Smithtown Historical Society Honors Community Leaders At Oct. 16 Heritage Ball

Smithtown Historical Society Honors Community Leaders at Heritage Ball

In appreciation for their leadership, generosity, service, and vision in protecting, preserving, and promoting Smithtown’s distinct history, the Smithtown Historical Society will be recognizing four exceptional individuals from the community at this year’s annual Heritage Ball. Scott Posner, Glenn Williams, and Inge Sobel with Kathryn Tusa will be presented the Partnership in History, Anna Blydenburgh, and Rockwell Awards respectively. 

Kathryn Tusa, Rockwell AwardThrough their participation in civic organizations, their businesses, and volunteerism, each of these Scott Posner - Partnership in History Awarddistinguished persons have made significant contributions to ensure Smithtown’s history is cared for and shared with the community. “Their support in sharing our mission is substantial and we are grateful to be able to celebrate their efforts,” remarked Executive Director Kiernan Lannon. Mr. Posner is a Financial Advisor for Edward Jones. He is the founder of the Deepwells Farm Historical Society and is active in the St. James Chamber of Commerce and Smithtown Rotary. Mr. Williams is the President of  Williams and Williams, Inc., a Smithtown insurance agency. He is a supporting member of the Smithtown Chamber of Commerce and Rotary Club and a former Smithtown Historical Society Trustee. Mrs. Sobel is an office manager at a Smithtown law firm and has been a Smithtown Historical Society Trustee for more than 10 years.  In addition to serving as an executive officer for multiple terms, she has also filled several leadership roles as a volunteer for many of  Smithtown Historical Society’s Glenn Williams, Anna Blydenburgh Awardeducational programs and fundraising events. Mrs. Tusa is a practicing attorney and a Inge Sobel, Rockwell Awardmember of the Suffolk County Bar Association and Women’s Bar Association. She has sat on the Planning Board for the Village of Head of the Harbor, and currently serves as a Smithtown Historical Society Trustee and Board Secretary, as well as a supportive and energetic program and event volunteer.

The Heritage Ball will take place on Thursday, October 16^th at the Watermill in Smithtown beginning with a cocktail hour at 6:30p.m., followed by a Presentation of Awards & Dinner Dance at 7:30 p.m. Reservations are required for this event. Please call the Smithtown Historical Society at (631) 265-6768 for additional information or to make your reservation.

Smithtown's Senior Citizen Department Throws Birthday Celebration For 106 Seniors Age 90 And Above

By Dana Klosner

(click on photos to enlarge)

The Town of Smithtown Senior Citizen’s Department hosted it annual 90^th Birthday celebration on Wednesday, September 10^th. One hundred six seniors and their guests attended the lunch to celebrate those seniors that reached their 90^th birthday and above in 2014. 

Carol Atkinson and Alice PertornyCarol Atkinson is 101 years old and has been coming to the center for at least 20 years. She brought her friend Lillian Hursky to the lunch.

“I used to dance at the center,” Atkinson said. What does she attribute her longevity to? “Good living,” she said. “I watch my diet.” And her friend Alice Pertuny, 92 of Nesconset, said Atkinson goes to St. Pat’s Church every Sunday.

Supervisor-Patrick Vecchio behind Josephine Stable and Irene TatoThe day was filled with good food, good friends and entertainment. Supervisor Vecchio was on hand to greet all the seniors, tell a few jokes and hand out certificates and flowers to each person who celebrated their 90^th birthday and above.

Josephine Ramano, 93, comes from Kew Gardens and has been living in Kings Park for 2 years. That’s how long she’s been coming to the senior center. 

“I think it’s wonderful, I’m overwhelmed,” she said of the birthday celebration. She stays so young by “A lot of hard work,” she said. “I’ve been a widow for over 40 years. I take care of my grandchildren and great grandchildren.” She worked in a bank for 15 years after she became a widow and she worked in the Federal Reserve Bank before she was married. 

“I’ve made a lot of friends at the center,” she said. 

Suzanne Cofman and daughter Monique SchwenderSuzanne Cofman, 97, was born in France and has lived in Smithtown for 50 years. She’s been coming to the center for at least 40 years.

“My father used to come here to play cards and he was 11 years older than her,” said her daughter Monique Shwender who was born in France as well. “She raised her kids here. She’s got two kids, two grandchildren and three great grandchildren.

“She always loves coming here. She enjoys saying hello to Mr. Vecchio, he tries to speak French to her,” Shwender said. 

Florence Milleisen, 94, has been living is Smithtown since 1959. Her 5 kids all went to Hauppauge High School.

“We came here because of the schools,” she said. “My sons played football and baseball. Two of my sons and one of my daughters all work at Hauppauge High School.”

She attributes her long life to being happy.

“I enjoy everything in life,” she said. “This is the first time I am really ill. I used to go to all the picnics and the trips [that the center offered.]”

Alice Cahman will be 99 on January 12.

“It’s like a dream,” she said. “I never thought I’d make it this far.”

She attributes her long full life to staying busy.

“I’m the Corresponding Secretary of the North Shore Jewish Center Seniors, “she said. “I do a lot of reading and I’m very involved with people. The secret to a long life is staying busy.”

Godetia Kearney, 90, of Kings Park appreciates Mr. Vecchio.

“Mr. Vecchio is kind to seniors,” she said. “He thinks of us and has given us many enjoyable clubs to join and many good times. He is very thoughtful and honest and we all love him.”

The day ended in entertainment by the staff and a rousing sing-a-long.

Smithtown's Maureen Reynolds Flagmaker, Mother And Succesful Businesswoman

American Flags Provide Freedom for Smithtown Mom

by Maureen Rossi

Modern Family is a fabulous funny award-winning television show that has won countless awards.  Smithtown has its own Modern Family and they sell American flags.   They are not a blended family like the one on television but they are Modern because innovative thinking has allowed one mother to stay home and raise her children while having a career.

Maureen Reynolds owns and operates AmericanFlag.com with her husband Dr. Jeffrey Reynolds.   Originally in the field of publishing B.K. -before kids, the young mother of two now runs her flag business while raising her seven and three year old.   “Jeff bought some domain names after 9/11 and Americanflag.com was one of them,” explained Maureen.  She said she became a full-time employee in 2006, the same year she gave birth to their daughter Brooke. 

“This was a great Plan B for when we had kids,” she added.   With an English degree from Stony Brook University and two years as a writer for Publisher’s Clearing House under her belt, Maureen’s life took a drastic turn with the help of a newborn and a full-time job at the family flag business. 

“We put ourselves on the map and got a lot of business by doing a free flag offers, one was for a 3 X 5 foot flag and then another was for a 2 x 3 foot flag,” she added.   However, it was their search engine positioning that garnered them an enormous amount of business.   The flags they sell are made in America and she is very proud of the quality of the merchandise.  “It is so wonderful, freedom is what America is all about and this business gives me a ton of freedom for my kids and my family,” she explained.  

Reynolds says she feels good about all the products they sell;  flag poles, buntings, banners and flag stands.  She says there are dozens of types of flags including hand-held flags, grave flags, parade flags, state and city flags and holiday flags.    The company also sells various patriotic gifts like flag cases and patriotic signs.  

“We noticed an uptick in traffic when people started ordering the Gadsden flag when the T-Party Movement came about,” she said.  The Gadsden Flag is one of the United States Historical flags that displays the rattlesnake on it.  She said she also notices upticks in sales when there is a hurricane or natural disaster somewhere in the country.   

“Our flags are made of cloth, they are a great American product and it makes me feel good about what I do for a living,” she continued.   Now in addition to her and her husband the company has four other employees.  American Flags has been featured in the Congressional Record for their patriotism and were profiled by the Wall Street Journal and Forbes. Their President/CEO, Dr. Jeffrey Reynolds has appeared on CNBC, Fox Business News and on several nationally syndicated radio shows. Their website has been featured in more than 1,000 newspaper and magazine articles, including Real Simple Magazine and Romantic Homes and they are members of the Better Business Bureau and the security of our site is monitored regularly by Hacker Safe. 

When it comes to flag etiquette Maureen said people can find detailed information on when to fly a flag and rules for displaying their flags on their website (see below).  With the anniversary of 9/11 upon us Maureen made note that flags should be flown at half staff on this and all somber occasions.   “If you have a glad pole that is attached to the home and doesn’t’ permit the flag to fly at half staff, you can purchase something called a morning bow to put on the flag, it’s a black bow that signified half staff,” she explained. 

American Flags has shipped flags to military bases overseas, military families, they have provided flags for schools and parades.   They even provided flgags for the movie set for Green Lantern which ironically starred Ryan Reynolds (their son’s name).  Oh and one of their clients happens to include the television show Modern Family!   

When to Display the American Flag

The American flag should be displayed on all days, but especially on:

New Year’s Day, January 1
Inauguration Day, January 20
Lincoln’s Birthday, February 12
Washington’s Birthday, third Monday in February
Easter Sunday (variable)
Mother’s Day, second Sunday in May
Armed Forces Day, third Saturday in May
Memorial Day (half-staff until noon), last Monday in May
Flag Day, June 14
Independence Day, July 4
Labor Day, first Monday in September
Patriot Day, September 11
Constitution Day, September 17
Columbus Day, second Monday in October
Navy Day, October 27
Veterans Day, November 11
Thanksgiving Day, fourth Thursday in November
Christmas Day, December 25
Such other days as may be proclaimed by the President of the United States
The birthdays of States (date of admission)
State holidays


The American flag should be displayed daily on or near the main administration building of every public institution.

The American flag should be displayed in or near every polling place on election days.

The American flag should be displayed during school days in or near every schoolhouse.

How to Display the Flag

1. When the American flag is displayed over the middle of the street, it should be suspended vertically with the union to the north in an east and west street or to the east in a north and south street.

2. The flag of the United States of America, when it is displayed with another flag against a wall from crossed staffs, should be on the right, the flag’s own right [that means the viewer’s left], and its staff should be in front of the staff of the other flag.

3. The American flag, when flown at half-staff, should be first hoisted to the peak for an instant and then lowered to the half-staff position. The flag should be again raised to the peak before it is lowered for the day. By “half-staff” is meant lowering the flag to one-half the distance between the top and bottom of the staff. Crepe streamers may be affixed to spear heads or flagstaffs in a parade only by order of the President of the United States.

4. When flags of states, cities, or localities, or pennants of societies are flown on the same halyard with the flag of the United States, the latter should always be at the peak. When the flags are flown from adjacent staffs, the flag of the United States should be hoisted first and lowered last. No such flag or pennant may be placed above the flag of the United States or to the right of the flag of the United States.

5. When the American flag is suspended over a sidewalk from a rope extending from a house to a pole at the edge of the sidewalk, the flag should be hoisted out, union first, from the building.

6. When the American flag of the United States is displayed from a staff projecting horizontally or at an angle from the window sill, balcony, or front of a building, the union of the flag should be placed at the peak of the staff unless the flag is at half-staff.

7. When the American flag is used to cover a casket, it should be so placed that the union is at the head and over the left shoulder. The flag should not be lowered into the grave or allowed to touch the ground.

8. When the American flag is displayed in a manner other than by being flown from a staff, it should be displayed flat, whether indoors or out. When displayed either horizontally or vertically against a wall, the union should be uppermost and to the flag’s own right, that is, to the observer’s left. When displayed in a window it should be displayed in the same way, that is with the union or blue field to the left of the observer in the street. When festoons, rosettes or drapings are desired, bunting of blue, white and red should be used, but never the flag.

9. That the American flag, when carried in a procession with another flag, or flags, should be either on the marching right; that is, the flag’s own right, or, if there is a line of other flags, in front of the center of that line.

10. The flag of the United States of America should be at the center and at the highest point of the group when a number of flags of States or localities or pennants of societies are grouped and displayed from staffs.

11. When flags of two or more nations are displayed, they are to be flown from separate staffs of the same height. The flags should be of approximately equal size. International usage forbids the display of the flag of one nation above that of another nation in time of peace.

12. When displayed from a staff in a church or public auditorium, the flag of the United States of America should hold the position of superior prominence, in advance of the audience, and in the position of honor at the clergyman’s or speaker’s right as he faces the audience. Any other flag so displayed should be placed on the left of the clergyman or speaker or to the right of the audience.

Proper Disposal of a Flag
When a U.S. flag is so worn it is no longer fit to serve as a symbol of our country, it should be destroyed by burning in a dignified manner. Most American Legion Posts, VFW Chapters and Boy Scout Troops regularly conduct dignified flag burning ceremonies, often on Flag Day, June 14th. Contact your local American Legion Hall, VFW Chapter or Boy Scout Troop to inquire about the availability of this service. NEVER THROW A FLAG IN THE GARBAGE!

Editorial - Councilman McCarthy's "Yes" Vote Should Have Been An Abstention

Without discussion the Smithtown Town Board approved a 600* percent increase in the salary of Smithtown’s Deputy Supervisor.  The resolution was on the agenda as  item  O.  The resolution was read along with other agenda items unceremoniously and without discussion.  The votes were called, Councilwoman Nowick “yes”, Councilman Creighton, “no on O and yes on the rest”,, Councilman Wehrheim, “no on O and yes on the rest”, Councilman McCarthy, “yes”, Supervisor Vecchio, “yes”. 

So it is that the Deputy Supervisor’s salary went from $5,000 to $35,000.  As surprising as a 600* percent increase is, it is not nearly as interesting as the fact that Councilman McCarthy is the Deputy Supervisor and he was a deciding vote to increase his own salary.  Another fact that wasn’t mentioned at the meeting was that the resolution increasing the deputy supervisor’s salary called for a $35,000 per annum salary which means Tuesday’s vote becomes effective immediately and according to Councilman Wehrheim that includes 2014. 

The merit of increasing the salary of the Deputy Supervisor should have been part of a discussion somewhere in public, but never was.  In August, Supervisor Vecchio sent a memo requesting the support of a salary increase for the Deputy Supervisor/Councilman. According to both Councilmen Wehrheim and Creighton they rejected the proposal as a resolution and suggested that the proposal become part of the budget discussion process.  Supervisor Vecchio, in a phone conversation,  acknowledged  the memo and provided a copy to Smithtown Matters.  The proposal seemed dead. Without the support of the two Councilmen and with an anticipated abstention by Deputy Supervisor/Councilman McCarthy at best, the vote if Councilwoman Nowick supported it would be 2-2. 

At Tuesday’s Board meeting Deputy Supervisor/Councilman McCarthy did not abstain and voted to give himself a whopping 600 percent increase in the Deputy Supervisor portion of his salary.  Mr. McCarthy’s salary in 2014 will be more than $90,000 and does not include benefits and pension costs taxpayers will be responsible for. Smithtown Matters is requesting a legal opinion as to whether or not Mr. McCarthy’s vote was a violation of New York State’s and Smithtown’s Ethic Code.  

Smithtown residents deserve a discussion on the merits of raising the salary of the Deputy Supervisor. Residents should have confidence that salary increases for elected officials are part of a budget process and not arbitrarily negotiated between three like-minded board members.  Lastly, transparency is not negotiable. If Mr. McCarthy’s raise was important why not discuss it? The Town Board should rescind this resolution and let the discussion begin.

Pat

* The article has been amended to reflect the correct percentage increase as 600 percent not the 700 percent as mentioned in the article. I should have double checked my math before posting. I apologize for the error. Pat

Grand Marshal Ball Set To Honor KP Brother And Sister James Kirby and Margaret Kirby Foley

KP St. Patricks Day Parade 2015 Grand Marshals James Kirby and Margaret Kirby FoleyKings Park St. Patrick’s Day Parade Committee proudly announces two Grand Marshals for the 2015 Parade. They are brother and sister James Kirby and Margaret Kirby Foley.

They have both devoted themselves unselfishly to their community and family their entire lives.  James and Margaret along with siblings Pat and Dennis are the children of Peg and Dennis Kirby.  Their grandparents hailed from County Mayo.

James married his lovely wife Beatrice and raised two beautiful children, Kelly and their son James Jr. whom sadly they lost this year.  They have two wonderful grandchildren, Allison and Jimmy.

Margaret married the love of her life, Frank and together have raised seven children; Patricia, Mary, Michael, Dennis, Thomas, James and Mark.  They have been blessed with seven grandchildren and a great grandchild, Aubrey Jean.  Sadly, Frank passed away in 2011 as did their son Tommy in 2013.

James is a proud United States Navy WWII Veteran who served as Commissioner of the Suffolk County Department of Social Services from 1965 until he retired in 1983.  he also served as Secretary and assistant Treasurer for the Board of Fire Commissioners, Smithtown Fire Department from 1990 through 2008.  James also received his Bachelors of Science Degree from Adelphi University in 1959.

Margaret attended St. Catherine’s Hospital Nursing School in Brooklyn and cared for the community members while working at Huntington Hospital, St. John’s Hospital in Smithtown and St. Johnland Nursing Home in Kings Park.

So Save the Date - Grand Marshal Ball - Friday, November 28, 2014 at Flowerfields, St. James, N.Y. Honoring James Kirby and Margaret Kirby Foley, Grand Marshals - Cocktail hour begins at 7:00 pm - Call 269-6680 to reserve a ticket!