Good News: Beer Brewed for Sandy Relief; Student Wins Video Contest

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.

Craft Brewers Collaborate For Breweries Destroyed By Sandy

Brewers from eight different Long Island-based operations have contributed ingredients and expertise in one way or another to brew up "Surge Protector IPA" a beer whose proceeds will help out Barrier Brewing co-owners Evan Klein and Craig Frymark after their business was decimated in the wake of Hurricane Sandy.

Half of the proceeds of the Surge Protector IPA will go to Oceanside-based Barrier – which suffered nearly $100,000 in damages over the course of the storm – with the other half going to Long Island Cares, a food bank run out of Freeport and Hauppauge.

Middle School Student Awarded by Rotary

Middle School student Phoenix Jampol was named October's Most Motivated Student by members of the Port Jefferson Rotary Club.

Jampol's teacher Allison Giannusa said that her nomination was "based upon his perpetually 'sunny' disposition, diligence as a student, leadership skills and admirable qualities as a caring young citizen," according to a statement from the Rotary.

Strength for Life was able to share $4,300 in cash and gift cards to our neighbors who suffered losses in Hurricane Sandy.

The nonprofit said it was able to help 11 families from Lindenhurst, the Rockaways, Bayville, Roosevelt and Long Beach; some of the worst-hit areas ion the region.

Student Wins Video Contest

A video created by Ward Melville High School senior Nick Fernandez directed has won first place in a national competition which drew more than 6,100 entries. His video "Félagslega Grímu" – the first video he has ever produced – was deemed the best in the video category of the annual Association of Texas Photography Instructors contest. Its title means "social mask" in Icelandic. Fernandez, 17, said he was shocked to learn of his win. "It was very unexpected," he said. "I'd never made a video before."

Heritage Park Christmas Tree Lit for the Season

The Annual Christmas Tree Lighting at Heritage Park was held Dec. 2, hosted by the Heritage Trust and the Mount Sinai Fire Department. The annual event included Christmas carols and a special visit from Santa.