Kids & Family

Good News: EMS Hero Lauded; Vet Gets Long Overdue Medals

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.

Woman Honored as top EMS Worker

One of Springs' most dedicated emergency medical service volunteers is being recognized for her swift actions that helped to save a man's life on an Amagansett beach last summer.

Karen L. Haab, an advanced emergency medical technician with the Springs Fire Department, will be honored Friday as theFiremen's Association of New York's EMS Provider of the Yearduring the organization's annual convention in Albany.

On Aug. 4, 2012 — the day of the Clamshell Foundation's annual Sand Castle Contest — Haab was enjoying time with family and friends at Atlantic Avenue Beachwhen she noticed an elderly man, later identified as 77-year-old Stuart Herman, being removed from the water.

She jumped into action, stabilized his head to protect his cervical spine, and trying to find out what happened in the water. According to the report she gave FASNY, "He mumbled a few words and suddenly his face turned blue and saliva began to fill his mouth."

Marriage Proposal At 1,500 Feet

Flight instructor Mike Nelson brought his girlfriend on a flight down the Hudson River Monday where he proposed to her while flying in front of One World Trade Center. She accepts, and when they land at Long Island MacArthur Airport they are engaged. The video of the proposal has earned over 41,000 Youtube views in the past week.

Teen Helps Rescue Stranded Kayakers

A Lindenhurst teen is being hailed for hearing a call for help on Monday evening that resulted in the rescue of two kayakers from the Great South Bay.

Gem Hattat, a 19-year-old Lindenhurst resident, said he heard what sounded like a person or persons calling for help, but could not see anybody in the waters to the south of his location at the Lindenhurst Village Marina, the United States Coast Guard said.

Three Generations Make a Mark at Good Sam

When it comes to working at Good Samaritan Hospital in West Islip it's a family affair for the Riso clan.

Not only did dietary staff member, Francis Riso, turn 19-years-old this week but his father, Bryan, a laboratory technician has worked for the hospital since he was the same age. Several years ago the father and son were joined in their commitment to Good Sam when the eldest, Mario Riso, decided to skip retirement and return to the workforce, joining one of the hospitals dialysis units in Bay Shore.

Sunrise Fund Awards Scholarship to Cancer Survivor

One local student is among the recipients of the annual Daniel Brooks Memorial Education awards, given each year by the Sunrise Fund at Stony Brook Long Island Children's Hospital to former pediatric oncology patients.

Donna Coane of Commack received a scholarship toward her studies at SUNY New Paltz.

Renarts Gives Shoes to 50 LI Children in Need

Renarts, a shoe and athletic sportswear store in Northport, has partnered with with Big Brothers and Big Sisters of Long Island to create “Kicks for Kids,” a program to provide fashionable and fun footwear for children. The local business recently held a shoe giveaway for 50 children.

New Grad Nets $250 Hospital Scholarship

Matthew Prager, recent Smithtown High School West graduate will start his college journey at Western New England University in Springfield, Massachusetts, this fall—and with extra cash, as a result of his award winning essay submitted for St. Catherine of Siena’s Medical Staff Scholarship award.

Vietnam Vet Gets 'Long Overdue' War Medals

A Kings Park veteran accepted war medals for his actions taken more than a decade ago.

Frank DeAngelo received war medals from Rep. Tim Bishop, D-Southampton, for his service with the U.S. Army during the Vietnam war at a a ceremony in the Vietnam Veterans Memorial Garden at Northport Veterans Affairs Medical Center.

Couple Donates to Pediatric Emergency Care Center

The late Philip and Carolyn McGrath have left a donation of $410,000 to Mather Hospital, which the hospital used to upgrade its Emergency Department to accommodate a pediatric fast-track, the hospital announced Monday.


Get more local news delivered straight to your inbox. Sign up for free Patch newsletters and alerts.

We’ve removed the ability to reply as we work to make improvements. Learn more here