"The Public Deserves To Know" Republican Legislators Call For Federal Oversight

Suffolk County Legislators at Dec. 15 press conferenceTrue to their word, five Republican Suffolk County Legislators sent a letter to U.S. Attorney General Loretta E. Lynch requesting a federal monitor to review appointment procedures and day to day operations of the Suffolk County Police Department. The legislators announced their intention to request federal oversight at a press conference on Dec. 15.

Legislators Kevin McCaffrey 14th LD, Tom Muratore 4th LD, Tom Cilmi 10th LD, Leslie Kennedy 12 LD and Robert Trotta 13 LD wrote to the Attorney General expressing “greatest sense of urgency”  and concern that “…oversight is absolutely critical in ensuring the integrity of our justice system, maintaining public safety, and restoring public confidence in law enforcement.”

The legislators are reacting to the resignation, arrest and denial of bail to former Suffolk County Police Chief James Burke. 

Burke, appointed by County Executive Steve Bellone in 2012, is alleged to have violated the civil rights of Christopher Loeb, a former Smithtown resident, after the man stole items from Burke’s police SUV parked outside his house. Burke is also alleged to have been involved in beating Loeb and a cover-up of the incident.

The legislators have also asked Attorney General Lynch to investigate what County Executive Bellone knew about the incident saying “The public deserves to know if Bellone knew about the questionable fitness of Burke, and if so, why the appointment was made regardless.”

The legislators are seething at the fact that despite the arrest of his appointee James Burke,  County Executive appointed a new police commissioner without doing a nationwide search. County Exec Bellone has tapped Tim Sini, a former federal prosecuter with little experience in police work to become Suffolk County Police Commissioner. 

The legislators’ letter was written December 21. There has not yet been a response. There is an ongoing federal presence investigating James Burke.

Newday’s Dan Janison - James Burke arrest marks the latest Suffolk mysteries 

Kings Park Students Among The Best Musicians In Suffolk County

KPHS Music Students Receive High Honors

(Back Row:  Standing L to R – Mr. Vinny Tunkel, Mr. Ryan Flatt, Felicity Doddato, Jack Hogan, 

Michael Morello, Anthony Amadio, Mr. Paul Eger, Dr. Timothy Eagen-Superintendent

Front Row:  Standing L to R – Danielle Provenzano, Gloria Chang, Sabrina Holsborg, Jack Murphy, A.J. Pulvirenti 

Congratulations to Anthony Amadio, Gloria Chang, Felicity Doddato, Jack Hogan, Sabrina Holsborg, Michael Morello, Jack Murphy, A.J. Pulvirenti and Danielle Provenzano on being selected to participate in the annual NYSCAME concert. Their selection places them among the best musicians in all of Suffolk County.

Further congratulations are in order for Anthony Amadio, Jack Hogan, Michael Morello and Jack Murphy for being recognized as four of the top musicians in New York State. Michael Morello (Band) and Jack Murphy (Mixed Chorus) will be performing in this year’s All-State ensembles.

SHSE - Fourteen Students Participated In Poetry Out Loud Event

Poetry Out Loud at High School East

Smithtown High School East students participated in Poetry Out Loud, a nationwide poetry recitation contest on Dec. 16.Smithtown High School East in the Smithtown Central School District participated in Poetry Out Loud, a nationwide poetry recitation contest, on Dec. 16 in the Little Theater. 

Fourteen students from five English classes took to the stage to recite poems they had memorized during the previous weeks. The two winners were Kessandra Chisholm, who recited “Video Blues” by Mary Jo Salter, and Colleen Haggerty, who recited “I am Trying to Break Your Heart” by Kevin Young. Smithtown School District administrators Tina Mangano, director of English Language Arts, K-12, Dr. Allyn Leeds, assistant superintendent for pupil personnel services, and Paul Strader, executive director of curriculum, served as judges.

The National Endowment for the Arts and the Poetry Foundation have partnered with U.S. state arts agencies to support Poetry Out Loud, a contest that encourages the nation’s youth to learn about great poetry through memorization and recitation. The program helps students master public speaking skills, build self-confidence and learn about literacy history. 

Photo courtesy of the Smithtown Central School District - Click on photo to enlarge

Home For The Holidays - Kittens & Cats At Smithtown Animal Shelter

Smithtown Animal Shelter Director Susan HansenIf Smithtown Animal Shelter Director Sue Hansen’s holiday wish is granted 70 cats & kittens would find forever homes for the holiday. Ms. Hansen stood before the Town Board on Tuesday announcing a special deal for the felines at the animal shelter.

Adoption fees for adult cats, normally $85, will be waived for the remainder of the year. If you would like to adopt a kitten, there is a two-for deal. Adopt one kitten and get a second at no cost.  All the animals are spayed, vaccinated, chipped and dewormed.  

If you are interested in the kittens Ms Hansen brought to Tuesday’s Town Board meeting, as per a request made by Supervisor Vecchio, the adoption fees will be waived. If you have room in your heart for one of the 70 cats, 5 dogs or four roosters contact the animal shelter at 631-360-7575.

The Voices Behind The 9/11 Responders Remembered Park Tree Lighting Ceremony

Click on photos to enlarge

“We light the tree for the town and the kids. We don’t need to light it for the park for it is lit by the resolve of those who have their names on the walls. This is a testament to them.” John Feal, FealGood Foundation.

Hauppauge HS Chamber ChoirSunday evening’s tree lighting ceremony at the 9/11 Responders Remembered Park was a wonderful reminder of how the Smithtown community comes together to support and memorialize 9/11 responders. The 100 or so people who attended the ceremony were treated to the melodic voice of Caitlin Beirne, 13, a student at St. Patricks School in Smithtown. Caitlin sang Hallelujah and Silent Night.  Also singingCaitlin Beirne was the wonderful Hauppauge HS Chamber Choir. Hauppauge has a long history of having an outstanding music program with students excelling in both instrument and voice. The students who performed Sunday evening were a credit to the Hauppauge School District and the Hauppauge community. Their first song Auld Lang Syne brought tears to the eyes and their rendition of Hark the Herald Angel was heavenly.

Martin Aponte, president of the 9/11 Responders Remembered Park, John Feal, president of the FealGood Foundation, Legislator Leslie Kennedy and County Comptroller John Kennedy,  Reverend Bill Minson all participated in the ceremony. They were place holders for the main event Santa Claus lighting the Star on the tree. Santa showed up via Nesconset Fire Department to the delight of the young children who waited patiently.

9/11 Responders Remembered Park is located at 316 Smithtown Blvd, Nesconset, NY 11767