Smithtown's Alex Ladouceur Takes First Place In SUNY Athletic Conference Meet

Suffolk’s 2014 High Jump Champion Takes First Place In Upstate SUNY Athletic Conference Meet

SUNY Oswego freshman Alex Ladouceur at his grandfather’s Whisper Vineyards book signing event held earlier this year Photo by Debbie Lange Fifer In his first year competing as a collegian, Smithtown’s Alex Ladouceur provided his Oswego track and field teammates with a resounding victory in the SUNY Athletic Conference high jump event.

The freshman sensation from Smithtown West High School led 15 upstate SUNY jumpers with his leap of six feet – six inches! Ladouceur’s winning effort was good enough to prevail over senior Phil Longo of Geneseo, and No. 1 seed, Nick Vachon of Cortland. The hotly contested meet was held at the Special Events & Recreation Center in Brockport, New York, on February 27 & 28.

Known primarily for its champion Ice Hockey teams, the Oswego Lakers (so called because the campus is situated on the southern shore of Lake Ontario in upstate New York) look to newly enrolled scholar athletes like the 19-year-old Ladouceur to usher in a new era of excellence in Track & Field … both for Oswego and the entire SUNY conference. Said one observer of the heroics turned in by the underclassman Smithtown resident, “If the SUNYAC Meet, and Alex Ladouceur’s performance, are any indication, Oswego will be a force to keep any eye on in the foreseeable future. Both indoor and outdoor track and field seasons will certainly bear watching.”

Bull Smythe Relay - Sunday, March 1 Come Out And Support The Participants

The Bull Smythe Relay kicks off Smithtown’s 350 Anniversary celebration this Sunday, March 1 at 6am. The public is encouraged to come out and cheer on the runners as they carry a baton containing a copy of Smithtown’s historic 1665 patent.  

The relay begins at Town Hall at 6am and will loop around the Town ending at Town Hall sometime after 4pm. A brief ceremony will take place at Town Hall as the Smithtown 350 Foundation members present the patent to Town officials.  

Below is a list of Mile sponsors. Each sponsor has donated $250 to the Foundation to support Smithtown’s 350 Anniversary Celebration.

Visit Smithtown350Foundation.org to learn more about celebration.

Bull Smythe Relay mile sponsors -  

Mile #

 1.  Smithtown Matters

 2.  St. Catherine of Siena Medical Center

2a.  Old Nthpt.-Lawrence Rd Task Force & Kings Park Civic Association (KPCA) & Kings Park Notebook

 3. Wolke-Perri

 4.  Tanzi Family

 5. Nissequogue River State Park Foundation (NRSPF)

 6. Legislator Rob Trotta

 7.  Councilman Robert Creighton

 8.  Councilman Ed Wehrheim

 9.  Kings Park Chamber of Commerce

10.  Commack-Kings Park Rotary Club

11.  Debbie Virga

12.  Navas-Biancaniello Family

13.  Commack Fire Department

14.  JRD Technical Associates

15. The  Smithtown News

16.  Smithtown Democratic Committee

17.  Smithtown Planning Department

18.  Town Clerk Vincent Puleo

19.  Hauppauge Fire Department

20.  Team Dart, Gagliano, Cohen, and Andrews

21.  Branch Brook PTA

22.  Friends of Smithtown Library

23.  Leslie & John Kennedy

24.  Storybook Homes

25.  Mancini Architecture

26.  St. James Chamber of Commerce

27.  Friends of Deepwell

28.  Carole Palmer

29.  Harbor Country Day School

30.  Harbor Country Day School

31.  Knox School

32.  Peggy Micciche

33.  Joan Harris

34.  Smithtown Historical Society

35.  Richard Smith

36.  Assemblyman Michael Fitzpatrick

37.  John Carro

38.  Residents of the Village of the Branch

39.  350 Foundation

Route of the Bull Smythe Relay:

The relay gets started at Town Hall at 6AM, it proceeds west from Town Hall down Main St.(Rte 25) until it gets to the statue of the bull where it hooks onto 25A.  It proceeds up 25A looping around Oakside Rd. Nowick, Trent, St. Nicholas, Monroe and back to 25A crossing over Rose St. where it becomes St. Johnland Road.  It then follows St. Johnland Road into Kings Park  where it continues past the Nissequogue River State Park  At this point the relay continues on Sunken Meadow Road until it picks up 25A.  It takes 25A/Fort Salonga Road up into Fort Salonga before it runs into Bread and Cheese Hollow Road.  It then takes Bread and Cheese Hollow Road south until it becomes Townline Road and then eventually Commack Road.  It follows Commack Road until New Highway.  The relay then heads east down New Highway making a turn south down Adams Avenue (this is all in the Hauppauge Industrial Park). It follows Adams until it hits Oser Ave and it then proceeds east down Oser Ave until arriving at Old Willets Path where the relay will head north to Veterans Highway (454). The Relay will proceed east down Vets until the Townline Road split where it will then follow Townline Road east. (we’re in Hauppauge now).  It continues down Townline until it hits Nichols Road (into Nesconset) and follows Nichols Road Northeast until it arrives at Alexander Avenue.  It then follows Alexander Avenue north to 347.  At 347 it takes a quick jog east before hanging a left on Moriches Road (heading into St. James).  It follows Moriches Road up to the Lake Avenue intersection where it will take a quick right on Lake before taking the next quick right onto North Country Road.  From North Country it then proceeds up to Thompson Hill Road.  It takes the left onto Thompson Hill Drive.  It follows Thompson Hill (we’re in Head of the Harbor now) to Three Sisters Hollow Road, where it takes a right onto Three Sisters Hollow.  It follows Three Sisters Hollow northeast until it meets up with Bacon Rd.  It follows Bacon Road north to Harbor Hill Road.  It then takes Harbor Hill back down following it south and then west to Cordwood Path.  The relay then takes Corwood Path to back to Moriches where it heads west.  (Heading into the Village of Nissequogue).  It follows Moriches all the way west to Nissequogue River Road where it hooks south.  It follows Nissequogue River Road/River Road all the way south to the Main Street/25/111 intersection.  The relay proceeds down Route 111 all the way south to Darling Avenue (into the Village of the Branch).  It proceeds west on Darling to Maple Avenue where it heads north on Maple.  The Relay proceeds north on Maple all the way back to Main Street where it then hooks west and back to Town Hall.    

Councilwoman Lynne Nowick Announces The Creation Of Animal Shelter Advisory Council

LONG ISLAND’S FIRST ANIMAL SHELTER ADVISORY COUNCIL ESTABLISHED 

According to Socrates, the secret of change is to focus all your energy, not on fighting the old but, on building the new.  Councilwoman Lynne Nowick, appointed Liaison of behalf of the Smithtown Animal Shelter, firmly believes so.  An avid animal lover herself, Councilwoman Nowick decided to do something never before done in Suffolk County in an effort to enhance the quality of life for the approximately 700 homeless pets who pass through the doors of the shelter each year. 

 “Moving forward with the task of providing additional care to our animals and offering cost effective programs and services to our community, I have joined forces in a collaborative effort with Shelter Director George Beatty, and appointed animal welfare experts Lucille DeFina, Diane Madden and animal welfare attorney, Elizabeth Stein to work with us as our Animal Shelter Advisory Council.”

According to Nowick, what these experts bring to the table is an unquenchable thirst to increase shelter adoptions by ensuring that every single animal receives the best possible opportunity for adoption or rescue through creative and cost efficient means.  Their focus includes expanding the animals’ medical care both in the shelter and beyond as they also strive to expand the existing Smithtown Animal Shelter humane spay/neuter program for homeless free roaming cats.  Barely off the ground, a Veterinary Technician has been hired, preparations are taking place to launch a new website which will offer more extended exposure for pets, and the Town Board has approved a budget increase to expand the availability of wet food.  

Innovative policies and procedures are being reviewed and implemented, and plans are in the making to host both on and off-site adoption and spay/neuter events.  A donation account has been established and anyone interested in donating can send their donations to:

Smithtown Animal Shelter Donations, PO Box 9090, Smithtown, New York 11787

This will greatly benefit the shelter’s many homeless animals and provide animal lovers an opportunity to help.  Best of all, says Director Beatty, “we’re developing plans for a building renovation which will offer increased comfort for our pets, more exposure and, highlight their individuality while provide additional space for care and progressive programs.  The new shelter sign mounted to attract adopters is the first indication that changes are taking place, and certainly, when you appoint known experienced advocates dedicated to improving the quality of life for our animals, there will be many enhancements to come.”  According to Councilwoman Nowick, “we are counting on, not only their sincere support but their ideas and participation as well, as we expand our efforts to achieve our goal – the best municipal shelter in the County.  In the meantime, so many precious animals await their forever home, please stop by our shelter at 410 Middle County Road, Smithtown and welcome home a new friend.”

Assemblyman Fitzpatrick's Proposal to Rescind VLTs Is Met With Booing and Chanting "Build The Casino"

(click on photos to enlarge)

Assemblyman Michael Fitzpatrick hosted a press conference Monday morning at the State Building in Hauppauge. Mr. Fitzpatrick’s goal was to bring attention to his bill A.5187. The legislation calls for the rescission of authorization for 1,000 video lottery terminals (VLT) dedicated to Nassau and Suffolk Counties.  Joining Fitzpatrick and supporting his proposal was Legislator Robert Trotta (13LD) and residents from Westbury and Mastic, two communities selected to host VLT casinos. 

NYS Assemblyman Michael Fitzpatrick with Legislator Robert Trotta and residents of Westbury and Mastic.Mr. Fitzpatrick contends that the public was mislead by the wording of the referendum allowing for the expansion of VLTs. According to VLT advocates, the referendum was supported by 66 percent of voters in Brookhaven and 57 percent of voters in Suffolk County.

The public, according to Fitzpatrick, was seeking tax relief not increased gambling.

“When residents of Long Island called for much needed relief from burdensome taxes due to unfunded state mandated programs, Albany responded by issuing gambling licenses and authorizing video slot machines at traditional betting sites. However, gambling revenues have been much lower than expected,” said Fitzpatrick. “To bring about meaningful tax relief, Albany must reduce costs and stop spending, not create alternate revenue schemes like gambling. Furthermore, gambling brings a plethora of other problems to our community. This is not a trade-off we should be making. When voting on allowing up to seven casinos in Upstate New York, residents were unaware that even if they voted against the referendum both Nassau and Suffolk Counties would get 1,000 video lottery terminals apiece. Regardless of whether it passed or failed they would still be saddled with those terminals. A vote against the referendum was still a vote for the video lottery terminals.”

Opponents of Assemblyman Fitzpatrick’s proposalApproximately thirty opponents of Assemblyman Fitzpatrick’s bill were in the audience.  They booed, and chanted “build the casinos”. The crowd, mostly trade workers, were relentless in their argument that it should be the public’s will not the will of the two elected officials that determines the future of VLT casinos. 

In a conversation with Smithtown Matters, St. James resident Mario Mattera (buisness agent for Plumbers Union and Suffolk County Water Authority Board member) questioned Fitzpatrick’s priorities. He stated that Assemblyman Fitzpatrick should be focusing on bringing jobs to the county, not squashing a proposal that will bring construction jobs and 350 permanent positions. “If Assemblyman squashes this the monies will go upstate and we will not get anything. Local jobs for local people.” said Mattera.

Fitzpatrick pointed out the social problems associated with gambling stating, “this is an industry that depends on the problems and addiction of gamblers to succeed.” Legislator Trotta joined Fitzpatrick in his rejection of additional VLTs. Saying that there is nothing more that he would like than to see the tradesmen working, Trotta pointed to the real jeopardy he saw in letting this go through without local approval and without some hard fiscal data. “I don’t want to end up like Detroit, and quite honestly I know better than you …” Trotta was cut off by the audience who were booing loudly. Trotta continued to speak with the microphone, not a word could be heard.

Build the casino chants became “we’ll remember you in November.” 

Here Ye ! Here Ye! Let Smithtown's 350th Anniversary Celebration Begin

Logo created by Smithtown HSE Graduate Sabrina ShankarLiving history. March kicks off Smithtown’s 350th Anniversary celebration and you are invited to join in the merrymaking. Last year Supervisor Vecchio charged Town Historian Brad Harris with the task of preparing a celebration worthy of Smithtown’s Sesquarcentennial (350th Anniversary). And so he has!

In 2014 the Smithtown 350 Foundation was formed and planning began on a year-long birthday/anniversary celebration.

Town Supervisor Patrick Vecchio preparing for March 3, Town Board meeting350 years in existence means there is a lot of history to celebrate.The hope, according to Harris, is that residents will learn a little about the Town’s rich history and its growth. But, don’t think it is going to be boring because the committee not only wants residents to participate in the events they want everyone to have some fun as they become a part of Smithtown’s future history.  

Is Smithtown history repeating itself? Somewhat - most people know about the legend of Bull Smythe, the founder of Smithtown.  “Tradition says that he (Richard Smythe) purchased of the Indians as much land as he could ride around on a bull in a day, and, having a trained bull which he used as a horse, he started early, reached the valley between Smithtown and Huntington at noon, rested and took his lunch (thereby giving the valley the name of Bread and Cheese Hollow which it still retains), and completed the whole circuit of the township by nightfall – much to the astonishment of the natives.” Smithtown Historian Bradley Harris.

On Sunday, March 1, 2015 Smithtown residents will reenact the legend of RichardCouncilmen Creighton and Wehrheim Smythe 2015 style. Sunday morning, beginning at Town Hall at 6am participants will begin an Olympic style relay called the Bull Smythe Relay throughout the Town. Participants will carry a copy of the original 1665 patent. At the end of the 9 hour Bull Smythe relay the patent will be presented to Town Officials at Town Hall. A copy of the relay route and a list of sponsors for the relay can be found at Smithtown350foundation.org. Each mile sponsor contributed $250 to help fund Sesquarcentennial events.  The public is invited to cheer on the participants as they run/walk the Bull Smythe relay route.

1965 Time CapsuleTuesday, March 3, 2015 at 7pm the Smithtown Town Board will hold a historical meeting wearing historical garb and will read the Town’s patent. The reading  will be followed by the opening  of a time capsule that had been buried on the grounds of Town Hall in 1965 as part of Smithtown’s 300th Anniversary celebration.  The capsule has not been opened and its contents are unknown. The Town Board meeting will be held at the Smithtown Center for the Performing Arts, 2 East Main Street, Smithtown.  There is limited seating. The theater can accommodate 300 people who will be seated on a first come first served basis.

Thursday, March 5, 2015 there will be a Birthday Gala at Flowerfield in St. James.  The Gala begins at 6:30pm and includes dinning and dancing and much merriment.  Tickets for the Gala are priced at $125 pp.  Proceeds will go to fund Sesquarcentennial events. 

Become a part of Smithtown history. Join in the celebration!

For a schedule of planned events go to Smithtown350foundation.org.