SOUTHOLD, N.Y., April 21, 2004 (PRIMEZONE) -- Custer Institute today announced that it has attained the full funding for their Dome Replacement Project. The dome on the Custer Observatory had been in dire need of replacement, and Custer recently embarked on a $70,000 fundraising drive to replace it.
Funding for the renovation project was accomplished through the efforts of Joseph McCarthy, owner of Eastern Breezes Real Estate in Southold, and Charles Cardona, CEO of AdZone Research, Inc. in Calverton, a publicly traded company focused on surveillance, detection and interception of clandestine terrorist messages on the Internet.
"I believe it's very important for the residents of our community to support the rare treasures in our midst that help to make Southold a fantastic place to live," said McCarthy. There's no other place like Custer Institute, and people should visit and gaze at the night skies from one of Custer's several telescopes, because it's a real treat, and a great way to broaden your horizons!"
McCarthy said he has benefited by being a successful real estate broker in Southold for years, and believes people have an obligation to give back to the community that supports them, and this is one of those ways.
Said Custer Institute Treasurer Barbara Lebkuecher: "This will surely help Custer to serve the public and provide a place for the astronomical community long into the future. I hope all those in the community realize the tremendous benefit Mr. McCarthy has afforded us, and would strongly urge they support local businesses that benefit the residents of Southold Town."
Joe McCarthy, a lifelong Southold resident, facilitated Southold Town's purchase of the land surrounding Custer Institute for preservation several years ago, thereby ensuring some of the darkest night time viewing skies in the Northeastern United States. He has also been a strong supporter of many projects to benefit local residents. His company, Eastern Breezes Real Estate, located on Main Street in Southold Village, has won itself recognition as one of the premier community-minded businesses on the East End.
Custer Institute also recently received donations totaling more than $200,000 from Charles and John Cardona, Thomas Madigan and Reidar Sjoen, all of AdZone Research, traded under the ticker symbol ADZR, and founded by members of another Southold family, the Cardonas.
The Custer Institute recently celebrated it's 75th anniversary and has been home to many famous persons in the scientific arena, including Peter Van DeKamp, Sara Lippincott, Albert Einstein, Fred Hess, Charles Elmer and George Lomaga.
Custer is open Saturday evenings around 8 p.m. for public observing (weather permitting), and offers many public programs throughout the year. Membership is open to all who are interested in astronomy, science and a place to share and learn. The warm, friendly, country atmosphere of the Institute has attracted more than a thousand people to membership over the years. Stop by soon, and "See for Yourself".