Smithtown Saab Volkswagen Mechanic - Top 50 Volkswagen Mech. In Nation

SUFFOLK COUNTY COMMUNITY COLLEGE’S ALUMNUS IS SELECTED AS ONE OF THE TOP 50 VOLKSWAGEN MECHANICS IN THE NATION

Selden, NY – Patrick Rueb, a resident of Sayville and a member of Suffolk County Community College’s Class of 2003, was recently selected as one of the top 50 Volkswagen mechanics in the nation. As part of the recognition, Mr. Rueb has been invited compete in a corporate-wide competition for technicians in Dallas, Texas sponsored by Volkswagen of America. Mr. Rueb was the only Volkswagen mechanic from Long Island to meet the criteria for selection. There are more than 4,500 Volkswagen mechanics nationwide.

Mr. Rueb works locally at Smithtown Saab Volkswagen and is co-president of the Long Island Volkswagen Club. He is a graduate of the College’s Automotive Technology Program.

Suffolk County Community College offers multiple A.A.S. degree programs in Automotive Technology. The Automotive Technology Program is housed in a 20,000 square-foot state-of- the-art facility, equipped with the latest technology including: nine fully functional shop bays; classrooms with the latest wireless technology enabling access to technical data for all makes and models of automobiles; Hunter Computerized Alignment Machines, Hunter Balancing Equipment; Mitchell On-Demand in all classes and a computerized engine analyzer and vehicle dynomometer that conforms with current New York State Inspection requirements.

The instruction, course of study, facilities and equipment in the program were evaluated by the National Automotive Technicians Education Foundation (NATEF) and were found to meet the National Institute for Automotive Service Excellence (ASE) standards of quality for the training of automobile technicians in all areas.

Serious Overnight MVA

Photos and Report by Jeff Bressler

The Smithtown Fire Department was toned out for an Ambulance requested/Motor Vehicle Accident – Heavy Rescue at 3:28am on December 3rd with the location of the westbound corner of Routes 347 and 111.

Upon arrival units found a vehicle that hit a utility pole with driver side impact. Two occupants in the car were pinned. Units began extrication to remove the victims. The extrication was handled by Rescue 4-2-9 with an assist from Suffolk County Police Emergency Services.

The doors and roof were removed and the dashboard moved to facilitate the rescue.

The two occupants were taken to the Stony Brook University Medical Center. Conditions are unknown at this time.

On scene were Chiefs Murphy and Landrigan, Rescue 4-2-9, Engine 4-2-4 and ambulances 4-2-61 and 4-2-65.

Cupcake Couture - Open For Business

Smithtown’s newest bakery & boutique, Cupcake Couture, is now open for business. Located at 91 East Main (the former Karl Ehmer Meats), Cupcake Couture is ready to fill Smithtown’s “sweet tooth”. 

After a nine month licensing process, Cupcake Couture opened its doors on Tuesday and has had a lot of traffic. On Friday afternoon at 2:30 pm. there was standing room only. Owner, and Smithtown resident, John K. Johnson was out shopping for supplies and there was a line of people waiting to buy their cupcake of choice. 

There are many different cupcakes to choose from, like the “Cupcake Couture,” the signature cupcake of the bakery made with a secret recipe which includes, a chocolate cake, chocolate frosting and a Bavarian crème filling.  There are also cupcakes with names like: Wedding White cupcake, Peanut butter chocolate, Espresso, and Pumpkin Pecan. If these don’t strike your fancy, there is the Man cupcake which is made with a Guinness beer batter and frosting (ID is not necessary!). Cupcakes, cakes and cookies can be specialized if you want to order for a special event

The clientele, on Friday afternoon, was a mixture of parents with children, seniors, and quite a few high school students.  How did they hear of Cupcake Couture? For the most part people saw the sign go up and waited for the bakery to open.  There was a consensus among the patrons that the cupcakes were very good and what made things sweeter was the satisfaction in knowing a vacant storefront was replaced by a new business.

Smithtown High School seniors, Alexa Silva and Bianca Silva, ordered the Pumpkin Pecan and a Coconut cupcake.  “Very good and really good!” they said.  They have been waiting for the bakery to open.   Alexia is a friend of owner John Johnson’s daughter Jazzy.  They learned the date of the opening on Face book.   They will be returning and they will be encouraging their friends to visit as well.

Cupcake Couture is the fourth store for founder Wynette Zamora and it is the first Cupcake Couture outside of Texas.  The idea of opening Cupcake Couture came from Wynette’ s love of baking and her dad’s cancer diagnosis.  Spending time with her parents during her dad’s battle with cancer made her realize the unpredictability of life.  She yearned to leave corporate life to spend more time with her husband and two children, Maliyah and Angelo.  The couple resides in Vanvleck Texas.

Wynette is thrilled with the relationship she has developed with owner John Johnson.  “John has a great skill set.  He also comes from a corporate background.” Neither John nor Wynette have had formal training in baking and that is the message that Wyentte wants people to know, “ You can achieve anything your heart desires, if you believe in yourself.”

Cupcake Couture is open seven days a week Monday thru Saturday 10am – 8pm and Sunday 10-4pm. www.cupcakecouturebakeries.com or by phone at 631 656 6400.

Smithtown Man Arrested For Damaging A Cell Tower Under Construction

Suffolk County Police today arrested a Smithtown man after an investigation revealed he had damaged a cell tower that was being built in Nesconset.

On November 28 at approximately 8 a.m., police were called to the Smithtown Highway Department, located at 758 Nesconset Highway, after workers at the site reported that someone had cut the feeder cables to the 210-foot tower sometime between 11 p.m. on November 23 and 6 a.m. on November 28. Metro PCS is constructing the tower on Smithtown Highway Department property. Representatives from the company told police the damage would cost more than $100,000 to repair.

Following an investigation by Fourth Squad detectives, using evidence recovered at the scene, police today arrested Ronald Derisi, 67, Smithtown, and charged him with Criminal Mischief 2nd Degree and Tampering 1st Degree.

Derisi was issued an appearance ticket and will be arraigned at First District Court in Central Islip at a future date.

A criminal charge is an accusation. A defendant is presumed innocent until and unless proven guilty.

A Tasteful Way To Dine And Fundraise

By Nancy Vallarella

“The table is a place of communion for life’s large and small events,” Master Chef Art Smith.

No eating establishment depicts this sentiment more than Butera’s of Smithtown. Over the last 4 years, Smithtown residents have gathered here for celebratory meals, memorial repasts or to have a bite with friends and family. Sensitive to the needs of the community, Butera’s has always tailored their menus to provide quality and value.

The most innovative step Butera’s has taken in reaching out to the community is Give Back Day. This is an opportunity for organizations to raise money by promoting lunch or dinner at a Butera’s location on a designated day.  In return, they receive 10% of the sales generated through their promotional efforts. Sales are tracked with a certificate specific to the organization which is presented with the payment of the check.  “It is a practical and productive way to fundraise. People unite for a cause by sharing a good meal with friends”, comments Chef/Owner Nick Zografos.   Christine Fitzgerald, a founder of The Smithtown Children’s Foundation recently jumped at the opportunity stating, “I’m all in on a fundraising event that all I have to do is promote.”  Other groups that have seized this opportunity are the Guide Dog Foundation, The Center for Developmental Disabilities Parent’s Association, America’s Vet Dogs, The American Cancer Society, and The Diabetes Association.  Organizations wishing to participate in Butera’s Give Back Day can contact Manager Greg Arron at 631-979-9113.

Butera’s also shows their appreciation to returning guests with Butera’s Loyalty Rewards Program.  Every dollar spent is a point earned and recorded on a Butera’s Loyalty Rewards Card. Points are accumulated and are converted into Butera’s Gift Cards at various point levels and dollar amounts. Other benefits of this program include Double Point Days, Triple Points on your Birthday and the Ultimate reward earned -100 thousand unredeemed points earns meals at Butera’s for FREE for LIFE!

Raising families and running a business personally go hand in hand with Chef/Owners Martin and Laurie Butera (husband and wife), brother Gary Butera and Nick Zografos. They are keenly aware of today’s economic challenges and of time being a precious commodity in two income households. Nick Zografos notes, “Butera’s has always been a family restaurant. We try to make it possible for a family to experience quality food at reasonable prices.”  Pasta and sandwich lunch entrees are offered at $10 and kids eat for free off the kids menu with the purchase of an adult entrée. This is a huge incentive to bypass the fast food drive thru. Another family friendly menu choice is Butera’s New Family Style Dinner Options that feeds 2 or more people.

As the weather gets colder, the roads get slippery and cold and flu season approach, it is helpful to remember that Butera’s offers free local delivery on dinner orders. Off premise catering is also available.  LIKE Butera’s of Smithtown on Facebook for updates on specials and promotions. Menus can be viewed Facebook and on their website www.buteras.com.

****On Tuesday, December 6^th Butera’s will be hosting a Give Back Day for The Smithtown Children’s Foundation. Certificates to credit your sale can be found on the following Facebook pages: Butera’s of Smithtown, What’s Cookin? Smithtown and The Smithtown Children’s Foundation. While you are in Facebook, LIKE Butera’s of Smithtown and What’s Cookin? Smithtown for a chance to win a $50 gift certificate to Butera’s.