Town Focus: Day 3 in Port Washington

I’m halfway through my week in Port Washington for Newsday’s “Town Focus” series and there’s two things that have become very apparent to me: Port Washington residents are very proud of their town and extremely friendly to outsiders.

Take for instance, Marty Caporaso, 71. When Caporaso saw me snapping photos on the North Hempstead Town Dock Tuesday evening, the 25-year “Port” resident put down his fishing pole and waved me over. We chatted about his experience as a pilot, his five grandkids and what he loves most about his community. Look for my interview with him later today.

This morning, you’ll find me at Sweet Comfort Bakery, where I will be meeting with North Hempstead Councilwoman Dina De Giorgio. I’m looking forward to hearing her thoughts about Port.

Then, in the afternoon, Mindy Germain, executive director of Residents For A More Beautiful Port Washington, will be discussing her organization with me over lunch at Frank’s Pizza on Main Street.

I’ll be tweeting and sharing photos about my experiences in Port Washington on Twitter at @TaraKConry all week long, and posting stories on Newsday’s Long Island Now blog.

Yesterday, I had the privilege of witnessing the world debut of an original piece of music that was performed by students from Guggenheim Elementary School and Schreiber High School. Check it out here.

I still have some exciting activities planned for the rest of my time in Port Washington including a trip to Sands Point Preserve and a water taxi ride on Manhasset Bay. Many of you have sent suggestions via email (Tara.Conry@newsday.com) and Twitter of places I should visit and restaurants to try. Please keep those recommendations coming. I’m going to try to do as much as I can.