By Pat Biancaniello
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Meet The Leaders with Patrick Halpin came to Smithtown Wednesday, May 27,2015. The Cablevision/Optimum Community program was filmed at the Eugene Cannataro Senior Center in front of an audience filled with Smithtown residents, many of them regulars at the center. The focus of the program was Smithtown’s 350th Anniversary.
Host Patrick Halpin interviewed Town Supervisor Patrick Vecchio and Town Historian Bradley Harris. The two guests were questioned by the host about Smithtown’s history. Questions ranged from Smithtown’s early history including: how did Richard Smith get the patent to the land, the legend of Smithtown and more recent history including the dedication of the John V.Klein Industrial Park and Town Hall honoring Patrick Vecchio.
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Prior to the filming the audience chatted about their memories of Smithtown and how so much has changed. Audience participation followed the interview. The taped show can be seen at www.meettheleaders.com.
Cablevision/Optimum Community is a big part of Smithtown’s 350 celebration. “The Spirit of Smithtown,” an original play created by historical writer Sal St. George, is being sponsored by Optimum Community. The play is a one-act vaudevillian musical about the history of Smithtown and its communities. The play has been in the works for several months. There will be six performances two Fridays May 29 and June 5 @7:30pm, Saturdays are May 30 and June 6 @7:30pm and Sunday May 31 and June 7 @ 3pm. at the Smithtown Center for Performing Arts.
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Tickets to the six performances are offered to the public complimentary due to the generous support of Optimum and a grant from the Gardiner Foundation. While most tickets have been distributed, there are a number of tickets at the box office for walk-ins on the day of the performances. The Smithtown Center for the Performing Arts is located at 2 East Main Street, Smithtown.