Smithtown Fire Department Answers Call On Cake Walk Terrace

photos by Jeff BresslerFriday, September 30 - The Smithtown Fire Department received a signal 13 indicating a structural fire at 9 Cake Walk Terrace.  The event was upgraded to a signal 13-35 which is a code for a working fire.

The cause of the fire at the garage at the Cake Walk Terrace home is a suspected electrical problem.  The fire was confined to the garage but smoke extended throughout the attic of the house.  The fire was quickly brought under control. Other than moderate damage to the garage, the only damage to the interior house was smoke damage. 

One firefighter from Smithtown received minor injuries in a fall and was taken to St. Catherine of Siena Medical Center for observation.

On the scene were Chiefs Murphy (4-2-32), Landrigan (4-2-33) Engines 4-2-1, 4-2-3, 4-2-4, Rescue 4-2-9 and Ambulance 4-2-61.  Alson on scene were a St. James Fire Department Engine and a Kings Park Fire Department Rapid Intervention Team.  The Hauppauge Fire Department provided mutual aid response to the Smithtown Main House.

*** Warning *** Open Cloud Security Is A Computer Virus

By S Trehy, JRDtech.com

The main method used for distributing virus infections is by masquerading as something safe. The Open Cloud Virus has been spreading quickly by deceiving people into thinking it’s a regular function of their Windows Operating System. This virus was recently encountered by our team when a client called about being unable to access the internet. 

Warning…Do not attempt to activate “Open Cloud Security”. The Open Cloud Security Virus is a hoax and there is no such thing as “activating” it. This rogue antivirus program offers no benefits if activated.  The Open Cloud Security Virus will perform several scans and pop-up warnings, all of which are fake and should be ignored. This virus will limit the functions of your computer, not allowing you to run a web browser or open files, and is very difficult to remove.

Here is a Screen Shot from the Open Cloud Security Virus

There are references to the Open Cloud Security Virus on the internet, but be careful which ones you open to read.  Some may lead to information on what it is and how to eradicate it if you get it, and some may lead to bogus sites meant to distribute it to unknowing visitors.  Only utilize known good antivirus websites or employ a professional if need be.

Smithtown Central School District - Class of '71 Celebrates 40 Years

Smithtown Central High School (now known as Smithtown High School East) class of 1971 held their 40^th reunion on Saturday, September 24^th at the Three Village Inn.

Before the night celebration, the alumni were treated to an Open House at High School East on Saturday afternoon.  Members of the SHS East Select Chorus performed for the Alumni and Principal Ed Thompson updated them about High School East.  The leadership students helped by giving guided tours of the building.

The Class of 1971 donated a Weeping Cherry tree to High School East that was planted in the main courtyard.

St. Catherine of Siena Fined $2.6 MILLION By Office of Inspector General

The following statement can be found on the Office of Inspector General’s web page under the heading Kickback and Physician Self-Referral: 

“After it self-disclosed conduct to the OIG (Office of Inspector General), St. Catherine of Siena Medical Center (St. Catherine), New York agreed to pay $2,596,014 for allegedly violating the Civil Monetary Penalties Law provisions applicable to physician self-referrals and kickbacks.  The OIG alleged that St. Catherine contracted with a physician owned professional services company.  The company received remuneration that was not consistent with fair market value and received payments for services that were not performed under the contract.” 

A second Long Island hospital, Good Samaritan Hospital Medical Center in West Islip was assessed a $55, 018.50 fine. St. Catherine of Siena Medical Center and Good Samaritan Hospital Medical Center are affiliates of Catholic Health Services (CHS) of Long Island.  

CHS Vice President for Public & External Affairs, Chris Hendriks, released a statement earlier this week acknowledging the settlements agreed to by the two local hospitals.  The statement also provided information about the incidents.  “St. Catherine of Siena Medical Center of Smithtown, Good Samaritan Hospital Medical Center of West Islip and CHS settled with the Office of Inspector General of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services.  These arrangements with physicians involved administrative duties and did not affect patients in any way.  Patients at all times received the full, complete and high quality care they have come to expect from CHS hospitals. “

St. Catherine Hospital’s penalty was the result of contracting with a physician group and compensating that group for services that were not provided.  According to Chris Hendriks, the settlement was the result of an internal investigation performed by CHS. “In keeping with our commitment to compliance and our institutional values, we promptly informed the appropriate federal and state regulators of the facts we found.” 

Ms. Hendriks ( in a phone conversation earlier today)  declined to name the physicians group and indicated that a financial agreement had been reached between the physician group and St. Catherine of Siena Hospital.   The terms of the agreement are not expected to be disclosed.  

Ms. Hendriks restated the Catholic Health Services commitment to excellent patient care and compliance with federal and state regulations.  

Around Town

The big news around town this week was voter approval of the Smithtown School District’s transportation referendum.  Voters in the district showed strong support for returning transportation to the almost 1,500 students who were cut when residents approved new guidelines in May. 

Residents approved the newest proposal on Monday, September 19, 2011, by almost 3,515 votes.  Smithtown School District released vote tallies showing 4,629 residents in favor of returning to transportation guidelines in place during the 2010-2011 school year, and 1,114 opposed to returning to the previous guidelines.

The District expects to return transportation to students by October 11^th.  

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Another big event in the news this week was Kings Park In The Know’s, (a coalition to stop and prevent substance abuse), attempt to break a world record for yo - yoing.  The event, “Kings Park in the Yo”, was held on the Kings Park School District’s Football Field.  While they may not have broken the world record, they were successful in getting almost 1,000 people to show up.  The community sent a clear message of support for programs that work to prevent children from getting involved in drugs.

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Other news - The Smithtown Town Board will participate in a county program offering incentives to business to help stop the “blight and flight” that the town is experiencing in its business district.  The Kings Park Civic Association has been extrememly active in pursuing landlords and business owners in Kings Park that the association has identified as being detrimental to the safety and well being of the community.  More on this next week.