At 72, Mattituck resident Ray Nine is still as hardworking and involved in the community as ever, even in the face of a fight with Parkinson’s Disease — the reason he decided to resign from the Mattituck Chamber of Commerce early this year after decades of involvement.
But no matter if he’s a member or not a member these days, the chamber honored Nine as its Man of the Year Monday night at a Christmas party at Vineyard Caterers in Aquebogue, not only for his success as a businessman in the trash collection and gravel business over the years but for his years of just being active in the community — in the chamber, in the Mattituck Fire Department (he still goes out on calls), and the Mattituck Presbyterian Church to name a few.
“Ray is wonderful,” said Mattituck Presbyterian Pastor George Gaffga. “There’s not a time when I don’t get a hug from this brother of mine.”
Eastern Long Island Hospital representative Eileen Solomon presented Nine a proclamation for his years of service out on emergency calls, and Southold Town Supervisor also presented Nine an award.
“We all know what a wonderful place Southold Town is, but let’s face it, what makes Southold great are people like Ray Nine,” Russell said.
