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Shelter Pets of the Week: Johnny Cash and June Carter

by Heidi Sutton - October 4, 2024

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MEET JOHNNY AND JUNE!

This week’s shelter pets are the inseparable pair of Johnny Cash and June Carter, available for adoption at the Smithtown Animal Shelter!

Johnny (male) and June (female) sport matching red and brown coats and are approximately four years old. They are both pint-sized meatballs, about the same size as a bulldog.

Their introductions to the public began when they were found wandering in Kings Park. It quickly became clear that this exquisite pair had been used for breeding purposes and later carelessly discarded. Despite their misfortune, Johnny and June are two incredibly sweet, loveable house hippos! They enjoy tons of attention and never miss an opportunity to shine in the spotlight. This stunning duo deserves nothing short of finding a great family to show them what a fairytale ending really looks like.

These two have been through a lot together and adore each other. The team at the shelter would be thrilled if they could live happily ever after together however, under the right circumstances they can be separated.

While June could possibly be placed in a home with other dogs, the only one for Johnny is June. They both would do well with children over the age of ten. They are young and healthy, however June has heat intolerance which needs to be managed.

If you are interested in meeting Johnny and June, please call ahead to schedule an hour to properly interact with them in a domestic setting, which includes a Meet and Greet Room, the dog runs, and a Dog Walk trail.

The Town of Smithtown Animal & Adoption Shelter is located at 410 Middle Country Road, Smithtown. Visitor hours are 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.

For more information regarding rescue animals available for adoption visit:. TownofSmithtownAnimalShelter.com

Ward Melville boys basketball picks off Westhampton

by Bill Landon - October 4, 2024

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By Bill Landon

The Ward Melville boys volleyball squad is on a hot streak with an undefeated record. The Patriots, the defending Long Island champions from last season, looked to put up another “W” when they hosted Westhampton, Thursday, Sept. 26.

Returning outside hitter, senior Kyle Fagan, had a potent one-two punch with a vicious serve, coupled with a dominating performance at the net, that provided the spark for the Patriot offense.

Ward Melville looked a little unsteady in the first set, but despite falling behind in the third set, they ended up sweeping the Hurricanes 25-21, 25-16 and 25-15, for the victory. The Patriots followed up with a 3-1 win at Connetquot, Sept. 28, and stand at 7-0 in Division I.

— Photos by Bill Landon

Port Jefferson spirit peaks for homecoming

by Aramis Khosronejad - October 4, 2024

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By Aramis Khosronejad

This past weekend, Earl L. Vandermeulen High School hosted its homecoming tradition: a riveting pep rally, a night parade, and, of course, the homecoming carnival and its proceeding football game.

The small town lacks nothing in charm and, as the high school’s principal John Ruggero explains, the high school reciprocates its town counterpart.

The series of homecoming events started on Friday afternoon when the high school held its annual pep rally. That Friday night, the homecoming parade began at 7 p.m. The parade is the most recent addition to the festivities and also one of the most popular. People from around the Port Jefferson community came out in support of their local school. Various small businesses from around town collaborated with the parade, which Ruggero believes also advanced participation.

“The parade embodies everything the pep rally, homecoming, and these events are about,” said Ruggero. “The town is just so accepting…that forces that inclusivity that the school tries to reciprocate.”

The following Saturday morning, excitement and school spirit peaked at the homecoming game and carnival. Although the Port Jefferson varsity football team has not had a very victorious season, they remained enthusiastic.

Ruggero commented on how he was “so impressed by the level of engagement.” Foreshadowing the results of their game, the weather was raining and dreary; despite all these obstacles, the student body’s spirit remained high. Their game against Miller Place’s football game resulted in a 41-0 loss.

Senior Molly Becherer in the student section of the bleachers expressed a sentiment pervasive among the school body. “It’s not about the game really,” she said, alluding to their crushing defeat. “It’s really about the school spirit and community.”

This idea is reiterated by Ruggero, who emphasized how this year the participation was phenomenal. “These kinds of things are meant to bring the entire community together,” underscored Ruggero, “and it’s done a great job.”

Ruggero talked about how the goal of the entire school through these events, not just limited to homecoming, is to make these “special connections with the community.”

“Port Jefferson is such a special place and we want to make it even more special,” said Ruggero, “we want to give an opportunity to every child and every parent to be a part of the community too.”

SBU opens doors to discovery and community at CommUniversity Day

by Lauren Feldman - October 4, 2024

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By Lauren Feldman

Stony Brook University opened its doors for another CommUniversity Day on Saturday, Sept. 28. The event was held at the Academic Mall, central to the university’s main campus.

The open house showcases a variety of majors, clubs and houses of study available at the university.

“This is a celebration of all things [Stony Brook] University,” said Paul Newland, outreach director at Stony Brook’s Staller Center for the Arts.

Newland said letting the “community” aspect of CommUniversity Day is essential to the continued success of the university.

“It’s almost like a city here, and not everyone knows what’s happening at the university,” he said. “So it’s a way to invite the public in to see what’s going on, all the different opportunities at Stony Brook.”

And members of the community certainly seemed to be taking in all the university has to offer.

“I know I want to pursue something in medicine, but I’m not totally sure what specifically,” said Emily, a high school junior who is considering applying to Stony Brook. “I like how each department has their own booth. I definitely got a lot of information to help me think about my future.”

Introduced in 2017, CommUniversity Day has grown into a celebration of the university’s relationships with its community partners.

Around the Academic Mall, several majors, departments and clubs set up booths with information and fun activities.

“CommUniversity is one of our favorite events of the year,” said a member of the Women in Business organization on campus. “We get to give back to the community and show how much we love Stony Brook University.”

“You get to see all of the talents at Stony Brook,” added another member. “It’s so fun and really cool to see everyone get together.”

At the Speech Pathology group, visitors could spin a prize wheel if they could answer a speech/language based trivia question. The Study Abroad booth offered visitors a pin to place on a world map printout based on where they were from. At the dental booth, visitors were offered a free dental screening.

Two popular events for children, the Teddy Bear Clinic and Storytime with the Tooth Fairy, filled up fast, and there was a long line to bet on the rubber duck race. The Lego Booth, a new addition this year, was teaming with kids and adults alike, excited to participate in timed challenges or to simply sit, and stretch their creative muscles.

Also present were community partners, including the Three Village Chamber of Commerce, Girl Scouts of Suffolk County, local fire, police and first responders, as well as a plethora of local food trucks.

CommUniversity Day served as a platform for Island Harvest, and attendees were encouraged to bring two non-perishable food items to contribute to the food drive.

“It’s really sweet that [Stony Brook] does things like this,” said Terry, a Stony Brook mom. “I mean, it’s not just about the school – even though we love Stony Brook. It’s about helping our neighbors, and I think that’s really special.”

Richard L. McCormick, who is serving as the university’s interim president, called the day “an opportunity for our campus to join with our surrounding community and neighbors to talk, listen, collaborate, discover and celebrate just how lucky we are to be here, on Long Island, at one of the best universities in the world.”

Miller Place Panthers football rains on Port Jeff Royals’ homecoming

by Bill Landon - October 4, 2024

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By Bill Landon

The Miller Place Panthers rained on Port Jeff’s homecoming football game under a persistent drizzle, shutting out the Royals 41-0 in the League IV matchup on Saturday afternoon, Sept. 28.

Port Jeff (0-2) struggled offensively against a stout Panther defense and failed to gain any traction, searching for that first elusive win in this early season.

Miller Place quarterback Shane Kiernan and wide receiver Ethan Monaco were a potent combination, scoring on a 32-yard pass play and 60-yarder for the win. Kiernan passed for 202 yards, completing nine of 11 passes, during the afternoon.

The win lifts the Panthers to 2-1 and they will travel to Babylon, Saturday, Oct. 5, with a 6 p.m. kickoff scheduled.

The Royals are also back in action on Saturday, with a road game against Southampton. Game time is slated for 2 p.m.

— Photos by Bill Landon

Volunteers needed to help continue mission of Island Heart Food Pantry

by Julianne Mosher - October 4, 2024

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By Julianne Mosher

A local food pantry is seeking out volunteers to prevent closing its doors.

For more than 40 years, the Island Heart Food Pantry in Middle Island — a mission of the Mt. Sinai Congregational Church — has served thousands of people across Long Island. However, since the COVID-19 pandemic hit the world in 2020, the pantry has not been able to fully recover after a significant loss of volunteers — all while still needing to help feed the food insecure.

Director of the pantry Kathy Lahey said that in 2023, Island Heart served 24,000 people and, prior to the pandemic, they had roughly 40 volunteers on site. They were open several days a week, which allowed those struggling to stop in and “shop” its shelves filled with fresh produce, dairy, groceries and hygiene products. However, during the pandemic, they needed to change their model to a drive-up service where volunteers would package a box of goods depending on a family’s size and bring it out to their cars outside of the building. That model still applies today, but due to the lessened number of help, they are only able to stay open one day a week.

As of now, they are only open on Wednesdays from 1 to 4 p.m. But despite being open for just three hours, in September the pantry served 354 families — 1,604 individuals in total.

“During COVID, we were getting a lot of help from donors and it was great,” Lahey said. “But once COVID ended, the number of people in need hasn’t gone down, but the donations and volunteers have.”

Lahey said that many of the volunteers moved away, have aged out or simply decided not to come back and since then, they’ve had a hard time staffing the pantry, operating solely on a skeleton crew.

“We’re one of the biggest pantries in Suffolk County,” she added. “We’re very active and a much-needed resource so we really need people to step up and help.”

Part of the volunteer search includes the crucial role of finding someone who has a large truck or vehicle. Lahey said they are in dire need of individuals who are able to pick up food from the Long Island Cares food pantry in Hauppauge as well as donations from Trader Joe’s in Lake Grove to bring back to the pantry, unload and stock the shelves on a weekly basis.

“I’ve reached out to colleges, high schools, but we need people involved who want to stay with us,” she added. “It takes a village. It’s not just the church — we need the community at large to come in and help their neighbors in need.”

According to Long Island Cares, 234,000 Long Islanders are food insecure with 65,000 estimated to be children. Approximately 40 percent of these households are above the poverty level, but do not make enough to keep up with the high cost of living in Nassau and Suffolk Counties.

Paule Pachter, president and CEO of Long Island Cares, said that their food bank offers nonperishable and perishable foods focusing on 19 staples including rice, eggs, pasta, soup, peanut butter and other groceries that provide a complete and healthy meal. The organization provides food and funding to 336 agencies consisting of nearly 300 local, community-based emergency food pantries in both Nassau and Suffolk Counties.

“Most of our food pantries operate on a client-choice model that allows families to select the food they want. As Long Island’s regional food bank, we provide food that is ordered from our online menu, and many of our agencies recommend the foods we should purchase,” Pachter said. “Since many people struggling with food insecurity also have medical issues, such as diabetes, obesity and heart problems, it’s crucial that the food we provide is nutritious, low-fat, low-sugar, protein-rich and more.”

Lahey said that the local food banks and the donations from Trader Joe’s “have been amazing to work with.”

So, as the cooler weather approaches and the holiday season starts to creep in, donating time (or food!) is welcomed at Island Heart Food Pantry.

“The guests are super nice and super grateful … You get to know them and their families and you feel good about yourself,” Lahey said. “You’re definitely making a difference whether it be for an hour, two or three. Whatever you can give, you’ll feel good about it at the end. Plus, it’s a lot of fun.”

Island Heart Food Pantry is located at 643 Middle Country Rd, Middle Island. Volunteers are needed to assist with their weekly food pick-up from Long Island Cares at 10 Davids Drive, Hauppauge, to the pantry in Middle Island on either Tuesday or Wednesday. A large vehicle/truck is needed. They are also in need of a Wednesday morning pick-up/delivery person around 10 a.m. from Trader Joe’s near Smith Haven Mall to the pantry in Middle Island. Both positions can be on a weekly or an intermittent basis.

For more information, please call 631-473-1582.

St. Catherine of Siena Hospital hosts 33rd annual fall community health fair

by Jennifer Donatelli - October 4, 2024

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By Jennifer Donatelli

Under a big white tent, St. Catherine of Siena Hospital hosted its 33rd Annual Fall Community Health Fair on Saturday, Sept. 28, from 9am – 12pm.

Located on 25A in Smithtown, the hospital draws hundreds of community members every year, along with local organizations and businesses, to offer free on-site services and to raise awareness on the importance of healthcare.

Visitors to this free event had the opportunity to meet with health care professionals, from over 50 specialties, for a Q&A. Hands-on demonstrations of the hospital’s latest advances in technology were also performed for onlookers.

Additionally, free flu shots were given, as well as on-site cholesterol and glucose testing, BMI screenings and blood pressure readings.

There was even a Teddy Bear Clinic, where children brought their favorite stuffed animals to be treated as real “hospital patients.” Children also enjoyed face painting and pumpkin decorating, along with free puzzles, coloring sheets and crayons, to take home.

Visitors were given the chance to learn about healthy eating and nutrition, while sampling New England clam chowder, gluten-free, pumpkin-chocolate chip loaves, chili and hot apple cider.

Declan Doyle, President of the hospital discussed what an exciting time this is for the hospital, saying, “I can sense the enthusiasm in the staff. They were all pumped up and looking forward to this day, so they could educate the public about [all things health.”

In addition to what happens inside of the hospital, Mary Ellen McCrossen, the hospital’s Community Relations Manager, explained the free services St. Catherine’s offers, within the local community, including health education seminars and library events. The hospital works with local school districts to educate students on healthy eating, strokes, diabetes and general wellness, as well.

McCrossen says, “At St. Catherine’s, we care for each other in body, mind and spirit. All three are equally important. The best way to help people heal is to have all three in sync.”

Sen. Mario Mattera (R-St. James,) from the 2nd Senate District, was at the event and provided some of his thoughts on the annual fair.

“St. Catherine of Siena is very important to the local community, especially our seniors who may not have access to funds or resources,” he said.

“They can come to this facility and get the flu vaccine and other testing, free of charge. This hospital is so important to the Smithtown community, [and that is why we need] to promote the hospital as much as possible,” he continued.

He went on to thank the hospital’s staff for all the hard work they do “for us each day,” and pledged to make St. Catherine’s prosper.

For more information about St. Catherine of Siena, you can visit their website at www.catholichealthli.org.

Smithtown Town Board appoints new historian, plans 5K event, approves key bids and transfers

by Peter Sloniewsky - October 4, 2024

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Smithtown_Town_Hall-700x467 — File photo by Raymond Janis

By Peter Sloniewsky

On Sept. 19, the Smithtown Town Board met to discuss a variety of matters.

Key highlights included the appointment of a new town historian, preparations for a November 5K charity event and a number of transfers and bids aimed at improving town services.

The meeting opened with the appointment of Richard Smith as town historian, along with the establishment of the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention 5K. The event will take place on Nov. 9 with a rain date of Nov. 23.

The board also advertised a hearing to be held on Nov. 5 to discuss amendments to the zoning portion of the town code.

The bulk of the meeting focused on several resolutions involving the town’s budget and financial management. The board approved a variety of transfers between accounts involving work in the Recreation, Highways, and Public Works departments. One notable resolution, RES-2024-887, involved the transfer of more than $20,000 stemming from several accounts, for recreational services, specifically, with regards to public pools.

The board then moved to approve a number of bids. After announcing open bidding for urban-forestry services, bids for animal shelter supplies and screened sand for ice and snow control were awarded to local contractors. Additionally, the TOS accepted a bid of $42,800 for repairs to the Smithtown Boat Ramp, and a purchase order for $115,795, to repair the town hall elevator.

Moreover, the Highway Superintendent was authorized to work with National Grid regarding the Commack Gas Replacement Project, involving the replacement of gas pipelines.

The meeting concluded with a number of appointments and reappointments.

See PSEG Long Island’s Mobile Electric Safety Unit in action at local volunteer fire houses throughout October

by Press Release - October 4, 2024

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unnamed — PSEG Long Island’s Mobile Electric Safety Unit teaches electric safety to children, adults and first responders.

PSEG Long Island is taking its Mobile Electric Safety Unit on the road during the month of October to help local firefighters educate their communities about fire safety and prevention at their open house events. October is Fire Safety Month and Oct 6-12 is Fire Prevention Week.

PSEG Long Island’s Mobile Electric Safety Unit is a three-quarter-scale model of the electric distribution system on a 40-foot-long, 15,000 pound trailer. It includes high voltage wires, poles and other structures and items that can be found around homes and neighborhoods. Using this tool, instructors from PSEG Long Island simulate scenarios, including a live wire down on a vehicle, an aluminum pool skimmer coming into contact with an overhead wire, a squirrel on the electric line shorting out the circuit, and a wire down on a metal fence. They also demonstrate the lifesaving importance of properly inspecting utility workers’ personal protective equipment. Attendees can see electricity arcing and flaming in these situations and see and hear what happens when a fuse blows out.

Throughout the month of October, PSEG Long Island’s Mobile Electric Safety Unit will be at the following fire houses:

Deer Park Fire Department, 94 Lake Avenue, Deer Park on Saturday, Oct. 5

South Farmingdale Fire Department, 819 Main Street, Farmingdale on Sunday, Oct. 6

Huntington Fire Department, 1 Leverich Place, Huntington on Friday, Oct. 18

Dix Hills Fire Department, 115 East Deer Park Road, Dix Hills on Sunday, Oct. 20

Safety is PSEG Long Island’s top priority. Along with the mobile unit, the company offers safety programs for children and adults throughout the year, including Electric Safety Town, Touch-a-Truck and the Safety Sleuth poster program. To learn more about or request any of these programs, visit psegliny.com/inthecommunity. For electric safety and fire prevention tips, visit psegliny.com/safetyandreliability/safetytips.

Smithtown church to host Byzantine Luncheon fundraiser Oct. 27

by Press Release - October 3, 2024

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Resurrection Byzantine Catholic Church, 38 Mayflower Ave., Smithtown presents a Traditional Byzantine Ethnic Luncheon fundraiser on Sunday, Oct. 27 with two seatings: 12:30 to 2:30 p.m and 3 to 5 p.m. Luncheon platter includes stuffed cabbage, kielbasa and pierogi, cucumber salad, rye bread, traditional cookie dessert, coffee and tea. Takeout is also available. $25 per person. Reservations deadline is Oct. 14. To reserve your spot or to order takeout, call Joanne at 631-332-1449.

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