Long-Time Volunteer Honored at Miller Place Civic

Kathy Rousseau, a former Miller Place Civic President and long time community volunteer was honored at Monday's Miller Place Civic Association meeting at .

Rousseau received certificates from Civic President Woody Brown, Brookhaven Councilwoman Jane Bonner as well as Suffolk County Legis. Sarah Anker for her environmental contributions and other accomplishments in her 20-plus years in Miller Place.

"From helping organize litter campaigns to helping spearhead activities to working into saving the Vassilaros property, planting, gardening, putting up fliers…you name it, she’s done it,” Brown said. “Where she finds the energy I have no idea. It’s been absolutely wonderful having her in our community."

Brown and Councilwoman Bonner spoke highly of her work in helping the County acquire the Vassilaros property back when she was still Civic President in 2009. The mostly undeveloped 68-acre parcel could have been developed and brought at least 100 new students into the Miller Place district, according to Bonner.

"This one woman is such a galvanizing force in this community," Bonner said. "When I think of Kathy, I don't mean to hurt her feelings but I do think about litter. A civic president and a civic voice is a very loud, representative voice in an elected officials office because they are the eyes and ears. I'm so proud to be here as not only a former civic president, but her friend as well."

Rousseau, who was also thanked by Boy Scout Troop 204 for the support she's given them, took time to thank the community and reminisce on her time in Miller Place.

"It’s funny how things kind of add on to what you’ve already done throughout the years," she said. "When I first moved to Miller Place I thought [the civic] would be a great way to meet some of my neighbors and get involved in the community...little did I know they were opening a position on the board so it was very quickly that I got involved.

"Over the years...you bump through all the ranks and you just find the time to do it. You meet so many wonderful people and that's been a real plus to...the volunteer time that I've given over the years."