Legislator Kennedy Sends Turkeys To School

Legislator Leslie Kennedy Furnishes Live Turkeys for Building Blocks Developmental School

On Monday, November 18th, Legislator Leslie Kennedy of the 12th legislative district furnished two live turkeys for Building Blocks Developmental School. The purpose of the furnishing is for the students to get a chance to see a live turkey. The turkeys, one male and one female, were furnished by the Suffolk County branch of Cornell Cooperative extension, and an instructor was provided to teach children about the two birds.

Located in Commack, Building Blocks Developmental School is a preschool that focuses on children, aged two to five, with developmental needs. The school employs over 150 individuals, including regular and special education teachers, speech and language pathologists, school psychologists, occupational therapists, physical therapists, licensed clinical psychologist, ABA therapists, Board Certified behavior analysts, registered nurses, and numerous paraprofessionals. The school district provides its services to families and children across Long Island.

This is a long-standing tradition of Legislator Kennedy’s Office, which she has upheld since she assumed office. While this year’s turkeys were provided by Cornell Cooperative Extension, in previous years were provided by other organizations, like Hoyt Farm Nature Preserve. Throughout the years, the furnishing has created many heartfelt stories and has positively affected the lives of innumerable children at Building Blocks.                                                                             

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Suffolk County Legislator Leslie Kennedy represents the 12^th Legislative District, encompassing Smithtown, Nesconset, Hauppauge, the Village of the Branch, Lake Grove, parts of Commack, Ronkonkoma, Lake Ronkonkoma and Centereach.  Legislator Kennedy was born and raised on Long Island, is a former nurse and small business manager, and has dedicated her life toward the betterment of our community.  She currently serves on the following committees: Environment, Parks & Agriculture; Veterans; Budget & Finance (Vice Chair); Seniors & Human Services; Fire, Rescue and Emergency Medical Services & Preparedness; Labor & Consumer Affairs; Public Safety; Ways & Means (Vice Chair); and Health (Chair).

Mills Pond Teacher Raemala Shaughnessy Publishes Children's Book

From the classroom to the book store: Mills Pond math teacher publishes children’s book

Raemala Shaughnessy Mills Pond elementary math teacher, Raemala Shaughnessy, knows math can be difficult for young students, so Shaughnessy has gone beyond the classroom to help by writing her first children’s book.

Titled, “M-AHH-TH!  It Won’t Leave Me Alone,” the book centers around a 7-year-old boy named Tommy who is terrified of math. But after a frustrating school day, Tommy’s world begins to change. As he goes through his everyday life—helping his mom and playing with his friends—Tommy realizes that he’s using math without even knowing it. 

“I know there’s a lot of fear and anxiety around the subject of math, for many people of all ages.” Shaughnessy said.  “I wanted to create a book to help my students and others realize that math is an important part of our everyday lives, and it’s something they should embrace and not fear! I want everyone to love math and appreciate it the way I do.”

The book, available through Amazon, encourages readers to embrace math and offers some interaction because it has a space for readers to write down all the ways in which they use math. 

Photos courtesy of Smithtown CSD

Military Times Names Suffolk County Community College Best For Vets

Suffolk County Community College Named Best for Vets For Sixth Consecutive Year

Selden, NY – November 5, 2024 - Military Times, for the sixth consecutive year, has named Suffolk County Community College a Best for Vets college. The ranking is the largest and most comprehensive annual list recognizing the top colleges and universities for military service members and veterans. These rankings have become a vital tool for veterans seeking guidance on maximizing their educational benefits. This year, an impressive 304 schools made the list, demonstrating their commitment to supporting the military community in their educational journeys. Suffolk County Community College is honored to be ranked 10th in New York and 14th in the Northeast among public colleges as a 2024 Best for Vets College.  “Suffolk County Community College is proud to be recognized as a ‘Best for Vets’ school for six consecutive years,” said Suffolk County Community College President Dr. Edward Bonahue. “Military-affiliated students need support to transition back into civilian life and into the learning environment. Suffolk County Community College honors their service by providing the needed tools for success.” “The designation is a testament to Suffolk County Community College’s strong academic programs as well as the college’s collaborative efforts to provide exemplary service to military-connected students,” said Shannon O’Neill, Suffolk County Community College’s Director of Veterans Affairs.  Each year, Military Times surveys colleges and universities nationwide to evaluate their veteran-focused programs. These survey responses, along with public data sourced from the Department of Education and Department of Veterans Affairs, undergo a rigorous analysis by the Military Times data team to produce a trusted, unbiased ranking. About Suffolk County Community College Suffolk County Community College is the largest, most comprehensive community college in the State University of New York (SUNY) system, enrolling more than 21,000 students in over 100 degree and certificate programs. With over 145,000 alumni, Suffolk County Community College is dedicated to meeting the demands of regional employers. The college has built an extensive track record of successfully training and educating its students through pathways from high school, to college, and into careers.

Ford's Garage Opening At Smithhaven Mall

Ford’s Garage Takes New York with Its First Restaurant in Long Island

Long Island native Steve Israel and Jake Israel open the state’s first location of the nostalgia-fueled burgers-and-brew eatery at the Smith Haven Mall

LAKE GROVE, NY (Oct. 28, 2024) – Ford’s Garage, where diners fuel up on juicy burgers, craft beer and satisfying comfort food in a nostalgic setting inspired by the heritage of the Ford Motor Company, is opening its first location in New York on Saturday, Nov. 2. The new restaurant, which is conveniently located in the Smith Haven Mall, is owned by Steve Israel who grew up on Long Island and his son, Jake Israel.

Steve Israel co-opened the first Ford’s Garage in 2012 in Fort Myers, Florida. At first, Israel just wanted to fill a vacancy in a building he owned, but he soon was collaborating with his partners to create the concept including the brand’s unique style and menu. Knowing that Long Island needed a solid, fun concept like Ford’s Garage, the Israels retained the rights to develop the Long Island market.  

“From the great food to the immersive atmosphere, Ford’s Garage is a one-of-a-kind dining experience, and we’re proud to be the first to offer it in New York,” said Steve Israel. “Guests at Ford’s Garage not only enjoy the great tastes from the menu but they can also savor the automotive nostalgia inspired by the legendary Ford Motor Company.”

All the brand’s locations feature branding and memorabilia exclusively licensed from the Ford Motor Company, which recreates the look and feel of a 1920s service station. The décor includes vintage vehicles, fixtures and gas pumps, with accessories like napkins made from blue shop towels, bathroom sinks that resemble tires and fuel pump nozzles that are used as faucets. To complete the effect, servers wear mechanic shirts.

Starring on the menu are burgers made with Black Angus beef and served with all-natural aged cheeses, fresh toppings and flavorful sauces on artisan buns branded with the Ford’s Garage logo. The satisfying selection includes the unique Burgers of Fame, named after influential individuals and organizations in the local community. Burgers are also available in a vegetarian option. 

Diners can switch gears from burgers to classics like homemade meatloaf, chicken wings and tenders, onion rings and macaroni & cheese. Fuel-efficient fare is also available, such as fresh salads, grilled chicken and various seafood options. Guests can top off their meal with milkshakes, sundaes and other sweet desserts. The restaurant serves wine, cocktails and non-alcoholic options as well as a large selection of beers, including drafts, with an emphasis on local breweries. 

The new Ford’s Garage is located at 355 Smith Haven Mall. It seats approximately 275 guests. Opening Nov. 2, restaurant hours are Monday through Thursday from 11 a.m. to 10 p.m., Friday from 11 a.m. to 11 p.m., Saturday from 10:30 a.m. to 11 p.m. and Sunday 10:30 a.m.-10 p.m.  For more information, visit www.fordsgarageusa.com or call 631-818-3673.

Ford’s Garage Smith Haven Mall is hiring. To apply for a position, visit https://fordsgarageusa.com/careers.

About Ford’s Garage

Founded in 2012 and franchising since 2015, the original Ford’s Garage opened in Fort Myers, Florida, less than a mile from Henry Ford’s winter home. Today, as an official licensee of the Ford Motor Company, enabling them to use the company’s iconic blue oval logo and other brand imagery, the 1920s garage-themed burger and craft beer restaurant franchise has expanded to include a total of 28 locations across seven states. For more information, visit www.fordsgarageusa.com.

The Smithtown Library Will Hold Budget Vote And Trustee Election Oct. 15

The Smithtown Special Library District will hold its Budget Vote and Trustee Election on Tuesday, October 15, 2024 from 9:30am to 9:00pm. Due to catastrophic flooding, the Smithtown Building is closed. Voting will take place at the Commack, Kings Park and Nesconset Buildings.  Your polling site is determined by your home address and the Suffolk County election districts.  Voters assigned to our Smithtown Building will vote at the Nesconset Building. Click on image below for information about trustee candidates, budget, voting locations.