Kids & Family

Good News: Winemaker Says 'I Do;' High School Honors Vets

Some stories put a smile on your face. Here's our wrap-up from around Suffolk County.

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.

Winemaker Married Among the Vines

When Kelly Urbanik, winemaker for Macari Vineyards in Mattituck, was planning the most important day of her life, she knew she wanted to be surrounded by family.

And that's why she decided to hold her wedding in the Macari vineyard, surrounded by relatives and friends who are as close as family in a place that resonates with deep meaning.

Urbanik, 32, who married her longtime love Rob Koch on Saturday, said the pair dated for six years before getting engaged in December.

The happy couple met in a local North Fork volleyball league after Urbanik, who lives in Peconic, moved to the area from the Napa Valley on the West Coast, where she grew up.

Teen Distributes School Supplies to Needy

Ariana DeMattei, a Westhampton Beach Middle School student, knew her goal to fill 150 backpacks with school supplies for area elementary school students in need by the start of the school year was not going to be easy. But, last week, she reached her goal.

On Monday, DeMattei, distributed the supplies she collected and purchased through fundraisers to 130 local students.

Scout Project Benefits Patients in Pediatric Unit

Following a hospital stay last year, 12- year- old Girl Scout Sarah Logan, Troop 75 in Babylon Village, developed the “Time Box” to help other “tweens” pass the time while in the hospital.

Her idea earned her Girl Scout’s Silver Award.

EMTs, Cops Help Save Woman’s Life

A housekeeper in Sagaponack is alive today thanks to the joint rescue efforts of Southampton Town police and emergency workers from the Bridgehampton Fire Department and the Southampton Ambulance.

On the afternoon of Aug. 27, Southampton Town police received a 911 call from a resident in Sagaponack, reporting that their housekeeper had passed out and was turning blue.

Police Officer Richard Spera rushed to the call and got to the house within one minute, police said in a statement. He immediately began CPR on the 55-year-old woman. Shortly after, Spera was joined by Officer Theodore Jasinski until the Bridgehampton Fire Department ambulance carrying an emergency medical technician, Jeffrey White, who is also the second assistant fire chief.

High School Builds Military Wall of Honor

The Bayport-Blue Point School District has created a Wall of Honor to pay tribute to alumni and employees who have served in the military.

Plaques featuring the individual’s name, the branch they served in and the year they graduated have been placed under a “United States Military Service” banner at Bayport-Blue Point High School.

To date, more than 80 individuals have been recognized, the earliest of whom was a member of the Class of 1941.

Plaque Unveiled for Veterans of Iraq, Afghanistan Wars

Just days before America will remember the Sept. 11 attacks, the Northport community came together Sunday to unveil a new memorial dedicated to those who have served in the Iraq and Afghanistan Wars.

Teacher Finalist in K-98.3 Contest

A Lindenhurst teacher is facing off with two other Long Island teachers in K-98.3 FM's Teacher of the Month award in September.

Ms. Suzette Picozzi, a Digital Photography and Painting teacher at Lindenhurst High School, has been nominated and made it to the finals for the radio station's contest.

The teacher who wins the contest receives free Noodles for a year and a Noodles Party for their classes, including meal, beverages and desserts for up to 40 people courtesy of the Noodles & Company. 


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