Cover credit – Matt Meduri
Assemblyman Ed Flood (R-Port Jefferson Station) recognized a long-time community member for her heroic journey, inspiring story, and lessons imparted to countless others.
Erika Glus of Stony Brook was recognized as the Fourth Assembly District’s 2024 Woman of Distinction. Glus was born on January 4, 1940, in Lithuania as a German citizen. Her mother took her and her five siblings from Lithuania in 1943 to escape World War II after her father was killed by the Soviets.
Taking just a cow for milk and a few possessions they could carry, they spent a year fleeing across Poland, arriving in post-war Germany just after the bombing of Berlin. Relegated to foot travel, they had to part with their wagons and horses to take trains to live in multiple places after the war. Bread became a staple in their family, as their mother would bake the family bread with spare ingredients she could find, but she would also bake bread for people they met along their journey. Bread became equated with comfort, safety, and fellowship.
“Baking bread for locals was a sign of her saying what had happened in her life and how special it [baking] was,” Glus told attendees.
The Salvation Army and Red Cross provided Glus’ family with shelter and clothing, and later immigrated to the United States after an aunt in Cincinnati encouraged them to start a new life.
Glus began teaching in Cincinnati, but would vacation on Long Island frequently. She met her husband on Long Island, whom she later married. Together, they were married for fifty-six years, had two children, and five grandchildren.
After moving to Long Island, Glus taught at BOCES for thirty-two years. She also became an avid runner and completed thirteen marathons, including the Boston Marathon. Glus also has the notable distinction of having beaten breast cancer twice.
Glus regaled attendees with stories from her past, including one that she said earned fame from her schoolchildren: the “axe” story.
Glus recalled that when she and her family were homeless, they found lodging wherever they could, with one instance landing them in a room on top of a bakery.
“One time, the baker came and said that we had to move out the next day,” said Glus. “My mother took an axe and said ‘if you put one step through the door, I’ll chop your head off.’”
Assemblyman Flood remarked on his selection of Glus as his district’s Woman of Distinction.
“Someone sent us her information and when my staff and I saw just how amazing of a story this is, we wanted to meet her,” Flood told The Messenger. “We were in awe because the story started out so tragically, but it ended up being such an uplifting story and how determined her family was to succeed.”
Flood added that Glus “would have had every right to be bitter,” but that her personality is quite the opposite.
“She is an unbelievably friendly, caring woman,” said Flood. “It was pretty clear at this point that selecting her as the district’s Woman of Distinction was a no-brainer. The purpose of the recognition is to showcase some of the unsung heroes in the community, some people who may not get media attention but have impacted so many lives. By all means, Erika is one of the most deserving people we’ve ever honored with this distinction.”
The Messenger thanks Erika Glus for the opportunity to hear her amazing story in person and applauds her unbreakable spirit and decades-long contributions to her community.
Assemblyman Ed Flood (R-Port Jefferson Station) has represented the Fourth District in the New York State Assembly since 2023. The Fourth District includes Belle Terre, East Setauket, Gordon Heights, Old Field, Poquott, Port Jefferson, Setauket, Stony Brook, Strongs Neck, and Terryville, and parts of Centereach, Coram, Middle Island, Port Jefferson Station, and Selden.
Assemblyman Flood sits on the committees on Banks; Children and Families; Codes; Environmental Conservation; Higher Education; and Judiciary.
The Fourth District office is located at 149 Main Street in East Setauket and can be reached at 631-751-3094.
