Peconic Landing Says Goodbye To Summer With A Bang

When people think of a retirement community, they may picture wheelchairs and the smell of cooked cabbage wafting down empty hallways while Muzak plays.

That is definitively not Peconic Landing, a 21-Century continuing care retirement community perched on a large and historic property with forever views over the Long Island Sound in Greenport.

The nationally-recognized organization “works on a mission of being the retirement community of choice for individuals age 62 and better by encouraging our members to enjoy a vibrant lifestyle and presenting ample opportunity for members to pursue their interests and passions to the fullest,” according to its website.

With a large outdoor sculpture display, hiking trails, a rose garden, and a private beach, Peconic Landing caters to its residents’ love of nature and art, along with a state-of-the-art theater which hosts live performances and films, speakers, and more.

On Sunday, September 1, Peconic Landing is hosting its eighth annual End of Summer celebration, featuring music provided by a 40-piece orchestra, and a 20-minute fireworks display. The event is free, open to the public, and is very popular, bringing the outside population into the haven by the bay.

“Each year we find that more and more families of the greater community have been joining in on the affair,” said Robert Syron, president and CEO of Peconic Landing. “This event has become a tradition for Peconic Landing and the community, one that we can share with our neighbors and loved ones.” The event serves as a “thank you” to the local community’s support throughout the year.

The evening begins at 7 PM with a live performance by the Atlantic Wind Symphony, comprised of musicians from across Long Island.

“The fireworks display is a fabulous way to celebrate the end of the summer. Between the concert and the inclusion of the entire local community, it brings everyone together to enjoy,” said Jan Harting-Mcchesney, a resident/member of Peconic Landing.

The performance will take place on the patio at Brecknock Hall and feature popular songs by George Gershwin, John Philip Sousa, as well as well-known Broadway hits. It will also include a salute to veterans and current service members, as well as recognize police and volunteer fire officials.

Brecknock Hall itself is the only part of Peconic Landing that’s partially visible from the road, and it acts as a historic hub of the institution.

Constructed in the 1850s, it was named for David Gelston Floyd’s ancestral home of Brecknockshire, Wales. David Floyd, grandson of William Floyd, was a Greenport shipping magnate, whaling fleet owner, bank president, and legislator.

Brecknock Hall was Floyd’s family residence, and leftover stone was used to build Floyd Memorial Library in Greenport Village. A restoration project spearheaded by the Brecknock Hall Foundation gave new life to the old building, which is also used as a venue available to outside groups.

The performance is sponsored by the Brecknock Hall Foundation, which has a mission of maintaining the beautification and preservation of the historic mansion and landmark of North Fork history.

The fireworks show by Pyro Engineering of Bethpage will start at 8:15, launched over Peconic Landing’s community pond. Guests are invited to bring blankets and chairs to get comfortable.

A rain date is scheduled for September 2. For more information, visit www.peconiclanding.org.

bridget@indyeastend.com