"It's All About Having A Dream" Maria Michta - Nesconset Goes To The Olympics

By Joe Flynn

Photos courtesy of Legislator Kennedy’s Office

July 24^th, 2012. An audience of thousands was present at the Nesconset Gazebo to see the fourth installment of this year’s Nesconset Summer Concert, a free musical family event held every Tuesday night. This week’s performers were Songs in the Attic, a Billy Joel tribute band. The event is put on by the Nesconset Chamber of Commerce and Suffolk County Legislator John Kennedy, and is a partner to Long Island Cares, The Harry Chapin Food Bank.

Legislator Kennedy presented the evening’s special guest: Maria Michta, a Nesconset native who will be competing in the London Olympics in a few short days. Michta was given a proclamation of congratulations and good luck on behalf of the community and many local politicians, as well as a check for over $2,000 raised to bring her family to London to watch her represent the United States.

Michta’s event is the Race Walk, a lesser-known track event that is no less competitive than the running events. The main rule is that each competitor must have at least one foot on the ground at all times, which means the athletes must use different muscles than ones used for speed. In addition, Race Walk events are normally much longer than running events; the Olympic Race Walk is a 20km, or more than 12 miles. At a walking speed, the event is a true test of endurance.

Michta, who graduated from the Sachem School District in 2004, has been racewalking for 16 years. This commitment is a large part of how she got to be where she is today. “It’s all about having a dream and staying with it,” says the athlete. After competing in middle school and high school, as well as at the college level for C. W. Post, Michta decided not to give up on the competition she loves so much. “For me, the Olympics is my biggest inspiration,” rather than a single person or event in her life. “It’s the fact that people can come together from all over the world to do their best for their countries.”

Amazingly, competing in the Olympics is not the only extraordinary race Michta is running in her life. She is also a stellar student, having graduated as the valedictorian of C. W. Post with a perfect GPA of 4.0. Now she is pursuing a Ph.D. in biomedicine.

But the truly amazing thing is that none of this seems to go to Maria Michta’s head. At the Nesconset Summer Concert, she was full of energy, and all of it was for her admirers and neighbors. It was a special inspiration to see all the young girls in the audience who lined up for a picture and to get her autograph on their beach balls and supportive posters. Michta is fulfilling the most important role of the Olympics: she is a hero and a role model for the people who share her home. And when the day of her big race arrives, the entire United States will be cheering for her.

Fire At "Pick Of The Litter " Pet Shop In Smithtown

 Photo by Suffolk County Fire Rescue and Emergency Services

At 11:55 am July 23 the Smithtown Fire Department received an alert for a fire at 105 East Main Street, Smithtown.  The building is the site of “Pick Of The Litter” a popular pet store and grooming facility.  Also located at the site is an apartment located on the second floor  where it appears the fire began. 

The fire was contained to the 2^nd floor apartment where it appears five animals died. The “Pick of the Litter” housed 75 animals at the site mostly dogs and cats.  Fire fighters were able to rescue seventy of the seventy-five animals. 

The fire was identified as being under control at 12:33 pm. The Smithtown Fire Department received help from the Kings Park, Hauppauge and Nesconset and St. James fire departments.  Also, assisting at the scene of the fire was the SPCA, Smithtown Animal Control, Smithtown Fire Marshall, Suffolk OEM, (Office of Emergency Management) LIPA and Suffolk County Police. The fire is under investigation by the Smithtown Fire Marshall.

Culinary Staycation – Tasting the World in Your Backyard - Mirabelle Restaurant

By Nancy Vallarella

Destination: France

Chef Guy Reuge and Maria ReugeFor a quarter century, an extraordinary culinary establishment dwelled in Saint James.  People would come to this four star French bistro to celebrate life’s milestones. Master Chef Guy Geuge passionately produced traditional French dishes and had a strong devotion to foie gras. Everything was tres manifigue and then in 2009, Mirabelle closed its doors in Saint James.

That same year, a few miles east in Stony Brook, an incarnation of Mirabelle took place. Now located inside the historic Three Village Inn, the latest journey has proven to be successful for Chef Guy, the Lessing’s (owners of the Three Village Inn) and most importantly, the discerning diner.  All of the excellence and French flair shine through in the food but is now accompanied by a scenic location overlooking Stony Brook Harbor and a warm cozy interior.

Chef Guy Reuge oversees the kitchen at Mirabelle Restaurant at The Three Village Inn and his lovely wife Maria (pronounced Mariah) greets each guest at the hostess desk. It may be confusing entering the building, which houses the Inn’s restaurant as well as Mirabelle, but just make a right and look for the lovely women resembling Martha Stewart’s younger sister.

There are many ways to experience Mirabelle. The ultimate French experience would be dinner. The Summer Menu includes French favorites Foie gras du Jour and Duck Mirabelle.  There is Chef Guy Reuge’s Nine Course Grand Tasting Menu for the ultimate French culinary experience. Let’s not forget that France is the largest producer of truffles.  No doubt that this is the inspiration for Mirabelle’s Summer Truffle Menu.

There are small plates; Tapas, available at The Belle Lounge for $5 each and Thursday and Friday night’s weekly wine flights specials from 6pm – closing. Wine flights include three wine tastings paired with three hors d’oeuvres for $15. It is the perfect setting to catch up with friends but beware; the deliciously enticing aromas from the dining room are irresistible. You may want to leave time for dinner as well.

Chef Guy Reuge recently made an appearance on the Food Network’s Barefoot Contessa with Ina Garten. The name of the episode: Barefoot Bistro. It aired on June 30^th and several times this month but the Food Network does not have the episode scheduled to air from now through the end of August. You can view Chef Guy’s segment in the right hand column of Smithtown Matters’ Restaurant and Food Guide. Simply click on the What’s Cookin? Smithtown logo and find it posted at the top of the WCS Facebook page.  The full episode can be purchased and down loaded from iTunes if you want to view how to create the French bistro experience at home with Mussel Bisque, Chicken Liver Moose Mirabelle, Apple Tarts and tips for setting a French county bistro table.

A viewing party was held at Mirabelle for Chef Guy Reuge’s silver screen debut on June 30^th. Guests were served champagne and hors d’oeuvres to include the featured chicken liver moose and miniature croque monsieur. An invitation for this event was posted on Mirabelle’s Facebook page. For more information on Mirabelle’s upcoming events and promotions go to Smithtown Matters’ Restaurant and Food Guide and click on our direct link to Mirabelle’s Facebook page and website.

Merci beaucoup Chef Guy Reuge for keeping a taste of France in our backyard!

17 year old Driver DWI - His Two Passengers Killed In MV Crash

Suffolk County Police today arrested a man for driving while intoxicated after he was involved in a motor vehicle crash in Mastic this morning, which killed two of his passengers.

Ryan Foote, 17, was driving a 2007 Hyundai southbound on Winters Drive, when he lost control of the vehicle. The car left the roadway, struck a fence, and then some trees. Foote’s two passengers, James McClease, 18, and Rashawn Minter, 17, were ejected from the vehicle. Both McClease, of Mastic and Minter, of Mastic Beach, were pronounced dead at the scene by a physician assistant from the Office of the Suffolk County Medical Examiner.

Foote was transported to Stony Brook University Medical Center where he is being treated for his injuries.

The vehicle was impounded for a safety check and the investigation is continuing.

Seventh Squad detectives charged Foote with Driving While Intoxicated.

Detectives are asking anyone with information about this crash to call the Seventh Squad at 631-852-8752. All calls will remain confidential.

A criminal charge is an accusation. A defendant 

Kings Park Parade Committee Awards Two Scholarships

The  Kings Park St. Patrick’s Day Parade Committee presented   $500 scholarships to two graduates of the Kings Park High School Class of 2012. The presentations were made at Professor’s Diner on July 18th, by Kevin Denis, Bob & Gerry Creighton, officers of the Parade Board. The winners are Kaitlin Gallagher and Kaitlyn Trodden. They both presented winning essays on  “ The Significance of My Irish Heritage “.

Kaitlin  Gallagher, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. John Gallagher, plans to study Political Science at Fordham University in the Fall. 

Kaitlyn Trodden, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. James Trodden, plans to study Exercise Sports Science at Coastal Carolina College in South Carolina.