As a local news organization, Patch covers stories of all kinds, from heartbreaking tragedies to nitty-gritty breakdowns of government and school district issues. But some stories are simply inspiring, often showing that at the heart of our communities is a desire to do good. Here are some of the touching headlines from the past seven days.
The Suffolk County Legislature officially honored Jean Carlos "JC" Barrientos, in the Hamptons in June.
Legis. Jay Schneiderman, I-Montauk, presented Barrientos with proclamations for his heroism in saving the life of a 34-year-old Brooklyn man on June 3.
Barrientos was on duty as a cabana boy when he spotted the distressed swimmer in the waters of an unprotected beach and jumped in the water to rescue the man.
Riverhead car racer Justin Bonsignore has given his proceeds from the at the Stafford Motor Speedway in Stafford Springs, CT, to the Trinca Family Memorial Fund, a charity set up to support the family of and her seven-year-old son, Jason. Both were killed in a horrific car cash in 2011.
Jason was a young racer who competed often in Riverhead.
So far, Bonsignore has raised more than $3000 in donations.
For the first time, volunteers showed off their Fourth of July Patriotism by planting more than 2,000 American flags along Route 25 on the North Fork, stretching from Aquebogue to Laurel.
Former Port Jefferson High School wrestler Steven Legendre has secured a spot as an alternate on the U.S. Men’s Gymnastics team heading to London for the 2012 Olympics in just a few weeks.
In an interview on usagym.org, Legendre said that he’s ready to step in if called upon.
“It definitely it won’t be the same experience as the five guys on the team but it’s going to be an awesome experience nonetheless,” Legendre said to usagym.org about going to London for this year’s Olympics.
Setauket's Woodlands Folk Festival returned thei past weekend, packing the event with local music lovers and families looking to entertain the kids with music, face painting and other activities.
The event culminated in a tribute to Woody Guthrie where each performer performed a song written or inspired by the beloved folk musician. It culminated in a "we-are-the-folk-world" style performance of "Woody's Children."
