Smithtown

The Town of Smithtown held their Annual Tree Lighting Ceremony on Tuesday, December 3rd at Town Hall. Master of Ceremonies, John Zollo kicked off the evening by announcing the arrival of Santa Claus, courtesy of the Smithtown Fire Department, straight from the North Pole around 5:15  p.m.

Santa Claus, with help from volunteer Elves and our Smithtown Fire Marshall, Nick Kefalos interacted with little residents, taking photos and collecting big hugs for the duration of the event. Live performances from Great Hollow Select Chorus, Hauppauge HS Kickline, RJO Intermediate Chorus, Smithtown West Varsity Whisperettes, Accompsett Middle School Select Chorus, Sara Jean Dance Company, and Smithtown West Jazz Choir, entertained the crowd throughout the night. The magic of the holiday season closed the evening out, when the Town Administration and our youngest residents flipped the switch to light tree, just as snow flurries fell from the sky.

“This event gets better every year. People couldn’t believe that it started to snow! They kept asking if we got a snow machine… It was truly magical. I’d like to thank everyone who made this event possible; especially our talented team at the Recreation Department, our Parks, Buildings and Grounds crew, who didn’t stop working through the bitter cold weather for two days, our amazing Department of Public Safety, GTV film crew and of course our Chief Fire Marshall and the Smithtown Fire Department for getting Santa here safe!” said Town of Supervisor Ed Wehrheim.

“Also, a special thanks to the incredible school districts, dance companies, talented teachers, students and parents who made this event so much fun for everyone. Thank you to our Girl Scout Troops, and the Smithtown Youth Bureau volunteers for always making our events so community friendly! Finally, thanks to our vendors who participated this year, especially Smithtown Landing Caterers who donated the cookies and hot chocolate for the evening. We are so blessed and thankful to live in a town that comes together in such a wonderful way! Every year this ceremony gets bigger and better. It was the perfect kickoff to a wonderful holiday season,” added Supervisor Wehrheim.

The community based event is organized by the Department of Recreation, with support from the Parks Department and the Department of Public Safety. Volunteers included Girl Scout Troops 292, 1823, and 628 as well as a number of Local High School student volunteers who were enlisted thanks to the Smithtown Youth Bureau. The tree is decorated each year by the Department of Traffic Safety. Town Hall is transformed into a winter wonderland, quite literally, with decorations, designed and constructed by the Parks Department. Live event staging and pro audio services are provided by Taylor Productions.

Live performances that entertained a packed house included Great Hollow Select Chorus, Hauppauge HS Kickline, RJO Intermediate Chorus, Smithtown West Varsity Whisperettes, Accompsett Middle School Select Chorus, Sara Jean Dance Company, and Smithtown West Jazz Choir.  Each group performed seasonal favorites for a crowd of approximately 300 people.

Youth volunteers served Cookies and Hot Chocolate, donated courtesy of Smithtown Landing Caterers. Balloon Sculpting was provided for kids of all ages by Animations. The Big Black Food Truck and Pretzel Factory featured delicious snacks and light fare. New this year, Zag’s Photo Booth was set up for guests to pose for digital and print photos. Bins were loaded to the brim for the Smithtown Food Pantry and Toys for Tots. Residents may still drop off Toys for Tots at Town Hall now through December 13th. Residents who wish to make a donation to the Smithtown Food Pantry may do so in person at their location: 90 Edgewater Avenue in the hamlet of Smithtown.

TOYS FOR TOTS DROP SITE:

Did you know, you can donate new toys to the US Marines Toys for Tots drop off site, located inside Town Hall (at the main entrance.) The collection will be picked up by the Marine Corps on December 13th, 2024. Town Hall is open Monday through Friday from 9AM – 5PM.

UPSIDE DOWN GIFT CARD TREE:

Residents looking for a unique way to give back during the holidays may stop by the Smithtown Senior Center (420 Middle Country Rd, Smithtown) during regular business hours and pick an ornament from the upside down tree. Each ornament lists a gift card which will be donated to Angles of Kings Park to assist local families and children in need. Gift Cards must be donated by Tuesday, December 10th. The Smithtown Senior Center is open Monday through Friday: 8:30 am – 4:00 pm. For more information please call: (631) 360-7616

Upcoming Events: 

The Town of Smithtown Recreation & Senior Citizens Departments will host an independent holiday shopping experience for kids. On Saturday, December 7th, from 10AM to 1PM, children (grades K-5) can shop with a chaperone, and enjoy giving gifts to family & friends, without spoiling the surprise. Extra little shoppers may shop with parents and older siblings after 12:30PM. The Tender Years Treasury event showcases handmade gifts, all modestly priced at $5 and under. The independent kids shopping experience is held at the Eugene Cannataro Senior Citizens Center.

Menorah Lighting Ceremony: The Town of Smithtown will hold its Annual Menorah Lighting Ceremony on December 26th from 4:30 PM to 5:30 PM at Town Hall. The community based event, is hosted by Supervisor Wehrheim and the Town Board, featuring Rabbi Mendel Teldon of Chabad Mid Suffolk, music, Latkes, Donuts and gelt drop. Additional details to follow.

Photo courtesy of Town of Smithtown
The Town of Smithtown has begun construction on the new Welcome Center at Paul T. Given Park, located across from the iconic bull monument. The transformative project, which was formerly the Oasis Gentlemen’s Club, aims to enhance Paul T. Given Park, creating a unique green space that will serve as an inviting gateway to Smithtown while promoting eco-tourism and community engagement.
“Creating a unique green space at the entryway to Smithtown has been a long-time vision of the Smithtown Administration. We acquired the property in a park swap with Suffolk County and after finally receiving the necessary approvals from the State DEC, we are thrilled to be beginning construction on the Welcome Center. This project will not only restore the historic charm of the area but also help to rebuild the local ecosystem… all while providing a serene refuge for residents and wildlife,” said Town of Smithtown Supervisor Ed Wehrheim.
The building renovations, upon completion, will feature a welcome center on the first floor, providing essential amenities for park visitors, including restrooms, bait shop, food concession, and an office for the local canoe/kayak rental business. The main floor will also feature educational nature exhibits for visitors of all ages, alongside a dedicated area to showcase local tourism. Here, organizations such as the Chamber of Commerce and other community groups can display marketing materials and informational pamphlets to highlight the rich cultural, historic and natural attractions, and special events available in the Township.
The second floor of the new facility will house a multipurpose meeting room, designed to accommodate classes, workshops, and conduct other town business. This versatile space will cater to the needs of the local community while fostering educational and civic engagement opportunities.
In addition to the Welcome Center, plans for Paul T. Given Park include a series of upgrades and eco-friendly initiatives aimed at enhancing both the visitor experience and the park’s natural environment.
Paul T. Given Park renovations to include:
  • Minor renovations and repairs to existing infrastructure.
  • Removal of invasive Japanese knotweed to support native biodiversity.
  • Installation of bioswales to mitigate stormwater runoff and protect the Nissequogue Headwaters.
  • New landscaping and street trees along Main Street (NY 25A) to beautify the area.
  • Development of new trails for hiking and wildlife education/awareness tours.
  • Improved fishing access.
  • Construction of a canoe launch, ADA-accessible pavilion with restrooms, and a raised deck/viewing platform for scenic enjoyment.
  • Creation of a picnic area, playground, and enhanced open spaces for community use.
  • Repairs to the historic steel bridge within the park.
The project has been made possible through a series of strategic decisions, including the purchase of the former Oasis Gentlemen’s Club property in May 2021. This acquisition was designed to expand Paul T. Given Park and protect environmentally sensitive areas along the Nissequogue River Headwaters. The Town Board approved a park swap with Suffolk County, authorizing special legislation to alienate Bill Richards Park in exchange for Paul T. Given Park.
Working closely with the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC), the Town of Smithtown is committed to realizing this vision of a natural sanctuary. Upon its culmination, the new Welcome Center and enhanced Paul T. Given Park will stand as a testament to Smithtown’s dedication to environmental stewardship, community well-being, and sustainable development.

By Peter Sloniewsky

The Smithtown Central School District Board of Education convened Nov. 12 to discuss a range of financial and legal matters, approve community donations and review correspondence submitted by residents.

During the meeting, the board approved financial reports totaling more than $110 million, which included treasurer’s reports, classroom expenses and other districtwide allocations.

The board also accepted a variety of donations aimed at enhancing school resources and community engagement. These included a $1,000 monetary gift from the New York Schools Insurance Reciprocal, a commemorative bench valued at $2,300 from Smithtown East High School’s Class of 2024 and a $2,700 inflatable tunnel donated by Smithtown High School East’s gridiron club. Additionally, the board approved facility-use requests for several organizations, including FIRST Long Island, the Rotary Club of Smithtown and Backyard Pigskins, a youth flag football program.

Adopt Lucky!    

This handsome, black-and-white male, labrador mix at the Smithtown Animal Shelter is approximately four years old. Lucky is a golden nugget of joy in search of his four-leaf clover. Sadly, luck was not on his side when he was abandoned by the people who adopted him due to a change in their living situation. Despite his heartbreak, Lucky remains incredibly sweet, loving, and playful. The dedicated team at the Animal Shelter exclaims that this good boy is the most outgoing, friendly pup who loves meeting new people. To say that Lucky is a social butterfly would be an understatement.

Lucky has so much love to give, is full of energy, and can be adopted to a home with children, and likely other pets. He has a penchant for escape, so this is something that his future family will need to keep in mind. Lucky is an absolute crowd-pleasing delight, who would make a wonderful addition to a household looking for a fun-loving companion.

If you are interested in meeting Lucky, please fill out an application and schedule a date/time to properly interact 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 or visit www.townofsmithtownanimalshelter.com.

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

SMM Advertising Davey Awards Winner 2024

SMM Advertising, a full-service advertising, branding, and lead generation agency in Smithtown, has won three Davey Awards for their website work for Applied Technologies of NY (ATI), a leading manufacturer’s representative in the commercial and industrial boiler industry.

The awards include General-Manufacturing, Silver 2024; Best Home Page, Silver 2024; and Best Visual Appeal — Aesthetic, Gold 2024.

“We’re beyond appreciative of the Davey Awards’ recognition of our work with ATI,” said SMM Managing Director Judy DeBiase. “This large, complex project was a welcome challenge for the agency, and the fact that it has become not only a source of substantial lead generation for ATI, but also an award winner, is very gratifying.”

The website, designed and developed by SMM’s web development team, includes custom and CMS programming, in addition to dynamic product pages. Its launch last year has resulted in better positioning in searches, more user-friendly content, a better experience for ATI’s customer base, and an increase in leads.

The Davey Awards is an international awards program tailored to recognize and honor “small shops” with big ideas and outstanding creative and marketing work. 

From left, Hossam Maksoud, Honoree; Christina Goerler, AHRC Suffolk Foundation Board Member; John McGuigan, CEO, AHRC Suffolk. Photo courtesy of AHRC Suffolk

$255k Raised for Work with Suffolk County Intellectually Disabled Community

More than 365 donors and supporters from AHRC Suffolk gathered to celebrate its annual “Candlelight Ball” at the Stonebridge Golf & Country Club located in Smithtown on October 23. The event raised $255,000 to support AHRC Suffolk programs.

“We are grateful to our supporters, including our community and business partners, to help create opportunities for the people that we support,” said John McGuigan, CEO of AHRC Suffolk.

AHRC Suffolk also honored Hossam Maksoud, CEO and Chairman of Community Care Rx, for his unwavering commitment to making a difference within the nonprofit community.

“I was truly honored to be recognized by AHRC Suffolk which does a terrific job for so many people on Long Island, especially our kids,” said Mr. Maksoud. “I was present for the opening of their new Saul & Elaine Seiff Educare Center playground remodel and at the new People’s Arc Performing Arts Center of Northport. The AHRC Suffolk team does an amazing job and needs our support. Together we can make a difference.”

About AHRC Suffolk

AHRC Suffolk is a not-for-profit organization which provides programs and services to children and adults with intellectual and other developmental disabilities on Long Island. Currently more than 2,500 people receive educational, vocational, residential and employment services through AHRC’s forty-two facilities. Follow AHRC Suffolk on Facebook, , InstagramYouTubeTikTok and LinkedIn.

By Jennifer Donatelli

Goblins and ghosts. Witches and warlocks. They’re all part of a new family-friendly Spooky Woods and Trick O’ Treat event hosted by the Smithtown Historical Society that took place from Oct. 25 through Halloween each night from 5:30 to 8:30 p.m.

For those who dared, hundreds of attendees took a spooktacular walk along the haunted trail while little ones gazed upon Halloween displays and live animals. Along the walk, there were playful skeletons and friendly witches, and kids were able to trick-or-treat safely, all while having fun surprises at each turn.

Priya Kapoor, executive director of the Smithtown Historical Society, said this is the Historical Society’s first year hosting the event. The society cleared out a lot of wooded areas, and recently put in a trail behind their buildings. Kapoor thought it would be the perfect location for the event.

She explained, “The setting was screaming for us to do a Halloween event, so we decided to give it a try to keep the Halloween spookiness alive and bring the community together for a night of family fun.”

Local vendors were plentiful, selling warm drinks and treats, handmade jewelry, candles and food. Children enjoyed two bounce houses, Halloween crafts, face painting, pumpkin picking and live music, all while having a ghoulishly good time.

Ever since she was a little girl, Haley Van Cott, a college student from Stony Brook, has made her own jewelry. She decided to turn her hobby into a business to help offset college costs and now sells her creations at vendor events throughout Long Island.

One new vendor, Kim Mortensen from Nesconset, started selling candles when she became disabled and could no longer work full-time. Believing in repurposing items, she took unused candles in her home, melted them down, bought soy wax and began making her own unique scented candles and fire starters. Mortensen puts her phone number under the cover of each candle and tells customers that when the candle wax is finished burning, they can return the candle to her house and take a new one free of charge.

Visitors also had a chance to get up close and personal with sheep, goats, bunnies and even horses along the trail walk. Diana Schneider, farm manager for the historical society, said she has more than 20 volunteers who help her take care of the many animals on the farm each day. She and her staff also provide educational programs on the farm during the school year.

John and Samantha Capono of Northport came with their children, Matteo, Gianni and Stella, all dressed as Ninja Turtles, and wanted to stay for more candy and fun. He said, “The atmosphere was mysterious but welcoming and was perfect for families to enjoy together.”

Robin Ward said she was babysitting her three grandchildren from Nassau County and decided to bring them to the event to show the kids that Suffolk County is fun.

The Smithtown Historical Society, often called “Smithtown’s hidden gem,” has been serving the community since 1955. The society is committed to the preservation, restoration and interpretation of Long Island’s heritage for the education and enjoyment of the public. For more information, visit smithtownhistorical.org.

By Jennifer Donatelli

Who-o-o do you hear calling from the trees at night? 

If you were one of the visitors who attended “Owl Prowl Sunday” at Sweetbriar Nature Center on Oct. 20, you may have seen and heard from the resident owls that make their home at the preserve. The nighttime event, held from 6-8 p.m. at the center’s Smithtown location, allowed attendees to meet and learn about owls before embarking on a walk into the darkness of the night to call out to some of these nocturnal birds.

Using flashlights to walk Sweetbriar’s grounds, viewers attempted to observe these birds in their natural habitat.

“During this time of year,” Elizabeth Santosus, Chairman of the Board of Sweetbriar Nature Center explained, “owls are looking for their perfect match, and scouting territories to raise their young.”

Santosus further explained how owls share a sort of “love language,” which can be heard through hoots, chuckles and caws, and differs between species of the bird.

Sweetbriar Nature Center is a non-profit organization that encourages responsible decision making, appreciation and respect for the unique wildlife and ecosystems found on Long Island. The Nature Center is situated on 54 acres of varied garden, woodland, field and wetland habitats, along the Nissequogue River. Hundreds of species of plants and animals call this preserve their home.

In addition to this mission, the Steven Goldman Wildlife Rehabilitation Clinic, which operates out of the center, provides quality medical care and rehabilitation for all injured, sick and orphaned wildlife. Its staff and volunteers, who receive hundreds of calls a day about distressed or injured wildlife, treat more than 2,000 animals — including raptors, rabbits and songbirds — a year.

“Everything that we do here is for the benefit of the animals,” explains Sweetbriar Curator and Wildlife Rehabilitation Director Janine Bendicksen.

“Many of the animals that get brought in to us are often at death’s door, sick enough that they allow a human to pick them up,” she continued.

Around 100 of Sweetbriar’s permanent residents are animals that are permanently injured or otherwise unreleasable. A few birds, including a great horned owl named Lily, have been there  over 20 years.

“A lot of people unfortunately don’t know what’s going on in their own backyard, or how to treat nature or wildlife. Sweetbriar does a tremendous service [in educating the public] through their programming, both in person and also through their social media, which has a global following,” said Maureen Calamia, a Sweetbriar board member. 

Whether you want to learn about metamorphosis and butterflies, explore the treasures of the tropical rainforest or examine predator/prey relationships, Sweetbriar Nature Center has a program for it. The center conducts live programs at schools and libraries designed to facilitate student participation through the use of live animals, hands-on activities and interactive experiences. 

With only four dedicated staff members, Sweetbriar relies on the ongoing support of volunteers and donors. There is never a charge to come and visit, but donations are always appreciated.

To learn more about the programs at Sweetbriar, or to sign up for an event, visit www.sweetbriarnc.org

Hoyt Farm Nature Preserve hosted its highly anticipated 19th Annual Halloweekend on Oct. 19 and 20. The beloved event, which has become a cornerstone of the Smithtown community, attracted approximately 2000 residents over the two-day celebration.

As one of the town’s most popular annual events, Halloweekend traditionally sells out without the need for advertising, and this year was no exception.

Families delighted in the array of seasonal activities that transformed the nature preserve into a spooktacular wonderland. From games and prizes to live entertainment, delicious fall fare, and an array of food options, there was no shortage of fun for attendees.

“My grandkids talk about this event all month long beforehand. They don’t want to leave the preserve at the end of the day and neither do I if I’m being completely honest. Jeff Gumin and his amazing team at Hoyt Farm devote months of planning, preparation, building and implementing Halloweekend each year. They put every ounce of heart and soul into treating everyone, like a member of their family. They truly manage to outdo the previous year every year… it’s a real testament to how much they adore caring for the preserve and the guests who visit,” said Smithtown Town Supervisor Ed Wehrheim.

Every year, the dedicated team at Hoyt Farm Nature Preserve creates a magical atmosphere filled with classic Halloween fun. From hayrides and pumpkin picking to spooky games, face painting, crafts, scavenger hunts, and an unforgettable haunted house, the event has something for everyone. Staff members join in the festivities, donning themed costumes to greet children and parents alike, many of whom arrive dressed in their own Halloween best.

The staff at Hoyt Farm prides themselves on making Halloweekend a memorable experience for all who attend. Their mission is simple: to create a festival where adults can feel like kids again, and children can transform into superheroes, mythical creatures, or whatever their imaginations dream up.

The Hoyt Farm Halloweekend is exclusive to Smithtown residents, offering a wide variety of games, crafts, and entertainment that bring the community together each fall.

For more information about Hoyt Farm, please visit them online or call 631-543-7804.

File photo by Raymond Janis

By Lauren Feldman

At its Oct. 17 meeting, the Smithtown Town Board announced the 2025 preliminary town budget.

“I am pleased to present the 2025 tentative budget, which is both balanced and under the tax cap, despite years of inflation, national economic climate and costly unfunded state mandates that are forced upon local municipalities to manage,” said Supervisor Ed Wehrheim (R).

The supervisor said over the last year, the town completed significant upgrades to popular facilities. 

“I am pleased to report that our path will continue forward to complete the total renovation of the Smithtown park system — expanding open-space preservation, tree planting and inventory efforts,” he said.

The town is also making efforts to increase cybersecurity and disability accessibility. 

“We have accomplished all of this despite a 16.6 percent increase to health care insurance, New York State retirement contributions, minimum wage and other state mandates with over $2 million added in operating costs solely for health care insurance for our union employees,” Wehrheim continued. 

“These vital investments have already proven to be a benefit for our community and will continue well into the future.” 

The supervisor thanked his fellow town officers for their tireless work on the budget proposal. 

The budget has been balanced with a focus on quality of life, which includes prioritizing essential services and local infrastructure. 

The budget will result in a $29.60 increase for the average household for the year, which is under the tax cap limit.

An additional $3 million will be bonded for highway repaving and drainage projects. 

Solid waste residential fees will increase by $4 from $540. The increase includes leaf and brush removal.

The supervisor also addressed the state’s minimum wage increase, set to take place in 2025, which will consequently increase the cost of services the town uses. 

Extremely difficult budget

However, no reserve funds were used to balance the budget. “I will add that this was an extremely difficult budget,” Wehrheim said. “It gets more and more difficult every year.”

He said that increases and pressures from the state have contributed to the stress of the budget. While he was proud of the team for coming in with an increase under the tax cap, this may be even more challenging next year.

“I think you will find that getting more difficult for next year, but we’ll see what happens,” the supervisor said. “Perhaps the economy improves. But we did our due diligence, and I think we produced a budget that’s very fair to the Smithtown taxpayer while continuing to provide all the services that we do.”

At the end of the budget presentation, John Savoretti, came forward to say, “As a resident and business owner in Smithtown, I felt it was important for me to come out and thank you for the hard work that you did keeping this [budget] under the cap.”

Wehrheim thanked Savoretti for his kind words. “This was a lot of hard work by our department heads, our Comptroller’s Office and this Town Board. It was not easy to achieve at all, but we strived to achieve it and we made it work.” 

The tentative 2025 budget is posted on the town’s website at www.smithtownny.gov.