At a Nov. 19 event held at the Suffolk County Legislature building in Hauppauge, all 18 legislators recognized a nonprofit volunteer from their districts.

Legislator Steven Englebright (D-Setauket) honored Joan Nickeson for her volunteer efforts, particularly with the Cumsewogue Historical Society, (the historical society uses the traditional spelling of “Cumsewogue” to honor the area’s Native American roots,) as well as the Port Jefferson Station-Terryville Chamber of Commerce. 

“Some constituents reinforce our sense of place through their demonstrative commitment to the things that make and define our communities, and Joan Nickeson, a prolific volunteer, is an example of such a person,” Englebright said. “She is one of the reasons that the Port Jefferson Station-Terryville community has so much heart.”

Nickeson, president of the Cumsewogue Historical Society, was a founding member of the nonprofit in 2009 and helped restructure the organization in recent years.Through presentations and Q&As, the society preserves the history of the area, which includes Port Jefferson Station and Terryville, fostering a sense of place for residents.

For more than five years, Nickeson has served as the community liaison director and recording secretary for the Port Jefferson Station-Terryville Chamber of Commerce. She organizes activities such as fundraisers, summer concerts, ribbon-cuttings and holiday events.

Recently, Nickeson received the Volunteer of the Year Award from Literacy Suffolk for her work as a language-level tester for students.

Nickeson is also involved with Old Town Blooms, assisting with community planting projects, including bulb plantings along Old Town Road. In 2012, she was named The Port Times Record’s Environmentalist of the Year for her work with the Port Jefferson Station-Terryville Civic Association’s Beautification Committee. Her efforts with the committee included collaborating with the Town of Brookhaven to expand the Terryville Greenbelt conservation area around Comsewogue High School.

Englebright described Nickeson as a “hometown hero” during the event and thanked her for her community service.

“Joan, through your personal example you have made us all proud of where we live,” Englebright said. “You have proven time and time again that you are an asset to our community and our county.”