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The 9/11 memorial in Hauppauge. File photo by Rita J. Egan

“One of the worst days in American history saw some of the bravest acts in Americans’ history. We’ll always honor the heroes of 9/11. And here at this hallowed place, we pledge that we will never forget their sacrifice.” — Former President George W. Bush

These were the patriotic thoughts of this president who reflected on the heroic services that were demonstrated by Americans during and after the September 11, 2001, attacks on the United States. 

While it has been 20 years since our nation was attacked by the sting of terrorism, Americans have not forgotten this tragic moment. On the North Shore — about 80 miles from Manhattan at its easterly point — there are many memorials that honor the local residents who were killed, the dedication of the rescue workers and the War on Terror veterans who defended this nation at home and abroad for the last two decades.

There has been a tremendous amount of support from the local municipalities, state and local governments, along with school districts to never forget 9/11. People do not have to look far to notice the different types of memorials, landmarks and resting places that represent those harrowing moments and the sacrifices that were made to help others and defend this country. 

Calverton National Cemetery

Driving northwest on Route 25A, it is possible to quickly see the reminders of sacrifice within the Calverton National Cemetery. This sacred ground is one of the largest military burial grounds in America and driving through its roads, there are flags that have been placed for veterans of all conflicts — especially the most recent during the War on Terror. 

One of the most visited sites there is that of Patchogue resident Lt. Michael P. Murphy who was killed in 2005 in Afghanistan, where under intense enemy fire he tried to call in support to rescue his outnumbered four-man SEAL team. 

As the 20th anniversary of 9/11 approaches, local residents can also see his name gracing the front of Patchogue-Medford High School, the post office in Patchogue, the Navy SEAL Museum that is near completion in West Sayville, and a memorial created for him on the east side of Lake Ronkonkoma, where he was a lifeguard.

Shoreham-Wading River—Rocky Point—Sound Beach—Mount Sinai

West of Calverton, at the main entrance of Shoreham-Wading River High School, you will notice a baseball field located between the road and the Kerry P. Hein Army Reserve Center. 

One of this field’s former players, Kevin Williams, was killed on 9/11, where he was a bond salesman for Sandler O’Neill, in the South Tower of the World Trade Center. This 24-year-old young man was a talented athlete who was recognized with MVP honors on the baseball, golf and basketball teams for the high school. 

A foundation has been created in the name of Williams, an avid New York Yankees fan, that has helped provide financial support to baseball and softball players unable to afford attending sports camps. 

Not far from Shoreham, driving westward, motorists will notice the strength, size and beauty of the Rocky Point Fire Department 9/11 memorial. This structure is located on Route 25A, on the west side of the firehouse.

Immediately, people will notice the impressive steel piece that is standing tall in the middle of a fountain, surrounded by a walkway with bricks that have special written messages. In the background, there are names of the people killed during these attacks and plaques that have been created to recognize the services of the rescue workers and all of those people lost.  

Heading west into Rocky Point’s downtown business district, VFW Post 6249 has a 9/11 tribute with steel from lower Manhattan. Less than a half mile away, on Broadway and Route 25A, the Joseph P. Dwyer statue proudly stands high overlooking the activity of the busy corner.  

This veteran’s square remembers the service of PFC Dwyer, who enlisted into the Army directly after this nation was attacked and fought in Iraq. He struggled with post-traumatic stress disorder and this statue supports all veterans who have dealt with these hard psychological and physical conditions. 

A short distance away, the Sound Beach Fire Department also created a special structure on its grounds through a neighborhood feeling of remembrance toward all of those people lost.

Heading west toward Mount Sinai, it is easy to observe a wonderful sense of pride through the Heritage Park by its display of American flags. On the Fourth of July, Veterans Day and Memorial Day, residents see these national and state colors, and this always presents a great deal of patriotism for the people utilizing this park.

Coram—Port Jefferson—St. James 

More south on County Road 83 and North Ocean Avenue, visitors of all ages enjoy the Diamond in the Pines Park in Coram. There, people have the opportunity to visit the 9/11 Memorial Learning Site. This site honors all of the citizens lost from the townships of Brookhaven and Riverhead, the rescue workers and War on Terror veterans.  

For 10 years, the site has helped reflect on this assault on America through the major bronze plaques with historical information, black granite pictures, benches, and statues of a bronze eagle and a rescue dog that helped search for survivors of the attack at the World Trade Center.

Leaving this park and going north into the village of Port Jefferson, people enjoy the beauty of its harbor, its stores, and they see traffic enter via ferry from Connecticut. Through the activity of this bustling area, there is a large bronze eagle that is placed on a high granite platform.  

Perched high, citizens from two different states brought together by the ferry are able to walk by this memorial that helps recognize the lost people of Long Island and the New England state. Driving near the water through Setauket, Stony Brook and into St. James, there is a major 7-ton memorial that highlights a “bowtie section” of steel from the World Trade Center.  

Due to the type of steel on display, there are few memorials that capture the spirit of the St. James Fire Department 9/11 site.

Nesconset—Hauppauge—Smithtown

Traveling south down Lake Avenue toward Gibbs Pond Road and Lake Ronkonkoma, the 9/11 Responders Remembered Memorial Park in Nesconset is located at 316 Smithtown Blvd. This is a vastly different place of remembrance, as it is continually updated with the names of fallen rescue workers who have died since the attacks 20 years ago. 

Taking Townline Road west into Hauppauge toward Veterans Highway and Route 347, you will end up at the Suffolk County government buildings. 

Directly across from Blydenburgh Park in Smithtown, is a major 9/11 memorial created by the county. This memorial has 179 pieces of glass etched with the 178 names of the Suffolk County residents killed on September 11, with one extra panel to honor the volunteers who built the memorial.

As commuters head west to reach the Northern State Parkway, they drive by a major structure that was created to recognize all of those citizens from Huntington to Montauk killed on 9/11 by terrorism. It is just one of many such monuments created by our local townships, fire departments, parks and schools.  

Even after 20 years, our society has not forgotten about the beautiful day that turned out to be one of the most tragic moments in our history.  

Rich Acritelli is a social studies teacher at Rocky Point High School and an adjunct professor of American history at Suffolk County Community College.

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The Town of Smithtown Horizons Counseling & Education Center, in partnership with St. Catherine of Siena Medical Center, will mark International Overdose Awareness Day by holding a free Narcan training event for the community. On Tuesday, August 31st at noon, the Community Action for Social Justice Organization (CASJ) will conduct a free NARCAN® training seminar outdoors under the shaded pool deck at Smithtown Landing Country Club, 495 Landing Avenue, Smithtown.

“This is an invaluable life saving skill for everyone and anyone to learn. Don’t think to yourself, I’ll never need this skill… you simply just never know! Accidental overdoses on prescription drugs can easily happen to an elderly person living alone or to a family member suffering from dementia. Additionally, we’ve been fighting an opioid epidemic for years. The coronavirus pandemic undoubtedly made it more difficult to fight back and get people help. Human beings make mistakes, but they all deserve a second chance… Narcan training is a weapon against this battle… and everyone should arm themselves with this life saving skill.” – Supervisor Ed Wehrheim

St. Catherine of Siena Medical Center and Horizons Counseling & Education Center resource tables will be set up around the training area, filled with invaluable services, information, promotional items and refreshments. Space is limited and on a first come first serve basis. Residents can reserve space by contacting Horizons Counseling & Education Center at (631) 360-7578 via email at [email protected] or register online: (https://events.r20.constantcontact.com/register/eventReg?oeidk=a07eige1kdaaa916e45&oseq=&c=&ch=)  Reservations for training should be made before the end of business on Monday August 30th, 2021.

International Overdose Awareness Day is the world’s largest annual campaign to end overdose, remember without stigma those who have died and acknowledge the grief of the family and friends left behind. It began in 2001, led by Sally J Finn at The Salvation Army in St Kilda, Melbourne. Since then, communities, governments, and organizations work to raise overdose awareness about one of the world’s worst public health crises, and promote action and discussion about evidence-based overdose prevention and drug policy.

About Community Action for Social Justice:

Community Action for Social Justice (CASJ) is a not-for-profit organization that fosters improved health and quality-of-life for Long Islanders impacted by drug use, incarceration, homelessness, and chronic disease through participant-centered services and policy advocacy to reduce  broader social and structural barriers. A vital part of CASJ’s work is their Overdose Prevention Program, which provides free training and naloxone (Narcan) kits, not only at community events, but with individuals and families in the comfort and privacy of their own homes. To learn more visit: https://casj.org/

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Photo from Pixabay

Looking out the window on a sunny day, one might notice a not-so-subtle haziness in the sky. However, that haze isn’t harmless clouds or fog, it’s smoke that’s traveled a far distance across the nation from raging wildfires in California and Canada.

As concerns grow over the impact of these wildfires stretching their way over to the East Coast, Long Islanders are beginning to become uneasy about the repercussions the hazy smoke might have among residents. 

With multiple reports of poor air quality in the past few weeks, people who have vulnerable conditions such as asthma, emphysema, or heart disease need to be wary and avoid going outside or doing strenuous activity. 

“There is something called fine particulate matter, which is very small ash,” said Adrienne Esposito, executive director of Citizens Campaign for the Environment. “The cause of concern is that this is the type of material that causes respiratory ailments. It irritates the throat and respiratory system, but most importantly fine particulate matter can lodge in your lungs and make microscopic perforations, much like asbestos.”

According to Esposito, It is highly likely the ash will also be deposited into Long Island’s estuary and could affect the marine environment. However, it is uncertain exactly how much will accumulate due to the variables of wind speed and the amount of ash that will be pushed toward the Island. 

“The East Coast should absolutely have an increased concern of weather events associated with climate change,” she added. “What we are having right now is an increase of torrential rain, and an increase in intensification of storms which means that hurricanes that might normally be a Category 1 [the lowest] now have the ability to reach 2, 3, or 4.” Esposito said. 

Kevin Reed. Photo from Stony Brook University

Although air pollution issues are nothing new to New York, there are always certain times of the year, particularly in the summertime, that fine particulate matter can get trapped. The question of the future frequency of surrounding wildfires still stands.

While Long Island is experiencing a rainy season, California is currently facing one of the worst droughts in history. Within a two-year period, rain and snow totals in parts of the West have been 50 percent less than average.  

“Just because Long Island is having a really wet season right now doesn’t mean it couldn’t shift later this year,” said Kevin Reed, a Stony Brook University School of Marine and Atmospheric Sciences researcher. 

According to Reed, the winds that blow from out West don’t always streamline toward the East Coast. Direction in wind patterns could cause the air flow to “wobble,” so it is uncertain whether or not Long Island may face more smoke pollution in the future. 

“Drought is certainly becoming more severe, potentially longer lasting, and at a larger extent, which means larger parts of land will be susceptible to wildfire,” Reed said.

Adding that wildfires are typically a natural occurrence and benefits land by replenishing it, Reed said the extent of the current wildfires is most likely a result of climate change and has potential to harm people and the environment.

“Air pollution could really affect our human health, especially to certain groups that are more susceptible to issues with air quality,” he said. “Even if it’s here for one day it could have an impact and of course the impact is going to be multiplied if it’s a longer-term event.” 

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TD Bank in St. James was robbed on Sunday, Aug. 8. Photo by Rita J. Egan

Shortly after noon on Sunday, Smithtown Public Safety notified residents through its Twitter account and app that the TD Bank on Lake Avenue in St. James was robbed. The bank is open on Sundays from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m.

According to the social media post, multiple Suffolk County Police Department units were on the scene.

Residents were asked to avoid the area and to report anyone suspicious in the area.

According to SCPD, a man entered the bank at 12:07 p.m. and allegedly displayed a note demanding cash. The teller complied with the man’s demands and gave him cash from the drawer. The man fled the bank on foot.

The man was described as white, in his mid to late 20s, and approximately 5 feet 10 inches tall. He was wearing a blue jacket, tan shorts, white sneakers and a blue cloth mask.

No arrests have been made.

Detectives are asking anyone with information on this robbery to call the Major Case Unit at 631-852-6553 or anonymously to Crime Stoppers at 800-220-TIPS (8477). All calls will be kept confidential.

Post will be updated when more information is made available.

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Photo from Town of Smithtown

Town Supervisor Ed Wehrheim was joined by Town Clerk Vincent Puleo and Councilman Tom Lohmann on Thursday, to hand deliver a check to Pat Westlake at the Smithtown Food Pantry. The check for over $1600 was the result of a Battle of the Towns fundraiser organized by the Recreation Department back in March. Town employees and members of the public used the Kilter App in a 30 day fitness challenge against the Town of Riverhead. The proceeds from the event went to a cause of each Town’s choosing. The Town of Smithtown chose to donate proceeds to the Smithtown Food Pantry.

“I want to thank the Recreation Department, under the leadership of Tom McCaffery, for their unique team building and health conscious idea which not only got us in shape for the Summer, but did some genuine good in the community. This was a fantastic effort made by many Town employees and residents alike. I’m pleased to say that the money we raised for the Food Pantry will go towards major improvements which Pat Westlake has planned for this year,: said Supervisor Ed Wehrheim. “On a side note, I’d also like to commend Pat Westlake for her saintly efforts during the pandemic. Despite enormous heartbreak and the challenges which the pandemic caused for the food pantry, she made sure that families in need did not go without. Westlake went above and beyond during the holidays, and I commend her latest efforts to rebuild a better Food Pantry.”

The Kilter 30-day virtual fitness fundraising event was a competition between the Town of Riverhead and Town of Smithtown, New York. Town employees and Smithtown community members who registered for the event logged daily fitness routines from March 21st through April 19th, 2021. Healthy activities such as running, spinning, swimming, meditating, and even social activities like volunteering and advocacy were logged virtually, using the Kilter Fitness App each day. Points are earned every day for both personal and team scores. The Kilter Fitness App can be used for fundraising events like this or for personal health goals.

Due to NYS restrictions, residents mailed monetary donations and gift cards to Smithtown Emergency Food Pantry (Post Office Box 1663, Smithtown, NY 11787) in lieu of dropping off supplies and goods, during the pandemic. Under the leadership of Pat Westlake, the Food Pantry was able to deliver hundreds of grocery store gift cards on a regular basis to local families in need, giving them the independence of food shopping on their own. Westlake plans to keep this popular method alive by creating a shopping experience at the Food Pantry. Enspire Design Group (St. James, NY) Principal Architect & Founder Michael Morbillo has begun design plans to take the Smithtown Food Pantry into a phenomenal new era.

Community members who wish to help contribute to the renovations or donate to families in need can do so by mailing checks to Smithtown Food Pantry, 90 Edgewater Avenue, Smithtown, NY 11787 or via Post Office Box at PO Box 1663, Smithtown, NY 11787. For more information visit SmithtownFoodPantry.org.

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Town Supervisor Ed Wehrheim, left, county Legislator Rob Trotta, second from left, and state Sen. Jim Gaughran, right back row, remembered the tragic loss of four young women with their parents Nancy Dimonte, Paul and Suzanne Schulman, Carol Belli, Mindy and Howie Grabina, Steven and Felicia Baruch and Susan Arundel. The group met at Smithtown High School West where a sign is dedicated to their daughters. Photo from Town of Smithtown

On Saturday, July 17, Town of Smithtown Supervisor Ed Wehrheim joined state Sen. Jim Gaughran (D-Northport), and Suffolk County Legislator Rob Trotta (R-Fort Salonga) to present the families of the Cutchogue limo crash victims with signed copies of the New York State legislation improving road safety.

Gaughran presented the families with the New York State bills, which they devoted years advocating for, improving limo and bus safety. The following day marked six years since the community was devastated by the limo crash that critically injured Olga Lipets, Melissa Crai, Alicia Arundel and Joelle DiMonte and tragically killed four Smithtown young women, Lauren Baruch, Amy Grabina, Brittany Schulman and Stephanie Belli.

“I’d like to give a special thanks to Senator Gaughran who made it a point to hand deliver the signed legislation, which he also co-sponsored,” Wehrheim said. “I’d especially like to acknowledge all eight families who led a massive five-year effort to reform limo safety laws. Truth be told, all of New York has these eight remarkable families to thank for making our roads safer. They became the voice for their daughters and their friends, they sought out the Schoharie [limo crash] families after that horrific day to offer comfort and support. They turned grief, heartbreak and frustration into a life saving effort that will benefit countless generations. It’s been an honor to advocate for limo safety by your sides. While these small victories can never replace the lives of our four angels … I can give my word to each of you … this administration will always honor their memory. Lauren, Amy, Brittany and Stephanie will never be forgotten.”

The two bills that were presented to the families on Saturday make it illegal for limousines to make U-turns and the second requires limousines to use commercial GPS devices. Additional legislation that had previously passed includes seatbelt requirements which requires motor vehicles converted into stretch limousines (on or after January 1, 2021) to have at least two safety belts for the front seat and at least one safety belt in the rear for each passenger the vehicle was designed to hold. Additionally, the legislation requires all stretch limousines to be retrofitted to include seatbelts by January 1, 2023. The New Commercial Driver’s License Requirements for Limousine Drivers bill requires individuals operating limousines carrying nine or more passengers, (including the driver) to have a passenger endorsed commercial driver’s license.

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Photo from Town of Smithtown

Fourth of July weekend is one of the busiest times of the year for Animal Shelters and animal hospitals across the country. Fireworks cause severe stress and fear in animals, which can result in domestic animals running loose from the home. Given the increase in fireworks expected over the Independence Day holiday weekend, the Town of Smithtown has compiled a list of tips and information that can help you protect your pets during this time of year.

If your pet tends to be scared or hides during thunderstorms, it is likely fireworks also terrify them. Dogs with hypersensitive hearing or muscle injuries/inflammation can also feel pain due to fireworks. When animals are scared or in pain, they seek safe shelter away from the source. There are a number of things you can do to alleviate the stress of fireworks.

  • Plan to keep your pets indoors away from windows when fireworks are going off.  Do not bring your dog out to watch the colorful display in the sky. Do not leave dogs tethered to leashes outdoors.

  • Create hiding spaces for cats and dogs a few days prior to festivities.

  • Check your dog’s harness or collar, which should be tightly fastened and equipped with identification tags. In the event your dog gets out of the home, identification tags will make it easier to reach you, if the dog is found.

  • If your pet needs anti-anxiety medications to cope, be sure to work with your Vet to ensure you have an ample supply for the duration of the long weekend. Contact your veterinarian well ahead of the holiday.

  • If your pets have been microchipped, take time before the holiday weekend to check that the chip is active and all information is current. Contact your vet if you cannot find your pet’s microchip information.

  • Check for holes underneath yard fencing which a dog or cat can use to escape from the noise. Secure your windows and doors. Additionally, you can close window curtains and use household items like fans, air-conditioning units, televisions, and radios to assist in drowning out the sounds.

  • Always contact your Vet for advice or recommendations prior to trying calming aids or products.

  • Prior to the evening hours, if the weather permits, try to get your dog out for some rigorous exercise which will tire them out and lower stress levels.

New York State Law:

  • Fireworks, with the exception of “sparkling devices” are illegal in the State of New York.

  • New York State Law allows for the sale and use of a specific category of consumer fireworks known as Sparkling Devices. (Ground based or handheld devices that produce a shower of colored sparks and or a colored flame, audible crackling or whistling noise and smoke.)

  • The sale of illegal fireworks (roman candles, bottle rockets, mines, pyrotechnics, etc.) is a Class “B” misdemeanor. Possession of these illegal fireworks is a violation.

For more information regarding Fireworks and NYS law visit: http://www.dhses.ny.gov/ofpc/news/sparklingdevices.cfm

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Photo from Pixabay

The Town of Smithtown Administration and the Recreation Department kicked off its annual Summer Concert Season at Long Beach and Hoyt Farm over the weekend. On Friday nights, residents can enjoy live music at Long Beach in Nissequogue beginning at 7 p.m. On Sundays, residents can head over to Hoyt Farm in Commack for another fantastic evening of music starting at 7 Pp.m. The Summer concert series features a vast selection of musical genres from doo wop and classic rock, to billboard hits from some of the best tribute bands on the Island.

“We’re so grateful and thrilled to present this year’s Summer concert series at Hoyt Farm and Long Beach. These concerts are so much more than just a fun night out. They are a celebration; representing all that is unique within our great community and all we have to be thankful for. So mark your calendars, load up the car with beach chairs, and a blanket, bring the whole family down and enjoy the festivities this Summer.” – Supervisor Ed Wehrheim

The Town sponsored concerts are free for Smithtown Residents. A Town parking sticker or proof of residency is required upon entering Long Beach and Hoyt Farm.

Concert schedules are as follows:

Long Beach: Fridays at 7 p.m.

Friday, June 25th-          Cold Spring Harbor Band (Billy Joel Tribute)

Friday, July 2nd-            Ed Travers Band (Jimmy Buffet Tribute)

Friday, July 9th-             Guilty Pleasures (80’s Band)

Friday, July 16th-           Endless Summer (Beach Boys Tribute)

Friday, July 23rd-           The Dedications (50’s, 60’s)

Friday, August 6th-         Let It Bleed (Rolling Stones Tribute)

Friday, August 13th-       Drop the 4 (Funk, R & B)

Friday, August 20th-       Naked Truth

Friday, September 3rd-  Allmost Brothers (Allman Brothers Tribute)

RAIN DATE (Long Beach): Friday, July 30th

 

Hoyt Farm: Sundays at 7 p.m. (Kids Day: July 18 from 3 to 7 p.m.)

Sunday, June 27th-         Southbound (Country Night)

Sunday, July 11th-           Brothers & Friends (Marshall Tucker Tribute)

Sunday, July 18th-           Kids Day (3:00-7:00PM) *Raindate- Sunday, August 29th

Sunday, July 25th-           The Dedications (50’s/60’s)

Sunday, August 1st-         Radio Flashback (70’s/80’s)

Sunday, August 8th-         Kerry Kearney Band (Blues)

Sunday, August 15th-       Foreign Journey (featuring C. Maroulis)

Sunday, August 22nd-      That 70’s Band (70’s)

Hoyt Concert Raindates: September 5th & 12th

*Concerts are open to Smithtown residents on a first-come, first-served basis. If either venue reaches capacity, an alert will go out on the official Town of Smithtown Mobile App. (Residents are encouraged to download the app which is free on Google Play and the Apple App Store.) Smithtown residency is verified upon admission to the townparks.

A Gentle Reminder:

As we return to a sense of normalcy, residents are reminded to please remain vigilant and stay home if you are feeling sick. Always remember to follow appropriate respiratory hygiene and cough etiquette.

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File photo

Analysis of surface water samples performed by SUNY Stony Brook has confirmed the presence of new cyanobacteria blooms, more commonly known as blue–green algae, in in Old Town Pond in Southampton, Mill Pond in Water Mill, Artist Lake in Middle Island, New Mill Pond (also known as Blydenburgh Lake) in Smithtown.

Due to these findings, health officials ask residents not to use or swim or wade in these waters and to keep their children and pets away from the area.

Though blue-green algae are naturally present in lakes and streams in low numbers, they can become abundant, forming blooms in shades of green, blue-green, yellow, brown or red. They may produce floating scums on the surface of the water or may cause the water to take on paint-like appearance.

Contact with waters that appear scummy or discolored should be avoided. If contact does occur, rinse off with clean water immediately.  Seek medical attention if any of the following symptoms occur after contact: nausea, vomiting or diarrhea; skin, eye or throat irritation, allergic reactions or breathing difficulties.

To view a map all affected fresh waterbodies in New York State, or to report a suspected blue-green algae bloom to the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (NYSDEC) at a body of water that does not contain a Suffolk County permitted bathing beach please use:  NYHABS.

Any questions should be emailed to [email protected].

To report a suspected blue-green algae bloom at a body of water that does contain a Suffolk County-permitted bathing beach, contact the Suffolk County Department of Health Services’ Office of Ecology at 631-852-5760 between 8:30 a.m. and 4:30 p.m. or by email at any time at [email protected]

For additional information about blue-green algae, as well as other harmful algal blooms, visit the following websites:

https://www.suffolkcountyny.gov/Departments/Health-Services/Environmental-Quality/Ecology/Harmful-Algal-Blooms

https://www.health.ny.gov/environmental/water/drinking/bluegreenalgae/

https://www.dec.ny.gov/chemical/77118.html

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Photo from Town of Smithtown

The Town of Smithtown Senior Center has announced the full reopening of the Eugene Cannataro Senior Citizens Center. In person programming began last month, with the partial reopening focused on center clubs and activities. Rigorous cleaning and safety precautions were also implemented to ensure the health and wellbeing of the membership. The Senior Center will begin full scale operations, including meal services, on Monday, June 28.

“It is an honor to officially welcome back our residents to the Eugene Cannataro Senior Citizens Center. This could not be possible without Laura Greif, and the dedicated, compassionate team at the Senior Center… Registration is on the rise, with 22 new members signed up just this week. People are eager to safely socialize and gather again. I am truly grateful for this day and look forward to seeing many smiling faces enjoying all the center has to offer,” said Supervisor Ed Wehrheim.

A welcome back Karaoke party is scheduled for June 30. Additionally, the annual July 4th celebration is set for Friday, July 2. Senior Center Program favorites including Zumba, quilting, gardening and strength training are all featured on the monthly calendar. Clubs have also begun to conduct their bi-weekly meetings. The Senior Center staff is currently in the process of planning outings and trips for the membership to take advantage of. Coffee & bagels and Lunch services will be offered effective June 28th. The pool room is currently open.

In March of 2020, the Eugene Cannataro Senior Citizens Center was required, under New York State Executive Order, to close its doors to the public, at the start of the Coronavirus Pandemic. Supervisor Wehrheim worked closely with Senior Center Director Laura Greif and her team to arrange for weekly meal delivery for those residents who relied on the meal programs. Under Greif’s leadership, the Senior Center staff worked diligently to set up a number of services and programs to assist the most vulnerable of Smithtown’s population as each resident was forced to shelter in place.

Harris Friedman and the Transportation Unit worked to drive senior residents to grocery stores, and doctor appointments/wellbeing visits. Patty Bornhoft maintained the edible garden last summer, and delivered the weekly harvest of vegetables, fruit and herbs to the Garden Club members. In addition to checking in on the membership, regularly, Victoria Rice made over 400 face masks for distribution. Home Repair crews focused on facilitating outdoor projects, and minor exterior home maintenance.

Senior Center Director Laura Greif began daily ZOOM meetings to connect with the membership on a more personal basis. Then in January of 2021, a massive coordinated effort between the Supervisor’s Office, NY State, St. Catherine of Siena Medical Center and the Senior Center began in order to arrange vaccine appointments for Senior Citizens in the Community. In Spring, the Town of Smithtown conducted two vaccine sites; in Kings Park and at the Senior Center in Smithtown, successfully vaccinating close to 600 residents.

Eugene Cannataro Senior Center hours are Monday through Friday 8:30 am – 4:00 pm through July 1st. Summer Hours (July 1st – August 31) are Monday through Friday from 8:30 am to 3:30 pm.

Eugene Cannataro Senior Center is located at 420 Middle Country Road in Smithtown.

 

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