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Town of Smithtown

Photo from Town of Smithtown

The Town of Smithtown is now accepting applications for seasonal personnel to work throughout the Summer months. Employment opportunities are available in a variety of departments for responsible and reliable individuals in search of a rewarding summer job. Pay rates vary based on the position being filled, and level of qualifications. Seasonal jobs working as a certified lifeguard, park attendant, or Summer camp instructor are available in addition to positions working in Public Safety, Municipal Services Facility, Highways, and the Parks Department. For a list of available positions, visit the Town of Smithtown Website at SmithtownNY.gov/514/SeasonalJobOpportunities 

“Working for the Town during the Summer has always been a rite of passage for young people. It’s a great opportunity to begin building a resume, in addition to looking great on a college application. Most importantly, starting off with a summer job at the Town of Smithtown will give young people professional & life skills to prepare for the next chapter of adulthood. Many of our Summer staff return to work for the town years later or remain onboard, in a more permanent position,” stated Supervisor Edward R. Wehrheim.

Applicants must be 16 years of age as of 12/31/21, and if appointed and under the age of 18, must provide the age appropriate working papers to be in compliance with NYS Labor Laws. Most of the seasonal positions available are in the Parks, Public Safety and Recreation Department and include laborers, lifeguards, recreation aides, water safety instructors and park attendants.

To apply online for a Town of Smithtown seasonal position, visit SmithtownNY.gov and click on the Seasonal Job Opportunities tab, located in the Personnel Department, listed under the Departments tab on the navigation menu or type in ‘Seasonal Job Opportunities’ in the search bar.  Click on the Seasonal Job Opportunities tab to view a brief description of the positions that are currently available. Click on the position that you are interested in and begin the online application process.

Hoyt Farm Nature Preserve in Commack hosted another successful season of maple sugaring for families, scout troops and nature enthusiasts. This unique educational program, available to the general public, teaches the ancient process of making maple syrup/sugar, which was passed down by the Native Americans to the Colonists.

The maple sugaring program is a demonstration, encompassing the history of Native American early life, how maple sugaring was originally discovered, all the way up to present day, the equipment now used and how anyone can tap a tree to make maple syrup or sugar in their own backyards. An interactive portion of the program enlists the help of younger students to teach the anatomy of the tree, the importance of chlorophyll, and the role of photosynthesis in making maple syrup.

“I can’t tell you how special this program is… it is one that every Long Islander should partake in at some point in life, as it is a part of our history that should be treasured for all time. I am so grateful to Sheryl Brook and Jeff Gumin for continuing in the tradition of passing this demonstration down to the generations. I love their passion and genuine enthusiasm which shines through the work they do every day,” said Supervisor Edward R. Wehrheim.

The Hoyt Farm Nature Preserve maple sugaring program is unique in that Black Walnut trees are also tapped for sugaring, in addition to making maple syrup from Maple trees. Maple sugaring season is approximately three weeks out of the year. In order to produce the sweetest sap, weather conditions must be below freezing at night and over 40 degrees during the day. Hoyt Farm taps trees and conducts the maple sugaring program throughout February and in the beginning of March.

“We love every program we offer at Hoyt… teaching young people about our history, wildlife and our caring for the natural habitat is not a job for us. It’s our calling. Sheryl Brook takes special care to put these programs and classes together so everyone leaves with a big smile and plans to come back. She doesn’t do it for the credit, but she truly deserves all the recognition. We’re beloved by the people who visit here because of the tireless work she puts in, together with the assistance of our dedicated team. We had an incredible maple sugaring season and program this year and I can’t wait to top it next year,” said Jeff Gumin, Director, Hoyt Farm Nature Preserve.

The maple sugaring program began in the late 1970’s, and started with one class. It is now a full blown family-oriented interactive experience, available to the general public, (not restricted to Smithtown residents) appropriate for all age groups. School classes, girl scouts, boy scout troops, kids and adults of all ages are welcome and encouraged to take advantage of this unforgettable experience.

The Town of Smithtown Personnel Department, in collaboration with the New York Blood Center, will host a Blood Drive at the Smithtown Landing Country Club, 495 Landing Ave., Smithtown on March 16 from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.

“There has been a critical shortage of blood donations, here locally and throughout New York, as covid restrictions made it difficult to host drives in locations which were unavailable for a time. This is a simple, painless process that only takes a few minutes of your time and could save up to three lives with just one donation. I would ask everyone to think about your loved ones. Imagine not being able to get them help because of a shortage requiring a hospital to limit distribution. We have some of the most selfless and giving residents here in Smithtown. I believe we can come together here and now to help our neighbors, friends and family in need of this lifesaving gift,” said Supervisor Ed Wehrheim in a press release.

Anyone wishing to help make a difference can schedule an appointment at www.nybc.org, click on “Donate Blood”, “Where to Donate”, then “Sponsor Name Search” and type in “Town of Smithtown”. Appointments are preferred but not required. Please remember to eat and drink prior to your appointment. Refreshments and snacks will be provided to all donors at the event.

For every person who donates blood, the New York Blood Center will make a donation to Feeding New York State. Feeding New York State leads the work to end hunger by supporting the food banks of New York State, including local food banks like Long Island Cares and Island Harvest.

Donors Presenting:

  • Must wear a mask or face covering
  • Will have their temperature taken
  • Must be 14 days symptom free if recovered from COVID-19
  • May NOT donate if they have a positive diagnostic test or experienced symptoms of COVID-19 in the last 14 days
  • May NOT donate if they are currently on self-quarantine requirements

Eligibility Criteria:

  • Minimum Weight: 110 lbs
  • No new tattoos for the past 3 months
  • Ages 16 – 75 (Under 16 with Parent’s Permission, Over 75 with Doctor’s Permission)
  • Donor Card or ID required

About New York Blood Center:

New York Blood Center is a non-profit independent blood center that provides lifesaving blood products and services to nearly 200 hospitals in New York, New Jersey, Long Island, the Hudson Valley, and parts of Connecticut and Pennsylvania.

DID YOU KNOW:

Only 2% of the local eligible population donates blood each year, and if only 1% more of Americans donated, blood shortages would disappear.

1 in 3 people will need a blood product in their lifetime.

The donation process will take an average of 10 minutes.

For more information on this event and how to register, contact Dineen Szczepanski at [email protected], or at 631-360-7626.

Ranger and Lily

This week’s shelter pets are 18-year-old Ranger (tuxedo) and 12-year-old Lily (tabby), currently up for adoption at the Smithtown Animal Shelter. These sweet seniors lost their home due to a house fire. They are bonded and would prefer to go to a home together. 

Ranger and Lily love other cats and lived with a small child. They deserve a warm lap and lots of love to enjoy their golden years. They are very healthy for their ages and just had their teeth all polished up!

 If you would like to meet Ranger and Lily, please call ahead to schedule an hour to properly interact with them in a domestic setting.

The Smithtown Animal & Adoption Shelter is located at 410 Middle Country Road, Smithtown. Visitor hours are currently Monday to Saturday from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. (Sundays and Wednesday evenings by appointment only). 

For more information, call 631-360-7575 or visit www.smithtownanimalshelter.com.

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).

The STEM Partnership between the Town of Smithtown and Smithtown School District continued at Accompsett Middle School, with sixth grade science students. On Thursday, January 27th and Friday January 28th, sixth grade science students in all eight classes met in the school’s library for an exciting water quality presentation and aquifer demonstration. The presentation covered a variety of environmental protection lessons, geared towards protecting

Long Island’s sole source aquifer. Students learned where Smithtown’s water comes from, threats to the natural resource, and how to protect the groundwater for future generations.

“This was the third topic covered as part of our STEM partnership with the school district and it was a huge success. The students were already very knowledgeable, asked very smart questions, and were so engaged that they didn’t want to leave, even after the bell rang for the next period. Further, we’ve already received calls from local civic groups requesting the presentation be given to adults within the community. What originally began as a unique real-world learning opportunity, has evolved into a larger movement, encouraging residents of all ages to be more proactive in caring for our natural resources and ecosystem.” – Supervisor Ed Wehrheim

The presentation began with asking students to discuss the water cycle, followed by where drinking water on Long Island comes from. A model demonstrating the Upper Glacial, Magothy, and Lloyd Aquifers, the famous layer of clay beneath the Magothy, water tables, natural streams, bodies of water and wastewater infrastructure was then used to illustrate how groundwater can become contaminated. The class was presented with a lesson on threats to our water supply, and emerging contaminants (PFOS,PFOA and 1 4 dioxane.) Worksheets listing household products containing harmful ingredients paired with a list of environmentally friendly alternatives, easily found in grocery stores were later distributed. Each teacher received digital copies of the worksheets, tips on how to help keep stormwater runoff from polluting waterways, and the 2022 recycling calendar which offers additional advice, a list of free services, and dates for the Hazardous Household Waste collection events to share at home

Plans for a second lesson in the Spring will involve nitrogen pollution, and natural remedies to stormwater runoff like Bioswales, which remove debris and pollution while preventing flooding. The recently completed Meadow Road Stormwater Remediation bioswale is located at the entrance to Accompsett Middle School, which will provide an excellent opportunity for students to observe Mother Nature’s solution to stormwater pollution.

The sixth grade water quality presentation was coordinated by Accompsett ELA/Science teacher Amy Olander, Director of Science K-12 Edward Casswell, Town Supervisor Ed Wehrheim and his office team; PIO Nicole Garguilo and Community Relations Assistant Brian Farrell. Expert support was provided by Environmental Director David Barnes, and Smithtown & St. James Water Superintendent Chris Nustad.

The STEM Partnership gives students a hands-on approach to real world environmental issues affecting the community. Students apply lesson plans in the branches of science to discover potential solutions. Topics covered in the program include solid waste & recycling, invasive species, stormwater runoff, nitrogen pollution and water quality. At every stage of the partnership, the Town and School district work in tandem to help students uncover solutions to each real world quandary. The Town of Smithtown hopes to expand this program to all local school districts who are interested in this unique learning opportunity.

As part of a STEM Partnership with the School District, Smithtown HS West Marine Biology students in Kimberly Williams’ class get an inside look at real world dilemmas, which Long Island must face regarding future solid waste and recycling concerns.

The Town of Smithtown, in partnership with the Smithtown Central School District, embarked on phase two of its first STEM program partnership. On  Dec. 2, students in Kimberly Williams’ Marine Biology class at High School West, got an inside look at the Town’s Recycling and Solid Waste process at Smithtown Municipal Services Facility as it relates to the environment and the major challenge Long Island will face, once the Brookhaven landfill closes in 2024.

Sanitation Supervisor Neal Sheehan and Smithtown Solid Waste Coordinator, Mike Engelmann led a hands-on experiential learning trip with marine biology teacher, Kimberly Williams. Students saw the process of what happens to waste once it leaves the curbside, the many different materials which Smithtown recycles, challenges of fluctuating recycling markets, and the harmful impacts which can occur without personal awareness and responsibility.

“This was the first of several STEM programs, together with the school district and it couldn’t have been better received. This generation is very conscious of critical environmental issues, like protecting the watershed, and Long Island’s impending waste crisis. Bringing their lesson plans from the chalk board to the real world, so students can witness the benefits of their hard work before their eyes, is not only exciting… It’s beneficial to the community they call home. I’m especially grateful for the School Districts partnership in this phenomenal learning experience for our youth,” said Supervisor Ed Wehrheim.

The day began with a basic understanding of where solid waste and recycling goes once it leaves the curb at home. Students learned about the recycling markets, recent changes the Nation was forced to make once China closed the doors to the U.S. industry and the consequences of contaminated materials being disposed of in a country without the same regulations as the United States. The Smithtown HS West marine biology students had an excellent, previous understanding of plastics pollution happening in our oceans. Neal Sheehan and Mike Engelmann gave an in depth presentation on the upcoming closure of the Brookhaven Landfill, the harmful and invasive environmental impacts of trucking waste off the Island, and the possible solutions to expand recycling and removing ash off the Island.

“This was the most fun I’ve had at work in years. First, I can’t believe how engaged the kids are. This generation is so aware of the impacts we as humans have on our local environment and they are eager to solve the problems at hand. I’m very excited to work with the class on the final stage of the partnership. I have a hunch we’ll have some excellent new employees working in the various fields of environmental planning, and engineering in the very near future!,” said Neal Sheehan, Sanitation Supervisor.

The class toured the Municipal Services Facility (MSF) where they saw cardboard and paper being sorted, and learned the do’s and don’ts of recycling properly. Students got an eagle eye view of the various material drop sites residents can utilize, such as electronic waste and ​​household appliances, construction and demolition, and glass. From the top of the hill, they observed the massive wood chipping operation, which is made from residential brush and tree branch collection and given away to residents for free. Additionally, students got to see groundwater monitoring locations, located at the former landfill site. The Town is required to monitor the underlying groundwater as a part of the post-closure care period. At the end of the tour, Smithtown Environmental Planner, Liam Trotta took a drone up in the air to show students the Solar array and wind turbine located on the grounds.

“It really makes all the difference when you get to physically see the whole operation right in front of you. We could see the concern and surprise on each student’s face, despite their face masks.  Concerned when they learned that the average Long Islanders is responsible for almost five pounds of waste in one day… Pleasantly surprised when they saw just how much we in Smithtown reuse and recycle, and even happier to learn that their solid waste was being recycled into energy at Covanta. But, when we explained the environmental and economical impacts of trucking the remaining ash and C & D off Long Island, you could hear a pin drop in the room. They understand that a clock is officially ticking to implement a solution… and they are very eager to tackle the issue at hand,” said Mike Engelmann, Smithtown Solid Waste Coordinator.

The STEM Partnership takes a hands-on approach to real world environmental issues affecting the community, utilizing the branches of science in order to apply possible ideas or solutions to improve the problem. Such topics covered include solid waste & recycling, invasive species, stormwater runoff, nitrogen pollution and water quality. Phase One is a simple introduction video presentation for students to understand the scope of each issue. Phase Two involves site and case studies where students witness each issue in person and have the opportunity to ask questions which are answered by official Town experts in each field. Phase Three is conducted in the classroom where students will present solutions to each concern. At every stage of the partnership, the Town and School district work in tandem to help students apply lesson plans to each real world scenario. The Town of Smithtown hopes to expand this program to all local school districts who are interested.

Photos from Town of Smithtown

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

From left, Town Clerk Vincent Puleo, St. Catherine of Siena Hospital Mary Ellen McCrossen, Senator Mario Mattera, Comptroller John Kennedy, Legislator Leslie Kennedy, Town Councilman Tom McCarthy, Tax Receiver Deanna Varricchio, Supervisor Ed Wehrheim, Lorra Caligiuri, Town Councilman Tom Lohmann, Smithtown Sanitation Supervisor Neal Sheehan, Steven Schmalfuss (Parks), Environmental Director David Barnes, Taylor Silvester (DEW) Urban Forrester Tom Colella, and Marcel Caillat (Parks). Photo from Town of Smithtown

On Tuesday, Nov. 23, State, County and local Smithtown officials joined the community in a ceremonial tree planting at Veterans Memorial (Moriches) Park in St. James, commemorating the 475 residents who have died from COVID-19. The memorial ceremony, hosted by Town Officials, the Department of Environment and Waterways, Town Forresters, and the Parks department was part of a Tree City USA Reward Grant. At the end of the ceremony, Smithtown Sanitation Supervisor Neal Sheehan and his sister Lorra Caligiuri led State and local officials in the tree planting, to honor the memory of their parents.

“I would like to first thank our Environmental Director David Barnes, his Foresters; Tom Colella and Robert Barget, who helped select this Dawn Redwood and our parks team for orchestrating the planting… This Dawn Redwood will grow bigger and more prominent each year. And as the holidays draw near, her beautiful red foliage will serve as a reminder that we will never forget the memory of our loved ones taken by this pandemic. My hope is that it brings you comfort. This Redwood will grow here throughout the generations allowing the memory of all 475 Smithtown Residents to live on forever,” said Supervisor Ed Wehrheim.

The memorial tree is a four-inch caliper Dawn Redwood, boasting stunning red foliage in the Fall. The tree was selected by the Department of Environment and Waterways Foresters (certified arborists) under the direction of David Barnes, who is also a renowned Landscape Architect. A plaque unveiling, and name reading ceremony will take place in late Spring of 2022. The memorial plaque will be donated by the Town of Smithtown.

“We were all impacted by the pandemic, whether we lost a loved one or helped a friend grieve. As residents and individuals who serve the community we live in, we wanted to do something to let our town know, we grieve together. This tree is unique, it grows quickly and stands out in an extraordinary manner. The same can be said about the people we loved and lost. This is just one small way we can honor their memory,” said David Barnes, Environmental Protection Director.

The Town of Smithtown has maintained the title of Tree City USA, for 35 years and was recently recognized with a ‘Growth Award’ by the Arbor Day Foundation for Street Tree Care. Since 2020, the Town has inventoried 10,000 street trees, or 20% of the town’s estimated 50,000 total street tree census. The Town of Smithtown has planted 1250 trees since 2019, and has been recognized by the media for proactive management of the Emerald Ash Borer, an invasive species which feeds on specific trees.

For questions or more information regarding the town’s forestry program, to request a planting or maintenance please contact the department during office hours at 631-360-7514.

Photos courtesy of Town of Smithtown

The Town of Smithtown will premiere its Veterans Documentary, entitled War Stories, on Sunday, November 21 at 6 p.m. at the Smithtown Center for Performing Arts, 2 East Main St., Smithtown. The documentary focuses on local residents who enlisted to serve in the US Armed Forces during war time, from World War II to Present Day.

“I’m forever grateful to the men and women all across the Country who have served in our US Armed Forces. This began as an interview process, so we could document and preserve the stories of patriotism, camaraderie and strength of our brave hometown heroes, for future generations. But it has become so much more. This is our way of saying Thank You for Your Service to our local heroes… for we owe them everything,” said Supervisor Ed Wehrheim.

Tickets are free and members of the public are encouraged to attend the premiere to show support and gratitude for the Men and Women within our community who served in protection of our Nation’s freedoms. Residents are encouraged to bring non-perishable items for donation, which will be delivered to the United Veterans Beacon House Pantry.

The Town began production of the Veterans documentary, interviewing service members from World War II, through to modern day conflicts. Filming for the documentary began in 2019 on Veterans Day, November 19th. The film is dedicated in memory of two World War II Veterans; Eddy Reddy and Howard Laderwager, who were filmed for the documentary, but have recently passed away.

For more information, call 631-360-7600.