people of the year Archives - Riverhead News Review

11.07.2026 Editorials

Help us choose our People of the Year

The elections may be over, but another selection is just beginning. Every year at this time, we ask readers to nominate candidates for our People of the Year edition...

03.13.2026 People of the Year

2025 People of the Year awards ceremony: in their words

The Riverhead News-Review’s 2025 People of the Year were honored at a ceremony Wednesday evening at the Riverhead Fire Department. Surrounded by friends and family, the honorees expressed heartfelt appreciation and...

01.09.2026 People of the Year

2025 Public Servant of the Year: Frank Mancini

When Frank Mancini took over as Riverhead Water District superintendent in 2019, he inherited a century-old system with deferred maintenance, aging infrastructure and growing contamination threats. Six years later,...

01.08.2026 People of the Year

2025 Educator of the Year: Gary Karlson

Principal Gary Karlson may be only a few months into his tenure at Riley Avenue Elementary School, but his roots in the Riverhead Central School District run deep. He...

01.08.2026 People of the Year

2025 Person of the Year: Doug Corwin

Since an H5N1 outbreak decimated his flock last January, Crescent Duck Farm owner Doug Corwin has been working to rebuild it. Over the last 12 months, he has complied...

11.08.2025 Editorials

Editorial: Call for 2025 People of the Year Nominations

Every year at this time we use this space to ask our readers to nominate candidates for our People of the Year issue coming in January. With their heartfelt...

01.06.2025 People of the Year

2024 Businessperson of the Year: Gabriella Volpe

Now in its 50th year, Caruso’s is still going strong and is still in its original location, thanks in large part to Gabriella Volpe, the second generation of Carusos...

01.03.2025 People of the Year

2024 Public Servants of the Year: Mike Zaleski and the Riverhead Highway Department

When Town Councilman Ken Rothwell heard that Riverhead Highway Department Superintendent Mike Zaleski and his staff are being honored with Riverhead News-Review’s Person/People of the year award for 2024,...