Town of Smithtown

The 2022 Dennis Cannataro Music series kicks off with the Just Sixties Band on July 7.

This article has been updated to add one more concert on August 11.

Suffolk County Legislator Rob Trotta has announced the return of the Dennis Cannataro Family Summer Concert Series to the Smithtown Main Library, 1 North Country Road, Smithtown which start on Thursday, July 7 and run through Aug. 11.

These concerts are made possible by a Suffolk County Omnibus grant obtained by Suffolk County Legislator Rob Trotta. “The free shows provide a great opportunity for everyone to enjoy themselves, hear some great music and to support our downtown merchants and local restaurants,” said Legislator Rob Trotta.

The concerts are held every Thursday evening at 7:30 p.m. Bring a chair or blanket for seating.

The line-up is as follows:

July 7 – Just Sixties (60s)

July 14 – One Step Ahead (Greatest Hits)

July 21 – Petty Rumors (Fleetwood Mac and Tom Petty)

July 28 – Endless Summer (60th Anniversary of the Beach Boys)

August 4 – Captain Jack (Billy Joel)

August 11 – The Gold Coast Orchestra (Motown)

For more information or in case of inclement weather on the day of the event, please go to the Smithtown Library’s website at www.smithlib.org or call 631-360-2480 ext.150 after 3 p.m.

Photo from Town of Smithtown
Smithtown Department of Public Safety to extend a 50% reduction in cost of parking violation summonses through July

The Town of Smithtown Department of Public Safety has extended the amnesty program for all parking tickets issued in the past nine years. Individuals who missed the chance last month to pay off overdue parking tickets/violations can take advantage of the amnesty program through July.  All parking violations issued between January 1, 2013 – December 31, 2021 can be paid off with a 50% reduction on the amount of the outstanding summons from July 1st, 2022 through July 31st, 2022.

HOW TO PAY:

To accept this offer you must pay the amnesty offer amount in full by July 31st, 2022.  You may pay online atwww.parkingticketassist.com/smithtown or you may pay by check or money order to 65 Maple Avenue, Smithtown.  If you have pleaded “Not Guilty” to these parking tickets you may change your plea to “Guilty” in order to take advantage of the 50% reduction.

This offer ends on July 31st, 2022 at which time fine and full penalties will be reinstated.

The amnesty program is applicable to any outstanding summonses issued between January 1, 2013 and December 31, 2021. The extended offer of a 50% reduction in payment is available July 1, 2022 through July 31, 2022.

For more information, call 631-360-7600.

Photo from Town of Smithtown

The Town of Smithtown Department of Public Safety will run an amnesty program for all parking tickets issued in the past nine years. Beginning June 1st, 2022 all parking violations issued between January 1, 2013 – December 31, 2021 can be paid off with a 50% reduction on the amount of the outstanding fine. The program will be available from June 1st, 2022 through June 30th, 2022.

HOW TO PAY:

To accept this offer you must pay the amnesty offer amount in full by June 30, 2022.  You may pay online at www.parkingticketassist.com/smithtown or you may pay by check or money order to 65 Maple Avenue, Smithtown.  If you have pleaded “Not Guilty” to these parking tickets you may change your plea to “Guilty” in order to take advantage of the 50% reduction.

This offer ends on June 30th, 2022 at which time the original fine and full penalty will be reinstated for unpaid summonses.

The amnesty program is applicable to any outstanding summonses issued between January 1, 2013 and December 31, 2021. The offer of a 50% reduction in payment of fine will be available through the month of June.

The Town of Smithtown Department of Environment and Waterways collected over 29 tons of waste at the Hazardous Household Waste event. On Saturday, April 23, 603 Smithtown households participated in safely disposing 58,200 pounds of toxic items, which are prohibited in regular curbside waste pickups.

“The sheer weight in toxic products collected over the weekend corroborates just how important protecting the environment is to our residents,” said Supervisor Ed Wehrheim (R). “As a community we’ve become more proactive, removing old and harmful products from the home and checking labels at the store. I’d like to commend our team of Environmental experts, Municipal Services Facility employees, the Department of Environment and Waterways and Public Safety for conducting what was a seamless event hosted for the Smithtown community.”

Smithtown Municipal Services Facility employees worked in conjunction with the Department of Environment and Waterways Environmental Director David Barnes and Solid Waste Coordinator Mike Engelmann to safely secure over 28 55-gallon drums, 15 one-cubic-yard boxes, one miscellaneous container for specialized hazardous waste, and two full 30-cubic-yard roll-off containers loaded up with paints/solvents, etc. The exact weight collected was 29.1 tons (scale house net) in hazardous materials. Materials were collected and manifested for disposal by Radiac Research Corp. In addition to residents dropping off hazardous household waste, many circled their vehicles around to pick up bags of free mulch on the way out.

A portion of the wastes collected for manifested disposal include: waste oil based paints/flammable paints, gasoline, paint thinners, waste gases, petroleum distillates, flammable solids, oxidizers liquids and solids, sodium/potassium nitrates, acids, corrosives, pesticides, herbicides, fertilizers, misc. toxic liquids (i.e. Chlordane, etc.) and solids, lacquers, lithium batteries, battery acids and various other toxic compounds.

Covanta provided a $5 gift card to Home Depot to residents as a reward for recycling potentially harmful batteries instead of placing them in the trash. Covanta plans to be present at the July and October events to target other hazardous wastes, in addition to batteries.

The next household hazardous waste collection events are scheduled for Saturday, July 9 and Saturday, Oct. 1. These events are for Smithtown Township residents only. Proof of residency will be strictly enforced

Did you know?

Smithtown residents can also dispose of electronic waste, free of charge, at the Town Recycling Center (also located at 85 Old Northport Road). Electronic waste such as computers, printers, TV’s, monitors, automotive and household batteries can be dropped off during regular hours for proper recycling.

This is a free service. Proof of residency is required. 

Mulch is also available free of charge to residents. Smithtown residents can line up for pre-packaged bags of mulch with a maximum of 10 bags per visit. The town offers free loading of loose mulch into your pick-up or dump truck — cover required

 

File photo

The Town of Smithtown Youth Bureau, in partnership with the Town of Smithtown Parks Department and Public Safety Department, is hosting a Long Island Cares Harry Chapin Regional Food Bank Stuff-A-Truck event to make a difference in the lives of those who are less fortunate. The event will be held on Sunday, May 1st, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at Smithtown Town Hall, located at 99 W Main Street in Smithtown. 

“Our Town Youth Bureau, along with a great group of community-minded young people, is inviting local participants to ‘Celebrate the Joy of Giving” with them. Time after time, our young people show us all how much can be accomplished with just a little compassion and thoughtfulness,” said Supervisor Ed Wehrheim.

All residents are invited to ‘Shop & Drop’ individually, as a family, or with their group. Students have the opportunity to earn community service credit for participating. To earn two hours of community service credit, students should gather and donate at least ten different items from the suggested items list. To earn three hours of community service, students should gather and donate at least thirteen different items from the most needed items list and submit an 8 ½” x 11” card or poster which expresses the theme of “The Joy of Giving,” along with their donation. Students can choose either of these options to earn a Town Certificate of Community Service. A maximum of three hours can be earned.

It is requested that you donate products that are in boxes, cans, or plastic bottles, and do not require refrigeration. To promote healthy eating, we ask for items that are low in sugar/sodium and free of high fructose corn syrup. No glass jars will be accepted. The most needed items right now include: low-fat & non-refrigerated milk; rice; canned vegetables (low or no salt); olive oil (no glass jar); cereal/oatmeal; canned fruits (low or no sugar); tomato sauce (no glass jar); canned meat/poultry/ham/fish; peanut butter; jelly/jam/spreadable fruit; tissues; toilet paper; and canned meals (ravioli, etc.).

Town of Smithtown Youth Bureau staff, as well as Town Youth Advisory Board and student Volunteer Corps members, will be on hand to run this drive-through food donation event and make this an effortless and fun experience for participants. 

For further information, contact the Town of Smithtown Youth Bureau at [email protected]. Visit the Youth Bureau website for more information about their other supportive programs and services for students and families at www.smithtownny.gov/youthbureau.

The Town of Smithtown Highway Department began the paving season last week, equipped with new machinery geared at saving tax dollars and executing projects at a much more efficient pace. The new BOMAG milling and Cimline pothole repair machines were approved for purchase by the Town Board last Summer (July 2021) and acquired by the Highway Department early this year. On Tuesday, April 12th, Highway crews used the new milling machine to remove old asphalt along Brooksite Drive. The paving of Brooksite Drive from New Mill Road to Jericho Turnpike was completed within two days.  Additionally, the Highway Department did not have to seek private contractors to perform the work, which results in significant savings for the taxpayers.

“Milling work has been farmed out to private contractors in the past. When you look at the big picture, all the roads that are paved inside of one season, adding to that, the cost of inflation, this machine will save a noteworthy amount of tax dollars this year and in the years to come. Additionally, both the milling machine and the pothole repair machine give our road crews an edge to complete high quality work more efficiently, which translates to less traffic, safer roads and happier residents, myself included,” said Supervisor Ed Wehrheim.

In addition to the recent work on Brooksite Drive, Highway crews have begun the final phase of work in a three year road reconstruction project for the Forestwood area. This initiative was a community collaboration between the Highway Department and the Forestwood Civic Association. The project involved repairing or replacing damaged concrete, sidewalks and curb cuts, and paving New Mill Road, Flamingo Drive, Larkspur Drive, Cygnet Drive, Teal Lane, Dove Lane, and Mark Drive. This week, the Smithtown Highway Department began the last of the concrete curb and driveway apron work along Cygnet Drive. Final asphalt paving will commence upon the completion of the Cygnet Drive effort.

“We can’t just go in and pave over already damaged roads. When concrete is broken, water gets in and that badly damages the roads. Performing road reconstruction projects such as the one in the Forestwood area will sustain the infrastructure for upwards of 20-30 years. That results in fewer resources required to maintain the Town’s 470 miles of roads, which in turn nets a major savings for Smithtown Taxpayers. This course of action is the responsible thing to do. But we’re also building safer streets for pedestrians, bicyclists and drivers, preventing costly motor vehicle repairs, and preventing dangerous and costly flooding from occurring. In conclusion, rebuilding infrastructure with this path forward addresses everyone’s interests, needs, wallets and future,” said Robert Murphy, Superintendent of Highways

Highway crews have begun a similar concrete and road program in the Mills Pond Estates this week. The work is being done in house and will include the replacement of curbing, aprons (where applicable) and curb cuts throughout the subdivision roads. Temporary patch work is currently underway along Meadow Road, while school is out for the Spring break. The Town is actively working with Congressman Zeldin’s office to secure additional federal grant funds to replace the drainage infrastructure and to permanently repair Meadow Road. Additionally, materials required to begin pothole repairs, with the newly acquired machine, are expected to arrive within the next two weeks. Work will begin immediately following. Residents can download the Town of Smithtown Mobile App for real time updates regarding roadwork, detours and potential travel delays.

Photo courtesy of Leg. Trotta's office

Suffolk County Legislator Rob Trotta, pictured with his dog Buddy, is participating in the 11th Annual Legislative Food Drive Challenge to collect pet food for the clients of Long Island Cares. Since 2009, Long Island Cares has provided free pet food and supplies to individuals and families in need, in an effort to enable them to keep their pets at home instead of placing them in shelters.

Legislator Trotta pointed out that, according to Long Island Cares, dog and cat food are the most requested items by their member agencies. “Pets keep many people going, giving them comfort and a reason to survive in difficult times, especially now with many people coping with the effects of COVID-19.  I am asking the kindand generous residents and pet lovers in my district to help out. Last year we collected about 1,000 pounds of pet food,” said Legislator Trotta.

The pet pantry is in need of canned and dry cat/dog food, cat/dog treats, birdseed, and food for fish, rabbits, and ferrets, as well as kitty litter and small new toys. The drive is from now until May 1. Donations may be dropped off, Monday through Friday, from 9am – 4pm, at Legislator Trotta’s office, 59 Landing Avenue, Suite 1, Smithtown. For more information, please call his office at 631- 854-3900.

Smithtown Town Supervisor Ed Wehrheim

The Suffolk County Village Officials Association (SCVOA) has announced that Smithtown Supervisor Edward R. Wehrheim has been tapped to receive this year’s Outstanding Leadership Award. The award for Supervisor Wehrheim’s commitment to the Villages of Suffolk County will be presented during the annual SCOVA Legislative Dinner & Awards Night on Wednesday, April 13th.  Supervisor Wehrheim joins the ranks of many distinguished leaders throughout Suffolk County including his predecessor, Patrick Vecchio, Sheriff Errol D. Toulon, Jr., Senator Phil Boyle, Suffolk County Legislator Kevin McCaffrey, and Supervisor Ed Romaine.

Town of Smithtown Supervisor Ed Wehrheim

“This is a great honor, one I am deeply humbled by. I have to acknowledge and thank our Town’s administration and incredible workforce for the remarkable support and dedication we produce together on a daily basis. Our incorporated villages are made up of our friends, family and neighbors, with visionary leaders, many of whom have led incredibly inspiring revitalization and environmental efforts. To be recognized by the Suffolk County Village Officials Association in this fashion gives me great pride in the work we’ve done together, and all that we will accomplish in the future,” said Supervisor Edward R. Wehrheim.

The Suffolk County Village Officials Association (SCVOA) is a not-for-profit advocacy organization and information resource consisting of 32 incorporated villages representing approximately 10% of the population. SCVOAʼs mission is to inform, support, and advocate on behalf of the 32 incorporated villages of Suffolk County. The Executive Board of SCVOA works tirelessly in its commitment to create a strong, effective, cohesive organization that promotes an exchange of ideas and strategies that enable village government to faithfully serve over 125,000 Suffolk County residents who reside within the incorporated villages.

Photo from Town of Smithtown

The Town of Smithtown is now accepting applications for seasonal personnel to work throughout the Summer months. Employment opportunities are available in a variety of departments for responsible and reliable individuals in search of a rewarding summer job. Pay rates vary based on the position being filled, and level of qualifications. Seasonal jobs working as a certified lifeguard, park attendant, or Summer camp instructor are available in addition to positions working in Public Safety, Municipal Services Facility, Highways, and the Parks Department. For a list of available positions, visit the Town of Smithtown Website at SmithtownNY.gov/514/SeasonalJobOpportunities 

“Working for the Town during the Summer has always been a rite of passage for young people. It’s a great opportunity to begin building a resume, in addition to looking great on a college application. Most importantly, starting off with a summer job at the Town of Smithtown will give young people professional & life skills to prepare for the next chapter of adulthood. Many of our Summer staff return to work for the town years later or remain onboard, in a more permanent position,” stated Supervisor Edward R. Wehrheim.

Applicants must be 16 years of age as of 12/31/21, and if appointed and under the age of 18, must provide the age appropriate working papers to be in compliance with NYS Labor Laws. Most of the seasonal positions available are in the Parks, Public Safety and Recreation Department and include laborers, lifeguards, recreation aides, water safety instructors and park attendants.

To apply online for a Town of Smithtown seasonal position, visit SmithtownNY.gov and click on the Seasonal Job Opportunities tab, located in the Personnel Department, listed under the Departments tab on the navigation menu or type in ‘Seasonal Job Opportunities’ in the search bar.  Click on the Seasonal Job Opportunities tab to view a brief description of the positions that are currently available. Click on the position that you are interested in and begin the online application process.

The Town of Smithtown Youth and Community Alliance, Horizons Counseling & Education Center, and Youth Bureau are pleased to present a service workshop and focus group for all middle school students, high school students, and adults in the community. The purpose is to encourage local teens and adults to come together to find ways to strengthen and better our community. This free event will take place in the Smithtown Library Main Branch Meeting Room, located at 1 N. Country Road in Smithtown, on Thursday, March 24th, from 6:30 to 8 p.m.

“Over the last two years, our community has experienced many challenges. The goal of this event is to get young people involved in civil engagement opportunities regarding the environment and substance use, as well as to find out what they think our community needs to thrive.” Kelly DeVito – Horizons Counseling and Education Center Youth Services Coordinator

This interactive event will feature several hands-on activities. Participants will plant seedlings that will be later transplanted into community areas for beatification; take part in a National Drug and Alcohol Facts week game; and give valuable input about the main concerns our community is facing, and brainstorm ways to address these concerns.

Registration is required in order to attend. Anyone interested can register on the Town of Smithtown website on the HorizonsYouth Bureau, and Youth and Community Alliance pages. Space is limited. Community service certificates will be given to participants.