Scout Troops 3, 214, 349 - "Clean The Stream"

Bright and early, at 9:00 A.M., more than 40 scouts from Troops 3, 214 and 349 gathered at the culverts over the Northeast  branch of the Nissequogue River to kick off the First Annual “ Clean the Stream” effort, sponsored by the Office of Legislator John Kennedy( R-Nesconset), Mr. Rich Kitt of the Smithtown Department of Environment and Waterways,  VOB Trustee Mark Delaney, and an ample supply of motivated adult Scout Leaders.  The mission was simple.  Following the ravages of Hurricane Sandy and the Blizzard of February, 2013, many tree limbs had fallen and blocked sections of the Branch.  This important waterway serves not only as a natural habitat to the only indigenous Trout population on Long Island, but also to largemouth bass and other species of fish, as well as various species of turtle.  In addition to being a robust natural habitat for animal and plant life, the Branch serves as the primary conduit for surface water runoff for the surrounding hundreds of homes in the area.

Less than 3 years ago, the Smithtown Supervisor and Town Board collaborated with the County of Suffolk, under the authority of the State Department of Environmental Conservation to engage in a highly successful stream clearance and silt remediation project that saw over 200 yards of runoff and silt buildup removed from the lower 4000 feet of the Branch.  At a total price tag of approximately $1 million, half of which was underwritten by the county, this project has served to transport larger volumes of water during heavy and sustained periods of precipitation.  That greater volume of water transport leads to direct relief for homeowner basement flooding, septic system compromise, and overall difficulty for impacted residents.

Seeking to maintain the positive benefits achieved buy this earlier project, Troop 349 Eagle Scout and Legislative Office summer intern Thomas Kotak proposed the cleanup project to Legislator Kennedy as a simple way to maintain the positive benefits of earlier government intervention.   In true Eagle fashion, Tom got right to work in contacting involved Town and county agencies for necessary approvals and consents, and quickly pulled together scouts at all levels, who were only too eager to jump in the water and get to work.  Suffolk County Vector Control Director Dominick Ninivaggi provided important bug repellent, gloves, trash bags, and appropriate marsh gear, while all brought along a wide array of shovels, rakes and other needed gear.  Scout leaders and older scouts were even supported with a flat bottomed boat supplied by Mr. Kitt from the Town DEW.

“I was very impressed with Tom’s organizational skills, and his smooth way of directing Scouts and parents to needed areas of clearance, “said Legislator Kennedy.  However, it should have been no surprise, as Boy Scouts are true stewards of the environment, and always strive to leave a campsite or gathering spot cleaner than when they found it.  Most debris was removed to the banks, careful not disturb any of the natural ground cover.  Larger downed trees were reported to the appropriate Town agencies, for removal with heavier equipment in the future.  Mr. Kitt was quite thankful, and noted that the thousands of feet of stream cleared would definitely help to preserve good flow throughout the summer and fall.

Girl Scouts "Hang Out With Betsy" At Smithtown's Animal Shelter

What are you doing this summer? If you are a member of Girl Scout Troop #1950, you might be making the world a little nicer for someone or something.  

The Smithtown Animal Shelter loves girl scouts and they apparently love the shelter. Recently Troop #1950 took a tour of the shelter and helped with organizing donations for the animals. After taking the tour they volunteered to walk one of the dogs.  According to Animal Control Officer, Monica Stevens, “This is a picture of one of our adoptable dogs “Bestsy” being walked and hanging out on the nature trail with Girl Scout Troop # 1950.  “Betsy” is a 4 year old Female Staff Terrier mix. She is spayed and up to date with vaccines.  She would need to be the only pet in the home, but she is super sweet with a big happy smile and loves people!!!!

There are many opportunities to help the animals at the shelter. For a list of items to donate or to adopt a pet, visit the shelter’s website or take a ride to the shelter which is located at 410 E. Main Street, Smithtown.

Visit the available Dogs and Cats at the Smithtown Animal Shelter. You just might fall in love!

Theater Review - "Grease"

THEATER REVIEW

“Grease”

Produced by: Smithtown Performing Arts Council

Reviewed by: Jeb Ladouceur

There’s no questioning the staying power of this record-breaking musical by Jim Jacobs and Warren Casey. First performed in Chicago in 1971 as the Windy City’s raunchy answer to ‘West Side Story’ the show was sanitized somewhat, was grabbed by Broadway, and didn’t close until 1980. At the time, “Grease” was the longest running production in the history of the Great White Way; it had been performed an impressive 3,388 times, and the play still ranks in (or close to) the top dozen … ever!

But the story of “Grease” doesn’t end with that final curtain at the Majestic Theater in 1980. The show has gone through two Broadway revivals and became a blockbuster film starring John Travolta and Olivia Newton-John. Indeed “Grease” the movie is one of the most financially successful musical motion pictures to date.

Those of us who were high school students in the mid-20^th century recognize the various 50’s cliches in “Grease” but unfortunately, we wince at director Danny Gorman’s oversights – and there are too many of them to give Gorman an ‘A’ or even a ‘B’ for this effort (which runs at Smithtown’s Main Street theater through July 28). For instance, the director lets his actors lapse into 21^st century shtick, permitting them to mimic telephoning by holding an imaginary device to their ear with thumb and little finger extended a la “Dancing With the Stars.” The fact is kids didn’t do that in the 50’s. And there are other visual boo-boos too numerous to list.

The players in this ambitious production manage to overcome their director’s ineptitude, however. Newcomer, Rachel Greenblatt (Sandy Dumbrowski) leads the way with her appealing interpretation of the naive new girl in school. Anyone who ever took a first drag on a cigarette, or chug-a-lugged those initial gulps of wine at a pajama party, will recognize Greenblatt’s insight and identify with her gagging reactions. Nor is the lead ingénue alone in commanding the audience’s rapt attention. Cara Buschi (as Rizzo) is wonderful. Indeed the most riveting sequence in this episodic play is the one between Greenblatt and Buschi when they sing contrasting numbers toward one another from opposite sides of the stage.

As for the young men in the company – they try hard and some succeed. Notably, Ryan Nolin (as Vince Fontaine) surprises the audience with a superb voice belying the boorish character he plays for three-quarters of the production.

Every play needs a stage setting in which it is performed. Unfortunately, Tim Golebiewski seems to have been singularly uninspired when asked to come up with this one. As for Gorman’s Choreographer function – bad! The director might as well have handed the reins to Costume Designer Ronald R. Green III. At least Green showed a flair for well-balanced color in the women’s garb. Cleverly, Green dresses Greenblatt only in white until the show’s final scene – a device that works well and enhances ‘Sandy’s’ dramatic transformation.

Chris Creevy’s lighting is typically effective. The one or two opening night miscues with the spotlight last Saturday will likely be corrected before you can say, “Greased Lightning.”

Award-winning Smithtown author Jeb Ladouceur has published seven novels. His theater reviews appear in dozens of L. I. newspapers. In Ladouceur’s next thriller, “The Dealer” due this summer, Israeli extortionists threaten to destroy Hoover Dam demolishing the Las Vegas Strip - if casino operators don’t pay millions.

1776 - 237 Years Ago - Change You Could Believe In

July 4, 2013 - Independence Day - Thanks to Mother Nature for the wonderful weather and thanks to Coach Realtors Nancy DeMartinis and Christine Daddio for the lawn flags.  The flags were a wonderful reminder that 237 years ago people opted for freedom over oppressive government. Without any guarantees of safety or success, a nation was born granting people the right to “Life, Liberty and the Pursuit of Happines.” 

Pat

Young And Looking For Something To Do? Week Of July 7-13

July 7-13

By Cristen Feeney

While summer is well underway, there are many events this week in Smithtown that are just beginning!

Smithtown Township Art Council (STAC) has age specific art programs for high school students and students of all ages check out the programs by clicking on the link Click Here to Open or Print PDF Summer Classes and Camps Brochure

For delicious locally grown fruit, veggies and so much more, head to the Kings Park Farmers Marker on July 7. The Market is set up in the municipal lot near the Kings Park Library. The Market is open from 9AM-2PM.

July 8 is the start of the 9th Annual Smithtown Summer Concert series. These concerts are held every Thursday evening at 8PM and are free of charge. Bring a blanket or a lawn chair and head on down to the Smithtown Library Main Building. At these concerts, The Smithtown Rotary Club will be collecting any donations of non-perishable food, baby items, pet food and toiletries, starting at 6:30PM.

If you’re looking to get fit this summer without breaking out those dusty running sneakers, try yoga! Amba Yoga in Smithtown offers many yoga classes of all different levels and types. Your first class is only $10! For the schedule, visit  HYPERLINK “http://www.ambayoga.com/schedule.html” http://www.ambayoga.com/schedule.html

On July 11th, the Smithtown Youth Bureau is hosting an event for middle schools girls called L.E.A.P. (Learn, Empower and Perform), which teaches girls how to dance, while also giving them a place to talk about issues that concern them. For more information, visit  HYPERLINK “http://smithtownny.gov/DocumentCenter/View/513” http://smithtownny.gov/DocumentCenter/View/513

On July 11th, there is also a Yoga Class for adults between the ages of 20 and 30 at the Hauppauge Library at 7PM. It is a complimentary night of yoga, hosted by White Lotus Massage and Yoga.