Hauppauge MS Student Joseph Roberti Named LI Math Scholar

Joseph Roberti, a sixth grade student at Hauppauge Middle School, has been named a Long Island Math Scholar by the prestigious Institute of Creative Problem Solving for Gifted and Talented Students at SUNY Old Westbury.  This mathematically talented student is among the top 0.1 percent of math students’ island-wide.

Principal Maryann Fletcher and Joseph Roberti 

 “We are very proud of Joseph for his participation and recognition as a Long Island Math Scholar,” said Middle School Principal Maryann Fletcher.  “He has proven his dedication to academics by challenging himself in this rigorous program.”

 The Institute of Creative Problem Solving for Gifted and Talented Students at State University of New York (SUNY) College at Old Westbury is a Saturday program for students in grades 5-10. The Institute has been established to improve the problem solving skills of a small group of 75 high ability Long Island students in grades five through ten.  Students study creative problem solving in mathematics, science and engineering, and each student is expected to spend 60 hours in class during 20 Saturday mornings and 60 hours in related outside projects. 

Hanukkah - Celebrate Life

Hanukkah also spelled Chanukah (Festival of Lights) begins at sundown on Wednesday, December 1 and continues until sundown on Thursday, December 9. Hanukkah, is a celebration of triumph over defeat and serves to remind the faithful of the rededication of the Holy Temple in Jerusalem 2,300 years ago. Hanukkah is celebrated by Jewish people all over the world. 

The story of Hanukkah is the story of Judah Maccabee and his army’s victory over the Syrian army. The Maccabees retook the temple and celebrated by lighting the eternal flame called N’er Tamid. There was only a small amount of oil and yet it lasted for eight days. This allowed enough time for the preparation and consecration of fresh oil.  Jewish people all over the world celebrate this miracle with Hanukkah celebrations. 

Hanukkah celebrations include special food like latkes, special blessings and gifts. For some there is a tradition of giving gifts on each of the eight days of Hanukkah.  

SmithtownMatters asked the question, “what is the meaning of Hanukkah?” Here are some responses. Rachel Jones a resident of Commack said “ It’s not about the gifts, it’s not about the food… well…sometimes the food.  Chanukah is about reflection, spending time with family, and celebrating life!” 

Tammie Rafle sees Hanukkah as “a belief in religious freedom and a willingness to fight for what your beliefs are.”

Barbara Kruger told SmithtownMatters that Hanukkah is a historic holiday. “We recall the Miracle of lights.  When the temple was destroyed. The celebration of Hanukkah commemorates the miracle of light it is really a remembrance of religious freedom.”

Vicki isn’t Jewish but she believes “Hanukkah is a time to give to those who need help, and to give justice to those who come here to work taking care of the sick.”

In Smithtown there will be several opportunities to join with others in celebrating Hanukkah.  The Kings Park Chamber of Commerce will be hosting a Hanukkah Festival on Sunday, December 5th at 4pm at the Veterans Plaza at the Kings Park Libraty.  The St. James Chamber of Commerce will be hosting a Menorah lighting starting Dec. 1 for eight nights at the triangle at Route 25A and Lake Avenue. Join the chamber at 4pm on Friday’s and 5pm on other days.

Thanksgiving Day-Not Just For Eating Anymore!

Many people were snug and cozy at home Thanksgiving morning but not members of the Nissequogue River State Park Foundation.  Under the watchful eye of executive director, Mike Rosato, members and volunteers began to show up at the park at 6:30am. The Reason? The foundation’s third (successful)  annual Turkey Trot 5K run/walk. 

  For months Mike Rosato and the members of the foundation have prepared for the Thanksgiving day Turkey Trot 5k Run/Walk but no preparation in the world can guarantee weather conditions, an uneventful registration process or a successful and fun event.  For the third year in a row the Foundation pulled it off.  

Even with a glitch in the pay-pal program 876 people registered for the 5K.  Add to that the number of participants in the fun run and you have close to 1100 people who showed up on Thanksgiving Day to run, walk, take their kids out, join with spouses, family, or friends and exercise or just have fun. 

The venue, the Nissequogue River State Park was majestic with the trees colorful enough to make you remember why the grounds of the former psych center are worth investing in and preserving. The goal of the race is to raise funds to support the beautification and improvements on the NRSP grounds.  An added benefit is the education of the public as to the jewel that exists here in Smithtown.  Mike Rosato was quite  pleased with the turnout.  Without having all the numbers available to him, Mike said “participation was up and revenue from sponsorships was up almost three times the amount raised in last years run.”  

First Place Winner Gregg CantwellThe course is not an easy course with many uphill areas.  It was estimated that almost 70% of the trail was uphill.  Everyone (including myself) was amazed to see 23 year old Gregg Cantwell wearing bib #633 of Port Jefferson cross the finish line with a time of 15:06.2.  Mr. Cantwell was  1:43.6 ahead of second place winner, 29 year old Gavin Goldstein of Dix Hills, bib # 697. Gavin finished with an impressive 16:49.8 time. Third place was won by Queens resident, 22 year old Ricardo Cuahuizo with a time of 17:09.5.  

The first female to cross the line was Colleen Sampson age 24, wearing bib # 855.  First Female - Colleen SampsonColleen (town not listed) finished with a time of 19:34.2 .  Following close behind was the second female 26 year old Amanda Pisano of Smithtown.  Wearing bib # 576, Amanda’s time was 19:48.4.  The third female to cross the line was East Northport resident Sarah Hardie, age 14 wearing bib # 220.  Ms. Hardie finished with a time of 20:05.7

Not to be forgotten are the first place Master’s.  For the women 43 year old, Susann Cuccia of Smithtown wearing bib # 85 finished with a time of 21:11.3 which helped her to finish 42nd overall. For the men finishing in 5th place was 41 year old Francisco Martinez wearing bib # 619. Mr. Martinez a Jackson Heights resident finished with a time of 21:11.3.

Board member Sean Lehman was thrilled, “The word is spreading throughout the running community that the Nissequogue River State Park Foundation races offer a challenging course with a combination of hills and open paths accompanied by beautiful scenic views of woodlands and the Long Island Sound.”

Everyone associated with the event acknowledged that the success of this annual event depends heavily on the volunteers. The foundation thanks all the volunteers with special thanks to the Kings Park students and boy scouts who helped.  Board member Rose Mangogna  issued a statement saying, “ I would like to thank the 40 plus students who came out and volunteered from Kings Park Soccer Club. They got up and to the park at 6:45am to help make this run a success. The youth of Kings Park showing their support, that’s what a community is all about.

All times and placements are available on the NRSP Foundation Website www.ourstatepark.com.  

"Watching People Feed The Hungry Feeds The Soul" Laura Campbell, Volunteer At Smithtown Emergency Food Pantry

Smithtown Emergency Food Pantry(Top left)Martin Aponte, Laura Campbell, Phylis Anderson, Executive Director Pat Westlake, Richard Macellaro, Mary Fjellstad, Norma Martin, and Cate Carlson. Democratic Committee members Martin Aponte and Richard Macellaro delivered twenty turkeys donated by the committee to the Smithtown Emergency Food Pantry.

By Erica Jackson

“Let us not become weary in doing good” Galatians 6:9

Just hours before the Smithtown Emergency Food Pantry opened its doors on Monday morning, Patricia Westlake, director of the pantry, thought she would have to put together a shopping list and head out to the supermarket to fill the pantry’s shelves for the needy this Thanksgiving.  To her surprise, however, she found boxes and boxes of donations on the steps of the pantry, located at 90 Edgewater Avenue in Smithtown.  
“It’s was like loaves of bread and fish,” said Westlake.  “Donations just started pouring in. We don’t even have room to walk”Pat Westlake Sr. Elected Lay Leader and Reverand Cannon Dr. Raewynne Whiteley, Rector, St. James Episopal Church,
For the past 26 plus years, the Smithtown Emergency Food Pantry has supplied Thanksgiving dinners to families in need.  
This year, they plan to provide numerous families with a turkey and all the trimmings.
“The families will come in and we will give them all the makings for a Thanksgiving meal,” said Westlake.
Last year, the pantry supplied some 67 families with dinners, but this year 100 families signed up.
Westlake believes the economy has played a major role in the increased need.
The majority of the families, said Westlake are from the The Town of Smithtown. Many she said, are working families, who can pay their mortgage and electric bill, but don’t have extra funds for food.
Aside from receiving a turkey, stuffing, cranberry and potatoes, Westlake said the families will be treated to pies and cookies thanks to the generosity of the community.
“We even have candy for them,” said Westlake.
Donations, said Westlake came from all over, including the schools, the Rotary Club, Jack and Jill Club, Elks members, Democratic Committee and Smithtown Resident Michael Gendron - Donating Turkey’s residents.
Several organizations and residents even handed Westlake formidable cash donations. One man, said Westlake walked in this week with a $400 check — money he collected from friends at a dinner.
Donations received during the holidays, said Westlake keep the pantry stocked through June.
“The holidays are an important time for us,” said Westlake
Aside from providing Thanksgiving dinners, those in need are welcome to visit the shelter on a monthly basis to pick up food items.
“For the most part,” said Westlake, “We supply them with three days worth of food.”
Families can shop the pantry’s shelves for beans, peanut butter and jelly, cereal, pasta, and sauces.
On some days of the month, depending on donations, the pantry supplies families with meats, milk, eggs and fresh bread.
The pantry is run by all volunteers, who are members of seven local churches that founded the pantry.
The churches include the Byzantine Church of the Resurrection, First Presbyterian Church of Smithtown, Smithtown United Methodist Church, St. Andrew’s Lutheran Church, St. James Episcopal Church, St. Thomas of Canterbury Episcopal Church and St. James Lutheran Church.
According to Westlake, the churches joined together after the Smithtown Soup Kitchen closed. At first, she said, many believed that a food pantry in a wealthy Smithtown just isn’t needed.
“But here we are twenty-seven years later,” said Westlake.
In proving the need, Westlake said the pantry helped some 950 families last year alone. And Lowe’s in Stony Brook just recently adopted the Pantry, supplying it with new flooring, shelves and a freezer chest.
While its Thanksgiving food drive is coming to a close, Westlake said the pantry is always in need of donations, especially juice, tuna fish, cereal, chunky soups and pork and beans,.
The pantry is open for donations ot to those in need Monday through Friday from 9:00 a.m. to noon.


Commack School District's Can Do Woman - Debbie Virga

By Erica Jackson

If anyone wants to know what the term community outreach means, just talk to Debbie Virga of Commack.Senator Flanagan Honors Commack Resident Debbie Virga As His 2009 Woman of Distinction She has taken her part-time job as a community outreach specialist for Commack Schools and amplified it one hundred percent.
Over the past several years, Virga has been involved in numerous community service projects that get local students excited about being active members of the community.

Burr Intermediate School Students Commack School DistrictMost recently Virga, held her 7th annual Support the Troops Campaign, collecting boxes upon boxes of goods for service men and women, who are oversees.
“There are so many men and women who are serving who don’t get any packages.  These people often come from poorer parts of the country,” said Virga.

Like she has so many times before, Virga stepped up to the plate and started a collection campaign.  She contacted Home Depot, which donated boxes to serve as collection bins at each of Commack’s schools.  Students then got to work, collecting items such as toothbrushes, toothpaste, deodorant, shampoo, socks, foot powder, and shaving cream— all the essentials.

The students also wrote cards and letters and put together photos to send to individual service men and women.“We had a tremendous day of collections,” said Virga.

Over the years, Virga working with the Commack School District collected over 2,500 boxes worth of supplies. Virga said that everything that was collected this year will be mailed out this week thanks to a Queens-based marine detachment unit.

“It is very expensive to mail everything,” said Virga. “This group said as long as we collect the supplies they will do the mailing.” Aside from the annual Support the Troops drive, Virga says she has conducted sock drives for the troops, as well as collections specific to female soldiers. “We sometimes forget how important it is to send items to the women serving,” said Vira, who noted that in the past she has collected deodorants and tampons for women serving.

Virga has also taken responsibility for the Commack School District and  community September 11 memorial event, which has been held every year on September 11 since the Twin Towers fell nine years ago. The memorial brings the community together to remember all those who lost their lives on September 11 including civilians, military members and first responders, who are now suffering health ailments because of their work at Ground Zero.

With this year’s support the troops event and September 11 memorial behind her, Virga is set to commence a new project that aims to raise money for wounded warriors.  “I am trying to put something together now,” said Virga. Supporting troops oversees is something near and dear to her heart.  With three sons, she said she is thankful for the service men and women who have volunteered for the military.

“Their decision to volunteer gives my sons a choice,” said Virga.  “I am so thankful to the men and women in the armed forces. It is amazing the amount of commitment they have.”

Aside from her work for the armed forces, Virga has worked on humanitarian projects, such as raising funds for Hurricane Katrina victims.  She has also put together programs to raise funds for the Commack Educational Foundation, which provides scholarships to students. She has held prom dress drives and put together senior citizen programs where students volunteer to rake leaves and shovel snow for those that need help.

“I just come up with these ideas,” said Virga, who doesn’t show any signs of stopping her efforts anytime soon. “I just love this community.”  “This has become a full-time job.”

Prior to serving as the Commack School District’s community outreach coordinator, Vira was a stay-at-home mom, volunteering her time for various PTA organizations, which she is still involved in even though her children are now grown. She was employed as the head of personnel for JC Penny prior to having children.