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Smithtown Town Supervisor Ed Wehrheim

Never Forget: Town of Smithtown and chamber host 9/11 memorial service

by Raymond Janis - September 15, 2023

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By Raymond Janis

The Town of Smithtown in conjunction with the Smithtown Chamber of Commerce conducted the annual 9/11 memorial service Monday afternoon at 4 p.m., Sept. 11, honoring the lives lost and the sacrifices made during the terrorist attacks on the World Trade Center.

Town Supervisor Ed Wehrheim (R) presided over the service, which was well attended by members of the Town Board, New York State officials, the clergy, U.S. service members, local business leaders and residents.

Wehrheim said the annual ceremony fulfills “a promise made 22 years ago” to honor the victims, keeping their memories alive within the community.

“We pay respects to our friends and neighbors and grieve their loss together,” he said. “But we also reclaim a spirit of unity, faith and resilience that served us as a light of hope through our darkest of hours.”

The service included a name-reading ceremony of the 53 Smithtown residents who were killed during the attacks, ending with attendees placing roses upon the 9/11 memorial fountain.

Town of Smithtown dedicates Lanieri Park to Kings Park community

by Press Release - September 9, 2023

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Local officials, community leaders, and a packed park filled with Lanieri family members and neighbors came together over Labor Day weekend to dedicate the playground & park at the former site of St Anthony’s School (aka San Remo Park & Playground) in memory of “John John” Lanieri. On Saturday, September 2nd, 2023 Supervisor Ed Wehrheim led the dedication ceremony together with Anthony Lanieri, with support from fellow local officials, members of the Parks Department & Public Safety. Approximately fifty members of the Lanieri family, the Vita family, and neighbors of the Kings Park community cut a ribbon commemorating the dedication in front of the new park sign.

“Kings Park is a special place to call home. We’re a very proud community, with a true appreciation for our history and giving back to our hometown. The Lanieri family embodies these roots. Throughout all five generations, many have worked in public service, at the former hospital, or right here in local government. They’ve served our Country, volunteered as first responders, and contributed to the enrichment of our future generations. That tradition of service is at the very core of what makes this community so special. It’s a privilege to commemorate this special occasion here today… which I hope and believe will inspire future generations to follow in your footsteps.,” said Supervisor Ed Wehrheim.

The Lanieri Family has a long history in the hamlet of Kings Park, with almost a century, and five generations of calling the Township of Smithtown home. In 1980, John Lanieri, fondly remembered as “John John,” was struck and tragically killed by a drunk driver at the tender age of fifteen, in front of the old St. Anthony’s School. Years later, an attempt to rename the street “John’s Way” was never brought to fruition, when the old St. Anthony School was torn down, and eventually constructed into a residential development. The request to rededicate the park where John and his siblings grew up playing was formalized by Anthony Lanieri earlier this year. In the request, Lanieri referenced his family members who had passed away before their time and how he dreamed of a place where the youngest generation; his first grandson, would come to play and learn all about his legacy.

“It’s a great tribute to all of the Lanieri generations, past, present and future, for this to be happening today. Obviously we wouldn’t all be here today if not for my brother John. And I think he’s with us today, together with my son, and my father, smiling in celebration on this gorgeous sunny day,” added Anthony Lanieri.

Arrangements and logistics to facilitate the park rededication were orchestrated by Mitch Crowley, Director of Traffic Safety, Joe Arico, Director of Parks, Buildings & Grounds, Tom Heester, Assistant Town Park Maintenance Director, and Michael Grosskopf, Project Manager.

Softball championship tournament kicks off in Smithtown

by Steven Zaitz - July 19, 2023

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Home team 12U Bulls lose in semifinals, but event filled with joy and excitement

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By Steve Zaitz

[email protected]

Smithtown became the epicenter of New York softball last Thursday, July 13, as teams from all over the Empire State descended upon the hamlet to fight for the state title — with the winner earning a trip to the Little League World Series East Region tournament.

For the 12 and Under home team Bulls, it was not to be.

St. James-Smithtown was knocked out in the semifinals by the Mid-Island All Stars from Staten Island and their phenomenal pitcher Gianna DiMaso, who tossed a complete game shutout. The Bulls had won four games over the course of the weekend to make it to the final four, but DiMaso was just too tough, allowing only four Bull base runners in six innings.

Bulls Pitcher Isabella Russo, who led this same group of girls to the 11U championship in 2022, finished the tournament with a 3-0 record on the mound and pitched four scoreless innings against Staten Island in the semis. But single runs in the first two innings against Smithtown starter Julia Roman was two too many against the dominating DiMaso.

Despite the setback for the Smithtown side, the tournament has been a tremendous and entertaining success for everyone involved. It kicked off last Thursday with a festive celebration at Gaynor Park in St. James.

Town Supervisor Edward Wehrheim (R) and town Councilman Tom Lohmann (R) threw out nearly simultaneous first pitches. League President Richard Tomitz with fellow league board member Peter Russo, both of whom coach and have daughters on the 12U team, warmly welcomed the players and their families to Smithtown.

Caravans of SUVs and minivans made the trek all the way from places like Orchard Park near Buffalo, Saugerties in Ulster County, also Fayetteville-Manlius and Chittenango, both suburbs of Syracuse. The visitors spent the better part of a week here. Harrison Little League in Westchester, and the eventual champion Massapequa who beat Staten Island in the final game, also participated.

Tomitz, Russo and other league organizers made sure all the players and their families were entertained even when there weren’t any games on the schedule. Saturday night featured a skills competition at Veterans Memorial Park in St. James. Players from all teams were invited to show off their speed, throwing accuracy and, of course, home run hitting prowess. Lefty sluggers Brooke Hanson and Isabella Russo of Smithtown took first and second place in the home run contest.

Skills Night was a jovial affair with the elder Russo keeping the crowd peppy as master of the microphone. Players from different teams shared laughter and selfies until it was time for Movie Night on the Lawn. The feature presentation had to be the 1992 film “A League of Their Own.”

Last Sunday’s atrocious weather wreaked havoc on the scheduled slate of games, and on Monday and Tuesday, eleven games were played in less than 24 hours.

As Staten Island was beating St. James-Smithtown, Massapequa International was crushing Fayetteville-Manlius, 15-0. A high noon, winner-take-all showdown saw Massapequa score a walk-off 2-1 win and punch their ticket to the regionals, to be played in Bristol, Connecticut.

Teachers Federal Credit Union opens new location in Smithtown

by Press Release - May 19, 2023

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Teachers Federal Credit Union held a ribbon cutting ceremony at its new Smithtown location at 47 Route 111 in Smithtown on May 3. Credit union executives and its members, representatives from the Greater Smithtown Chamber of Commerce and the St. James Chamber of Commerce, as well as government officials attended the grand opening.

Founded more than 70 years ago, it has over 440,000 members across the country. At the opening, they presented a donation of $5,000 to Beacon House, which provides homes and services for veterans.

“I wish the members of Teachers the best of luck in their new location and appreciate all that they do for the community. They are a real asset for the town,” said Suffolk County Legislator Rob Trotta.

Pictured at the ribbon cutting from left are: Smithtown Town Supervisor Ed Wehrheim; Smithtown Councilman Tom Lohmann; Teachers Chairman Timothy M. Southerton; Teachers President & CEO Brad C. Calhoun; Suffolk County Legislator Rob Trotta; and Suffolk County Clerk Vincent Puelo.

‘Stuff-A-Truck’ Food Drive heads to Smithtown Town Hall May 1

by Press Release - April 29, 2022

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Smithtown_Town_Hall1_Shapirow — File photo

The Town of Smithtown Youth Bureau, in partnership with the Town of Smithtown Parks Department and Public Safety Department, is hosting a Long Island Cares Harry Chapin Regional Food Bank Stuff-A-Truck event to make a difference in the lives of those who are less fortunate. The event will be held on Sunday, May 1st, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at Smithtown Town Hall, located at 99 W Main Street in Smithtown.

“Our Town Youth Bureau, along with a great group of community-minded young people, is inviting local participants to ‘Celebrate the Joy of Giving” with them. Time after time, our young people show us all how much can be accomplished with just a little compassion and thoughtfulness,” said Supervisor Ed Wehrheim.

All residents are invited to ‘Shop & Drop’ individually, as a family, or with their group. Students have the opportunity to earn community service credit for participating. To earn two hours of community service credit, students should gather and donate at least ten different items from the suggested items list. To earn three hours of community service, students should gather and donate at least thirteen different items from the most needed items list and submit an 8 ½” x 11” card or poster which expresses the theme of “The Joy of Giving,” along with their donation. Students can choose either of these options to earn a Town Certificate of Community Service. A maximum of three hours can be earned.

It is requested that you donate products that are in boxes, cans, or plastic bottles, and do not require refrigeration. To promote healthy eating, we ask for items that are low in sugar/sodium and free of high fructose corn syrup. No glass jars will be accepted. The most needed items right now include: low-fat & non-refrigerated milk; rice; canned vegetables (low or no salt); olive oil (no glass jar); cereal/oatmeal; canned fruits (low or no sugar); tomato sauce (no glass jar); canned meat/poultry/ham/fish; peanut butter; jelly/jam/spreadable fruit; tissues; toilet paper; and canned meals (ravioli, etc.).

Town of Smithtown Youth Bureau staff, as well as Town Youth Advisory Board and student Volunteer Corps members, will be on hand to run this drive-through food donation event and make this an effortless and fun experience for participants.

For further information, contact the Town of Smithtown Youth Bureau at [email protected]. Visit the Youth Bureau website for more information about their other supportive programs and services for students and families at www.smithtownny.gov/youthbureau.

Town of Smithtown distributes at-home Covid tests

by Press Release - February 14, 2022

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The Town of Smithtown successfully distributed over 2000 at-home Covid test kits to the most vulnerable population within the township. On Wednesday, Feb. 9, Town staff picked up 2,552 test kits from Suffolk County at the Department of Fire, Rescue and Emergency Services. On Thursday, Feb. 10, Smithtown Officials delivered approximately 2000 tests to seniors and at-risk individuals within the community, and at the Senior Center. On Monday morning, Feb. 14, the Department of Public Safety orchestrated a distribution event, where residents could collect their at-home tests outside of the Maple Avenue building.

“I’m extremely grateful to our partners in government at Suffolk County for arranging the much needed supply to be distributed to our residents, especially those who need it most. Our community members who are retired or living on a fixed income have certainly felt the cost of inflation, and this pandemic, in ways that have severely reduced quality of life. No one should have to sacrifice nutrition or grocery budgets to purchase PPE like face masks and covid tests. We owe it to our most vulnerable to provide the resources necessary to keep everyone healthy. While I hope the latest wave of the omicron variant was the last peak of Covid-19; these test kits will go a long way towards keeping people safe while cases are on the decline,” said Supervisor Ed Wehrheim.

The At-Home Covid-19 Antigen test kit (made in the USA) which includes two tests per box, were delivered to senior living communities throughout the township, at the Senior Center and at Public Safety. Supervisor Wehrheim’s office worked alongside Legislators Kennedy and Trotta to ensure locations were not replicated with the Legislators drop off locations and distribution events, to maximize the reach. When supplies ran out late on Monday morning at Public Safety, Legislator Robert Trotta generously allotted additional kits for the remaining residents.

Suffolk County will continue to work with the Town of Smithtown to provide additional Covid-19 related resources & PPE supplies for anyone in need. Residents who may be homebound, or are unable to obtain at-home test kits may email the Supervisors office at [email protected] with requests. For additional information on future at-home test kit distribution events within the township, residents can download the Town of Smithtown Mobile App, available for free on Google Play and the App Store.

Did You Know?

Residential households in the U.S. can order one set of four (4) free at-home tests through the US Postal Service. You can obtain a free at-home test kit by visiting covidtests.gov or by calling 1-800-232-0233 (TTY 1-888-720-7489).

SB Athletico & Middle Country Soccer Club honored for delivering Thanksgiving meals to local Veterans

by Press Release - December 1, 2021

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0-3 — Local Soccer youth pose with Town Clerk Vincent Puloe, Town Councilman Tom Lohmann, Town Councilwoman Lisa Inzerillo, Coach James Malone, League Sponsor Robert Draper, Supervisor Ed Wehrheim, Coach Dave Phaff and Executive Board-Registrar Tracy Bordanaro.

On Nov. 20, Town officials hand delivered two proclamations to SB Athletico and Middle Country Soccer Club for their efforts in fundraising and donating approximately 350 Thanksgiving meals to Veterans at the Northport VA. The soccer leagues raised funds to purchase and deliver 350 cornish hens and holiday staples, which they delivered to the Northport VA on Nov. 23. Each dinner included a family photo and a letter, written by the soccer players to a veteran thanking them for their service to the county.

Town Clerk Vincent Puloe, Town Councilman Tom Lohmann, Town Councilwoman Lisa Inzerillo, Coach James Malone, League Sponsor Robert Draper, Supervisor Ed Wehrheim, Coach Dave Phaff and Executive Board-Registrar Tracy Bordanaro.

“I was humbled to learn that our local youth devoted their downtime to proactively fundraise and deliver Thanksgiving feasts to the brave men and women who swore to protect our great Nation. I want to commend the coaches, league leadership and parents as well. Teaching our youth to honor, respect and care for our Veterans is more than philanthropic. It is character building, and speaks volumes about the integrity and commitment which these young people exhibit in leading by example,” said Supervisor Ed Wehrheim.

Supervisor Wehrheim along with Town Councilwoman Lisa Inzerillo, Town Councilman Tom Lohmann and Town Clerk Vincent Puleo, surprised soccer players, parents and coaches during a Saturday morning practice, presenting the two leagues with the proclamations. The Thanksgiving fundraiser was orchestrated and managed by the league sponsor; Robert Draper of Draper Asset Management, Coach James Malone, Coach Dave Phaff and Executive Board-Registrar Tracy Bordanaro. Peter Kinzie of Mercep Brothers in St James volunteered to both contribute and assist the leagues with purchasing the goods at cost, to help maximize the number of meals delivered.

During the peak of the COVID-19 Pandemic, the soccer players at SB Athletico were deeply involved in giving back to hospitals, nursing homes and healthcare facilities in the area. In between online soccer training, the families of SB Athletico actively fundraised and collected monetary donations. They then purchased supplies from struggling small businesses, cooked and delivered family style meals to hospitals, and nursing homes. The leagues have recently created a new program; TOPSoccer within Middle Country Children’s Soccer club. This program is devoted solely to children with physical, mental or behavioral disabilities, providing them with an environment that is fun and pressure-free to enjoy the game of soccer

Photos from Town of Smithtown

Town of Smithtown to host paper shredding event Sept. 25

by Press Release - September 22, 2021

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The Town of Smithtown Department of Environment and Waterways, in partnership with the Municipal Services Facility and the Department of Public Safety, will host a Paper Shredding Event on Saturday, September 25th. This free event will be held at the Smithtown Municipal Services Facility, located at 85 Old Northport Road in Kings Park, from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Residents will be asked to wear face masks and not to leave their cars, to protect everyone’s wellbeing amid the coronavirus. Proof of residency is required. There is a limit of three file boxes per vehicle.

“I believe the Shred Events are popular for a number of reasons. We enjoy a very environmentally conscious community. The residents here take every opportunity to do their part in protecting the local habitat. Additionally, we’ve really perfected the process, which is coordinated by the Department of Environment and Waterways, MSF and Public Safety. Residents know that they can get in and out fast, to safely and securely dispose of unwanted documents from the comfort of each vehicle and quickly return to their weekend fun.” – Ed Wehrheim, Town of Smithtown Supervisor

At the April 2021 event, a total of 430 vehicles safely and securely disposed of over 12.11 tons of sensitive documents. In 2020, over 440 households came down to safely shred documents in the Fall. The September 2020 event was the largest to date, with over 16 tons of paper safely shredded by the industrial strength “Shreddersaurus.” The turnout was three times the normal volume.

All personal documents are safely destroyed by Data Shredding Service, Inc., a full-service confidential shredding service located on Corporate Drive in Hauppauge.

Town of Smithtown officials deliver check to food pantry

by Press Release - July 25, 2021

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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.

America’s VetDogs® celebrates renovated training center with ribbon cutting ceremony

by Press Release - July 18, 2021

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America’s VetDogs, a national non-profit that trains and places guide and service dogs with veterans and first responders with disabilities, hosted a ribbon cutting event on Tuesday, July 6 at their campus in Smithtown to celebrate the opening of the newly renovated, state of the art, training facility.

With the ever growing demand for service dogs, the need for expansion of the training facility will assist in placing more guide and service dogs with veterans and first responders with disabilities. The expansion and renovations were made possible by the support and donations by the Bob and Dolores Hope Foundation, Francis & Gertrude Levett Foundation, Manual Barron, Ludwick Family Foundation, Scaife Family Foundation, Van Sloun Foundation, Manitou Fund and the The Omer Foundation.

Notable attendees included New York State Senator Mario Materra, New York State Senator Alexis Weik, New York Assemblyman Michael Fitzpatrick, Civilian Aide to the Secretary of the Army Steven Castleton, Senior Veterans Services Officer for Suffolk County Retired U.S. Air Force and Air National Guard Master Sgt. Melissa Pandolf, Smithtown Town Supervisor Ed Wehrheim, America’s VetDogs Board Chair Don Dea, and VetDogs Board Member and HIA-LI Board Chairman Joe Campolo.

“To increase our capacity to train service dogs, America’s VetDogs embarked on an ambitious renovation of our training center to create additional spaces where more instructors will be able to train their dogs at the same time. Among these improvements is a mock apartment, which includes a kitchen, living room, and bedroom areas that will allow instructors to train their dogs in “real-world” scenarios,” said President & CEO John Miller of America’s VetDogs.

It costs over $50,000 to breed, raise, train, and place one assistance dog; however, all of VetDogs’ services are provided at no charge to the individual. Funding comes from the generosity of individuals, corporations, foundations, businesses, and service and fraternal clubs. To learn more, visit www.VetDogs.org.