The Smithtown Library Trustee Election 2011

By Stephanie Healion 

(Trustee Candidate Forum is this Thursday night, 10/6 at
the Nesconset Branch at 7 pm)

Its election time again for the Smithtown Library Board of Trustees! On Tuesday October 11, 2011 the Smithtown Library will be hosting the election for new trustees.  The important responsibilities of the board of trustees include overseeing the budget, the smooth running of the library and its programs, and currently, the long anticipated completion of the renovations and restorations that have been ongoing since 2008. 

There are seven trustee positions, including the President and the Vice President, with two open positions to be filled with this election.  Board member Carolyn Ciarelli’s term expires this year and she has not chosen to run for re-election, so her position will be filled.  The position of Vice President is currently held by Anthony Monteleone, and he is in the running for re-election as his term expires this year as well.

 Anthony Monteleone, who has served on the board since 2002, explains his own hopes and goals if he were to be re-elected.  “My only agenda on the board is to serve the community and its patrons.  I’d like more people to see what a wonderful library system this is, with all its services and benefits that they may not realize they have.  Libraries are available to people of every age with no regard to income; all they need is a library card.  It’s such a fantastic gem in their own backyard.”           

Monteleone also spoke of issues concerning parking in certain branches and the 2011 budget.  “There are a few problems with parking in Commack that are being addressed, and we are increasing the amount of handicap spots in Nesconset.   The budget is doing well, passed with only a 1.7% increase, so the average home would only be paying about six dollars more.  The renovations are on schedule, and those branches should be open in early spring.”  Monteleone has been a major proponent in the library’s success, working with the library since 1999 and as a member of the Friends of the Library since 2001.

Candidate Otis Thornhill, President of the Friends of the Library since 2008, also has some positive changes he’d like to see.  “It’s important that the library be conversant and comfortable with new technology, such as Kindles and Ipads.  I’d like to get some library staff training and equipment that brings the library up-to-date.  The staff should have a comfort level with the new technology.”  Thornhill says that people are coming in with questions regarding their Ipads and Kindles, interested in using them with the library’s resources. He would like to make sure that the library staff has the ability to answer inquiries regarding the new technology, getting on board with the rapidly increasing use of technology in libraries everywhere.

Thornhill would also like to increase the amount of favorable publicity for the library.   “It’s also important for the trustees and the board to make services known to the community.  There is not enough positive publicity for the programs that are available.  I’d like to help find a media effort at a cost-effective price.  The library has so many great programs and opportunities that the community should be more aware of.”  Thornhill’s also wants to ensure for the public the 2012 completion of the reconstruction and renewal project.

Rosalind Palazzolo, a board trustee from 2008 to 2010, is the final candidate for the election. Palazzolo intends to increase the flow of information between the trustees at work sessions, so that everyone has all the information needed to successfully accomplish necessary goals regarding the library.  “Workshop meetings would allow all members of the board to know exactly what’s discussed and exactly what we are voting on.  If you only have one or two board members that know what   is going on in a particular area, then you don’t get all the information.  People need to know the background of what they’re voting on.”  Palazollo is determined to reconstruct the communication of the board to make important information more available to not only all members of the board, but also to the entire community.  She also plans on obtaining grants from Senator Flanagan and Assemblyman Fitzpatrick for the Smithtown Library.

The library’s two branches in Nesconset and Commack will be the polling locations for the election, as the Smithtown main branch and the Kings Park branch are currently under construction.  The Smithtown Library website has details on what residents should be voting where.  As always, it is up to the residents to vote for a passionate, driven and community-oriented person as their new trustee. 

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

FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 30, 2011 AT 1:26PM

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.  

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.