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.
Formerly Paralyzed Lifeguard Comes Home
For one East Hampton family, Christmas was particularly special this year since Doris Quigley, the teenage daughter of East Hampton Town Deputy Supervisor Theresa Quigley and Tom Quigley, was released from a New York City hospital after four months of hospitalization. An East Hampton Town lifeguard, she broke her neck while swimming in the surf off an Amagansett beach. Though initially paralyzed, she has regained the use of her legs and continues to make improvements.
The Quigley family enjoyed Christmas together as a family at home — Doris' four siblings were all in town to welcome her back. Then they joined a large extended family for Christmas dinner in Connecticut. "It's one of the better Christmases I remember," Theresa Quigley said.
Junior Firefighters Bake 1,500 Cookies For Widowers, Troops
In an effort to bring some holiday cheer to widows/widowers, those who are sick and troops across seas, members of the Westhampton Beach Junior Fire Department baked them cookies that will be, in most cases, hand delivered.
Polar Plunge Lifts Spirits
After having to be rescheduled to Dec. 15 from its original date because of super storm Sandy, the Brookhaven Town Polar Plunge was held last weekend at Cedar Beach in Mt. Sinai to support athletes competing in the Special Olympics.
Fencing Star Takes National Foil Title
Fencing is in the blood of Devon Reina, a Stony Brook resident and junior at Ward Melville High School. Reina won the Division 2 Men's Foil event at the US Fencing Association's North American Cup in Milwaukee on Dec. 8. Devon has fenced for close to four years, and is coached by Jennie and Jeff Salmon of Mission Fencing in Rocky Point.
Photo: First Baby Born at St. Catherine of Siena in 2013
Greyson Devereaux was 9-pounds 4-ounces at birth.
