Good News: Flower Delivery Man Rescues Elderly Woman

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.

Flower Delivery Man Rescues Jamesport Woman

A simple flower delivery may have saved a Jamesport woman's life last Saturday.

Jeanne Scott, owner of Landscape Adventure in Riverhead, said that Howard Waldman, who is also a local firefighter and EMT, was making a delivery to a woman in Jamesport Saturday when he sensed something was amiss.

"The door was ajar, and he heard that someone was inside the house," Scott said "He heard moaning and saw an elderly woman lying on the ground."

Domestic Violence Nonprofit Opens Thrift Shop

Starting Saturday, Chandler Square in Port Jefferson village will be home to a new thrift shop in which donations and sales will benefit a charitable organization that helps victims of domestic violence. It's the second such thrift shop for East Hampton-based nonprofit The Retreat, which provides a 24/7 crisis hotline, counseling, legal advocacy, and a shelter for women and other people who are experiencing such abuse. The 26-year-old organization received more than 3,100 calls to its domestic violence crisis hotline in 2012, a figure up 35 percent since 2011.

Jake June was treated in December for the stomach flu at Stony Brook Long Island Children's Hospital. On Monday, the six-year-old boy from Bayport returned to the hospital – though not as a patient. “Because they took care of me, it’s time for me to pay them back,” said Jake, a first-grader at Academy Street Elementary School. Jake thought of an idea for a fundraiser: He and his family sold home-brewed iced tea and home-baked cookies at his father's business, All Pro Sports Academy in Bellport, on March 2. His fundraiser yielded $275 in donations, which was used to purchase 1,800 coloring books that Jake donated on Monday to the hospital's pediatric emergency department for other kids who are treated there.

Kings Park Teacher Recognized

Kings Park high school teacher, Kim McGinley has been honored by the VFW with the National Citizenship Education Teacher Award.

McGinley was recognized for her outstanding contributions to promote civic responsibility in the local community.

Heritage Park Smiley Face Ready to Bloom

The big smiley face that adorns the hill at Heritage Park has been a recognizable landmark for years, and it is ready to bloom with daffodils this spring for the first time since 2005.