Meet Kings Park's THREE 2013 Intel Semifinalists

The Kings Park School District has every reason to be proud of its three 2013 Intel Semifinalists.  The Intel Science Talent Search is the nation’s oldest and most prestigious high school science competition. Students throughout the United States compete for $1.25 million in awards. For the 2013 competition 1,700 applications were received from 190 high schools in 30 states and one American high school overseas. 300 of the applicants became semifinalists who will each receive a $1,000 award from the Intel Foundation. An additional $1,000 award goes to the student’s school district. On January 23 the Intel Science Talent Search will announce 40 finalists. Finalists are invited to attend an all-expenses-paid trip to Washington D.C. in March. At this time a “rigourous judging session” will narrow the field. On March 13, at a black-tie gala awards ceremony, one student will receive the top award of $100,000.

“Each year, the Intel Science Talent Search honors high school seniors poised to lead in U.S. scientific innovation,” said Wendy Hawkins, executive director of the Intel Foundation. “This year, these young scientists are tackling some of the world’s greatest challenges in topics ranging from environmental conservation solutions to medical treatments.”

Design of an Electromagnetic Energy Harvester for Wildlife Tracking.

Wesley CoxWesley worked at the  Department of Heavy Engineering at Stony Brook University under the mentorship of Dr. Lei Zuo

 The Effects of Shifting the Subject of Suspense during Cognitive Appraisal in Relation to Suggestibility and Cued Recall Capacity.

Kenan Mutlu

Kenan worked at the Department of Psychology at Stony Brook University under the mentorship of Dr. Nancy Franklin

Mayuri SridharComputational Analysis of the DNA-Binding Mechanism of the p53 Tumor Suppressor and its Inactivation through the R249S Mutation.

Mayuri worked in the Department of Chemistry under the mentorship of Dr. Simmerling

“The 300 Intel Science Talent Search 2013 semifinalists have distinguished themselves as the nation’s top, young scientists dedicated to independent hands- on research in the science, technology, engineering and math fields,” said Elizabeth Marincola, president of Society for Science & the Public. “Together with Intel, we congratulate these exceptional students, look forward to watching their future progress, and commend the mentors, teachers, schools, parents and communities that have contributed to their success.”

26 Acts Of Kindness Smithtown Style - What's Cookin'? Smithtown

What’s Cookin’? – Smithtown By Nancy Vallarella

New Year and a New Challenge for Smithtown

In retrospect Smithtown fared pretty well in 2012.  Sure the economy and Super Storm Sandy took a toll on our town and several businesses but Smithtown keeps plugging along.  Smithtown’s spirit of community never seems to fray.  The winter months are difficult for many small businesses. Resolutions to diet, bad weather, and the continuing fiscal concerns are certain contributors. During these historically slow months many businesses will help to support our community’s fund raising efforts with donations and by holding events on their premises.  Take advantage of these opportunities and get to know Smithtown’s   local business owners and their products. 

We are very fortunate as a community to operate fairly close to normal.   Through the holiday fanfare, lingering in the minds of most, were thoughts of the people of Newton, Connecticut where eleven days before Christmas the unfathomable became the unbearable.  How will they pick up the pieces? How will they heal?

It will certainly be a study for years to come. There is no doubt that this tragedy could have happened anywhere in the world.  This time it was close to home.  As a nation we will be debating constitutional rights, mental health issues and school security but what can be done now? What can we do as a community? The answer: What we do best. 

In honor of the people of Newton and the 26 lives lost at Sandy Hook Elementary School, What’s Cookin’? -Smithtown is putting forth a community challenge to join in NBC news correspondent Ann Curry’s 26 Acts of Kindness.  To kick off this effort and promote local business, What’s Cookin’?  -Smithtown will award the first Smithtown resident to complete this challenge a $50 gift certificate to their favorite Smithtown restaurant. Here are the criteria for completing the challenge:

• You must be a Town of Smithtown resident.
• You must document/post your list of 26 Acts of Kindness on What’s Cookin’? - Smithtown facebook page.
• A minimum of 20 Acts of Kindness have to take place within the Town of Smithtown.
• A minimum of 10 Acts of Kindness have to be verifiable.

It doesn’t matter how much time, money or effort is involved. What matters is that we help create a tipping point and inspire others to join in,  honor those who sacrificed so much and give back hope.  Even if you don’t complete 26 Acts before someone else please continue to document them to inspire others. 

Need some ideas?… Attend a local fundraiser (Check events page in www. SmithtownMatters.com).  Donate cash or your time to a local charity. Make soup for a sick neighbor, friend or family member. Pass something warm to the school crossing guard on a cold day.  Read to someone who cannot.  Pass this article to friends, family and the community.  Create a job for someone in need.  Award someone for being the second person to complete the challenge. Hold a door open. Say thank you. - “Gratitude is an art of painting an adversity into a lovely picture.” ~Kak Sri  

Thank you for taking the time to read this article  - Go Smithtown!

New Year and a New Challenge for Smithtown - What's Cookin'? - Smithtown

What’s Cookin’? – Smithtown By Nancy Vallarella

New Year and a New Challenge for Smithtown

In retrospect Smithtown fared pretty well in 2012.  Sure the economy and Super Storm Sandy took a toll on our town and several businesses but Smithtown keeps plugging along.  Smithtown’s spirit of community never seems to fray.  Winter months are difficult for many small businesses. Resolutions to diet, bad weather, and the continuing national fiscal concerns are certain contributors to the challenging business climate. During these historically slow months many businesses will help to support our community’s fund raising efforts with donations and by holding events on their premises.  Take advantage of these opportunities and get to know Smithtown’s local business owners and their products. 

We are very fortunate as a community to operate fairly close to normal.   Through the holiday fanfare, lingering in the minds of most, were thoughts of the people of Newton, Connecticut where eleven days before Christmas the unfathomable became the unbearable.  How will they pick up the pieces? How will they heal?

It will certainly be a study for years to come. There is no doubt that this tragedy could have happened anywhere in the world.  This time it was close to home.  As a nation we will be debating constitutional rights, mental health issues and school security but what can be done now? What can we do as a community? The answer: What we do best. 

In honor of the people of Newton and the 26 lives lost at Sandy Hook Elementary School, What’s Cookin’? -Smithtown is putting forth a community challenge to join in NBC news correspondent Ann Curry’s 26 Acts of Kindness.  To kick off this effort and promote local business, What’s Cookin’?  -Smithtown will award the first Smithtown resident to complete this challenge a $50 gift certificate to their favorite Smithtown restaurant. Here are the criteria for completing the challenge:

• You must be a Town of Smithtown resident.
• You must document/post your list of 26 Acts of Kindness on What’s Cookin’? - Smithtown facebook page.
• A minimum of 20 Acts of Kindness have to take place within the Town of Smithtown.
• A minimum of 10 Acts of Kindness have to be verifiable.

It doesn’t matter how much time, money or effort is involved. What matters is that we help create a tipping point and inspire others to join in,  honor those who sacrificed so much and give back hope.  Even if you don’t complete 26 Acts before someone else please continue to document them to inspire others. 

Need some ideas?… Attend a local fundraiser (Check events page in www. SmithtownMatters.com).  Donate cash or your time to a local charity. Make soup for a sick neighbor, friend or family member. Pass something warm to the school crossing guard on a cold day.  Read to someone who cannot.  Pass this article to friends, family and the community.  Create a job for someone in need.  Award someone for being the second person to complete the challenge. Hold a door open. Say thank you. - “Gratitude is an art of painting an adversity into a lovely picture.” ~Kak Sri  

Thank you for taking the time to read this article  - Go Smithtown!

David Ardam - 2012 Person Of The Year

David ArdamThere are so many wonderful people doing extraordinary things these days. Every place you look there are opportunities to support organizations and people whose goals are to help others. These people, whether it is offering a hand or just making life a little brighter, dedicate a good portion of their own lives to helping others.

Our 2012 Person of The Year David Ardam is one of these wonderful people.  Thirty years ago David joined Rotary and hasn’t looked back. 

As a young man growing up in the Bronx and then Rockland County, David did not imagine himself as an attorney on Long Island. He could not have imagined that he would become the ” go-to guy” for Rotary District 7260. Nevertheless, that is what happened. David’s parents were actually hoping for their son to become a doctor. After high school David attended SUNY Albany, where he realized he was not interested in college science classes. It was at SUNY Albany that he met Diane, the Diane and Dave Ardamfuture Mrs. Ardam. After his 1975 graduation he decided to pursue a law career. David attended John Marshall Law School in Chicago where he attained his J.D. Degree in 1979, the same year he was  admitted to the New York Bar.  After working on Long Island as Confidential Law Assistant to the Justices of the Appellate Division, Second Judicial Department and serving as Law Clerk to the Hon. Frank D. O’Connor, David was ready to move on. He opened his own law practice and in 1986 he joined with Larry Spada and formed Spada & Ardam, PLLC. It was during this period that David met Jerry Essig, a Rotarian and Past District Governor.  

David credits Jerry with being “his greatest source of inspiration in Rotary”.

What is Rotary? Most people, when questioned about Rotary think of the wheel, Rotary’s logo. Some people know that Rotary is the organization working to eradicate polio. On Long Island many people have heard of Rotary’s  “Gift of Life” program dedicated to helping children across the globe with operable heart conditions get their life-saving surgery.  Rotary has 1.2 million volunteers  across the globe. Rotarians are involved in their community and most are business people who place a high value on ethical standards. All are working at some level to “give back” or “pay it forward” making the world a little better.  This is what David Ardam does and has done every day since 1983.

Dave Ardam with students at Commack-Kings Park Rotary Club meetingDavid Ardam joined the Commack - Kings Park Rotary Club in 1983 and almost thirty years later he is still an active member and still very passionate about Rotary’s mission.  He has held every position on the club level except treasurer. In 1993 Dave accepted the District position of Area Representative (District 7260 covers Suffolk County). It was in the 90’s that Dave developed a passion for Rotary’s Youth Exchange program. 

Rotary’s Youth Exchange program allows American students between the ages of 15 and 19 to visit other countries and learn about the different cultures and customs. The student’s live with host families and attend schools and events along with their host families.  Rotary members in the U.S. also host students who come from different parts of the globe. Exchange students are seen as teenage cultural ambassadors.  Taking in teenagers is a challenge, but the experience is rewarding and educational.  Diane and Dave Ardam embraced this program taking in five Youth Exchange students and allowing their children, Jackie and Eric, to participate in the Youth Exchange program as outbound students. David credits the Youth Exchange program for his family’s “global perspective and love of travel.”

David accepted more responsibility when he became District Governor serving a one year term in 2007 -2008. Dave With RI President Sakuji Tanaka at Zone Institute, Vancouver, BCSince then, he has been involved in all facets of Rotary education and training. The merging of two Rotary Districts  is not a simple task. There are many challenges, concerns and opinions to be considered. It is a credit to David’s skill and temperament that he serves as the Chair of the 2013 District Merger Committee for districts 7250 & 7260.

In addition to all of the above, David has participated in countless food drives, fund raisers, blood drives, pancake breakfasts, projects,etc. He is a multiple Paul Harris Fellow recipient and a faculty member of the Rotary Leadership Institute.

David Ardam - Husband, Father, Attorney, Rotarian and Smithtown Matters 2012 - Person of The Year.

David and Diane Ardam live in Commack in the house they bought in 1981. They have two adult children, Jackie and Eric, who graduated from Commack HS.  Diane is a special education teacher in Syosset and Dave has a law office on Smithtown Boulevard in Smithtown. 

News Feature

DAVID ARDAM - Smithtown Matters’ 2012 Person of The Year

Smithtown attorney David Ardam’s 30 year commitment to “service above self” makes him our 2012 Person of the Year   

David Ardam - 2012 Person Of The Year

There are so many wonderful people doing extraordinary things these days. Every place you look there areDavid Ardam opportunities to support organizations and people whose goals are to help others. These people, whether it is offering a hand or just making life a little brighter, dedicate a good portion of their own lives to helping others.

Our 2012 Person of The Year David Ardam is one of these wonderful people.  Thirty years ago David joined Rotary and hasn’t looked back. 

As a young man growing up in the Bronx and then Rockland County, David did not imagine himself as an attorney on Long Island. He could not have imagined that he would become the ” go-to guy” for Rotary District 7260. Nevertheless, that is what happened. David’s parents were actually hoping for their son to become a doctor. After high school David attended SUNY Albany, where he realized he was not interested in college science classes. It was at SUNY Albany that he met Diane, the Diane and Dave Ardamfuture Mrs. Ardam. After his 1975 graduation he decided to pursue a law career. David attended John Marshall Law School in Chicago where he attained his J.D. Degree in 1979, the same year he was  admitted to the New York Bar.  After working on Long Island as Confidential Law Assistant to the Justices of the Appellate Division, Second Judicial Department and serving as Law Clerk to the Hon. Frank D. O’Connor, David was ready to move on. He opened his own law practice and in 1986 he joined with Larry Spada and formed Spada & Ardam, PLLC. It was during this period that David met Jerry Essig, a Rotarian and Past District Governor.  

David credits Jerry with being “his greatest source of inspiration in Rotary”.

What is Rotary? Most people, when questioned about Rotary think of the wheel, Rotary’s logo. Some people know that Rotary is the organization working to eradicate polio. On Long Island many people have heard of Rotary’s  “Gift of Life” program dedicated to helping children across the globe with operable heart conditions get their life-saving surgery.  Rotary has 1.2 million volunteers  across the globe. Rotarians are involved in their community and most are business people who place a high value on ethical standards. All are working at some level to “give back” or “pay it forward” making the world a little better.  This is what David Ardam does and has done every day since 1983.

Dave Ardam with students at Commack-Kings Park Rotary Club meetingDavid Ardam joined the Commack - Kings Park Rotary Club in 1983 and almost thirty years later he is still an active member and still very passionate about Rotary’s mission.  He has held every position on the club level except treasurer. In 1993 Dave accepted the District position of Area Representative (District 7260 covers Suffolk County). It was in the 90’s that Dave developed a passion for Rotary’s Youth Exchange program. 

Rotary’s Youth Exchange program allows American students between the ages of 15 and 19 to visit other countries and learn about the different cultures and customs. The student’s live with host families and attend schools and events along with their host families.  Rotary members in the U.S. also host students who come from different parts of the globe. Exchange students are seen as teenage cultural ambassadors.  Taking in teenagers is a challenge, but the experience is rewarding and educational.  Diane and Dave Ardam embraced this program taking in five Youth Exchange students and allowing their children, Jackie and Eric, to participate in the Youth Exchange program as outbound students. David credits the Youth Exchange program for his family’s “global perspective and love of travel.”

David accepted more responsibility when he became District Governor serving a one year term in 2007 -2008. Dave With RI President Sakuji Tanaka Since then, he has been involved in all facets of Rotary education and training. The merging of two Rotary Districts  is not a simple task. There are many challenges, concerns and opinions to be considered. It is a credit to David’s skill and temperament that he serves as the Chair of the 2013 District Merger Committee for districts 7250 & 7260.

In addition to all of the above, David has participated in countless food drives, fund raisers, blood drives, pancake breakfasts, projects,etc. He is a multiple Paul Harris Fellow recipient and a faculty member of the Rotary Leadership Institute.

David Ardam - Husband, Father, Attorney, Rotarian and Smithtown Matters 2012 - Person of The Year.

David and Diane Ardam live in Commack in the house they bought in 1981. They have two adult children, Jackie and Eric, who graduated from Commack HS.  Diane is a special education teacher in Syosset and Dave has a law office on Smithtown Boulevard in Smithtown.