4 generations have kept Orient store going

Sarah Michta, 28, of Orient, works at The Candyman, which is owned by her family.

Tell me about you and your family's history here.
I grew up here. I'm the fourth generation to work at the store. My grandmother, Evelyn Heins, is still the owner. She lives in Florida now and my parents have taken over.

How long has the store been here?
We've been in this location for more than 30 years. My great grandfather, William Heins, started it as a retirement project from his house after he left his candy shop in Huntington and moved out here. He came over straight from Germany so we still use all his old recipes, the same copper kettles.

What was it like growing up here?
It's a small town. Everybody knows everybody, it's kind of nice.
Going to school we all grew up together from elementary school to high school.

Do a lot of people stay after high school or come back after college?
Some stay. Most leave, I guess.

What made you stay?
This is my family business so I'm connected to it. I did leave for college. I went to Stony Brook and studied health sciences but it was hard to find a job out here with that. I'm going to Suffolk [County Community College] now for nursing.

What do you like about living here?
It's a nice place. The regular convenience of businesses farther west up Suffolk is nice but this is something you get used to.

Has it changed since you were younger?
Not really. It's stayed pretty much the same since I was younger. Greenport has changed a lot. It's become much more touristy.