911 Responders Remembered Park Adds 303 Names To Memorial Walls

911 Responders Remembered Park Holds Annual Naming Ceremony

On Saturday September 14th, the 911 Responders Remembered Park in Nesconset held their annual naming ceremony, in which they added 303 names to the wall. The purpose of the ceremony is to add names to the wall of 9/11 first responders who have passed away due to the toxic fumes inhaled on September 11th and its immediate aftermath. Numerous local elected officials attended this ceremony, including but not limited to Suffolk County Legislator Leslie Kennedy, Suffolk County Comptroller John M. Kennedy, New York State Senator Mario Mattera, and Smithtown Town Supervisor Ed Wehrheim.

Breaking ground in 2011, the park was the first of its kind in America, serving as a memorial to not only those who were killed on September 11th, but also to the first responders who have passed away due to 9/11 related illnesses in the years following the attack.

911 Responders Remembered Park is managed by a board of officials who help organize events and coordinate the maintenance of the park. The current president of the management board is Judi Simmons, whose late husband, Martin Simmons, was a FDNY Firefighter who passed in 2008 due to illnesses caused by the September 11th Attacks.

The managerial board estimates that they only have enough room on the walls of the park for one more year of names. There are plans to add more walls to the park, but these plans come with a hefty price tag; roughly $80,000. 911 Responders Remembered Park is a non-profit organization, and they rely on donations to keep the park alive. Even a small donation can go a long way in this regard.

As of this past Saturday, there are 2592 names on the walls at this park.

181 Children Take Part in the 5th Annual Mini Maniac Youth Triathlon

181 Children Take Part in the 5th Annual Mini Maniac Youth Triathlon 

Lightning Warriors team pose at the finish line after competing in the 5th Annual Mini Maniac Youth Triathlon at Smith Point Beach on Sunday, September 15.SHIRLEY, NEW YORK — On September 15, Lightning Warriors hosted the 5th Annual Mini Maniac Youth Triathlon — the largest youth triathlon on the East Coast — which was held at Smith Point Beach in Shirley. The event attracted 181 participants between the ages of 5 and 17, including 56 first-time triathletes. 


The Mini Maniac Youth Triathlon aims to promote healthy physical activity and build lifelong skills in swimming, biking, and running for youth athletes. This year’s race featured triathletes competing in different age groups, with distances tailored to each category. Younger athletes also had the opportunity to participate in the Splash & Dash, a 50-meter swim and a quarter-mile run for kids between 5 and 7 years old.

“We were thrilled to see so many young athletes take part in the event, especially those trying a triathlon for the first time,” said Noah Lam, head coach of the Lightning Warriors. “The smiles at the finish line are what this is all about, and we’re proud to help kids build confidence through sport.”

Participants received medals for their efforts, as well as favor bags and refreshments.

For more information, visit www.lightningwarriors.org. 

About Lightning Warriors

Lightning Warriors is a Long Island-based not-for-profit triathlon team focused on making the sport of triathlon available to all young athletes. Lightning Warriors’ goal is to unlock each member’s potential as athletes and as leaders, encouraging athletes to excel in all levels of life. For more information, visit www.lightningwarriors.org.

Nissequogue River State Park Foundation's Regatta On The River 2024

Regatta on the River 2024 is now part of Nissequogue River State Park’s (NRSP) history. It occurred on Saturday, September 14th, at 8:00 am under an outstanding blue sky, perfect air temperature and the beautiful River. (photos available at ourstatepark.org)

2024 marked the triumphant return of the Regatta on the River event, postponed for four years due to COVID-19 and the cancellation of group activities. Regatta on The River was the brainchild of Foundation president John McQuaid. Previous regattas were organized by the NRSPF’s (Nissequogue River State Park Foundation) student board, but with students graduating and moving on, the regatta was at risk. However, John McQuaid,  never gave up his desire to reestablish the event he considers his favorite at the park. This year, with the board’s support, plans for the regatta began, and soon, like-minded people joined with the foundation to make the regatta a reality.

This year’s Regatta was dedicated to the memory of “Captain Jack Hessel,” a Kings Park resident who was oneCaptain Jack Hessel of the co-founders of the NRSPF. Captain Jack was an avid boater who was a presence in every organization that promoted quality of life issues in Kings Park. He was a member of the Kings Park Civic Association, Kings Park Community Association, and a Board member of the Kings Park Chamber of Commerce. He often donated trips on his sailboat as raffle gifts for fundraising. Jack and his wife, Gail, frequently walked through the parkFive Mile Winners and chatted with visitors.

David Faverio winner single kayaker 10 mileThe Regatta was a resounding success. Over 53 vessels were divided into recreational and competitive groups, with the majority being recreational paddling a 5 mile course.  Six kayaks competed on the 10-mile course, and Smithtown resident David Faverio took First Place. Leo Nugent (12) was the first individual youth kayaker to finish and Vincent Troccoli (11) won the costumed Kayaker category.

This year’s regatta was special in many ways. It was a return to normalcy after the horror of COVID. It was a way to honor Jack Hessel for all his work and an opportunity for people to gather and celebrate the beauty of the Nissequogue River. Participants were diverse, representing all age groups and family structures. Some Double kayak winnerswere in kayaks, some were in canoes, and some were paddleboarders. Some were people who were seeing the river for the first time, and others were returnees. Everyone was in agreement the Nissequogue River is beautiful!

The mission of the NRSPF is to protect and advocate for the park. All funds raised go to improvements at the park. McQuaid invites the public to join the foundation, visit the park, participate in events and help the Nissequogue River State Park reach its potential.

Regatta on the River would not have been possible without the wonderful volunteers and the generous sponsors. IGA-Ft.Salonga and Larkfield, Nissequoque River Kayak and Canoe Rentals, Smithtown Matters, The Smithtown News, HIRSCH Fuels, Gaio’s, LE Advisors Scott Israel, Flynn Insurance, Smithtown Bagels, 1-800- Water Damage, Isla + Wolf Beauty, NYS Assemblyman Michael Fitzpatrick, Suffolk County Legislator Rob Trotta, Dorothy Chanin, Paul & Kris Micciche, Sandy Trehy, Elaine & Bill Turley, Pat & Tom Biancaniello. 

Special recognition to boat safety patrol Lou and Anthony Puleo, John and Matt McQuaid, Smithtown Bay Constable, Commack Ambulance and Chris Thompson and the staff at the Nissequogue River State Park.

Remember to visit OURSTATEPARK.ORG to learn more about the Nissequogue River State Park Foundation and its most significant fundraiser of the year, the Thanksgiving Day Turkey Trot and Fun Run.

Dunkin' Celebrates Next Generation Store With Free Coffee And Donut

Dunkin’ brings next generation store to Suffolk County

Newly remodeled restaurant in Smithtown celebrates grand reopening with free coffee and donut giveaway

SMITHTOWN, N.Y. (September 13, 2024) - Residents who live and work in Smithtown can now experience Dunkin’s next generation store design at 560 Smithtown Bypass.

To celebrate the grand reopening, Dunkin’ is offering all guests at its restaurant at 560 Smithtown Bypass a free medium hot or iced coffee and a donut from 9 a.m. to 11 a.m. on Thursday, September 19*. 

Additionally, all guests will be able to spin a prize wheel to win free Dunkin’ merchandise from 9 a.m. to 11 a.m., while supplies last. 

Dunkin’ franchisee Scott Campbell of Metro Franchising will commemorate the occasion with a $2,500 donation to The Viscardi Center. The Viscardi Center is a non-profit organization that educates, employs, and empowers children, adults, and veterans with disabilities or similar needs, so they can all discover the love of learning, the power of work, the freedom of independent living, and the self-confidence to fulfill their dreams.

“We are excited to unveil our newly remodeled restaurant to residents of Smithtown and the surrounding community,” said Campbell. “Additionally, we are proud to support The Viscardi Center with this $2,500 donation, and to underscore an organization that provides impactful support and resources to the local community.”

A check presentation and grand reopening ribbon-cutting ceremony will take place at 9:30 a.m. 

The 2,000-square-foot Dunkin’ employs 20 crew members and is open daily from 5 a.m. until 9 p.m. 

The Smithtown Dunkin’ features the brand’s new restaurant design with a modern atmosphere, innovative technologies and exciting elements, including: 

• Modern Design: The openness, colors and materials used in the design help to create an approachable, positive and energetic environment.
• Premium Pours: Dunkin’s signature cold beverages are now available through an innovative tap system serving eight consistently cold beverages such as coffees, iced teas, cold brew coffee and nitro infused cold brew coffee. Crew members will also use top-quality flavor-maximizing espresso machines to make hand-crafted drinks to order.
• Dunkin’ on Demand: With fully integrated digital kiosks coming in the near future, guests will be able to choose to order with or without the help of a crew member. Dunkin’ has also introduced an area dedicated to mobile pickups, so that members of the Dunkin’ Rewards program who order ahead via Dunkin’s Mobile App can get in and out of the restaurant faster than ever before.
• Increased Energy Efficiency: The new Dunkin’ is a DD Green Achievement™ restaurant, which is designed to save 25% more energy compared to a standard Dunkin’ restaurant.

*No Pur Nec. Open to New York residents in the Smithtown area, ends 9/19/24. While supplies last, limit one per guest, limited time offer, available only at 560 Smithtown Bypass, Smithtown, NY, 11787 on 9/19/24. 

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Dunkin’

Dunkin’, founded in 1950, is the largest coffee and donuts brand in the United States, with more than 13,700 restaurants in nearly 40 global markets. Dunkin’ is part of the Inspire Brands family of restaurants. For more information, visit DunkinDonuts.com and InspireBrands.com.

DEC's "Summit September" NY Lands Photo Contest

Contest Accepting Photo Submissions through Sept. 30

New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) Interim Commissioner Sean Mahar today announced the September 2024 Love Our New York Lands photo contest. September’s theme is “Summit September” to help increase awareness of principles and guidelines that encourage safe, accessible, respectful, and sustainable use of public lands heading into the fall season.  

“During Summit September, DEC is encouraging New Yorkers to get outside and enjoy the outdoors and the special places they love,” DEC Interim Commissioner Sean Mahar said. “New York State is home to a wide range of lands and sites, scenic peaks and summits, providing ample opportunities to take a break from day-to-day challenges and connect with nature. During their outdoor adventures this month, DEC is encouraging New Yorkers to capture images that reflect safely and responsibly reaching their personal summits, in whatever form that may take.” 

New York State has a wide range of opportunities to get outside and enjoy activities year-round, including birding and wildlife viewing; warm-weather adventures such as swimming, biking, and horseback riding; cold-weather pursuits such as skiing, snowshoeing, and snowmobiling; and challenging adventures like geocaching or rock and ice climbing. For accessible recreation, check out DEC’s Accessible Recreation destinations webpage. 

The Love Our New York Lands campaign, launched in 2020 by DEC and the State Office of Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservation, encourages all users of State-owned lands to recognize that these lands are shared by ALL of us, our families, and our neighbors, and we all need to take care of them. The campaign includes guidance on Leave No Trace™ principles so that visitors can do their part to help ensure these special places are protected for future generations. Love Our New York Lands encourages visitors to be respectful of other visitors in these shared spaces. Visitors are asked to share trails, treat people with kindness, and leave things as they found them for others to enjoy. Visitors are encouraged to think of themselves as responsible for helping protect these irreplaceable destinations for future generations. More information is available on DEC’s website.   

Five winning pictures will be chosen that feature creative shots of the public enjoying outdoor activities on public lands all across New York State. Prizes will be awarded to the winning entries. Photos will be judged on the following criteria: originality; artistic composition; technical quality; and whether the photograph showcases people enjoying New York’s outdoor activities safely and responsibly.  

Summit September submissions should be emailed to social@dec.ny.gov by Sept. 30, with the subject line Summit September, the full name of the submitter, the State land or site where the image was taken (if applicable), and the submitter’s Instagram/social media handle as appropriate.   

DEC encourages New Yorkers to join the State’s ongoing efforts to protect lands and resources for generations to come by minimizing impacts, carrying out what they carry in, and encouraging others to care for our shared lands, as well. 

New Yorkers can take action to give back: 

• Participate in one of DEC’s Love Our New York Lands Stewardship Days, including the last stewardship day in 2024, scheduled for Sept. 28; 

• Get involved with local trail crews to help build and maintain trail systems nearby, and Adopt a Trailhead;

• Take a Leave No TraceTM workshop or become a Leave No Trace^TM educator; 

• Apply for a stewardship position in the Catskills or Adirondacks; 

• Explore becoming an Assistant Forest Ranger; and 

• Volunteer with one of DEC’s many natural resource programs. 

August Contest Winner 
DEC’s Love Our New York Lands August “Accessible Recreation” theme highlighted the importance of removing barriers for New Yorkers of all ages and abilities. The winning photo depicts an adaptive hike for people with mobility impairment, submitted by Scott Trager.

View the winning photos on DEC’s Flickr page.

https://dec.ny.gov/news/press-releases