Today, we sit down with Nancy and Keith Kouris, the husband-and-wife team behind the Blue Duck Bakery Café. They share their journey from growing up on Long Island to building a business together, each bringing their own passion and expertise to the bakery. We’ll hear about their early days—how they met, their time in school, and how a simple bread delivery route with Bellacicco’s set them on the path to opening their own bakery. From taking over a deli to overcoming countless obstacles, they eventually launched Blue Duck Bakery in Southampton, expanding to multiple locations on the East End, including their current spots in Southold and Greenport. We dive into the challenges and rewards of running a bakery and what keeps them inspired as they continue to serve the North Fork community. Join us for a conversation about dedication, craftsmanship, and the love baked into every loaf.

Today, we’re honored to welcome Rev. Valerie Freseman of the Unitarian Universalists of Southold. Together, we’ll explore her remarkable journey—from her Manhattan roots and early academic interests to her impactful work in the nonprofit and fundraising world. We’ll hear how these experiences ultimately led her to divinity school and a calling to Unitarian Universalist ministry. Rev. Freseman shares her story of arriving in Southold in 2018, her reflections on the North Fork community, and the pivotal role she played in rebuilding the church after the devastating 2015 fire. With the church’s grand reopening in fall 2024, she reflects on this milestone, her spiritual path, and her hopes for the future of the congregation and the broader community.

Today, we’re joined by Anne Smith, a member of the Southold Town Board, whose life and career bring a fascinating perspective to our conversation. Anne shares stories of her ancestry and her formative years in upstate New York, reflecting on the experiences that shaped her. We explore her college years and her journey to Long Island, as well as her early passion for education that led her to impactful roles as a principal and superintendent across various school districts. Anne then shares her path to the North Fork and her time with the Mattituck-Cutchogue School District. Finally, we delve into her decision to run for Southold Town Board, her commitment to key issues, and her hopes for the community’s future.

Welcome to Episode 100 of the Floyd Memorial Library Podcast!

Today, we celebrate not just a milestone but a journey—one year of conversations, stories, and connections. Before we dive into today’s episode, I want to take a moment to thank our incredible guests who’ve shared their time and insights, and you, our dedicated listeners, for your unwavering support. Your engagement has turned this podcast into a dynamic platform for dialogue and discovery.

To mark this special occasion, we’re honored to feature a truly extraordinary guest: Elizabeth Holtzman. A trailblazer in every sense, Elizabeth’s career has been defined by breaking barriers and shaping history.

In this episode, Elizabeth reflects on her life, from her ancestry and childhood in Brooklyn to her education at Radcliffe College and Harvard Law School. She discusses the challenges women faced in academia and the transformative experience of working with a civil rights lawyer in the segregated South in 1963—a moment that profoundly shaped her perspective and career.

Her remarkable story continues with her historic 1972 election to Congress, where she became the youngest woman ever elected at the time, defeating the powerful Emanuel Celler. She shares a first-hand account of her pivotal role on the House Judiciary Committee during the Watergate scandal and the historic subcommittee hearing where President Ford testified about his pardon of Richard Nixon.

From serving as Brooklyn’s first female District Attorney to becoming New York City’s only female Comptroller, Elizabeth has consistently demonstrated courage, vision, and a commitment to justice. We also discuss her efforts to bring Nazi war criminals in the U.S. to justice, her reflections on the parallels between Watergate and today’s political scandals, the evolution of media, and her thoughts on the 2024 elections.

Finally, Elizabeth shares her wisdom for future generations, offering valuable insights on leadership, justice, and the enduring lessons of her extraordinary career.

Today, we’re joined by Paul Connor, Chief Administrative Officer at Stony Brook Eastern Long Island Hospital. Paul shares the story of his upbringing, his educational journey, and what brought him to the East End of Long Island. We explore his path to the North Fork, where he became CEO of Eastern Long Island Hospital in 1999.

Paul delves into the history of the hospital, the transformative changes he’s overseen, and the landmark merger with Stony Brook Medicine. He reflects on the vital role of nursing, the challenges of navigating events like Hurricane Sandy and the COVID-19 pandemic, and the importance of planning for future emergencies.

We also discuss the hospital’s innovative programs, the development of new centers, and Paul’s vision for the future of healthcare on the North Fork.

Welcome to today’s episode! We sit down with Yan Albaladejo, an amateur historian and political organizer with deep roots in the North Fork. Yan shares the story of his journey from Puerto Rico to Greenport as a child, and how his love for history and learning blossomed here, especially at the local library. He talks about his path to higher education, studying public policy, and the various internships that shaped his career—from working in Washington D.C. to collaborating with local leaders like Mayor Kevin Stuessi and the North Fork Environmental Council.

In this conversation, we dive into some of the pressing issues Yan is passionate about, from housing and poverty to the effects of climate change on the region. We also explore his thoughts on social media and his hopes for the future of the North Fork. Tune in for a wide-ranging conversation about history, activism, and the future of this unique community.

Welcome to today's episode! We’re thrilled to sit down with Anne-Marie Chubet and James Chubet, two incredibly talented musicians who share their unique musical journey. From their early passion for music to meeting at Boston Conservatory, they’ve built a remarkable career together. In this conversation, we’ll hear about their deep connection to the North Fork, their experiences as performers, and what they love most about their profession. Stay tuned for an inspiring chat about music, creativity, and collaboration!

Today, we welcome John Sullivan, a Greenport native who takes us on a journey through time. Growing up in the 1940s and 50s, John shares vivid stories of his childhood, his family’s history, and the ways Greenport shaped him during those formative years. From schoolyard memories to reflections on the town’s transformation, John paints a rich picture of life in a bygone era. He also opens up about his path beyond Greenport — from college to a fascinating career that led him to Virginia and eventually to work for the CIA. It’s a conversation filled with history, nostalgia, and personal insight.