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Yearly Archives: 2025

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Smithtown’s Paul T. Given Park

The Town of Smithtown’s transformative Paul T. Given Park project has been awarded $1.5 million in funding through the most recent round of the Regional Economic Development Council Initiative. This announcement, made last month, allocates $16.7 million across nearly 30 projects on Long Island, with Paul T. Given Park as one of the standout recipients.

The funding will go toward revitalizing the park, located west of downtown and near Smithtown’s iconic bull statue.

Planned upgrades include:

  • ADA-accessible pathways and ramps to ensure inclusivity for all visitors.
  • Rain gardens and green drainage systems to prevent road runoff from flowing into the

    Nissequogue River.

  • Revegetation efforts to restore the riverbank and surrounding areas with native plant

    species, while eradicating invasive plants like Japanese knotweed.

  • A raised viewing deck with benches to provide serene vistas of the park and river.
  • New drop-off circle to improve accessibility and visitor experience.

    The enhancements reflect the Town of Smithtown’s dedication to sustainable development and environmental stewardship. Working closely with the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC), the town aims to transform Paul T. Given Park into a natural sanctuary that benefits the community and the local ecosystem.

    “This funding marks a major milestone in our journey to reshape Paul T. Given Park into a community haven for residents and visitors alike. Thanks to the State of New York’s support, we are closer than ever to realizing our vision of a park that embodies Smithtown’s commitment to environmental preservation, accessibility, and sustainable development.” – Supervisor Ed Wehrheim

    The $1.5 million funding includes $1.2 million from the Department of State and $300,000 from New York State Parks, Recreation & Historic Preservation. The work is expected to commence next summer and fall.

    Welcome Center Construction Underway

    The Town has already begun construction on the new Welcome Center at Paul T. Given Park, a project that repurposes the former Oasis Gentlemen’s Club. This initiative, funded through a separate grant from the NYS Office of Parks, Recreation & Historic Preservation, will create a multifunctional facility.

  • Restrooms, and concession area for park visitors.
  • An office for a local canoe/kayak rental business to enhance recreational offerings.
  • Educational exhibits and tourism displays to celebrate Smithtown’s rich cultural, historic,

    and natural attractions.

  • A multipurpose meeting room on the second floor, designed for community groups,

    workshops, and town business.

    Looking Ahead

Upon completion, the new Welcome Center and enhanced Paul T. Given Park will stand as a testament to Smithtown’s progress and its dedication to community enrichment and environmental conservation. These improvements aim to create a space where residents and visitors can connect with nature, learn about local heritage, and enjoy the beauty of the Nissequogue River.

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METRO photo

It’s back! Resurrection Byzantine Catholic Church, 38 Mayflower Ave., Smithtown will hold their annual Spaghetti Dinner Fundraiser in the church’s Social Hall on Sunday, Feb. 2 from 1 p.m. to 6 p.m. Tickets are $25 adults, $15 children and includes spaghetti and meatballs, salad, dessert and coffee. Cash bar. Sit down or take out. For reservations, please call  631-332-1449 by Jan. 29. 

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Photo by Julianne Mosher

Port Jefferson Business Improvement District (BID) in partnership with the Greater Port Jefferson Chamber of Commerce has announced that the 6th annual Port Jefferson Ice Festival scheduled for Jan. 18 and Jan. 19 has been postponed due to the weather.

“While trying to hold off and pray as much as possible, the weather just isn’t looking great for this weekend. The extended weather forecast looks much better for next weekend. We have decided to activate the rain date,” said James Luciano, BID President.

The new dates will be Saturday,  January 25 and Sunday,  January 26 from noon to 5 p.m. All events and times as scheduled in the programs will remain the same. The event will feature ice carving demonstrations by renowned ice sculptor and Guinness Book of World Records holder Richard Daly of Ice Memories, Inc. along with fun, interactive ice displays, free tractor rides and new this year, Rolling Raoke’s Karaoke Bus.

Please note that the Greater Port Jefferson Chamber will still continue as planned with the Mac & Cheese crawl this weekend.

For more information, call 631-473-1414 or click here.

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Photos courtesy of Suffolk County SPCA
Meatloaf. Photo from Suffolk County SPCA
Meatloaf. Photo from Suffolk County SPCA
Meatloaf. Photo from Suffolk County SPCA

On November 5, 2024, a male bully mix with brindle coloring was brought to the Smithtown Animal Shelter with extensive injuries, including what appeared to be chemical burns and infected wounds. Named “Meatloaf” by the shelter staff, the dog was found wandering on Croft Lane near Creek Road in Smithtown.

A Good Samaritan found the injured dog and dropped him off at the Smithtown Animal Shelter for care. Unfortunately Meatloaf injuries were too extreme so he did not survive. 

The Suffolk County SPCA is offering a $3,000 reward for information leading to the arrest and conviction of the individual(s) responsible for this heinous act of animal cruelty.

SPCA detectives are actively investigating this case and urge anyone with information about Meatloaf’s injuries or the circumstances that led to his condition and ultimate death to come forward.

If you have any information, please contact the Suffolk County SPCA at 631-382-7722. Reports can be made anonymously.

The Suffolk County SPCA reminds the public that intentional harm to animals is against the law in New York. Together, we can ensure that justice is served and prevent further acts of cruelty against animals in our community.

Chief Gross emphasized that animal cruelty will not be tolerated in Suffolk County: “If you witness any act of animal cruelty or neglect, please report it immediately to the Suffolk County SPCA. Together, we can ensure justice for these innocent animals.”

A criminal charge is an accusation. A defendant is presumed innocent until and unless proven guilty.

If you have any information, please contact the Suffolk County SPCA at 631-382-7722.

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One of the dogs rescued from the East Patchogue home. Photo from Suffolk County SPCA

Detectives from the Suffolk County SPCA have charged an East Patchogue woman with animal cruelty and endangering the welfare of an incompetent or physically disabled person after the execution of a search warrant on her residence.

Roy Gross, Chief of the Suffolk SPCA, said that its detectives charged Martha Gillette, 53, with multiple misdemeanor animal cruelty charges, alleging that Gillette neglected nine canines in her care by failing to provide a safe and clean environment.

Upon executing a search warrant in the morning of January 11, detectives found the home the dogs were confined inside had noxious air and odor of feces, urine, and ammonia were so pungent it made SPCA personal cough and gag upon entry and stung their eyes. The dogs found indoors had no access to water and were in an overcrowded, small pen. The conditions inside were materially harmful to the mental, emotional, and physical well being of a vulnerable adult living in the home under Gillette’s care.

Gillette was arrested on the same day, booked at the Suffolk County Police Department 5th Precinct and released. The residence has since been placarded as unsafe for occupancy by Brookhaven Town Code Officials. Gillette is scheduled to appear at First District Court in Central Islip, on January 31st , 2025. The dogs are being socialized.

Animal cruelty will not be tolerated in Suffolk County. If you witness any incident of animal cruelty or neglect in Suffolk County please contact the Suffolk County SPCA at (631) 382-7722.

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Girl Scout Troop 2059 in Long Beach decorated bowling pins as a craft project. Photo courtesy of Maple Family Centers
Lisa Varallo, a league bowler at both Maple Lanes RVC and Jib Lanes, poses with her creation.
Marlon Enriquez, who runs the pro shop at Jib Lanes in Flushing, shows off a pin decorated by his daughter.
Samples of decorated bowling pins that were submitted to Maple Family Centers’ pin contest.
Samples of decorated bowling pins that were submitted to Maple Family Centers’ pin contest.

Each year, Maple Family Centers replaces all the pins at its five bowling centers with brand-new ones. This year, the company came up with a fun way to involve the local community by staging its inaugural Holiday Pin Decorating Contest.

Beginning Thanksgiving week, the teams at Maple’s five bowling centers distributed thousands of free pins to bowlers and community groups upon request, inviting them to paint or otherwise decorate their pins and enter their creations in the contest. To enter, participants had to upload a photo of their decorated pin by New Year’s Eve.

“We were amazed by the community’s response,” said Teresa McCarthy, Director of Community Outreach for Maple Family Centers. “Libraries, schools and numerous Girl Scout troops requested pins so they could decorate them as a craft project. We dropped off a bunch for the Long Beach Public Library’s kids’ programs, and then they requested more for the adults.”

With five bowling centers in two states – Maple Lanes RVC in Rockville Centre; Coram Country Lanes in Coram; Jib Lanes in Flushing.; Maple Lanes Countryside in Clearwater, Fla.; and Maple Lanes Lakeland in Lakeland, Fla. – Maple uses thousands of pins each year. “We used to sell back old pins to a company that would refurbish them and/or redesign them into ‘Happy Birthday’ pins, some of which we would hand out at our bowling centers,” said Maple Vice President Joe LaSpina. “But that company went out of business during COVID, and we had several years’ worth of used pins – maybe about 10,000 – sitting in inventory.”

Many contest participants created their pin designs with acrylic paint. Others used collage or décollage. About 75% of the entries featured holiday themes, such as snowmen, nutcrackers or Christmas trees. “One of our bowlers, who is a genuine artist, created a ‘storm’ theme that featured the logo of Storm, which is one of the largest bowling ball manufacturers,” said LaSpina. “He gave it to us to present to the owner of Storm as a holiday gift.”

Two winners – one adult and one youth (under 18 years old) – were chosen from each bowling center. The winners each received a free Family Fun Pack, which includes two games of bowling and shoe rentals for up to eight people. “We received a lot of amazing entries, which made it very difficult to select the winners,” McCarthy said. All contest participants received a coupon for a free game of bowling.

Many schools on Long Island requested pins for their art projects, including Baldwin High School, Charles E. Walters Elementary School in Yaphank, Coram Elementary School, Hempstead High School, Holy Angels Regional School in Patchogue, Lynbrook High School, Marion High School in Lynbrook, the Long Beach Special Education Program, and Ridge Elementary School.

“We were thrilled that so many bowlers, as well as schools and community groups, wanted to join in the fun and create decorative bowling pins,” McCarthy said. “Since we regularly upcycle pins, we plan to continue this project in the future.”

For more information about Maple Family Centers, visit www.maplelanes.com.

All photos courtesy of Maple Family Centers.

 

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Suffolk County District Attorney Ray Tierney. Photo from Tierney's office

Suffolk County District Attorney Raymond A. Tierney announced on Jan. 7 a first round of results from “Operation Bloodhound,” which is an ongoing initiative between the DA’s Biological, Environmental, and Animal Safety Team (BEAST) and the Suffolk County Police Department. The joint law enforcement venture is to ensure that all laws and court mandates pertaining to animal cruelty prosecutions are strictly enforced.

As part of the operation, members of law enforcement engaged in dozens of compliance actions against individuals who either had been accused of or had previously been convicted of animal cruelty-related offenses. The Suffolk County Police Department’s Warrant Squad additionally assisted in the apprehension of multiple defendants who had active warrants for not showing up to court to face charges of alleged animal neglect or abuse.

“Our fight to enforce laws against animal cruelty is not confined to courtroom walls,” said District Attorney Tierney. “We will work to ensure that defendants who disregard court orders and court appearances are found and brought to justice. I want to thank the Suffolk County Police Department Warrant Squad in particular for helping to make ‘Operation Bloodhound’ a sustained and impactful success.”

“It is up to law enforcement to ensure defenseless animals who have no voice are protected especially from those who have no right to own them,” said Suffolk County Police Acting Commissioner Robert Waring. “This important initiative ensures compliance of animal abusers, and I commend the Suffolk County District Attorney’s Office and the department’s Warrant Enforcement Section officers for their efforts in this ongoing operation.”

BEAST detectives arrested four convicted animal abusers for failing to renew their registration for Suffolk County’s Animal Abuse Offender Registry, as required by Suffolk County Local Law. Three of those four defendants had pleaded to engaging in dogfighting in their prior case.

BEAST detectives also conducted numerous unannounced spot-check visits of defendants’ homes to ensure that they were in compliance with their criminal court sentences or orders. During one of the visits, a Calverton woman was found in possession of eight dogs and was accordingly arrested for eight counts of criminal contempt for violating a court order that prohibited her from possessing additional animals while her animal cruelty case was pending. Additionally, a Mastic Beach man was arrested for four counts of criminal contempt after investigators found him in possession of four cats in violation of a court order that prohibited him from owning or possessing animals for 10 years after a conviction on a prior animal neglect case. That defendant was also charged with not registering for the Suffolk County’s Animal Abuse Offender Registry.

Suffolk County police officers apprehended two defendants on outstanding warrants for absconding from pending criminal proceedings and charged them with additional bail jumping charges on top of their original cruelty charges. One of these defendants had allegedly stolen a kitten from the Southampton Animal Shelter Foundation and then attempted to kick the arresting officers. Detectives also located a defendant with an active warrant for animal abandonment at a detention center in Virginia.

Numerous other defendants that were checked during this enforcement initiative were found to be in compliance with court orders or the conditions of their probationary sentences.

Anyone convicted of specific animal cruelty offenses must annually register with the Suffolk County Police Department and pay a fee.

Operation Bloodhound is ongoing, and the Suffolk County District Attorney’s Office and Suffolk County Police Department will continue to work collaboratively to ensure that court orders and sentences related to animal cruelty are being complied with, and that additional defendants with active warrants are apprehended.

These cases are being prosecuted by the Assistant District Attorneys assigned to the Biological, Environmental, and Animal Safety Team (BEAST), under the supervision of Assistant District Attorneys Jed L. Painter and Brooke Salvatore.

Report animal abuse, neglect, or illegal possession of an exotic or dangerous animal in Suffolk County via our Website. Always call 911 in the event of an emergency.

If you have any information regarding the location of a defendant who has an active warrant, please call Crimestoppers at 1-800-220-TIPS.

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Photo from Town of Smithtown
Photo from Town of Smithtown
Photo from Town of Smithtown

The Town of Smithtown Animal Shelter has announced the release of its first-ever 2025 Animal Shelter Calendar, showcasing irresistible cats and dogs currently in need of loving homes. This limited-edition calendar is not just a delightful addition to your desk or home but also a heartfelt reminder of the importance of pet adoption.

Each month highlights a shelter animal hoping to find a forever family. Many of the featured pets have been overlooked for adoption for years, making their spotlight in the calendar an opportunity to shine a light on their unique personalities and lovable qualities.

The production of the calendar was made possible through Rescue Rocks, with a suggested donation of $30 per calendar. All of the proceeds (100%) will directly benefit the shelter, funding critical emergency and veterinary care in the coming year.

“This calendar is the perfect New Year’s gift for animal lovers! Not only does it help raise funds for vital care, but it’s also a beautiful way to spread awareness. A coworker, friend, or family member might see a photo of their perfect four-legged match and give a deserving pet the home they’ve been waiting for. Some of these animals have spent years dreaming of their forever family. With this calendar, we hope to turn those dreams into reality,” said Councilwoman Lisa Inzerillo, Animal Shelter Liaison.

Featured Animals Include:

  •  Blaze (January): The shelter’s longest resident (over five years) is a loyal, affectionate chocolate-brown pup with a New Year’s wish to find his forever family.
  • Betty-Boop (April): A low-key, 12-year-old “couch hippo” who has spent five years at the shelter. This sweet pibble mix is the ultimate Netflix snuggle buddy.
  •  Mia (December): A goofy, fun-loving Mastiff/Labrador mix longing for a Christmas miracle after four years at the shelter.

    Additional months feature a mix of playful kittens, resilient seniors, and affectionate dogs, all waiting to meet their match.

    How to get your calendar

    Calendars can be picked up during regular visiting hours at the Smithtown Animal Shelter or reserved by phone or email. Donations can be made by visiting the GoFundMe.com page created specifically for the Animal Shelter Calendar: https://gofund.me/69937de2
    Suggested Donation: $30

  • Shelter Address: 410 East Main Street, Smithtown, NY 11787
  •  Contact: (631) 360-7575 | [email protected]
  •  GoFundMe Animal Shelter Calendar Link: https://gofund.me/69937de2

Visitor Hours: Monday – Saturday: 10:00 a.m. – 3:00 p.m., Wednesday Evenings & Sundays: By appointment for pre-approved applicants.

The Smithtown Animal Shelter is dedicated to finding loving homes for all its animals. With your support, the 2025 Calendar will help raise awareness, encourage adoptions, and provide essential care for the shelter’s residents. Don’t miss your chance to make a difference—pick up your calendar today!

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Photo courtesy of County Executive Romaine's office

Suffolk County Executive Ed Romaine and Suffolk County officials recently congratulated 20 local students who completed the Suffolk County Fire Academy’s Junior Firefighter Program.

The graduates, who serve as junior members for their local volunteer fire departments, completed the New York State Basic Exterior Fire Operations program that will give them a head start to fulfill the requirements to become an active firefighter once they reach the required age.

“Suffolk County is proud to revitalize the Junior Firefighter Program as we focus on creating new recruitment and retention initiatives within the local fire service,” said County Executive Romaine. “By engaging our young people and junior firefighters, we will ensure that our first responder agencies will have the necessary resources to serve our communities for years to come.”

The Junior Firefighter Program started at the end of August 2024. Students met with instructors from the Suffolk County Fire Academy and Department of Fire, Rescue and Emergency Services for 15 weeks to learn about various firefighting topics, including building construction, fire dynamics and fire suppression.

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Kathy Koutouvidis with Jefferson's Ferry President and CEO Bob Caulfield. Photo courtesy of Jefferson's Ferry

When Jefferson’s Ferry Life Plan Community in South Setauket brought its management and staff together to celebrate another year of teamwork and camaraderie, it also recognized the outstanding contributions of individual employees throughout the year.

Two outstanding employees were recognized for their stellar work in service of Jefferson’s Ferry residents. Agustin “Augie” Carrasco was named 2024 Employee of the Year and Kathy Koutouvidis took home 2024 Manager of the Year honors. 

Agustin “Augie” Carrasco with Jefferson’s Ferry President and CEO Bob Caulfield. Photo courtesy of Jefferson’s Ferry

Augie has a passion for helping people and making their quality of the life the best it can be. During his close to 12 years of service, Augie has served in roles of increasing responsibility and touched the lives of residents and coworkers with a pleasant demeanor matched only by the highest standard of performance. From his first job in the kitchen through his steady rise to housekeeping to his current position as Maintenance Tech II, his responsiveness, knowledge and overall helpful nature have always put Augie in high demand. “Everyone wants to work with him,” wrote his nominating supervisor, Director of Maintenance Patty Tuscano. “Several other departments have expressed their appreciation for Augie’s hard work and dedication to me. He shows great concern for the welfare of others and is actively involved in finding solutions to difficult challenges.”

Kathy Koutouvidis, Assistant Director of Nursing, was recognized as Manager of the Year for her many contributions to both the Jefferson’s Ferry residents who live in the Vincent Bove Health Center and the dedicated team who cares for them. In 2025 Kathy will celebrate her 20th year of service to Jefferson’s Ferry. Over that time, Kathy has never faltered in exceeding expectations and practicing her profession with expertise, compassion and caring attention to residents, their families and staff.

She shone during the challenges of COVID-19 and in the post-pandemic environment, playing a significant role in the award-winning care at the Health Center. For the sixth year running, the Vincent Bove Health Center at Jefferson’s Ferry Life Plan Community has received the Pinnacle Quality Insight Customer Experience Award for outstanding resident satisfaction and overall achievement in skilled nursing care, placing the health center in the top 15% of skilled nursing facilities nationwide.

“Kathy’s dedication has been instrumental in her training and recertification of our Certified Nursing Assistants (CNA),” noted Anthony Comerford, Vice President of Health Services in writing his nomination. “She has cultivated meaningful relationships among our staff and residents and worked to make sure our residents and staff are educated about the importance of vaccination to protect against illness. Our outstanding results with the Department of Health, ongoing 5-star rating from The Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS), and “Best Of” nursing home rating by U.S. News & World Report are reflective of Kathy’s work.”

The last 12 months saw the opening of The Grove, a state-of-the-art 20-bed memory support neighborhood, part of Jefferson’s Ferry Journey Toward Renewal, which in the past few years has added 60 new one- and two-bedroom independent living apartments to the campus, as well as six distinct dining venues, new dining options in Assisted Living; an expansion of its Healthy Living Center and Fitness Center, and its state-of-the-art Rehabilitation Therapy Center. 

“It was an exhilarating year in which we’ve seen many or our efforts come to fruition,” enthused Jefferson’s Ferry President and Chief Executive Officer Bob Caulfield. “We can all feel pride in the jobs we’ve performed that have contributed to making Jefferson’s Ferry a singular Life Plan Community that can offer both the latest amenities and modern living within an established, caring community of neighbors and friends.”

About Jefferson’s Ferry   www.jeffersonsferry.org

 

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