Top Five Stories of Summer 2011

As summer is drawing to a close, we're taking a moment to sit back, relax and reflect on the news and events of the summer 2011.

There was time for the community to pull together for the Nesconset Summer Concert series and plenty of hot days meant for the beach, this summer was anything but peaceful. There's been gas main breaks on Route 347, earthquakes, hurricanes and more.

Here's our list of the top five stories everyone's talking about this summer:

* - While New York State Department of Transportation workers were expanding Route 34 this summer, a contractor cut through a gas main on June 29. The accident shut down a one-mile stretch from the Route 347/Veterans Highway split to Route 111 for hours. Traffic backed up on roadways around Hauppauge making getting anywhere a hassle, and several Hauppauge or offer limited service.

* -  The new Nesconset branch of the Smithtown Special Library was finished after more than a year of construction. The library shut down for three days to move across the street before residents were allowed inside to see the much anticipated project. A formal was held on Aug. 3.

*Marlene Strober, 64, was killed as she attempted to drive across Route 347 on July 1. Her family is now leading the fight to have the intersection of South Plaisted Avenue and Route 347 changed so it is right-turn only, and motorists will not be able to cross or make a left-hand turn.

*Earthquake Felt in Hauppauge - Hauppauge residents as a 5.8 magnitude earthquake rocked Richmond, Va. on Aug. 23. Some felt dizzy, others thought their walls were moving. T to share their experience with others.

and our list wouldn't be complete without..

* Hurricane Irene Makes Landfall on Long Island - Hauppauge and Nesconset residents braced for impact as . When the Hurricane-turned-Tropical-Storm struck with 75 mph winds and heavy rains, it on the local community by and  . Many residents were without power for several days.