The Smithtown Historical Society Needs Volunteers For A Family Friendly Halloween Event

The Smithtown Historical Society is looking for volunteers for its first-ever “Family-Friendly Spooky Woods and Trick O’ Treat” event on Oct. 25, 26, 27, 30, and 31. Spots include actors, parking attendants, decorators, set-up/clean-up, candy distributors, and more! Applications available on our website at https://smithtownhistorical.org/volunteer-opportunities/. Contact our office at 631-265-6768 or officemanager@smithtownhistorical.org for more info. Volunteers must be 16 and up. 

SAR Flag Remembrance Ceremony Veteran Suicide Awareness & Remembrance Day

SAR Flag Remembrance Ceremony Veteran Suicide Awareness & Remembrance Day

 

(Mount Sinai, NY) – On a special day marked by Suffolk County, established by a unanimously-passed resolution from Suffolk County Legislator Chad Lennon, Major USMC Reserves, delivered the keynote address at the SAR Flag Remembrance Ceremony (Suicide Awareness & Remembrance Flag Family) on Sunday September 22nd

Lennon delivered the keynote address and was joined by the leaders of SAR Flag, other elected officials, and representatives of numerous Veterans service organizations and local civic associations for a special SAR Flag Remembrance Ceremony (Suicide Awareness & Remembrance Flag Family) on Sunday September 22, 2024.  The ceremony was held at the Heritage Center – NSYC in Mount Sinai, New York.

September 22nd has been designated this year, and in the future, as “Veteran Suicide Awareness & Remembrance Day” in the county.

“We recognized this day today by honoring the families of two veterans we lost to suicide. However, we will continue to combat this epidemic as a community and fight to bring this number to zero,” said Legislator Chad Lennon (LD-6).

This moving and patriotic ceremony brought together more than 100 family members, friends, and fellow Veterans to help honor Major Victor Gronenthal and Specialist Anthony Martinelli, both US Army Veterans lost to suicide.

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.