June 23rd, 2023 – Town of Islip Supervisor Angie Carpenter is pleased to announce that two of the Town’s employees working in the Town’s Public Information Office have been honored with a prestigious Folio award for the outstanding documentary, "The Blue Point Oyster." Those employees are Communications Director, Caroline Smith and Videographer, Gary Licker. The award was presented by the Fair Media Council at their annual awards ceremony held at Gatsby on the Ocean on June 23, 2023.

"The Blue Point Oyster" is an exceptional documentary that highlights the Town of Islip's efforts to enhance shellfish production and improve the water quality of the Great South Bay. This insightful film underscores the Town's commitment to environmental preservation and emphasizes the integral role of community engagement in achieving these significant milestones.

The Fair Media Council, widely recognized as one of the oldest and most successful media watchdogs in the country, bestowed this honor upon Smith and Licker for their exceptional work in producing a documentary that captivated audiences and inspired action. The Folio award serves as a testament to the Town’s unwavering dedication and ability to raise awareness about the importance of preserving our environment.

Town of Islip Supervisor Angie Carpenter expressed her admiration and praise for Smith and Licker's contributions, stating, “Caroline and Gary have truly excelled in bringing attention to our town's incredible efforts to enhance shellfish production and restore the water quality of the Great South Bay. 'The Blue Point Oyster' documentary showcases the Town of Islip's commitment to environmental stewardship and the power of community collaboration. We are immensely proud of their accomplishments and all of our Town’s dedicated staff and the positive impact they have made."

Caroline Smith, producer of the documentary, also conveyed her gratitude for the recognition of the documentary. She added, "Receiving this Folio award from the Fair Media Council is a tremendous honor for the Town, and this has been something that has been an unwavering commitment on the part of Supervisor, Angie Carpenter. 'The Blue Point Oyster' documentary has allowed us to shed light on the Town of Islip's environmental initiatives and highlight our community's dedication to preserving our natural resources. We are grateful for the platform this award provides in spreading our message to a wider audience."

Gary Licker, who shot, edited and directed the documentary, shared his enthusiasm for the award and its significance, saying, "I am deeply honored to receive this recognition for this documentary on Long Island's Great South Bay. 'The Blue Point Oyster' project has been a labor of love, and I am grateful for the opportunity to showcase the Town of Islip's commitment to environmental conservation. This award underscores the importance of protecting our environment and the essential role of community engagement in achieving this shared objective."

The Town of Islip Shellfish Hatchery, under the supervisor of DEC Commissioner Marty Bellew, produces nearly 25% of the total number of caged oysters harvested in New York State. Each oyster cleans nearly 50 gallons of water per day.

The Town of Islip extends its gratitude to the Fair Media Council for this recognition. The Town encourages individuals and communities to support and actively participate in endeavors aimed at enhancing shellfish production and safeguarding the water quality of the Great South Bay.