The 2015 Town Board Campaign Begins!

The Smithtown Democratic Committee announced in a press release that they are gearing up for the 2015 Town Board elections. Two Council positions currently held by Robert Creighton and Edward Wehrheim (both Republicans) are to be contested this year.  It is expected that both men will seek re-election and it is rumored that both men will face a primary challenge on the Republican line. 

Democratic Chairman Ed Maher was somewhat cryptic in his message, stating that former Democratic Supervisor Candidate, Steve Snair and Suffolk County IDA member Anthony Giordano are considering a run for the two council seats.  “Our screening committee will convene this spring and we are excited to hear what the potential candidates have in mind for the future of Smithtown,” said Mr. Maher, adding that he “will consider screening potential candidates from other parties,” and that the Democrats will put the strongest candidates on the ballot in November.”

What will the ballot look like in November? Behind the scenes there is a lot of talk about a Republican primary, and who the challengers might be. The Democrats press release adds a new conversation,  will there be Republican names on the Democratic line in November? Time will tell.  

First Baby Of Smithtown's 350th Anniversary - Christopher Granados

The town of Smithtown is rich in history and culture and 2015, marks the 350th year of its existence, also called sesquarcentennial—not the easiest word to pronounce, but a significant time to celebrate. Under the leadership of Smithtown historian and President of the 350th Sesquarcentennial Foundation Bradley Harris—the community of Smithtown has events planned commemorating its official birthday and as the only community hospital within the official borders of the historical town, St. Catherine of Siena Medical Center is proud to participate in the year long events.

The mission of The 350 Foundation, Inc., supported by Smithtown Supervisor Patrick Vecchio, the Smithtown Historical Society and enthusiastic residents, is to promote interest in Smithtown’s history by making town residents aware of its colorful and fascinating past; to encourage participation and involvement in the celebration of Smithtown’s history by getting residents, schools, other organizations, businesses, and corporations actively involved in activities and events associated with the Sesquarcentennial Celebration of the Year 2015; to promote [education through] public participation in the activities and events by creating a calendar of events for 2015, advertising and promoting those activities and events, and fundraising to help defray the cost of those events; and to actively promote, direct, and run activities and events on behalf of the Town of Smithtown that will include but not be limited to the Bull Smythe Run, dedication of the Statue of Richard Smythe, a Sesquarcentennial Parade, and a Fireworks Celebration.

“Smithtown has a rich history and its 350th anniversary provides a great opportunity to educate residents and celebrate the wonderful town in which we live,” commented Harris. To further commemorate the 350^th birthday of Smithtown, St. Catherine of Siena was proud to deliver the first baby of its anniversary year, marked on March 3^rd. After much waiting and anticipation, baby boy Christopher Granados was the first baby born at St. Catherine of Siena on March 4, 2015 at 8.49 am weighing 8 lbs. 3.4 oz., to Glenda Corvera and Jose Granados of Brentwood, delivered by Shehla Shabnam, MD.

On March 6, 2015, St. Catherine’s administration welcomed members of The 350^th Foundation, Inc., and Smithtown Supervisor Patrick Vecchio to meet the new baby and his family, along with the Maternity staff that helped welcome him to the world.  Executive Vice President and Chief Administrative Officer Paul J. Rowland welcomed the family and members of the foundation in its St. Luke’s Medical Library, followed by a welcome from President of The 350^th Foundation Bradley Harris. While they are not Smithtown residents, Supervisor Patrick Vecchio gave them an honorary lifetime residence in Smithtown. “Christopher is a star already,” said father Jose Granados and with excitement.

In addition to the proclamation, the family received a gift basket from the Foundation filled with baby essentials, along with a starter fund of $350 towards a NY529 College Savings Plan for baby Christopher, presented by committee member Kathleen Albrecht.

“We are proud of the staff at St. Catherine of Siena Medical Center and are happy to be part of the 350th birthday celebration of Smithtown,” said St. Catherine’s Executive Vice President and CAO Paul J. Rowland. “We are all pleased to have the first Sesquarcentennial baby here at the hospital and look forward to participating in future events.”

Baby Christopher and his family will walk in the parade on September 12, 2015. For more information about future 350^th Foundation events, visit www.smithtown350foundation.org.

For more information about Maternity Services at St. Catherine of Siena Medical Center, please call (631) 870-3444.

Theater Review - "I Love You, You're Perfect, Now Change!"

THEATER REVIEW

“I Love You, You’re Perfect, Now Change!” Produced by Theatre Three – Port Jefferson - Reviewed by Jeb Ladouceur

Lisa Brodsky, Brett Chizever, Jenna Kavaler, James D. SchultzThe comedy, “I Love You, You’re Perfect, Now Change!” with book and lyrics by Joe DiPietro, and music by Jimmy Roberts, is the second-longest running Off-Broadway musical ever! Translating that accolade into its number of performances, and duration in the limelight, means that the revue was performed 5000 times in New York between August of 1996 and August 2008 … a run that could well have been predicted by its Outer Critics Circle nomination for ‘Outstanding Off-Broadway Musical’ in 1997. 

Judging from the reaction of standing-room-only aficionados at Theatre Three’s comfortable Port Jefferson playhouse last Sunday, the wildly funny offering, directed and choreographed by Steve McCoy, is probably a faithful reincarnation of the original hit. It’s just wonderful! The show made for the most fun this reviewer has had at any theater in years. 

Critics always hate to admit that they’ve missed out on something important. But in the interest of transparency, let it be known that the splendid production now on the boards on Main Street in Port Jeff, provided my first opportunity to experience this incisive theatrical probe into the human condition … the complex mechanism that makes us all tick.

And what a gamut of real-life experiences the versatile acting quartet of two women and two men navigate, as they take us through scene after scene of “ain’t it the truth” vignettes!

This revue’s cast of talented performers, (Lisa Brodsky, Brett Chizever, Jenna Kavaler, and James D. Schultz) could hardly have been more entertaining, as they led the audience along a witty series of incidents that shone a revealing light on ‘everyman’s’ libidinous proclivities. Audience members were clearly guided to a recollection of the angst associated with adolescence … were shepherded anew through the trials associated with marriage and parenthood … and some, I’m sure, even recognized the heartwarming phenomenon that is romantic love in old age. 

It’s virtually impossible to single out a given performance in this production of “I Love You, You’re Perfect…” as being exceptional. Sure, the Ethel Mermanesque “Always A Bridesmaid” is a number we’re unlikely ever to forget. Same goes for the endearing tribute to everlasting love, “Shouldn’t I Be Less In Love With You?” But honestly, this is an all-hands effort on the part of the entire company … both on-stage, and behind it. The bar is set high at the outset, and each of the performers consistently clears it.

Jack Kohl and his musicians are perfectly synchronized … Randall Parsons can create a fitting set like no one else in the business (especially with the help of Robert W. Henderson Jr.’s lighting) … and Amanda Geraci dresses everyone neatly with appropriate costumes. There isn’t a weak link in the chain.

Indeed, everybody at Theatre Three can be proud of this superlative staging. Like the hundreds who stood and cheered the other day, I am unequivocally delighted finally to have discovered an uproarious and moving show I’d heretofore missed. 

The production runs thru March 28.

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Award-winning writer, Jeb Ladouceur is the author of nine novels, and his theater and book reviews appear in several major L.I. publications. In his newest thriller, HARVEST, an American military doctor is seized by a sinister gang of organ traffickers in The Balkans, and ordered to perform illegal surgeries. Ladouceur’s upcoming spellbinder, THE QUANTUM SYNDROME, is based on the Atlanta child murders of the 80’s, and is due this spring.

Smithtown Town Hall Dedicated In Honor Of Patrick R. Vecchio

“I commend the Town Board for taking this well-deserved action. Supervisor Vecchio has been a longtime friend, neighbor and mentor of mine and I am thrilled that the building where he has spent the past 38 years leading the Town of Smithtown will be named in honor of him,” said Suffolk County Legislator Robert Trotta (R- Fort Salonga, NY).

With an audience packed with friends and supporters the Town Board surprised Town Supervisor Patrick R. Vecchio and dedicated Smithtown Town Hall in his honor.  Patrick Vecchio, with 38 years as Town Supervisor, is the longest serving Supervisor on Long Island.  The decision to dedicate the building in “Honor of Patrick R. Vecchio” was approved with a 4-0 vote (Supervisor Vecchio did not vote). The resolution was read by a solemn Deputy Suprvisor Thomas McCarthy who beamed with happiness after the resolution passed. The Supervisor had tears in his eyes as everyone stood up and applauded his service. In a conversation after the meeting Supervisor Vecchio said the he was honored by the decision to dedicate the Town Hall in his honor. As for becoming emotional,  “Of course I cried, I’m Italian.”(click on photos to enlarge)

Supervisor Patrick R. Vecchio

What's Cookin'? - Smithtown - A Delicious Transformation to Health

What’s Cookin’ ? –Smithtown

By Nancy Vallarella

Smithtown’s Delicious Transformation to Health

Kelli DiGregorio & Barbara Ann GrovaThere is no greater muse than a mother’s passion. Barbara Ann Grova considered nutrition when her child was diagnosed with precocious puberty at age six. Not willing to medicate, Barbara made it her personal mission to research alternatives that took her on a journey exploring nutritional healing and environmental impact on the human body. Grova’s desire to improve her child’s health combined with the dissatisfaction in an unfulfilling corporate career transitioned into a new profession. In 2004, Barbara Grova became a Holistic Nutritionist CHHC, AADP (Certified Holistic Health Counselor, American Association of Drugless Practitioners). She then started her own corporation, Nutritional Healing.

During 2014, Barbara and her Shrink Your Body, the Holistic Way ™ program guided attendees in Saint James and Stony Brook to a healthy lifestyle. Her clients managed to tally up a bonus 6,000 pound weight loss! This program is scheduled to take place in two new locations: Calvary Church of God of Saint James - 210 Woodlawn Avenue, Saint James and Mary Kay Studio - 1727 Veterans Memorial Hwy, Islandia.

Calvary Church of God of Saint James is also host to the Saint James Emergency Food Pantry where there is a need for donations especially laundry and hygiene products.  Church administrator, Debbie Capaldo welcomed the opportunity to have Barbara Ann Grova hold the program at this location. It is a great example of community working together. The church has a large dining area with a kitchen perfect for Shrink Your Body, the Holistic Way ™ workshops. Barbara is helping the church fill the pantry with donations.

Sweet potato apple soupCarolyn Borella of Borella Wholesale Nursery, Inc. in Nesconset just finished attending a beginner Shrink Your Body the Holistic Way ™ workshop.  She states her ultimate goal is to, “die young at a very old healthy age.”  The SYB program is about disseminating information and educating people on how to live a healthy lifestyle. Borella explains, “You learn about what nutrients found in food impact our bodies in a positive healing way. I acquired label reading skills to determine things like the levels of sodium and identifying sugar in processed food that will have a negative impact on my health. Shopping techniques, recipes and cooking skills are taught and practiced.” Always a smoothie fan, Carolyn was amazed that the Shrink Your Body delicious smoothie recipes contained ingredients such as kale and spinach. She enthusiastically states, “If it weren’t for the green color, you would never know those vegetables were included. The smoothies tasted great, gave me energy and I even slept better. I may be 60 but I feel like I’m 30! I can’t believe I feel this good. Life is a gift. Living a happy and healthy life is your choice.”

Saint James mother of five, Kelli DiGregorio was a client four years ago. Kelli confides, “My weight was out of control. No matter what I tried, nothing worked. I did not feel good.” Kelli took the time out for herself and spent Wednesday nights in the program led by Barbara. “It wasn’t just about food. I became interested in learning the many aspects of a healthy lifestyle. After completing the beginner program, I continued to sign up for advanced programs. I spent a year as a client and the experience transformed my life.” Kelli went on to become a Certified Nutrition Counselor through the Institute for Integrative Nutrition. She now runs the beginner groups for the Shrink Your Body program. 

Barbara Grova offers a supportive casual group environment and one on one counseling. Her clients are among the young and the mature.  I had the opportunity to observe a workshop she conducted for children this past December.  She masterfully engaged eighteen 8-12 year-olds by warming the group up with exercise led by Crossfit Kids Stony Brook and demonstrated how to cook a healthy meal (Breakfast Quesadilla). Fun, nutritious snacks (Bunnies Hopping in the Snow & Snowman Kabobs) were made throughout the session. They even played games - Spy Kids with Nutrition and Blind Taste Test.  This impressive, action packed, interactive, pure genius program pumped the kids up for learning and practicing healthy lifestyle choices.  

This recipe was created by Kelli DiGregorio for Shrink Your Body, the Holistic Way ™ 

Sweet Potato Apple Soup

1 cup of diced onions
2 Tbsp of Olive Oil
2 1/2 lbs of Sweet Potatoes, peeled and diced
2 carrots, peeled and diced
1 large apple, peeled and chopped
5 cups of vegetable or chicken stock—low sodium
Pinch of salt, pepper and nutmeg

Heat oil in large saucepan. Add in onions—cook until translucent, not browned. Add in sweet potatoes, carrots, apple and stock. Bring to a boil, reduce heat, cover and simmer for about 25 minutes until veggies are tender. Puree soup either in a blender or with an immersion blender. Season with salt, pepper and nutmeg. Enjoy.

New sessions of the Shrink Your Body, the Holistic Way ™ program begin March 5^th   & March 10^th.  Call Barbara Ann Grova at 631-428-2427 for additional information.