Blown Transformer Leaves Some At Village Commons Shopping Center Without Electricity

Around 1:30pm Saturday, patrons at the Baja Grill in the Village Commons Shopping Center were evacuated from the popular eatery after hearing three loud bangs.  The restaurant manager announced the evacuation and urged everyone to move calmly and quickly out of the building. There was an orderly evacuation, no panic but lots of curiosity as to what caused the noise and the loss of electricity.

It didn’t take long to determine that the cause of the blackout was a blown transformer.  The transformer was located underground in the back of the shopping center.   A small fire developed, which was extinguished by the Smithtown Fire Department.  According to Town of Smithtown Senior Fire Marshal, Nicholas Kefalos, everything was under control and there was no cause for alarm.   

End of Story?  Not exactly.

Between Citibank and Ace Hardware businesses were left without electricity.  Some closed their doors and waited for the return of electricity. Three food venues were impacted by the loss of electricity.  The Baja Grill, Manninos and Main Street Meats & Catering.

The business of food has a critical dependence on electricity.   The preparation of food, cooking and the refrigeration of uncooked and prepared food are all electric dependent.   

While Manninos had a refrigerated truck at their disposal MAIN STREET Meats & Catering did not.  “The loss of electricity means we will lose a lot of our refrigerated stock.  There is not much we can do.  Insurance will cover some of our loss but that will take a long time.  This is a big loss for us.  I hope that the transformer can be replaced quickly but I just don’t see that it will happen quick enough to save the food in my store.” Ben Shor, Owner of MAIN STREET Meats & Catering.

LIPA was working to identify the model of the transformer with the hope that they would be able to replace it quickly.  For Ben Shor it can’t happen quick enough.

Update on Sunday, May 20, 2012 at 8:33AM by .

MAIN STREET Meats & Catering is back to full power.  Power was restored last evening around midnight . A LIPA generator allowed them to maintain adequate refrigeration throughout the event.  

Are You A Ham Wannabe? Annual Field Day Contest June 23 -24

Local Radio Amateurs demonstrate emergency preparedness during the annual U.S. and Canada Field Day contest 

by Fred Kruger, K2LDC

Amateur Radio Field Day 2012 is quickly approaching!  Each year, on the fourth full weekend in June (this year:June 23-24), radio amateurs (Hams) from all over the United States and Canada join with other members of clubs or friends to set up and operate from special locations. Some will operate from sites in parks, open fields, or shopping centers, while others will choose to operate from their local Emergency Operations Center, or even from home. Many will remain at their Field Day sites for the full 24 hours of the contest; operating from, and sleeping in, one or more small tents.

One of the key differences between this competition and others is that many ham groups will eat field-cooked food and will operate using “off-mains” power (batteries, generators, solar panels, wind mills, or even water turbines); thereby simulating emergency conditions….even if it is under somewhat relaxed conditions. It is an opportunity for all to learn to operate radio gear in abnormal situations and under less than optimal conditions. Other Hams view Field Day as a special contest and compete to get the most contacts and bonus points. All different types of antennas are set up for the operation and virtually all modes of radio communications are used. Some of these modes are AM, FM, Morse Code (CW), Single Side Band, and various digital modes.

Communications may actually involve contacts with Ham astronauts on the International Space Station or with radio amateurs almost anywhere in the world. Some contacts may be made by bouncing signals off the ionosphere, while others may be received and retransmitted by amateur radio satellites circling the earth far out in space.

In addition to their actual radio operation, many participating hams will set up and operate in public venues and provide educational materials and discussions. Guests may even be invited to speak over (one of) the radios. A special stand-alone ham radio station may be set up to encourage new operators to participate and provide the club with additional contest points, plus bonus points.

Hams respond to all types of emergencies. When normal communications channels are disrupted,  radio amateurs jump in action to provide essential communications when it really matters. A recent example of this occurred when large areas of Long Island lost power during Hurricane Irene. With no power, cell telephone service became virtually non-exist ant in many areas. Without electricity cable modems stopped working and cable telephone services stopped. The average person could neither call someone for information nor use their cable connected television up-to-date information. They couldn’t call their cable company to complain and they couldn’t call the power company to complain.

Hams who were set up and prepared for emergencies were able to use their battery or generator powered radios to contact other hams and obtain repair status information, provide logistical information, or summon help. When all else fails, hams are well known for their ability to provide communications support in real disaster and post-disaster situations.

The contest aspect of Field Day is to simply make contact with as many other stations as possible without prior scheduling and operate their radio equipment under less than optimum conditions. Similar skills are used when radio amateurs help with community events such as parades, bike-a-thons and marathons. They also use some of the same skills when they exhibit at a meeting or fair. Field Day also  provides an opportunity to demonstrate Amateur Radio to elected officials and the general public.

As described above, many amateur radio clubs on Long Island will set up and operate multiple radio stations and compete with other stations nationwide and beyond. In a real emergency or disaster, this same equipment would be available to provide a communications link from Long Island to the rest of the world, even if all public power and all local/regional communications systems were not operational (worst case, but possible).

Several clubs try to combine the best of everything: training, education, demonstration, and just plain socializing. Some clubs will use solar power in addition to a gas generator and auto battery power. Sometimes a very low power station  (less than 5 watts) will be added, since it will operate from readily available batteries for many hours or days and still be able to reach out long distances.  

Visitors are welcomed at Field Day sites! The latest information about local ham radio Field Day sites and operating hours can be found on the web site of the American Radio Relay League (ARRL):  http://www.arrl.org/field-day-locator .

Town Board To Accept Kings Park Youth Association's AED Offer

KPY Trustee John McQuaid“Acceptance of an AED from the Kings Park Youth Organization pursuant to the town’s current policy on AED equipment and to further authorize the Supervisor to execute any and all agreements, on a form approved by the Town Attorney.” Resolution 4R on Town’s agenda May 17, 2012.

In a unanimous decision (Councilman Malloy was not in attendance) the Smithtown Town Board reversed its long-standing position regarding Automated External Defibrillators (AED). Kings Park Youth (KPY) Association Trustee, John McQuaid, couldn’t be happier.  Mr. McQuaid’s twin 12-year old sons play on one of the KPY teams.  Mr. McQuaid was concerned that a piece of equipment that could possibly save the life of a child would not be available when it was needed. 

John McQuaid went to work on correcting what he felt was a no-brainer.  KPY would pay for the AED and keep it at **Kings Park Memorial Field where the kids played.  The AED would be available should anyone need it. Adults would train to use it appropriately.  There was a consensus in the KPY organization that this was something they wanted to do.  Other towns had them and there is a history of AEDs saving lives.

According to Pediatric Cardiologist, Dr. T. Biancaniello Clinical Professor of Pediatrics, Columbia Doctors- Pediatric Cardiology, “There are many studies that prove the effectiveness of AEDs in out-of-hospital arrests.  One early study, published in the New England Journal of Medicine in 2002, reported the outcomes at Chicago airports where AED’s were placed within a 60-90 second brisk walk from any location.  Of the 18 patients who developed Ventricular Fibrillation (VF), bystanders saved 11. Without the AED all would have died.  Studies have also shown that time is of the essence.  Within 3-5 minutes of an arrest, AEDs have a good chance of success.”

KPY sent a letter to the Town Board on March 20^th announcing KPY’s donation of an AED. The surprise came when a letter, dated April 12^th, from Deputy Town Attorney Matt Jakubowski, arrived and stated that the Town was not willing to accept the donation.  Subsequent to the letter the Board met on April 19 and Mr. McQuaid made his appeal in person.  The Town Board was still resistant calling it a liability issue. The Supervisor stated that he had coached Kings Park Little League for 12 years and couldn’t recall ever needing a defibrillator.

According to Dr. Biancaniello, “While the overwhelming numbers of victims of VF are adults, there are three conditions that occur in children and adolescents that result in death from VF during exercise.  Hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (a primary cardiac muscle disorder) and anomalous origin of the left coronary artery  (a congenital birth defect where the main coronary artery comes off the wrong part of the circulatory system) are conditions that can cause sudden VF during exercise.  Without the prompt administration of defibrillator, these patients will die within minutes.  The other condition is called commotio cordis, which is a result of blunt force impact to chest.  If a young child or adolescent is struck with a hard object in the chest at a critical time in the cardiac electrical cycle (a certain part that last only 15-30 milliseconds), ventricular fibrillation results.  Again, CPR without defibrillation cannot terminate VF and prevent sudden death.”

Since the April Board meeting there have been ongoing conversations between Mr. McQuaid and Town Attorney Zollo, Supervisor Vecchio and Council members.  According to Mr. McQuaid KPY will cover the cost of the AED and its housing.  The Town is examining the liability issue, which is not expected to be a problem. There will be further discussion before the agreement between KPY and the Town is signed. 

Today, Mr. McQuaid is happy.  “If we save the life of one child it is worth it. Hopefully it won’t be vandalized or tampered with, but if it is we will replace it. That is the commitment we are happy to make to the kids.”

According to Dr. Biancaniello, “AEDs are life saving devices we cannot afford to do without.” Mr. McQuaid couldn’t agree more.  And now, it seems, Smithtown’s Town Board agrees.

 **The article was corrected - the field was incorrectly identified as Tiffany Field and has been changed to Kings Park Memorial Field. **

What's Cookin? Smithtown

A big welcome to Nancy Vallarella.  Nancy loves food and restaurants.  That may sound like a path leading to obesity but not in Nancy’s case.  She is a savy consumer who takes pride in making the right culinary choices for herself, her family and now for you!

Nancy is busy creating our new restaurant/food directory.  Click Here She has recently committed to informing readers at SmithtownMatters.com about events hosted by local restaurants and food venues. She can be reached here a Smithtown Matters by leaving a comment below the article or Nancy@smithtownmatters.com or at her facebook page What’s Cookin? Smithtown.

Ciao or Chow for now.

What’s Cookin?  Smithtown – By Nancy Vallarella

A great big helping of customer satisfaction and service!

The first Smithtown restaurants to help launch our new culinary column are innovators that are always customer oriented.  They offer the best quality food; value and service to our community are at the top of their priority lists.

The Seaqua Deli of St. James serves up an extensive breakfast menu, countless gourmet sandwiches, wraps, grilled items, a chopped salad bar and daily specials that include homemade soups and hot dinners. I know for a fact they are a popular go to resource for many busy households and local business, including the kitchen staff of many local restaurants! Great food and friendly service are always available but the goodness doesn’t stop there. Daily specials are posted via facebook. Orders are currently taken in person, by phone, fax and now…by text!  Text your Sequa Deli orders to 631-682-8495. 

Butera’s of Smithtown has become the star of family dining. Christenings, Communions, Confirmations, Bridal and Baby Showers are easily accommodated for everyone’s tastes and needs.  Everyday dining menu selections are offered as individual and family style servings.   Pasta and sandwich lunch entrees are available for $10 and kids eat for free (from the kids menu) with the purchase of an adult entrée. Bye-bye fast food drive thru. It’s no surprise that Mother’s Day is one of the busiest days here. What’s new? - Reservations can now be made through Open Table or Butera’s web site.   

Faradays of Smithtown is an iconic Main Street establishment. Current owner’s Tom and Claudia have been at the helm for nearly twenty years and have worked here for several more! Pride in ownership and reaching out to the community are as visible as the mouthwatering Continental cuisine served here. Late night dining, daily drink specials, 4 Course Price Fix Menu offered Mon. – Thurs. for $18.95, outdoor dining and CRAFT BEER WEEK until May 20^th.  Check out their web site for $20 off check promotion!  

Please visit Smithtown Matters Restaurant Guide for direct access to the above mentioned establishment’s web sites and facebook pages.

Nancy Vallarella

Upcoming Culinary Events:

Uncle Giuseppe’s will host reality TV stars Jacqueline Laurita and Caroline Manzo of The Real Housewives of New Jersey at their Smithtown location on Saturday 5/19 from 1:00 p.m. - 3:00 p.m.  They are there to promote BLK Water.  American Roadside in Smithtown announced on-line ordering available now on their web site. The Kitchen a Trottoria of Saint James is hosting a beer pairing dinner with Port Jeff Brewing Company on Sunday, May 20th from 1-4pm. Their menu will be a 5 course pairing for $65.00plus tax & gratuity. Crumb Belles of Saint James will be participating in Art in the Park – Heckscher Park, Huntington, June 2 &3 rd. Their divine tasty treats will be available to sample and purchase.  Mark your calendar, Sunday, June 3^rd is Smithtown Day!

Safety Improvements on Main Street Completed

It’s finished.  On Friday, May 11, 2012 the New York State Department of Transportation’s (NYSDOT) Commissioner Joan McDonald announced the completion of pedestrian safety improvements in Smithtown.  The improvements, on NYS Route 25/25A – Main Street, were enacted to encourage safer and slower driving on a stretch of road in Smithtown that has been the scene of serious pedestrian injuries and deaths.

“We moved quickly to provide safety improvements that provide greater protections for pedestrians.” Said Joan McDonald in her press statement. “Walkers should feel more secure when crossing and motorists should better understand the need to drive with caution.”

Changes to Route 25/25A include a new configuration for westbound travel.  Westbound travel will merge into a single lane after the Rte. 111 intersection.  There will be left turn lanes at intersections between Rte. 111 and New York Avenue/Redwood lane.

In addition to new crosswalks and pedestrian signals, existing crosswalks have been widened.  Pedestrian walk signal timing has been altered to stop traffic in all directions allowing walkers more time to start crossing before vehicles get a green light.

A “rest in red” policy has been implemented at Lawrence and Maple Avenues.  Rest in red means traffic signals will remain red until a vehicle has pulled up to the intersection. Only when the car is at the intersection will the signal turn green.  According to the DOT this will help deter speeding during off-peak hours when there is less traffic and increased opportunity to speed. 

Left turns will be prohibited at Singer Avenue and the Branch Shopping Center.

Will these changes work? Some people think not.  One resident who declined to give his name likened the changes to putting paint on a structurally unsound house. “ It may look better but the underlying problems still exist.”

NYSDOT is hopeful that the safety improvements will work and reduce pedestrian –vehicle accidents.  The DOT will continue to monitor the traffic and determine whether further enhancements are warranted.

Nesconset resident Ray G. put it this way “It is the state’s responsibility to make the road safe and navigable. It is however, ultimately, up to drivers and pedestrians to follow traffic laws.”

Update on Tuesday, May 15, 2012 at 8:48AM by .

7:57 A.M. Tuesday 5/15/2012 - Westbound traffic on 25 backed up to Mavis Transmission.

8:12 A.M. Tuesday 5/15/2012 - Westbound traffic moving along. No traffic back-up until the merge on Main Street.