Stewardship was recognized by Freeport's Chamber of Commerce on March 8, 1996, as it proclaimed its 1996 Citizen of the Year to be Anthony J. Tarantino, a founding member and current president of SPLASH (Stop Polluting, Littering and Save Harbors). The chamber honored Mr. Tarantino for leading civic-minded volunteers to formation of a viable not-for-profit group dedicated to cleaning up waterways every day of the year.
Mr. Tarantino is one of several captains who take SPLASH volunteers ("Splashers") out on the waterways to scoop up floating garbage, wood and recyclables. Under Mr. Tarantino's leadership, SPLASH now has monthly meetings, a speakers bureau, and cooperative activities with the Town of Hempstead and other organizations. Islip has started a second SPLASH group, and Sheepshead Bay is starting another.
The South Shore Estuary Reserve Council congratulates Mr. Tarantino. It is the individuals who give so much of themselves who make the big difference in improving the south shore estuary.