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At the Suffolk County Legislature’s General Meeting in Riverhead on April 9, students from the Fifth Legislative District were commended for their exceptional bicycle safety knowledge.

Suffolk County Legislator Steven Englebright (D-Setauket) was thrilled to announce the Legislature’s Bicycle Safety Poster and Video contest winners, both from his district. For the annual contests, all 18 legislators invite students from local schools to participate. Elementary students are asked to send in a poster, while intermediate and high school students are eligible for the video contest. Each legislator picks one poster and one video from entries submitted to his or her district to be considered the overall Legislature winners.

This year, Nora Boecherer, a first grader attending Edna Louise Spear Elementary School in Port Jefferson, placed first in the County Legislature’s poster contest. Nora attended the April 9th General Meeting and, with her assistant principal Brianne Antenucci by her side, accepted a proclamation from Legislator Englebright.

John F. Kennedy Middle School’s E-News Club members were the overall winners in the video contest. The Comsewogue District Students (Mark Peck, Isabella Manganello, Savannah Prescott, Dean Tuckett-Rivera, Emily Sullivan, Hunter Hojnacki and Raymond Callender), along with their faculty adviser Steven Nielsen, principal Amanda Prinz and Comsewogue District Superintendent Jennifer Quinn, were on hand to accept their proclamation.

“Nora and the J.F.K. Middle School E-News Club members have set an excellent example for their peers,” Englebright said. “They prove that even our youngest citizens can help to keep our local neighborhoods safe places to travel and play. I was impressed by their creativity and hope they enjoyed their visit to the Legislature’s General Meeting.”

 

 

Child Safety Seat Check, Bicycle Rodeo and Teen Driver Safety Program

 

 

Brookhaven Highway Superintendent Daniel Losquadro is announcing several free safety programs being offered to Town of Brookhaven residents this spring. 

The Traffic Safety Department is hosting several Child Safety Seat Checks at Safety Town, 249 Buckley Road in Holtsville. Upcoming events will be held on Saturday, May 4, from 8 a.m. to noon, and Saturday, June 1, from 8 a.m. to noon. The Suffolk County Sheriff’s Office, along with certified technicians from the Brookhaven Highway Department, will be on hand to inspect car seats and make sure children are riding in the right car seats for their age and size as they grow. 

The Brookhaven Highway Department will offer a Teen Driver Safety Program at Safety Town on Thursday, May 16, from 6 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. Teenagers 15 and older and their parents are invited to participate in an interactive experience exhibiting the dangers of texting or drinking and driving. During this intense, real-life program, certified instructors with many years of defensive driving and accident investigation experience will talk with participants about the importance of developing safe habits when traveling the roadways. Teens will then use electric cars to complete obstacle courses designed to simulate driving while texting and impaired.

On Saturday, May 11, and again on Saturday, June 15, the Brookhaven Highway Department will host a Bicycle Rodeo at Safety Town between 8 a.m. and noon. These events encourage children to learn how to safely ride their bikes in a mock-roadway, kid-sized setting. Participants of all ages will be evaluated and given feedback on their own bicycle-handling abilities, after proper bicycle safety skills are demonstrated. Participants are required to bring their own helmets and bicycles; both will be inspected for safety. 

All events are by appointment only; call 631-451-5335 to reserve your spot. 

All programs are funded in part by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration with a grant from the New York State Governors Traffic Safety Committee.

 

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Suffolk County Crime Stoppers and Suffolk County Police Sixth Precinct Crime Section officers are seeking the public’s help to identify and locate the man who allegedly stole merchandise from a Selden store.

A man allegedly stole kitchen electrics from Target, located at 307 Independence Plaza, on April 6 at noon.

Suffolk County Crime Stoppers offers a cash reward for information that leads to an arrest. Anyone with information about these incidents can contact Suffolk County Crime Stoppers to submit an anonymous tip by calling 1-800-220-TIPS, utilizing a mobile app which can be downloaded through the App Store or Google Play by searching P3 Tips, or online at www.P3Tips.com. All calls, text messages and emails will be kept confidential.

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Suffolk County Crime Stoppers and Suffolk County Police Sixth Precinct Crime Section officers are seeking the public’s help to identify and locate the man who allegedly stole merchandise from a South Setauket store.

A man allegedly stole approximately $340 worth of Pokemon cards from Target, located at 265 Pond Path, on April 9 at approximately 9:30 p.m.

Suffolk County Crime Stoppers offers a cash reward for information that leads to an arrest. Anyone with information about these incidents can contact Suffolk County Crime Stoppers to submit an anonymous tip by calling 1-800-220-TIPS, utilizing a mobile app which can be downloaded through the App Store or Google Play by searching P3 Tips, or online at www.P3Tips.com. All calls, text messages and emails will be kept confidential.

MEET BUSTER!

This week’s featured shelter pet is Buster, a three-year-old chocolate lab up for adoption at the Smithtown Animal Shelter. 

Handsome Buster arrived at the shelter last September. Young, energetic and a powerhouse of strength at 90 pounds, he loves all people, taking walks and, most of all, food! This guy is full of love and fun but he needs adjustment time to trust new people in the home. Buster is not your typical lab and needs to be in a home with no children, cats or dogs.

If you are interested in meeting Buster, please call ahead to schedule an hour to properly interact with him in a domestic setting.

The Town of Smithtown Animal & Adoption Shelter is located at 410 Middle Country Road, Smithtown. Visitor hours are Monday to Saturday from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. (Sundays and Wednesday evenings by appointment only). For more information, call 631-360-7575 or visit www.townofsmithtownanimalshelter.com.

Submitted by William Mountzouros

On April 20,  the Smithtown Masonic Lodge marked a significant milestone as it celebrated the 75th anniversary and re-dedication of its building located at 34 River road in Smithtown. Since its inception in 1948, the lodge has been an integral part of the Smithtown community, serving as a beacon of fellowship, charity, and service.

The anniversary celebration was attended by numerous members of the Smithtown community, including business leaders and residents who have long benefited from the lodge’s events and philanthropic endeavors. Among the distinguished guests were representatives from the Grand Lodge of the State of New York, Grand Chapter of the State of New York, and delegates from other lodges across the state.

A highlight of the event was also a solemn re-dedication ceremony of a concordant body of Royal Arch Masonry, Asharokan Chapter No. 288 that celebrated its 125th year.

These Masonic organizations continue to be committed to the principles of brotherhood and community service. As part of the ceremony, a time capsule was also sealed, containing artifacts and memorabilia from the lodge’s history, to be opened during its 100th and 150th anniversary in 2048, providing future generations with a glimpse into the rich heritage of Freemasonry in Smithtown.

Freemasonry, a fraternal organization, is dedicated to fostering brotherhood and aiding those in need, has a long and storied history dating back centuries. Its members, known as Freemasons, are united by shared values and a commitment to helping others, both within their organization and in the broader community. With a presence in various forms around the world, Freemasonry continues to uphold its tradition of service and fellowship, exemplified by institutions like these.

As the Smithtown Masonic Lodge and Asharokan Chapter commemorate these milestone anniversaries they remain dedicated to the service of the Smithtown community. Its members look forward to continuing their mission of promoting goodwill, charity, and brotherhood for many years to come.

The Ward Melville Heritage Organization (WMHO) celebrated their Annual Spring Appreciation Day on Saturday, April 20, drawing families together to celebrate Spring’s arrival.

Held at Stony Brook Village Center, the event offered an array of activities. Highlights included a car show presented by the Mustang and Shelby Club of Long Island, representing over 60 Mustangs to celebrate the 60th Anniversary of the Mustang, an antique firetruck provided by the Stony Brook Fire Department, a petting zoo for children to enjoy, live music performances, a free scavenger hunt, and educational tours of the historic Stony Brook Grist Mill.
This event was sponsored by News 12 Long Island, Long Island Speech, New York Life Insurance Company Agent Ryan D. DeCicco, RJG Consulting Group and First National Bank of LI.

The Town of Smithtown Department of Environment and Waterways and Municipal Services Facility collected over 20 tons of waste at the Earth Day Hazardous Household Waste event this past weekend. On Saturday, April 20th, 2024, 604 households within the Township participated in safely disposing of thousands of pounds of toxic items, which are prohibited in regular curbside waste pickups.

“As we celebrate Earth Day, there is no greater impact that residents can have on protecting our local environment than responsibly disposing of potentially hazardous chemicals and products through the Town’s household hazardous waste collection events. Proper use and disposal of these items helps to protect our drinking water, air and natural resources while helping the Town to maintain high quality parks, recreational facilities, roads and waterways for all residents to enjoy.   It is our hope that residents consider using safer and environmentally friendly alternatives for use in and around the home”. – Michael P. Engelmann, P.G. Solid Waste Coordinator

Smithtown Municipal Services Facility employees worked in conjunction with MSF staff, Public Safety Fire Marshalls, DEW staff and Reworld (formerly known as Covanta) staff supplementing the work by Radiac (the Hazardous Household Waste contractor), Environmental Director David Barnes and Solid Waste Coordinator Mike Engelmann to provide a safe and efficient service to residents.

A portion of the wastes collected for manifested disposal include: mercury, waste oil based paints/ flammable paints, gasoline, paint thinners, waste gases, petroleum distillates, flammable solids, oxidizers liquids and solids, sodium/potassium nitrates, acids, corrosives, pesticides, herbicides, fertilizers, misc. toxic liquids (i.e. Chlordane, etc.) and solids, lacquers, lithium batteries, battery acids and various other toxic compounds.

Reworld (formerly known as Covanta) provided $5 Home Depot gift cards to over 130 residents for recycling potentially dangerous lithium-ion and other batteries, propane tanks and mercury containing devices thereby preventing these harmful items from curbside disposal.  101 propane tanks were recovered at the event. The most recorded from a single collection event. Reusable bags were also provided to interested residents.

The next Household Hazardous Waste collection events are scheduled for July 14th, 2024 and October 5th, 2024. Hazardous Household Waste collection events are for Smithtown Township residents only. Proof of residency will be confirmed upon entry.

DID YOU KNOW?:

Residents can also dispose of electronic waste, free of charge, at the Town Recycling Center located at 85 Old Northport Road. Electronic waste, such as computers, printers, TV’s, monitors, automotive and household batteries, can be dropped off during regular hours for proper recycling.

FREE MULCH: Mulch is also available free of charge to residents. Smithtown residents can line up for pre-packaged bags of mulch with a maximum of 10 bags per visit. We offer free loading of loose mulch into your pick-up or dump truck. A cover is required.

The Smithtown Municipal Services Facility is located at 85 Old Northport Road in Kings Park, NY.

Regular Operating Hours: Monday through Saturday from 7:00 AM to 3:15 PM

Austin Williams, an award-winning full-service advertising agency, celebrated Earth Day in style by hosting its second annual, building-wide Spring Clothing Swap at AW’s headquarters at 80 Arkay Drive on April 18.

“The fast fashion industry produces over 92 million tons of textile waste every year, causing detrimental damage to our environment,” said Eva LaMere, president of Austin Williams. “What better way to decrease textile waste and raise awareness for sustainable practices than by creating our own thrift store – right here in our office building? Plus, it’s a fun way to build community and get everyone involved.”

Employees of Austin Williams and fellow corporations located at 80 Arkay Drive were encouraged to bring gently used clothing that needed a new home. Then, members of Austin Williams’ Culture Committee “set up shop,” creating a clothing display in the building’s café, where employees came to shop and find some new pieces for their wardrobes.

After the swap, all remaining clothes were donated to Long Island Lending A Helping Hand (LILAHH), a food pantry and community center serving low-income and food-insecure neighbors in Rocky Point.

“This is our second consecutive year hosting the Clothing Swap, and we are thrilled that so many people were willing to donate their clothes and show their dedication to protecting our environment,”  said Victoria Hilton and Courtney Stuber, senior digital analyst and digital data analyst at Austin Williams and both co-creators of the swap. “This year, we saved more than 200 items of clothing and donated 10 bags of gently used clothing to fellow Long Islanders in need, which is a huge accomplishment not only for Austin Williams but for our entire building!”

— Photos courtesy of Austin Williams

About Austin Williams

Austin Williams is a full-service advertising, marketing, digital, and public relations firm that creates ideas that inspire action for clients in the healthcare, higher education, financial services, and professional services industries. Certified as a Women Business Enterprise (WBE) by the State of New York, the Long Island-based firm was founded in 1992 and was named one of the 100 fastest-growing agencies in the nation. In 2023, it was listed as “Best Advertising Agency” by Long Island Business News in their “Reader Ranking Awards,” and in 2020 was named a Newsday “Top Places to Work.”

After nearly 75 years of operating in East Northport as a family-owned business, providing high-quality floral service, Beckman’s Florist made the difficult decision to retire and sell their building at 364 Larkfield Road.

The Beckman’s name and tradition will not be traveling too far, in fact staying on the same road, as they have been acquired by neighboring florist and nursery, and fellow family-owned and operated business, Seasonal ‘Scapes LI, located at 638 Larkfield Road. 

Beckman’s Florist will now be a division of Seasonal ‘Scapes LI’s existing Florist & Garden Center, which will allow Seasonal ‘Scapes LI to further develop its florist shop, plan special events like weddings and birthdays, provide sympathy flowers for families experiencing loss, and more. 

“Blending the fabrics of these two great families and businesses will allow Seasonal ‘Scapes LI to continue to serve our community with the top-notch service and quality that we strive to achieve and that residents have appreciated from Beckman’s nearly 75 years in business,” said James Tomeo, Owner of Seasonal ‘Scapes LI. 

Mother’s Day, end of the school year festivities, and other special occasions are just around the corner. Seasonal ‘Scapes LI is here to assist you with all your floral needs. You can place your orders early by calling 631-888-3655 or online at www.seasonalscapesflorist.com.