North Fork, NY|News|
$15K Raised For Foster Care Teens 'Truly Suffering' In Pandemic
Attorney who grew up in the foster care system remembers being without essentials. "The lingering feeling of wanting to fit in followed us."

I'm a journalist whose passion is telling the stories of people's lives. I have a deep love of literature, theater, and the beach. Nothing is more soothing than a walk along the Long Island Sound, collecting beach glass and photographs along the sun-kissed shore.
A mother first, I have one son, Billy, who is in his sophomore year at Emerson College in Boston. He is my joy. We love animals and our dog and cats make our house a home.
As a parent, I know firsthand that our voices need to be heard, when it comes to the issues that shape our children's futures.
An active volunteer who works to help the homeless and disenfranchised, I find great peace in giving back, and joy in the everyday miracles that happen more often than we even see.
I am thrilled to be embarking on this new journey at Riverhead Patch and look forward to meeting each and every one of you in Riverhead. Please feel free to always send an email, and to comment on the stories you see here. This is your site -- this is a place for your voice to be heard.
I can't wait to meet you all.
Attorney who grew up in the foster care system remembers being without essentials. "The lingering feeling of wanting to fit in followed us."

"I was one of those kids that went under the tree and found nothing. I don't want kids to have to go through that. I know how it felt."
With Karen and Michael Catapano moving on to their next chapter, a new couple has stepped up to shepherd a cherished North Fork business.
"I have two birthdays now. My regular birthday and Nov. 30." — Coach saved by quick-thinking staff after he collapsed playing pickleball.
Throughout the pandemic, Wendy Zuhoski organized efforts to feed front-line health care workers. Now she's giving back during the holidays.
Carter Rubin melted hearts with a heartfelt performance of "The Climb" by Miley Cyrus as he vied to win the finale of "The Voice."
Congress Hall is one of East Hampton's oldest houses but it has been "expanded and reimagined" into a masterpiece, Douglas Elliman says.
The road was closed for an hour and a half while police investigated the serious crash, authorities said.
Southampton created a website to share information on teen vaping dangers; they are 5 to 7X more likely to get coronavirus, study says.
As Carter Rubin, 14, competes in "The Voice" finals Monday, cheering supporters in Shoreham-Wading River sent messages in a 16-minute video.
The man drove up to an estate in Southampton and stole the box, with contents valued at $3K, from the driveway, police say. Video here.
The pandemic can't stop a beloved holiday tradition from taking place on the East End Monday.
"Mouse is our baby and means everything to us."
The ex-boyfriend of the baby's mother was located Mastic Beach, Suffolk County Sheriff Errol Toulon said.
Zadeh NY, a New-York based boutique, has opened in Southampton and has already begun giving back to the community, owners say.
The Westhampton Beach High School students collected food for Thanksgiving and now are gathering non-perishables for the holidays, too.
Without help, owners say: "We are fearful we may need to close the doors." Still innovative, they're offering New Year's Eve to-go.
As Carter, 14, sailed on to the finals on "The Voice" this week, his Long Island fans were seen in a video, cheering him on. Watch here.
Income-eligible residents can receive a one-time rental assistance payment; small businesses can apply for $10K grants, Steve Bellone says.
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