Community Corner

4 Stories That Will Make Your Day

Some people in our communities uplift us.

This article was written by Patch Staff, posted by editor Sara Walsh.

About this sponsorship:
 In honor of the 60th anniversary of Sir Edmund Hillary’s historic ascent of Mount Everest, Patch and Grape-Nuts teamed up to highlight those who inspire people around them to climb their own mountains.

As a local news organization, Patch tells the stories that give our communities life and heart, and profiles individuals who have the courage and conviction to reach out and make a tangible difference in the lives of others. Recently, we unveiled a series of men and women who help those whose lives they’ve touched to overcome seemingly insurmountable challenges in order to seize their deepest dreams. Here’s a round-up of stories sure to inspire.

Gutsy Nun Spends Lifetime Giving Back to Those in Need

Sister Margaret Smyth is a diminutive, white haired woman with dancing eyes who looks every inch a beloved nun who’s revered by scores whose lives she’s touched with her dedication to the downtrodden.

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But the stories she tells -- about teaching in a classroom with gunshots fired outside, of hiding under mattresses in a truck in the Dominican Republic after a coup, as she fled to the countryside with bullets raining around her -- are conveyed with the strength of a gutsy woman fearless in her conviction to do whatever it takes to help the unfortunate overcome obstacles and challenges.

Ed Mangano Rises to Sandy's Challenges

Ed Mangano was sworn into office as Nassau County executive on Jan. 1, 2010. Over the past three years, he's faced multiple challenges in office including a fiscal crisis. However, no challenge has been larger than historical Superstorm Sandy, which left a trail of devastation in its wake.

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Here, Mangano shares the challenges of rebuilding after Sandy.

Claudia Borecky, Tackling Obstacles Facing the Community

Claudia Borecky has done a lot for the town of Hempstead and the Long Island community in general. Most recently, Boreckyspoke out against Nassau County Executive Ed Mangano's plan to privatize the sewage system. In 2011, she ran for a spot on the Hempstead Town Council (she is an active Democrat). Back in 2009, she led a task force to investigate the sudden installation of cell phone antennas around Merrick, which eventually resulted in a new town code to control future placement of such antennas.

Northport's Drug Crusader

Founder of the Northport Community Book Club. Member of the national Five Moms Campaign to prevent cough syrup abuse. Successful public speaker.

From her resume one could easily assume that Northport High School math teacher Tammy Walsh has been fighting the war on drugs for years.


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