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Letters to the Editor: Dec. 12, 2024

by TBR Staff - December 12, 2024

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letters_page-scaled-1-700x467-1-1-2-3-2-1 — Photo by Raymond Janis

Not a rebuttal

Stefanie Werner’s letter, “Missing the Boat: A Rebuttal to the Three Village Start-Time Debate” [Village Times Herald, Nov. 28], raises questions about her understanding of the term “rebuttal.” A rebuttal requires more than simply using dismissive terms like “lackluster,” “inane,” “nonsense,” “so-called,” “half-cocked” and “fantasy.” If Ms. Werner has objective evidence contradicting the extensive, peer-reviewed research supporting the benefits of later school start times, she should present it — perhaps even publish it.

In any case, she seems to have misunderstood a key point: research does clearly demonstrate that even a 30-minute delay in start times yields measurable benefits. So the planned 35-minute shift from 7:05 to 7:40 qualifies. If we fully followed the American Academy of Pediatrics’ recommendation of an 8:30 a.m. or later start, we would likely see even greater positive effects.

What remains open to good-faith debate is whether the proven benefits to students’ health and academic performance outweigh the financial costs — estimated at less than 0.5% of the district’s budget, according to the BOE — and other trade-offs. Perhaps they don’t. But Ms. Werner should address these trade-offs with honesty, presenting accurate data on potential impacts to class sizes, electives and other logistical concerns.

John Hover

East Setauket

New Yorkers need expanded access to creative arts therapy, a vital treatment in mental health care

Mental health issues are not one-size-fits-all and neither should be the design of their treatment. Due to a multitude of unique cultures and life experiences, the availability of a variety of approaches is required to meet the mental health needs of New Yorkers. Take the case of my patient, “Rose.”

Rose survived a horrific automobile accident. Afterward, she struggled with physical pain, anxiety and fear. As a licensed creative arts therapist (LCAT) and music therapist at a Long Island hospital, I worked with Rose to help her cope through her recovery. Rose was additionally impaired by a word retrieval problem caused by her traumatic injury, but she soon discovered she could convey her thoughts and feelings eloquently through the language of music. During individual music therapy sessions, she learned tools to reduce her anxiety and process her emotions. In collaborative sessions with her physical therapist, Rose experienced the priming effect of music and its ability to promote steadiness and motivation. Her explanation of how music therapy integrated the healing of her mind and body was clear: “the music held the pain for me.” And then her music therapy treatment had to stop.

Due to current New York State law, Medicaid insurance would not cover Rose’s therapy with an LCAT once discharged from the hospital. However, a new bill (A9018/S8715) has been presented to Gov. Kathy Hochul (D) that seeks to amend the law, permitting LCATs, like other licensed mental health practitioners, to bill Medicaid directly for mental health services to Medicaid patients.

LCATs are master’s and doctoral-level licensed mental health professionals trained in clinical psychotherapy and a specific arts discipline (music, dance/movement, drama and art therapy). LCATs offer unique, evidence-based techniques to foster healing and recovery. Rooted in the world of images and sound, creative arts therapies tend to be less reliant on verbal interchanges, opening a dimension to self-expression and emotional exploration to those who may have difficulty with talk therapy. Far from one-size-fits-all, these interventions are individualized and tap into the patient’s potential to create, develop and change. Research studies highlight creative arts therapy as a low-risk, high-benefit category of intervention.

In my work, I have seen people, seemingly broken, rise through the ashes of their pain and trauma, empowered by a piece of music that speaks their truth like nothing else could. Whatever the medium, engaging in the creative process in a therapeutic context can be transformative. Rose, and others on Medicaid, should not be deprived of this treatment opportunity. I call upon Gov. Hochul to sign the Medicaid bill and expand access to these life changing therapies.

Ilene “Lee” Berger Morris lives and works on Long Island, and is a board-certified music therapist and licensed creative arts therapist.

Ilene “Lee” B. Morris, MM, LCAT, MT-BC

Neurologic Music Therapist

Member of the American Music Therapy Assoc.

Member of The Academy of Neurologic Music Therapy

In response to “Clarifying Roles: Code Officers don’t need firearms

Mr. Drew Biondo has written a very well composed letter to the Editor advocating that Village Code Officers do not need firearms. He is technically correct. Their primary job is “code enforcement.”

The question I raise is: are Village Constables Parking Meter Readers or are they an aide to the local police? My experience indicates that they are the invaluable eyes and ears for the local police. They are usually the first on the scene when an unfortunate accident or crime occurs.

Yes, they are “Peace Officers”, and I value their role in Belle Terre and especially in Port Jefferson which has many transient visitors.

Now, if you want “Meter Readers” issuing parking tickets, etc., then take away their firearms. Take away their uniforms too. Do you think that an armed criminal differentiates between a Constable or a SCPD Officer? Who is going to apply for your Constabulary positions. Not a retired SCPD Officer when you tell them to leave their personal firearms at home.

We don’t live in Rural Vermont. We have an active and fun community. Let’s keep it that way. I believe we had a shooting on Main Street last year. I was shocked! But this happened in Port Jefferson! Two nights ago in Belle Terre, a car with 3 kids under the age of 23, smashed into a tree on Cliff Road. The car exploded into flames. The Belle Terre Constabulary were on the scene within 2 minutes to pull the kids out of the car to save their lives. The Constables are trained professionals, and they saved 3 lives. They are not Meter Readers and respond more as trained first responders.

The local residents and I have always respected the Port Jefferson Constabulary. In my professional opinion, if it is not broken, why fix it. These constables provide a valuable service to the residents and to the community.

Ted Lucki

Former Belle Terre Mayor

An open letter to Port Jefferson Station/Terryville residents and neighboring communities

The Port Jefferson Station /Terryville Civic Association would like to remind everyone of a very important meeting next week about a significant proposal impacting our community and others like ours nearby. We are hopeful of having as many of our residents and concerned neighbors attend our Civic Association meeting scheduled for Tuesday, December 17, 7 p.m. at the Comsewogue Public Library.

We will hear a presentation from Recall Strategies who represent New Leaf Energy, Inc. New Leaf Energy is a renewable energy developer proposing to build an 8-10 MW Battery Energy Storage System at 1577 NYS Rt. 112 in Port Jefferson Station. This proposed site is nearly adjacent to the Sagamore Hills Condominium Complex on Rt. 112 in Port Jefferson Station and very proximate to Comsewogue High School.

This relatively new technology for an energy center for lithium-ion battery storage has stimulated a lot of discussion and some controversy in our area so it is important that all community members be informed. In turn, we need to ensure our collective voices and views are heard by our elected officials in Brookhaven Town who have the responsibility for overseeing any activity of this nature at that location. We strongly encourage all our Civic members, residents and neighboring friends to attend this meeting. Please pass this meeting’s topic to any of your neighbors, family and friends that live in or near Port Jefferson Station/Terryville.

As I wrote in last week’s issue (see “Community Call to Action,”.Port Times Record, Dec. 5), this is not the only Lithium Battery Storage Facility proposed nearby. Savion Energy is looking to build a 350 MW Lithium Battery Storage Facility in Setauket on the border of Port Jefferson Station, at the Chip-It All site on Sheep Pasture Road. This may be the largest facility proposed on Long Island, The health and safety of the shared resources with our neighbors in the Three Villages and Port Jeff Village should provide the impetus for mutual consideration of the benefits and/or risks associated with this use which seems poised to proliferate throughout the region of our Town. To paraphrase our namesake, Thomas Jefferson, “the best defense of democracy is an informed citizenry.” Let’s stand up for democracy and show up on December 17th to continue together to safeguard the quality of life in our area by participating and staying informed!

Ira Costell, President

Port Jefferson Station/Terryville Civic Association

D. None of the Above: Teeth maintenance doesn’t always work out as planned

by Daniel Dunaief - December 11, 2024

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By Daniel Dunaief

You can’t win.

I don’t have to tell you that. One way or another, in one context or another, you already know.

You see, I floss my teeth religiously. I mean, I don’t do it while praying or to some funky weird sounding music that you might hear in a massage parlor, where they speak in whispers and the room smells like scented candles.

No, my wife and I, and sometimes a good friend or two, will take out floss and work through our teeth. I’m not sure how it became a social activity, but we enjoy it and feel virtuous at the same time.

I’ve become so good at it and it’s become so routine that I know the space, or lack thereof, between my teeth better than I know the back of my hand, which, at the moment is cracking and dry because of the cold air and the dry weather.

I try to suppress a smirk when I go to the dentist and a hygienist tries to work floss between my teeth. I could tell them, like a tooth GPS system, where to go, how hard to push and at what angle.

Sooner or later, they get that piece of floss in between my teeth.

So, now to the you-can’t-win-part. You see, I was flossing my teeth in bed the other day, sitting next to my wife as we navigated back and forth between TV stations, one with a Knicks game and the other with a game show.

Like a concert pianist, I worked the top teeth, gliding along the keys and opening my mouth just enough to get my fingers into position. I use much more floss than my wife, as I wrap rows of floss around my fingers and try not to reuse the same piece between teeth.

After moving to a new section of floss, it was on to the bottom, weaving around the misaligned center of the bottom teeth, which, despite a general straightening thanks to Invisalign from a few years ago, is still unwilling to form a perfect line.

As I got to the bottom left, I gave a tug and, poof! Out came half of a tooth. I thought it might be some larger piece of food that was hiding back there, but, no, the density, size and sharpness on my tongue suggested I shouldn’t swallow it.

“Hey,” I said to my wife, “I just broke a tooth.”

On further review with the piece in my hand, it was clearly a broken tooth.

Flossing, which should be as healthy and helpful as sit ups, stretching or overall general maintenance, shouldn’t be hazardous.

Then again, the previous week, a friend told me he had to have surgery because he brushed his teeth too vigorously. He described how a dentist took a piece of the roof of his mouth and transferred it to his gums. Fortunately, I don’t have the same aggressive brushing technique.

So, the next day, I called my dentist and described the problem. She fit me into her busy schedule.

When she came in the room and asked me to open my mouth, she flinched.

“Yup, that’s going to need a crown,” she offered, trying to keep her voice from reflecting the surprise at the size of the missing piece.

While she was numbing my mouth, a TV next to me was showing a food network competition. That seemed ironic. With a numbed jaw, eating even hours afterwards wasn’t much of an option. Watching people prepare food and hearing critiques of the way the food exploded in their mouths was like driving by a field of magnificent flowers with a bad head cold.

So, now that I’m back from the dentist with a temporary crown and numbness that spreads from my cheek around my lower jaw, I am left to wonder whether flossing is all it’s cracked up to be. Then again, I have had root canal for gum problems. That’s no picnic, either.

Between You and Me: Is there a time when we will never need cash?

by Leah Dunaief - December 11, 2024

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pexels-olly-3831185 — Photo by Andrea Piacquadio/Pexels

By Leah S. Dunaief

A couple of my favorite restaurants will only accept payment in cash or check. My doctors’ offices will only take credit cards. Perhaps the next thing is that we’ll have to pay in beads, like the Europeans for Manhattan Island.

Those who only take credit cards explained to me that they are preventing robberies. They put up signs saying, “No cash” to dissuade potential thieves. And I suppose those who only take cash are refusing to share their revenue with the credit card companies. I can understand that, especially if the profit margin of the business is only a couple of percent.

But the swinging back and forth is taking its toll, especially on older consumers, who tend to use only cash and are hardest hit in a cashless situation.

“A Fight to Preserve the Value of Cash,” was an article in The New York Times by Paula Span this past Tuesday that addressed the subject.

“Some no-cash practices date to contagion fears after the outbreak of Covid; others are intended to discourage robberies,” explains the reporter. “But such policies are a disadvantage to several groups, including low-income people who don’t have bank accounts, people who have accounts but don’t qualify for credit or debit cards, the homeless, undocumented immigrants and older adults,” she goes on to say.

Additionally, anyone can have a problem with electronic payments when it comes to paying, which can cause delay and frustration. Natural weather disasters can disrupt electricity and telecommunication networks that fail immediately disconnect a cashless society. Even international thieves can hack bank accounts on the internet. “With cash, a thief has to be within striking distance.”

Another disadvantage of credit cards is that consumers spend more when they are using them because it delays the “pain of paying” until the bill arrives at the end of the month.

And privacy concerns enter into the picture due to “middlemen facilitating digital transactions-credit card companies, banks, the tech giants behind mobile apps-(…) then sell consumers’ data.”

According to Pew Research, only 79 percent of people over 65 have a smartphone, which is often used in cashless systems, compared with 97 percent of those between 30-49. Those over 55 paid in cash 22 percent of the time last year, compared with 12 percent among younger groups, according to the Federal Reserve, as quoted by The NYT.

And according to a federal survey, 85 percent used the internet for financial services in their 20s and 30s, but the percentage drops as the groups age. For people in their 60s, the number becomes 70 percent, for those in their 70s it is 64 percent, and in their 80s, it’s only about half.

Cash is so simple: no buttons, no passwords, no problems other than the possibility of counterfeit bills.

“Older adults are far more likely than younger ones to lose money to tech support fraud, lottery and sweepstakes swindles, and family impersonations”, according to the Federal Trade Commission and cited in The NYT. Losses to investment and romance cons continue to climb, too.

As a result of an experience I had some years ago, before plastic became so prevalent, I could personally attest to a cashless society working, at least for a few days.

On my way out the door to my limo ride, I forgot my wallet. I realized half way to the airport and confessed to the driver. “No problem,” he said. “I take credit cards Do you have one?” Fortunately I did. I then realized that I would depend solely on that card for all my expenses getting to, and from, and while I was at the convention. It was going to be an interesting experiment, I said to myself.

During those four days, I was able to manage quite well with only the card. The future for payments became clear to me.

Gurwin Adult Day Care Health Program hosts inspiring Art Gala for their program artists

by Press Release - December 10, 2024

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Gurwin Jewish Nursing & Rehabilitation’s Adult Day Care Health Program recently hosted an Art Gala, celebrating the artistic achievements of their program participants. The event showcased their creativity and talents in a stunning display of more than 50 pieces of artwork, ranging from mixed media to pottery and jewelry.

The Program’s main lobby and hallway were transformed into a captivating gallery, featuring acrylic paintings on canvas, watercolors, colored pencil drawings, marker illustrations and an impressive selection of handcrafted pottery and jewelry. Visitors admired the diverse styles and expressions that reflected the enthusiasm and talent of each artist.

In March 2025, selected pieces from Gurwin’s Adult Day Care Health Program’s gala will be showcased in the Commack Public Library’s gallery, bringing this remarkable exhibit to the wider local community.

Significant to the event’s success is art mentor Marcia Tapia, who runs the Love Without Barriers Foundation. For the past two years, Marcia has generously volunteered her time every Thursday morning, guiding Gurwin’s Adult Day Care participants with compassion, patience and exceptional teaching skills. Through her mentorship, participants have gained confidence and refined their artistic techniques, unlocking their creative potential.

The Art Gala also included a heartfelt tribute to one of the program’s most talented artists, Olga Trujillo. Olga’s artwork holds a special place in the program, with one of her pieces featured as the cover of the 2024 Alzheimer’s Disease Resource Center’s Annual Calendar. All of Olga’s works were beautifully displayed at the event, honoring her memory.

“Our art program is one of the many awe-inspiring activities our participants engage in,” said Jeraldine Fedoriw, LMSW, Chief Adult Day Officer at Gurwin. “We’ve had legally blind individuals create stunning artwork, even when they’ve never done any type of art before. Our Art Gala highlighted their pride in showing their work and the appreciation of their families says it all.”

Attendees left inspired by the passion of the artists from the Gurwin Adult Day Care Program.

# # #

About Gurwin Adult Day Care Program:

The Gurwin Adult Day Care Program, located at Gurwin Jewish Nursing & Rehabilitation Center, is part of the Gurwin Healthcare System and offers a compassionate and supportive environment for individuals in need of daytime care. Designed for seniors and adults with chronic illnesses or disabilities, the program focuses on enhancing quality of life through medical supervision, personalized care plans and engaging activities. Participants receive tailored services, including physical therapy, socialization opportunities, and cognitive stimulation from a team of skilled professionals dedicated to meeting both the medical and emotional needs of participants. The award-winning program is located in Commack, NY, and serves the surrounding communities. For more information, please visit www. gurwin.org/adult-day-health or call 631-715-2520.

Dr. Farzad Forohar joins Stony Brook Medicine Physician Network in Smithtown

by Press Release - December 9, 2024

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Farzad Forohar, MD, North Shore Digestive Medicine, SBCM — Farzad Forohar, MD. Photo by Jeanne Neville/Stony Brook Medicine

Farzad Forohar, MD, and his practice, North Shore Digestive Medicine located at 50 Route 111, Suite #302 in Smithtown, have joined Stony Brook Medicine Community Medical Group, Stony Brook Medicine’s expanding network of community practices.

Dr. Forohar is a highly respected, board-certified gastroenterologist with more than 25 years of experience. He has been a dedicated healthcare provider to the Smithtown and surrounding communities, offering compassionate and comprehensive care to his patients.

“We are thrilled that Dr. Forohar has joined Stony Brook Medicine Community Medical Group,” said Dr. Olga Aroniadis, Chief of Gastroenterology and Hepatology at Stony Brook Medicine. “Dr. Forohar’s partnership enables Stony Brook Medicine Gastroenterology to continue to expand its footprint, allowing us to seamlessly service our community and provide exceptional care to our patients.”

Dr. Forohar received his medical degree from the University of Pécs Medical School in Pécs, Hungary. He then completed his internal medicine residency and gastroenterology fellowship at Montefiore Medical Center in Bronx, New York.

Reflecting on his journey, Dr. Forohar shared, “I have had the pleasure of living in and serving this community for the past 25 years. As my practice has grown and evolved, so has Stony Brook University. Becoming what it is today: a world-class hospital system. By joining Stony Brook Medicine, my patients’ needs are best served right here at home.”

Patients who wish to make an appointment with Farzad Forohar, MD, should call 631-724-5300.

Town of Smithtown awarded $200,000 for Emergency Operations Center upgrades

by Press Release - December 7, 2024

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Screenshot — The Town of Smithtown Department of Public Safety employees. Photo courtesy Town of Smithtown

The Town of Smithtown Department of Public Safety has been awarded $200,000 through the Federal Emergency Operations Centers (EOC) Grant Program provided by FEMA to enhance the town’s emergency preparedness. Announced by Gov. Kathy Hochul, the funding will allow Smithtown to upgrade its Emergency Operations Center (EOC) facilities, improving coordination and response during crises.

“Effective communication during a disaster is the cornerstone of emergency management. We’re especially grateful to Gov. Hochul for this funding, which will allow the Town of Smithtown to enhance our local emergency operations facilities, ensuring we are well-equipped to protect our residents and coordinate response efforts during emergencies,” said Supervisor Edward R. Wehrheim (R.)

“I am pleased to see that we have been awarded the grant to update and improve our Emergency Operations Center. With these funds we will reconfigure the EOC, replace antiquated equipment and enhance our interoperability with partner police and fire agencies. This center is staffed 24/7 and our dispatchers will now have all the resources they need at their disposal, greatly enhancing our ability to serve residents not only during disasters but daily, ensuring we operate at the highest capabilities. I’d like to commend Deputy Director Caillat for her work on this project and securing this award,” said the director of public safety, Thomas Lohmann.

The EOC Grant Program supports projects that equip, upgrade and construct emergency operations centers, ensuring municipalities are ready to respond effectively to disasters. These improvements are key to a comprehensive national emergency management system enabling communication and collaboration among emergency organizations across multiple jurisdictions and hazards.

The Town of Smithtown remains steadfast in its commitment to public safety and emergency preparedness. This grant will enhance the town’s ability to respond efficiently to emergencies, supporting a unified approach to disaster management while safeguarding the community.

About the Emergency Operations Centers (EOC) Grant Program

The FEMA EOC Grant Program provides financial assistance to local, state and tribal governments to enhance emergency management capabilities. The program focuses on equipping, upgrading and constructing emergency operations centers to ensure communities are prepared for all-hazard events.

About the Town of Smithtown Emergency Management Unit

The Department of Public Safety serves as the town’s emergency management office and is actively involved in all phases of preparedness for natural and human-made disasters. To plan for disasters, the department coordinates drills with local fire departments, police and other emergency agencies. During actual emergencies, the department integrates activities from its own divisions and local, state and federal agencies. The department also maintains a townwide communications center, which serves as the hub of the Emergency Operations Center (EOC) during emergencies.

Smithtown East boys basketball tramples Ward Melville 77-39

by Bill Landon - December 7, 2024

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By Bill Landon

The Patriots of Ward Melville were no match for the visiting Bulls of Smithtown East in both teams’ season opener Saturday afternoon, where the Bulls broke out early in the opening quarter and never looked back, trampling the Patriots 77-39 in the non-league matchup Nov. 30.

Craig O’Neill, a junior, led the way for Smithtown East with seven field goals and five from the free-throw line for a team high of 19 points. Seniors Nico Skartsiaris netted 11 points, and Tom Fanning added 10.

Ward Melville senior Neelesh Raghurama topped the scoring chart for the Patriots, banking 10 points, and James Coffey, the freshman, notched nine.

Smithtown East retakes the court with another non-league game when they host William Floyd on Dec. 5 at 4 p.m.

— Photos by Bill Landon

Suffolk County D.A.: Central Islip man indicted for attempted murder

by Press Release - December 6, 2024

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Ray Tierney photo (1) — Suffolk County District Attorney Ray Tierney. Photo from Tierney's office

Paul Albinagorta Allegedly Stabbed his Co-Worker Multiple Times

Suffolk County District Attorney Raymond A. Tierney today announced that Paul Albinagorta, 34, of Central Islip, was indicted for Attempted Murder in the Second Degree, for allegedly stabbing his co-worker on the job.

“This defendant allegedly committed a shocking act of workplace violence, attacking an unsuspecting worker from behind during a routine moment of food preparation,” said District Attorney Tierney. “My office will work diligently to ensure that the victim and public are protected from further violence.”

According to the investigation, on November 24, at about 11 a.m., Albinagorta, an employee of Gino’s of Nesconset, allegedly stabbed a co-worker with a hunting knife as the employee was preparing a pizza. Albinagorta allegedly approached the co-worker from behind and without warning stabbed him in his side multiple times. The defendant then allegedly chased the victim and several other co-workers out of the store while threatening them.

Albinagorta was arrested at the scene. Suffolk Police officers recovered the knife allegedly used in the attack along with a sheath for the knife. The victim was transported to Stony Brook University Hospital and underwent emergency surgery for his injuries. An investigation revealed that the night prior to the attack, Albinagorta went to the Walmart in Islandia and purchased the knife allegedly used for the attack.

On December 5, Albinagorta was arraigned on the indictment before Supreme Court Justice Timothy P. Mazzei for the following charges:

 One count of Attempted Murder in the Second Degree, a Class B violent felony;
 One count of Assault in the First Degree, a Class B violent felony;
 One count of Assault in the Second Degree, a Class D violent felony; and
 One count of Menacing in the Second Degree, a Class A misdemeanor.
Justice Mazzei ordered Albinagorta be held on $250,000 cash, $500,000 bond, or $2,500,000 partially secured bond, during the pendency of the case. Albinagorta is due back in court on January 7, 2025, and faces 25 years in prison if convicted on the top count. He is being represented by Ira Weissman, Esq.

This case is being prosecuted by Assistant District Attorney Kieran R. Rogers of the Major Crime Bureau, and the investigation was conducted by Detective Marissa Demeo of the Suffolk County Police Department’s Fourth Squad.

Editorial: Good news, everyone — this week’s paper is full of good news

by TBR Staff - December 6, 2024

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News can be one of the most important and constant aspects of every American’s life. It can permeate our every waking moment, from the televisions in waiting rooms, our phones’ constant push notifications and the reposting of articles all over our social media feeds.

Unfortunately, many Americans are discouraged by the negative news which surrounds us. They feel the polarization of the political parties, constant coverage of crime and oftentimes dark undercurrents that are aspects of the news. Some try to hide from current events for the sake of their own wellbeing. In fact, up to 43% of Americans avoid the news, in some form, according to this year’s Reuters Institute Digital News Report.

That is why we are pleased to share that this week’s newspaper is full of good news — something most people will happily welcome. It is always wonderful to revel in the holiday season and all of its elements, and that is precisely why happy news can be especially satisfying this time of year.

From the honoring of our Suffolk County veterans, to The Steam Room restaurant’s philanthropy this Thanksgiving, to wonderful spectacles of holiday cheer out of Huntington and Port Jeff, our communities have come together to provide each other with bits of joy, in our complicated world.

TBR brings the spirit of community to our readers’ doorsteps every week, and will always share with you the merry, along with the hard-hitting. We are proud of our communities and enjoy showing them off during this complex political climate.

Thank you for your readership and support.

Smithtown holds annual tree lighting ceremony with a visit from Santa, live performances and snowfall

by Press Release - December 5, 2024

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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.

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