Town of Smithtown

Brookhaven Town Supervisor Ed Romaine. File photo by Erika Karp

Fund reallocation would help up to 100 more households

In a letter to the Commissioner of the New York State Office of Temporary and Disability Assistance (NYS OTDA), Supervisor Ed Romaine advised that the Town of Brookhaven return and reallocate $1.5 million in administrative funds received from the United States Department of Treasury as part of a second round of Emergency Rental Assistance Program (ERA-2) funding to address the unmet needs of eligible Town of Brookhaven tenants and landlords. 

In the letter, the Supervisor requested to have the NYS OTDA return the money to the Emergency Rental Assistance Program application portal, which is controlled by NYS OTDA for the benefit of Brookhaven residents. It is estimated that the reallocated funds can help an additional 80 to 100 eligible households that need assistance to pay for rental arrears and prospective rent. 

“Although it appears that the pandemic is nearly behind us, there are still many Brookhaven Town residents who are experiencing economic hardship. The funds are available, and we should do whatever we can to provide assistance so they can stay in their homes,” said Supervisor Romaine. 

“Because the Town worked well with our partnering non-profits and community-based organizations to perform outreach and get the word out, the response from residents was overwhelming. Now, we want to help even more people,” he added.   

In his letter, Supervisor Romaine stressed the urgency of his request since the moratorium on evictions in New York State expired on January 15, 2022. To date, more than 3,700 applications have been submitted to the NYS OTDA and $21,837,851.00 in ERAP funding has been administered to 1,257 households through the Town of Brookhaven’s Department of Housing and Community Development. 

 

Local gas pump showing the surging price of gasoline.

The skyrocketing price of gas has hit record highs here on Long Island and across the entire United States. TBR News Media took to the streets of Port Jefferson and Setauket to find out how local residents were feeling about it all.

Photo by Jim Hastings

Crista Davis, Mount Sinai

“We’re pretty local, thankfully. I don’t have a far commute, but if I did, that’s something that would surely affect other aspects of my life. I’m fortunate that I live close to everything, but I feel bad for people who have no choice.”

 

 

 

Photo by Jim Hastings

Kenny Dorsa, Selden

“We’re pretty local, thankfully. I don’t have a far commute, but if I did, that’s something that would surely affect other aspects of my life. I’m fortunate that I live close to everything, but I feel bad for people who have no choice.”

 

 

 

Photo by Jim Hastings

Mitch Steinberg, Huntington

“It’s definitely going to make us consider our finances. Conserve a little bit. But we still have to drive to work and do the things we have to do.”

 

 

 

 

Photo by Jim Hastings

Abby Buller, Port Jefferson Station

Owner of Village Boutique, Port Jefferson

“From my business point of view, all of my wholesalers are complaining about their cost rising and having to pay more to employees. So, the higher cost of employees, gas, oil, freight. If I hear anything more about the cost of freight. When my wholesaler increases my cost of $7 an item, I have no choice. I have to pass that $7 on. I used to live in Queens and drive to Port Jefferson every day. I thank God I don’t have to do that, because that would have been, at these prices, a decision to close this store. 

 

Photo by Jim Hastings

Walter Martinez, Shirley

“I pay now double what I was paying last year, but I don’t blame it on the president and I don’t blame it on the government. Everything is just going up. And now with this war thing it’s just getting worse. It is what it is. You just gotta stand by and hope for the best. You know, we gotta pay the price. I do regret that I didn’t go for an electric car before.”

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Hoyt Farm Nature Preserve in Commack hosted another successful season of maple sugaring for families, scout troops and nature enthusiasts. This unique educational program, available to the general public, teaches the ancient process of making maple syrup/sugar, which was passed down by the Native Americans to the Colonists.

The maple sugaring program is a demonstration, encompassing the history of Native American early life, how maple sugaring was originally discovered, all the way up to present day, the equipment now used and how anyone can tap a tree to make maple syrup or sugar in their own backyards. An interactive portion of the program enlists the help of younger students to teach the anatomy of the tree, the importance of chlorophyll, and the role of photosynthesis in making maple syrup.

“I can’t tell you how special this program is… it is one that every Long Islander should partake in at some point in life, as it is a part of our history that should be treasured for all time. I am so grateful to Sheryl Brook and Jeff Gumin for continuing in the tradition of passing this demonstration down to the generations. I love their passion and genuine enthusiasm which shines through the work they do every day,” said Supervisor Edward R. Wehrheim.

The Hoyt Farm Nature Preserve maple sugaring program is unique in that Black Walnut trees are also tapped for sugaring, in addition to making maple syrup from Maple trees. Maple sugaring season is approximately three weeks out of the year. In order to produce the sweetest sap, weather conditions must be below freezing at night and over 40 degrees during the day. Hoyt Farm taps trees and conducts the maple sugaring program throughout February and in the beginning of March.

“We love every program we offer at Hoyt… teaching young people about our history, wildlife and our caring for the natural habitat is not a job for us. It’s our calling. Sheryl Brook takes special care to put these programs and classes together so everyone leaves with a big smile and plans to come back. She doesn’t do it for the credit, but she truly deserves all the recognition. We’re beloved by the people who visit here because of the tireless work she puts in, together with the assistance of our dedicated team. We had an incredible maple sugaring season and program this year and I can’t wait to top it next year,” said Jeff Gumin, Director, Hoyt Farm Nature Preserve.

The maple sugaring program began in the late 1970’s, and started with one class. It is now a full blown family-oriented interactive experience, available to the general public, (not restricted to Smithtown residents) appropriate for all age groups. School classes, girl scouts, boy scout troops, kids and adults of all ages are welcome and encouraged to take advantage of this unforgettable experience.

The Town of Smithtown Personnel Department, in collaboration with the New York Blood Center, will host a Blood Drive at the Smithtown Landing Country Club, 495 Landing Ave., Smithtown on March 16 from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.

“There has been a critical shortage of blood donations, here locally and throughout New York, as covid restrictions made it difficult to host drives in locations which were unavailable for a time. This is a simple, painless process that only takes a few minutes of your time and could save up to three lives with just one donation. I would ask everyone to think about your loved ones. Imagine not being able to get them help because of a shortage requiring a hospital to limit distribution. We have some of the most selfless and giving residents here in Smithtown. I believe we can come together here and now to help our neighbors, friends and family in need of this lifesaving gift,” said Supervisor Ed Wehrheim in a press release.

Anyone wishing to help make a difference can schedule an appointment at www.nybc.org, click on “Donate Blood”, “Where to Donate”, then “Sponsor Name Search” and type in “Town of Smithtown”. Appointments are preferred but not required. Please remember to eat and drink prior to your appointment. Refreshments and snacks will be provided to all donors at the event.

For every person who donates blood, the New York Blood Center will make a donation to Feeding New York State. Feeding New York State leads the work to end hunger by supporting the food banks of New York State, including local food banks like Long Island Cares and Island Harvest.

Donors Presenting:

  • Must wear a mask or face covering
  • Will have their temperature taken
  • Must be 14 days symptom free if recovered from COVID-19
  • May NOT donate if they have a positive diagnostic test or experienced symptoms of COVID-19 in the last 14 days
  • May NOT donate if they are currently on self-quarantine requirements

Eligibility Criteria:

  • Minimum Weight: 110 lbs
  • No new tattoos for the past 3 months
  • Ages 16 – 75 (Under 16 with Parent’s Permission, Over 75 with Doctor’s Permission)
  • Donor Card or ID required

About New York Blood Center:

New York Blood Center is a non-profit independent blood center that provides lifesaving blood products and services to nearly 200 hospitals in New York, New Jersey, Long Island, the Hudson Valley, and parts of Connecticut and Pennsylvania.

DID YOU KNOW:

Only 2% of the local eligible population donates blood each year, and if only 1% more of Americans donated, blood shortages would disappear.

1 in 3 people will need a blood product in their lifetime.

The donation process will take an average of 10 minutes.

For more information on this event and how to register, contact Dineen Szczepanski at [email protected], or at 631-360-7626.

Town of Smithtown residents can now renew or obtain parking permits (vehicle window sticker) from the comfort of home. The permit allows residents to park registered vehicles at Town parks, beaches and public facilities within the township. The Town Clerk’s office, in conjunction with Public Safety, has launched Citizen Connect, an online web portal for residents to request the parking permit, without the hassle of making a trip to Town Hall. To register, log on to www.tocite.net/smithtownny/portal.

The physical permit is in the form of a sticker, and allows residents access to Smithtown’s parks, beaches and recreation facilities. The new permit is effective from April 1st, 2022 through March 31st, 2024.

“This is just one example of how Smithtown is modernizing services and providing ease of access to its residents every day. Now, community members have the option of registering to get their Town sticker online with a quick five minute process. And anyone who is accustomed to, or prefers to do so in person, can still walk into Town Hall to get their new permit. I commend our Town Clerk, his team and the Department of Public Safety for orchestrating this new and efficient process,” said Supervisor Ed Wehrheim.

Registering online for a Smithtown parking permit is a fast and convenient process. Residents simply log on to www.tocite.net/smithtownny/portal, create an account, input the required information, and upload an image of the vehicle’s registration.

Note: Residents should confirm that vehicle registration is current and issued to a Town of Smithtown address, or additional proof of residency will be required to be uploaded. Once the online submittal is completed, and the request for a parking permit is approved by the Town Clerk’s office, residents will be sent the new 2022-2024 parking permit through the mail. The parking permit should be placed on the OUTSIDE of the driver’s side passenger window.

“We have been working with Citizen Connect for months to create an easy, accessible web portal for our residents to use to request their resident parking permit. We listened to our residents’ concerns and have changed the design of the permit. The new permit will now adhere to the outside of the vehicle’s window to avoid any contact with the interior for those who have tinted windows. Also, our town is no longer listed on the permit, so it keeps the place of residency private. We are excited for these changes and for the new permit to go in effect,” added Town Clerk Vincent Puleo.

How to Register Online for the Town of Smithtown’s Resident Parking Permit:

For the first time in Smithtown history, resident parking permits can now be requested online. Below are the steps on how to register to Citizen Connect to request the permit.

  1. Visit Online https://www.tocite.net/smithtownny/portal – Type the URL into your address bar or scan the QR code to access the website.

  2. Create an account – Click “Login” located at the upper right hand corner of the screen. The sign-in page will open. Click “Create Account” underneath where it says “New to Citizen Connect?” Fill in the required fields (name, email, & password).

  3. Activate your account by confirming the email – Once you’ve created an account, you must check your inbox for an “Email Confirmation.” Click the link in the email to activate your account.

  4. Add vehicle and address information – After your account is activated and you’re logged in to Citizen Connect, click “View Permits” and then click the “Register” button. Fill in the information under the field “Address 1.” Then click “Add Vehicle to Permit” and fill in your vehicle’s information listed on its registration.

  5. Upload your vehicle registration – Take a photo of your vehicle registration, and upload it to the website for proof of residency and to be in accordance with the law.

  6. Register for permit – Once all of the required information has been submitted, at the bottom, read the disclaimer and click the box next to it. Click “Register For Permit.”

  7. Check the Mail – After you have successfully registered and the Town Clerk’s office approves your request, your resident parking permit will be sent to you via mail.

DID YOU KNOW: The Town Clerk’s office is often considered the record keeper of the Town. It is the office responsible for recording vital records, and the distribution of various permits and licenses. Located inside of Smithtown Town Hall, the Town Clerk’s office is open to the public Monday-Friday, 9:00AM-5:00PM (4:00PM in July and August). For more information and updates about the Town Clerk’s office and services, follow on Facebook and Instagram: @SmithtownTownClerksOffice.

Lex Luthor. Photo from Smithtown Animal Shelter

MEET LEX LUTHOR!

This week’s shelter pet is Lex Luthor, a 5-year-old Domestic Shorthair neutered male currently up for adoption at the Smithtown Animal Shelter.

Lex is a handsome beast. He is a large tomcat with affection for everyone he meets. He was found as a stray on the streets and he was thrilled to be found. He is loving the indoor life and all of the love and food he can devour. Lex is FIV positive.

If you would like to meet this sweetheart, please call ahead to schedule an hour to properly interact with him in a domestic setting.

The Smithtown Animal & Adoption Shelter is located at 410 Middle Country Road, Smithtown. Visitor hours are currently Monday to Saturday from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. (Sundays and Wednesday evenings by appointment only). 

For more information, call 631-360-7575 or visit www.smithtownanimalshelter.com.

The Town of Smithtown successfully distributed over 2000 at-home Covid test kits to the most vulnerable population within the township. On Wednesday, Feb. 9, Town staff picked up 2,552 test kits from Suffolk County at the Department of Fire, Rescue and Emergency Services. On Thursday, Feb. 10, Smithtown Officials delivered approximately 2000 tests to seniors and at-risk individuals within the community, and at the Senior Center. On Monday morning, Feb. 14, the Department of Public Safety orchestrated a distribution event, where residents could collect their at-home tests outside of the Maple Avenue building.

“I’m extremely grateful to our partners in government at Suffolk County for arranging the much needed supply to be distributed to our residents, especially those who need it most. Our community members who are retired or living on a fixed income have certainly felt the cost of inflation, and this pandemic, in ways that have severely reduced quality of life. No one should have to sacrifice nutrition or grocery budgets to purchase PPE like face masks and covid tests. We owe it to our most vulnerable to provide the resources necessary to keep everyone healthy. While I hope the latest wave of the omicron variant was the last peak of Covid-19; these test kits will go a long way towards keeping people safe while cases are on the decline,” said Supervisor Ed Wehrheim.

The At-Home Covid-19 Antigen test kit (made in the USA) which includes two tests per box, were delivered to senior living communities throughout the township, at the Senior Center and at Public Safety. Supervisor Wehrheim’s office worked alongside Legislators Kennedy and Trotta to ensure locations were not replicated with the Legislators drop off locations and distribution events, to maximize the reach. When supplies ran out late on Monday morning at Public Safety, Legislator Robert Trotta generously allotted additional kits for the remaining residents.

Suffolk County will continue to work with the Town of Smithtown to provide additional Covid-19 related resources & PPE supplies for anyone in need. Residents who may be homebound, or are unable to obtain at-home test kits may email the Supervisors office at [email protected] with requests. For additional information on future at-home test kit distribution events within the township, residents can download the Town of Smithtown Mobile App, available for free on Google Play and the App Store.

Did You Know?

Residential households in the U.S. can order one set of four (4) free at-home tests through the US Postal Service. You can obtain a free at-home test kit by visiting covidtests.gov or by calling 1-800-232-0233 (TTY 1-888-720-7489).

Photo from Smithtown Senior Center

The Smithtown Senior Center is now featuring an interactive BINGO experience for members. The recent addition of the jumbo electronic BINGO flash board is a result of a purchase from Siena Village Senior Living community. Senior Center members can enjoy in the BINGO fun every Friday starting at 12:15 p.m.

“We were looking for ways to improve the services and activities for our membership in addition to a selling point, to encourage new enrollment. BINGO is a much-loved form of entertainment… It has been a popular pastime for generations. My hope is that this new addition, and the lineup of fun activities, crafts and clubs will entice new membership and improve the experience for the community members who we see daily,” said Doreen Perrino, Smithtown Senior Citizens Department Program Director.

In addition to the new BINGO Fridays program, the senior center has expanded clubs such as the Knitting & Crochet group, (every Monday from 10 a.m. to noon.) The Knitting & Crochet group makes hats, scarves and mittens for local shelters, baby hats for hospitals, lap blankets and shawls for senior residency homes and much more. Members can use supplies, yarn and tools provided by the Senior Center or bring their own from home.

The Senior Citizens Center offers a wide array of activities, clubs and programming geared towards improving quality of life for our wiser, elder residents. Every day, the center offers a full schedule of arts, fitness, and wellness programming. Members can choose to join a variety of clubs, from gardening, quilting and book clubs to one of seven social clubs, featuring Casino & Theater outings, luncheons, parties, community advocacy and volunteer opportunities. In addition to a wealth of entertaining programming, the Smithtown Senior Citizens Department offers a variety of at home maintenance and repairs services.

The Eugene Cannataro Senior Citizens Center, 420 Middle Country Road, Smithtown,  is open Monday – Friday from 8:30 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. (July & August Hours: 8:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m.) Lunch is served daily. Transportation is also available for membership. For questions or additional information, please call  (631) 360-7616 or for Transportation: (631) 265-8811.

The STEM Partnership between the Town of Smithtown and Smithtown School District continued at Accompsett Middle School, with sixth grade science students. On Thursday, January 27th and Friday January 28th, sixth grade science students in all eight classes met in the school’s library for an exciting water quality presentation and aquifer demonstration. The presentation covered a variety of environmental protection lessons, geared towards protecting

Long Island’s sole source aquifer. Students learned where Smithtown’s water comes from, threats to the natural resource, and how to protect the groundwater for future generations.

“This was the third topic covered as part of our STEM partnership with the school district and it was a huge success. The students were already very knowledgeable, asked very smart questions, and were so engaged that they didn’t want to leave, even after the bell rang for the next period. Further, we’ve already received calls from local civic groups requesting the presentation be given to adults within the community. What originally began as a unique real-world learning opportunity, has evolved into a larger movement, encouraging residents of all ages to be more proactive in caring for our natural resources and ecosystem.” – Supervisor Ed Wehrheim

The presentation began with asking students to discuss the water cycle, followed by where drinking water on Long Island comes from. A model demonstrating the Upper Glacial, Magothy, and Lloyd Aquifers, the famous layer of clay beneath the Magothy, water tables, natural streams, bodies of water and wastewater infrastructure was then used to illustrate how groundwater can become contaminated. The class was presented with a lesson on threats to our water supply, and emerging contaminants (PFOS,PFOA and 1 4 dioxane.) Worksheets listing household products containing harmful ingredients paired with a list of environmentally friendly alternatives, easily found in grocery stores were later distributed. Each teacher received digital copies of the worksheets, tips on how to help keep stormwater runoff from polluting waterways, and the 2022 recycling calendar which offers additional advice, a list of free services, and dates for the Hazardous Household Waste collection events to share at home

Plans for a second lesson in the Spring will involve nitrogen pollution, and natural remedies to stormwater runoff like Bioswales, which remove debris and pollution while preventing flooding. The recently completed Meadow Road Stormwater Remediation bioswale is located at the entrance to Accompsett Middle School, which will provide an excellent opportunity for students to observe Mother Nature’s solution to stormwater pollution.

The sixth grade water quality presentation was coordinated by Accompsett ELA/Science teacher Amy Olander, Director of Science K-12 Edward Casswell, Town Supervisor Ed Wehrheim and his office team; PIO Nicole Garguilo and Community Relations Assistant Brian Farrell. Expert support was provided by Environmental Director David Barnes, and Smithtown & St. James Water Superintendent Chris Nustad.

The STEM Partnership gives students a hands-on approach to real world environmental issues affecting the community. Students apply lesson plans in the branches of science to discover potential solutions. Topics covered in the program include solid waste & recycling, invasive species, stormwater runoff, nitrogen pollution and water quality. At every stage of the partnership, the Town and School district work in tandem to help students uncover solutions to each real world quandary. The Town of Smithtown hopes to expand this program to all local school districts who are interested in this unique learning opportunity.

The Smithtown Senior Citizens Department has announced that it has recently expanded its Medical Alert Program. In addition to offering in-home medical alert monitoring services, residents now have the option to choose a GPS enabled system that travels where ever they go. The program is open to all residents age 60 and older.

This Medical Alert Program allows seniors to live independently, with the comfort and peace of mind, knowing that help is just a touch away. Through a partnership with American Medical Alert Corporation (AMAC), a Connect America Company, residents simply wear a lightweight, touch activated system that can be worn as a pendant or on the wrist (home based system only). Once an alert is activated, trained emergency operators respond to help with the situation, 24 hours a day, seven days a week.

“Our objective with this personal emergency response system is to ensure the well-being of our seniors and enable them to remain safely in their homes. Perhaps just as important is to provide seniors with the peace of mind knowing that if they ever need help they will get it,” said Doreen Perrino, Smithtown Senior Citizens Department Program Director.

Residents who are interested in obtaining a Connect America Medical Alert system can inquire through the Smithtown Senior Citizens Department at 631-360-7616. The service is available for a low monthly monitoring fee of $18 for the in-home system and $30 for the GPS enabled system. There are no installation fees, long term contracts or cancellation penalties.

For more information on this and other Smithtown services, please contact Smithtown Public Information Officer Nicole Garguilo at 631-360-7600 or via email at [email protected]