men who actively support Sunshine Society. Ed Williams of East Marion and Arthur O'Neill of Southold were enjoying dessert as I spoke with them. Arthur, in a bright yellow sweater, looked like sunshine himself. Young people help out, too. North Fork NJROTC students set up the tables and chairs for this Sunshine Society shindig. One Sunshine member told me about the hospital visits gift-bearing members make and another member explained the Sunshine Society springtime partnership with Catapano Farms in Southold to provide daffodil plants for shut-ins or folks going through tough times. Around Thanksgiving, Sunshine Society works with Southold IGA to present fresh fruit baskets to those who need a little lift.

Some real practical help? Sunshine Society loans wheelchairs, canes, and other hospital equipment to those who are in need. All this stuff can't fit in President Peggy's garage so Sunshine Society rents a storage unit - filled with help. Southold's Academy Printing helps, too. They donate all printing in honor of the owner's grandma, Betty Hagerman.

You'd like to join Sunshine Society? Call Peggy at 765-3598. Then come to a monthly meeting at Southold Town Recreation in Peconic and learn why the lucky old sun that rolls around heaven all day has met its match in the warmth of North Fork hearts.