Greater Moriches coverage is funded in part by Angels of Long Island, a charitable nonprofit. Shopping at the Angels’ Mastic and Patchogue thrift stores helps Long Island families in need. Or, click here to donate.
Arthur “Art” Gerhauser has lived in Center Moriches for more than 40 years and has dedicated his life to many causes to help the community.
Still, the 66-year-old said he was surprised to be named the Center Moriches 2019 St. Patrick’s Day Parade grand marshal, which is run by the Chamber of Commerce of the Moriches. The 17th annual parade will take place March 10 from 2-4 p.m along Main Street.
“It was quite an honor, I didn’t expect it,” said the longtime chamber board member, who served six terms as its president. Gerhauser is currently chief building inspector for the Town of Brookhaven and previously ran his own contracting business, Janart Construction, for 17 years.
The parade will include pipe bands, an Irish Princess, and, of course, the grand marshal.
History of service
Gerhauser, who, according to a recent AncentryDNA test is 49 percent Irish on his mother’s side, volunteered as a Webelos leader and later Cub Master of Cub Scout Pack 23.
He also served as recording secretary and vice president of the Moriches Bay Civic Association; started and continues to coordinate the summer concert series held on the lawn of the elementary school; served as a founding member of the Downtown Beautification Organization of Center Moriches; and coordinates the “March of the Goblins” Halloween event down Main Street.
Gerhauser is one of the original organizers to bring the St. Patrick’s Day Parade to Center Moriches and has been the parade committee chair since 2007.
In fact, as chair of the parade committee and grand marshal, he’ll be coordinating and leading the parade.
All the effort that he’s put into the community has been well worth it, Gerhauser said.
“It’s the people that make the Moriches Bay community such a great place to live,” he said. “Center Moriches is home. There’s literally nowhere I’d rather live.”
A cocktail party in Gerhauser’s honor will be held on March 8, from 7-11 p.m., at the Rock Hill Country Club in Manorville. Tickets are $60 per person. For more information, contact Geraldine Sapanaro at (631) 878-0003.
