What’s Cookin’? – Smithtown By Nancy Vallarella

New Year and a New Challenge for Smithtown

In retrospect Smithtown fared pretty well in 2012.  Sure the economy and Super Storm Sandy took a toll on our town and several businesses but Smithtown keeps plugging along.  Smithtown’s spirit of community never seems to fray.  The winter months are difficult for many small businesses. Resolutions to diet, bad weather, and the continuing fiscal concerns are certain contributors. During these historically slow months many businesses will help to support our community’s fund raising efforts with donations and by holding events on their premises.  Take advantage of these opportunities and get to know Smithtown’s   local business owners and their products. 

We are very fortunate as a community to operate fairly close to normal.   Through the holiday fanfare, lingering in the minds of most, were thoughts of the people of Newton, Connecticut where eleven days before Christmas the unfathomable became the unbearable.  How will they pick up the pieces? How will they heal?

It will certainly be a study for years to come. There is no doubt that this tragedy could have happened anywhere in the world.  This time it was close to home.  As a nation we will be debating constitutional rights, mental health issues and school security but what can be done now? What can we do as a community? The answer: What we do best. 

In honor of the people of Newton and the 26 lives lost at Sandy Hook Elementary School, What’s Cookin’? -Smithtown is putting forth a community challenge to join in NBC news correspondent Ann Curry’s 26 Acts of Kindness.  To kick off this effort and promote local business, What’s Cookin’?  -Smithtown will award the first Smithtown resident to complete this challenge a $50 gift certificate to their favorite Smithtown restaurant. Here are the criteria for completing the challenge:

• You must be a Town of Smithtown resident.
• You must document/post your list of 26 Acts of Kindness on What’s Cookin’? - Smithtown facebook page.
• A minimum of 20 Acts of Kindness have to take place within the Town of Smithtown.
• A minimum of 10 Acts of Kindness have to be verifiable.

It doesn’t matter how much time, money or effort is involved. What matters is that we help create a tipping point and inspire others to join in,  honor those who sacrificed so much and give back hope.  Even if you don’t complete 26 Acts before someone else please continue to document them to inspire others. 

Need some ideas?… Attend a local fundraiser (Check events page in www. SmithtownMatters.com).  Donate cash or your time to a local charity. Make soup for a sick neighbor, friend or family member. Pass something warm to the school crossing guard on a cold day.  Read to someone who cannot.  Pass this article to friends, family and the community.  Create a job for someone in need.  Award someone for being the second person to complete the challenge. Hold a door open. Say thank you. - “Gratitude is an art of painting an adversity into a lovely picture.” ~Kak Sri  

Thank you for taking the time to read this article  - Go Smithtown!