Joe Gergela, executive director of the Long Island Farm Bureau who’s set to retire at the end of the year, will be honored by the North Fork Environmental Council at their annual Chili Night this Friday.

The event will take place on Friday from 7 to 9:30 p.m. at the Barn at Martha Clara Vineyards, located at 6025 Sound Avenue in Riverhead, and will include a competition for “Best Chili on the North Fork” with contenders including Ammirati’s of Love Lane, Digger’s Irish Pub and Restaurant, the Jamesport Manor Inn, Lobster Roll Northside, and the North Road Deli.

Gergela will be honored with the 2014 Paul Stoutenburgh Leadership Award for his years of tireless service to the North Fork agricultural community. Stoutenburgh, a fierce environmental advocate, died at 92 in July.

Guests will enjoy both traditional and specialty chili along with salad, cornbread, a complimentary glass of wine and a raffle.

Early bird tickets are $40, reflecting a $5 savings. For tickets, call the NFEC at 631-298-8880 or click here. Tickets will also be available at the door for $45.

RiverheadLOCAL photo courtesy of the Long Island Farm Bureau.

The survival of local journalism depends on your support.
We are a small family-owned operation. You rely on us to stay informed, and we depend on you to make our work possible. Just a few dollars can help us continue to bring this important service to our community.
Support RiverheadLOCAL today.

Avatar photo
Denise is a veteran local reporter, editor and attorney. Her work has been recognized with numerous journalism awards, including investigative reporting and writer of the year awards from the N.Y. Press Association. She was also honored in 2020 with a NY State Senate Woman of Distinction Award for her trailblazing work in local online news. She is a founder, owner and co-publisher of this website.Email Denise.