Kids & Family

Good News: Billy Joel Touts LI; Community Supports Arts in Public Schools

A look at some of the inspiring headlines from around the region this week.

Here are some of the inspiring stories of the week, where community members sought to help others, or made headlines for their achievements.

Billy Joel Touts Long Island in New Commercial

Billy Joel is starring in a new commercial promoting tourism to New York, specifically his native Long Island. In the commercial released on YouTube Wednesday, the singer calls Long Island his favorite place in the state.

"It's an endless beach–from Long Beach to Montauk to Long Island Sound," Joel says of Long Island, before rattling off various tourist destinations on the island.

Numerous other celebrities, including actor Ed Burns, another Long Island native, are also starring in commercials for the state's "I LOVE NY Summer Tourism" campaign. Burns refers to the Atlantic Ocean off Montauk as one of the world's top-10 fishing destinations.

Find out what's happening in Port Washingtonwith free, real-time updates from Patch.

Watch the full Billy Joel commercial above. And check out the rest of the celebrity-filled spots here.

Supporting Arts in Port Washington Public Schools

Find out what's happening in Port Washingtonwith free, real-time updates from Patch.

The third annual PortFest Music, Arts and Community Festival  took place Saturday. There was Live entertainment on three outdoor stages and indoors at the Paul D. Schreiber High School Auditorium, and a variety of 29 performances ranging from student organizations to local bands to performing artists to local dance and music studios. There were38 diverse family-friendly interactive activities hosted by each of the Port Washington public schools and several local community organizations.  One of the largest exhibitions will be the PortFest Art Exhibit that will boast more than 26 orks from various local artists. The event supported the arts in Port Washington Public Schools.

Glen Cove Celebrates Senior Recognition Day

At Glen Cove's 8th Annual Senior Recognition Day Saturday, centenarian Irene Menuccina told Mayor Reginald Spinello daily samba dancing goes a long way to enjoying life. And there was plenty of enjoyment to go around at the celebration, which honored local seniors.

North Babylon Youth Center Raises Funds for Make-A-Wish Foundation

Babylon Town Councilman Tom Donnelly recently joined with New York State Assemblyman Robert Sweeney to honor the North Babylon Youth Center for raising over $600 for the Make-A-Wish foundation. Children from the youth center held a car wash and bake sale, which resulted in $617 to be donated to grant a wish to a child diagnosed with a life-threatening disease within the Town of Babylon. The money was presented to the foundation as part of a ceremony at the youth center, where Councilman Donnelly and Assemblyman Sweeney presented the children in attendance with certificates for their community service.

West Hempstead Resident Awarded by NCC

Nassau Community College awarded a West Hempstead resident for her dedication and contribution to students programs.

Maria Verderosa, of West Hempstead, received the NCC Student Activities Award from the Student Activities Staff.

East Meadow Resident Awarded by NCC

NCC also awarded other Long Islanders including Joseph Weddeke, of East Meadow, who received the NCC Student Activities Award from the Student Activities Staff.



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