Councilwoman Bonner honors local heroes at Rocky Point Fire Department’s 68th annual Installation Dinner

The Town of Smithtown Senior Softball Team, Smithtown Patriots, kicked off their Opening Day game for the 2025 season on Thursday, May 8th. The Smithtown Patriots played the Brookhaven Bluejays at Flynn Memorial Park. Supervisor Ed Wehrheim and Councilman Tom Lohmann were in attendance to wish both teams good luck, a great season, and a memorable opening day.
“It was a beautiful day for a ball game as the Smithtown Patriots took the field, bringing their skill, sportsmanship and unbeatable spirit to kick off a brand-new season. Flynn Memorial Park was filled with energy, laughter and the kind of camaraderie that makes our community so special. We were proud to host the Brookhaven Bluejays and even prouder to celebrate a game that is timeless, much like our incredible senior leagues.” said Wehrheim.
Opening ceremonies began with the Pledge of Allegiance, followed by a moment of silence for Patriot’s long-time teammate and dear friend, Christopher Revere Sr., who passed away on March 26. Richard Claxton, the Patriot’s team manager and player, referred to Revere as “the heart and soul of the team.” Just before the Patriots took the field for the top of the first inning, Supervisor Wehrheim threw out the ceremonial first pitch, enthusiastically declaring, “Play ball!”
The battle between the Patriots and Blujays ultimately ended in a draw, as each team won one of the two games played. The Smithtown Patriots Senior Softball Team is sponsored by the Smithtown Senior Citizens’ Department.
Interested in joining?
Eligible players must be at least 59 by the year’s end (2025) to join the team. The team plays doubleheaders on Tuesday and Thursday mornings. The season starts in May and ends in August. Any interested participants should contact the Smithtown Senior Center at (631) 360-7616.
KEEP BROOKHAVEN BEAUTIFUL and Keep America Beautiful, Inc., in cooperation with Supervisor Panico and the Town of Brookhaven, invite you to join the Great American CleanupTM. Every spring, individuals and groups join the Great American Cleanup, the nation’s largest organized cleanup, beautification, and community improvement program.
The facts on litter are sobering. According to the most recent litter study there are more than 50 billion pieces of litter on the ground. That’s 152 pieces of litter for every American. But there is good news. In the past ten years, littering along US roadways is down 54%! Last year alone, over 64,000 clean-up events were held in the US, resulting in over 146,600 ACRES of parks, public lands, waterways, trails and playgrounds cleaned up by volunteers like YOU!
So, don’t wait for someone else to do it…pick a location…and volunteer for this year’s Great Brookhaven Cleanup! Join thousands of Brookhaven residents to help make Brookhaven … a cleaner, greener, more beautiful Town!
Several organized events will be taking part in this year’s clean up including:
Farmingville
Farmingvile Residents Association will hold its 19th annual Spring Clean-Up at Triangle Park, corner of Woodycrest Drive and Horseblock Road, Farmingville from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. Supplies will be provided. 631-260-7411
Lake Ronkonkoma
Lake Ronkonkoma Improvement Group hosts a clean-up of Lake Ronkonkoma on May 17 at 10 a.m. Meet at Michael Murphy Park. Call 631-451-6222 for more info.
Port Jefferson Station
— The Port Jefferson Station-Terryville Chamber of Commerce is teaming up with the Port Jefferson Rotary Club and Old Town Blooms for a clean up of at the PJST Chamber Train Car, corner of Route 112 and Nesconset Highway in Port Jefferson on Saturday, May 17 from 8 a.m. to 10 a.m.; Jayne Blvd, behind D & D from 10 a.m. to noon; and any area along Old Town Road, Crowley, School St, Block Blvd or Yale Street Parks from noon to 5 p.m. (on your own). 631-821-1313
— Three Village Community Trust’s Friends of the Greenway will hold a Setauket to Port Jeff. Station Greenway clean-up on Saturday, May 17 at 9 a.m. It will start at the Port Jefferson Station trailhead at NYSDOT parking lot by Routes 112 & 25A. www.threevillagecommunitytrust.org
*If any organization would like to add their event to this list, please email [email protected]
On April 25, the Town of Brookhaven celebrated its 10th Annual Arbor Day Seedling Giveaway at Town Hall in Farmingville. The event yielded a strong turnout and portrayed a clear message: every small effort contributes to a greener, healthier community. Held in the south parking lot of Brookhaven Town Hall, the event offered residents a variety of free native tree seedlings, mulch, and compost, while promoting broader environmental stewardship initiatives.
Approximately 1,400 young trees and shrubs were distributed, with the hybrid poplar emerging as the most popular tree, followed by the bear oak. On the shrub side, prairie willow and sand cherry were resident favorites. All remaining plants will be put to good use on Town open space by the Division of Land Management.
Supervisor Dan Panico praised the success of the initiative, noting, “Every little bit helps—especially in our wetlands—for the health of our bays and bodies of water. We’re restoring 187 acres of wetlands down in Mastic Beach, but we have projects going throughout the entire Town. This Arbor Day project was started by former Supervisor and current Suffolk County Executive Ed Romaine, and I know he’d be proud to see we’re giving away three times the amount of seedlings today.”
As part of the Town’s continued commitment to sustainability, residents also had the opportunity to purchase composting units and rain barrels in advance through the Town’s online store. In total, 86 rain barrels and 63 composters were purchased. Due to high demand, the online store is being reopened to allow more residents to take advantage of this program. Orders can be placed at https://brookhaven.compostersale.com/, and the next scheduled pick-up date is Friday, July 25.
Brookhaven has been recognized as a Tree City USA community, reflecting the Town’s ongoing investment in environmental initiatives, open space preservation, and public engagement through events like the Arbor Day Giveaway.
Brookhaven Town Supervisor Dan Panico has announced that the 5th Annual Health and Wellness Fair will take place on Saturday, May 17, from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. at Brookhaven Town Hall. Sponsored by JVC Broadcasting, as well as Stop & Shop and ShopRite, this eagerly anticipated event has become a cornerstone of the community’s commitment to promoting health and wellness for residents of all ages.
Attendees will have the opportunity to meet representatives from various health and wellness industries, who will provide valuable information on topics ranging from fitness and nutrition to mental health and healthcare services. The fair is designed to connect the community with local resources, empowering residents to lead healthier, happier lives. To add to the excitement, plenty of free giveaways will be available throughout the event.
This year’s fair will feature over 50 vendors offering a wide range of services, including:
Some of the participating organizations include:
NYU Langone Health, Aetna Better Health, Stony Brook Medicine, Suffolk County Psychological Association, Redefine Fitness, Sunshine Prevention Center, Getting Zen with Erin, and many more!
Adding a dynamic element to the day, JVC Broadcasting will be on-site conducting interviews with participants, vendors, and attendees. These interviews will be aired on 103.9 LI News Radio, offering listeners a chance to hear firsthand accounts of the event’s positive impact on the Brookhaven community. Supervisor Dan Panico emphasizes that the Health and Wellness Fair reflects Brookhaven Town’s dedication to providing opportunities for residents to engage with essential health-related resources.
“Our Health and Wellness Fair is not just an event—it’s a celebration of our community’s commitment to fostering a healthier future for everyone. We are grateful to JVC Broadcasting for their support in making this event a resounding success,” said Panico.
Brookhaven Town Hall, located at 1 Independence Hill in Farmingville, will serve as the welcoming venue for this annual event. Residents are encouraged to mark their calendars and join in celebrating health and wellness on Saturday, May 17. It promises to be a day filled with learning, community connection, and inspiration.
For more information, call 631-451-6331.
Smithtown residents turned out in strong numbers to take part in the Town’s bi-annual paper shredding event on May 3, safely and securely disposing of over 11 tons (19,980 pounds) of sensitive documents. Held at the Municipal Services Facility (MSF), the event saw a steady flow of participants throughout the day, all utilizing the confidential, full-service shredding provided by Data Shredding Services, Inc. This popular initiative is offered free of charge to residents (with a three-box limit per person), thanks to the ongoing partnership between the Department of Environment and Waterways (DEW) and MSF, as part of the Town’s commitment to public safety, identity protection, and environmental responsibility.
As paving season kicks off, the Town of Smithtown Highway Department is hitting the ground running with a smarter, more efficient approach to infrastructure maintenance. By combining cutting-edge technology, and proactive planning, the department has completed a number of key projects to protect residents, prevent costly repairs, and improve road safety and flood resilience across the township.
“This year, the Town Board made a significant $3 million investment in our capital budget specifically for roads and critical infrastructure upgrades. This is not just about paving roads—it’s about protecting homes, neighborhoods, and the long-term quality of life for our residents. The Town Board and Highway Department are deeply committed to prioritizing smart, proactive solutions. We’re no longer just reacting to problems—we’re leveraging real-time data, advanced technology, and strategic planning to stretch every taxpayer dollar and deliver the highest quality work. These investments ensure our roadways, drainage systems, and stormwater infrastructure are safer, more efficient, and built to withstand whatever Mother Nature throws at us and other future challenges,” said Town of Smithtown Supervisor Ed Wehrheim in a press release.
With over 470 miles of roads, hundreds of drainage systems, sumps, recharge basins, curbs, and driveway aprons under its care, the Highway Department has been working year-round to get ahead of potential infrastructure failures before they occur.
“Our goal is to work smarter, not harder—and most importantly, to stay ahead of problems before they become public hazards or costly emergencies… Through the use of new technology and by partnering with our experts in Environment and Waterways, Parks, and Engineering, we’re creating safer, more resilient roads and stronger infrastructure for the future,” said Highway Superintendent Robert Murphy.
Flood Prevention Through the Clean Stream Program
Flood mitigation through the Clean Stream program is a cross-departmental initiative aimed at improving water flow and reducing stormwater runoff pollution. By clearing sediment, debris, and invasive growth from local streams, crews out in the field help to prevent flooding, high water table issues, and water stagnation in vulnerable neighborhoods.
Recent completed work included major cleanups along stream corridors in the Village of the Branch from Route 347 to the new footbridge along old Route 111 (near Mt. Pleasant Road), and off Terry Road in Nesconset (George St, Jerome St, Helene Ave, and Caroline Ave), where crews restored a blocked streambed to reestablish natural water flow.
The Clean Stream crew works hand-in-hand with residents, neighborhood associations, and village partners to maintain healthy, free-flowing waterways that serve as natural flood mitigation and filtration systems.
Smarter Repairs Through Advanced Camera Inspections
The Highway Department has also deployed specialty cameras, pipe crawlers, with fiber optic sensors to inspect underground infrastructure for damage—saving time, resources, and taxpayer dollars by spotting potential problems before they escalate.
In hamlets of St. James (the Numbered Avenues along Woodlawn heading west toward Lake Avenue) and in Commack (on Marie Crescent), crews used cameras to identify root intrusions, blockages, and potential pipe collapses, many of which could have caused severe road damage or flooding. In some cases, such as 7th Avenue in St. James, cameras detected a hidden sinkhole in time for crews to install a liner between manholes, avoiding excavation and a full road replacement. This damage could have eaten up a majority of the road programs budget had it not been identified and corrected.
At a sump location near Dana Lane in Commack, advanced camera inspections identified a potentially catastrophic infrastructure failure just in time. Had it gone unnoticed, the damage could have led to severe flooding and structural issues for nearby homes—resulting in an enormously expensive emergency repair. Thanks to swift action and proactive technology, the issue was stabilized before it escalated. This not only prevented a major financial burden on local homeowners, but also saved Smithtown taxpayers from footing the bill for extensive damage and remediation efforts. It’s a powerful example of how smart, preventative maintenance protects both the community and the public’s investment.
Preparing for Paving Season with Precision
With key repairs completed and infrastructure secured, the Highway Department is now preparing for its 2025 paving season, using data from inspections to prioritize roadwork based on urgency and long-term effectiveness. This proactive strategy not only makes roads safer and longer-lasting—it helps stretch taxpayer dollars further by preventing avoidable repairs and maximizing every mile paved.
Residents are encouraged to stay engaged by checking for updates on paving schedules and reporting any road concerns through the Town’s official website; SmithtownNY.gov or by contacting the Highway Department at 631-360-7500.
The Town of Smithtown Department of Environment and Waterways, in coordination with the Municipal Services Facility, collected over 37 tons of hazardous waste during the annual Earth Day Household Hazardous Waste Collection Event on Saturday, April 26. A total of 651 households safely disposed of thousands of pounds of toxic materials that cannot be placed in regular curbside pickup—making this one of the most successful collection events to date.
“As we marked Earth Day last week, it was truly uplifting to witness our community unite in record numbers for the first of three Household Hazardous Waste Disposal events this year. Thanks to the dedication of our environmentally conscious residents—and the exceptional teamwork of the MSF staff, Public Safety Fire Marshals, DEW crew, Reworld (formerly Covanta), and our trusted contractor Radiac—we are actively protecting Smithtown’s drinking water, parks, air, and treasured waterways for future generations… These free events, held three times a year, give every resident the opportunity to make a meaningful impact—and this year, Smithtown rose to the occasion like never before,” said Town of Smithtown Supervisor Edward R. Wehrheim.
“I want to personally recognize our outstanding department leaders, including Solid Waste Coordinator Mike Englemann, Environmental Director David Barnes, MSF Director Matt Laux, DEW Senior Analyst Rich Kitt, MSF Foreman Tommy Passariello, Environmental Technician Brooke Ferreira, and our dedicated partner at Reworld, Brian Aerne. Their commitment ensures a safe, efficient, and even enjoyable experience for all who participate… Beyond collection day, these initiatives help foster a culture of sustainability and responsibility throughout our community. Together, we’re preserving the natural beauty and quality of life that make Smithtown such an extraordinary place to live,” added Wehrheim.
This year’s event was made possible through the tremendous collaboration and support of the Town’s Department of Public Safety Fire Marshals, DEW staff, and Reworld (formerly Covanta). Their efforts supplemented the work of Radiac Environmental Services, the Town’s licensed HHW contractor, to ensure a safe, efficient, and seamless experience for all residents.
Additionally, the Town saw record participation in a targeted waste diversion initiative focused on propane tanks, lithium-ion batteries, and mercury-containing devices, demonstrating a growing community commitment to environmental safety and sustainability.
“The 2025 Earth Day Hazardous Household Waste collection event was a great success. The rain didn’t stop hundreds of residents from responsibly disposing of potentially hazardous chemicals and products. Participating in the Town’s Hazardous Household Waste collection events profoundly impacts protecting our drinking water, air, and natural resources while enabling the Town to maintain high-quality parks, recreational facilities, roads, and waterways for all residents to enjoy. Special thanks to Supervisor Ed Wehrheim for his support and leadership on environmental initiatives such as these, MSF staff, Public Safety Fire Marshals, DEW staff, and Reworld staff (formerly Covanta) for supplementing the work of Radiac (HHW contractor) and providing safe and efficient service to all residents. We continue to encourage residents to consider using environmentally friendly alternatives for in and around the home,” said Michael P. Engelmann, P.G. Solid Waste Coordinator for the Town of Smithtown.
A portion of the wastes collected for manifested disposal include: mercury, 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.
Reworld (formerly Covanta) distributed over 150 $5 Home Depot gift cards to residents for recycling potentially dangerous lithium-ion and other batteries, propane tanks and mercury containing devices thereby preventing these harmful items from curbside disposal. 112 propane tanks were recovered at the event. Record participation with these hazardous waste diversions.
Additionally, eco-friendly reusable coffee k-cups were also provided by DEW to interested residents.
The next household hazardous waste collection events are scheduled for July 12th & October 4th, 2025. Hazardous Household Waste collection events are for Smithtown Township residents only. Proof of residency will be confirmed upon entry.
DID YOU KNOW?:
Residents can also dispose of electronic waste, free of charge, at the Town Recycling Center 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.
FREE MULCH: 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. We offer free loading of loose mulch into your pick-up or dump truck. A cover is required.
The Smithtown Municipal Services Facility is located at 85 Old Northport Road in Kings Park, NY.
Regular Operating Hours: Monday through Saturday from 7 a.m. to 3:15 p.m.
Huntington Town Clerk and Records Management Officer Andrew Raia invites everyone to get a history of Huntington as the town celebrates Municipal Clerks’ Week from May 5 to May 8 with an open house at Town Hall, 100 Main St., Huntington from 9:30 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. or 1 p.m. to 3 p.m.
Visitors can view the town’s old records chest, old maps, the statue of American Hero Nathan Hale, the town’s ID dating 1666, Native American deeds, exhibits, memorabilia and other interesting documents during this free tour.
For further information on tours, please contact the Town Archivist, Antonia Mattheou at 631-351-3035, email [email protected] or click on link https://www.huntingtonny.gov/
Large group tours of 10 or more can be accommodated by scheduling an appointment through Town Archivist Antonia Mattheou.