In Bellport, 50th-year reunion, eagles nest

It's been a busy week, but we made it. It's the last day of our Town Focus of Bellport.

Today, I plan to finish up a story on the 50th-year reunion of the Bellport High School Class of 1963 and another on a pair of eagles nesting along Little Neck Run.

I spent this week touring Bellport Village, trying local foods, checking out its artistic side and learning more than I ever thought possible of the rich history revolving around this Hampton-esque and quiet community.

Did you know that a young Robert Duvall and Gene Hackman performed at Gateway Playhouse on South Country Road? And did you know about the 1963 fire that nearly engulfed Bellport High School?

This week, I visited Mother's Beach, which is quite beautiful, and hitched a boat ride to Ho-Hum Beach on Fire Island. I witnessed a 30-year-old tradition of sketching at the community center and found out that Wertheim National Wildlife Refuge in Shirley found a pair of eagles nesting along Little Neck Run.

I'd say it was a pretty eventful week and I hope you had fun following me. I was thrilled to see locals stopping into Cafe Castello just to say hello to me. To local residents: Thank you for your support, encouragement and help along the way. I welcome your feedback in the future.