Construction Underway For Welcome Center At Paul T. Given Park

Construction Underway for New Welcome Center at Paul T. Given Park

Smithtown NY:  The Town of Smithtown has begun construction on the new Welcome Center at Paul T. Given Park, located across from the iconic bull monument. The transformative project, which was formerly the Oasis Gentlemen’s Club, aims to enhance Paul T. Given Park, creating a unique green space that will serve as an inviting gateway to Smithtown while promoting eco-tourism and community engagement.

 

“Creating a unique green space at the entryway to Smithtown has been a long-time vision of the Smithtown Administration. We acquired the property in a park swap with Suffolk County and after finally receiving the necessary approvals from the State DEC, we are thrilled to be beginning construction on the Welcome Center. This project will not only restore the historic charm of the area but also help to rebuild the local ecosystem… all while providing a serene refuge for residents and wildlife.” - Town of Smithtown Supervisor Ed Wehrheim

 

The building renovations, upon completion, will feature a welcome center on the first floor, providing essential amenities for park visitors, including restrooms, bait shop, food concession, and an office for the local canoe/kayak rental business. The main floor will also feature educational nature exhibits for visitors of all ages, alongside a dedicated area to showcase local tourism. Here, organizations such as the Chamber of Commerce and other community groups can display marketing materials and informational pamphlets to highlight the rich cultural, historic and natural attractions, and special events available in the Township.

 

The second floor of the new facility will house a multipurpose meeting room, designed to accommodate classes, workshops, and conduct other town business. This versatile space will cater to the needs of the local community while fostering educational and civic engagement opportunities.

 

In addition to the Welcome Center, plans for Paul T. Given Park include a series of upgrades and eco-friendly initiatives aimed at enhancing both the visitor experience and the park’s natural environment. 

 

Paul T. Given Park Renovations to include:

• Minor renovations and repairs to existing infrastructure.
• Removal of invasive Japanese knotweed to support native biodiversity.
• Installation of bioswales to mitigate stormwater runoff and protect the Nissequogue Headwaters.
• New landscaping and street trees along Main Street (NY 25A) to beautify the area.
• Development of new trails for hiking and wildlife education/awareness tours.
• Improved fishing access.
• Construction of a canoe launch, ADA-accessible pavilion with restrooms, and a raised deck/viewing platform for scenic enjoyment.
• Creation of a picnic area, playground, and enhanced open spaces for community use.
• Repairs to the historic steel bridge within the park.

The project has been made possible through a series of strategic decisions, including the purchase of the former Oasis Gentlemen’s Club property in May 2021. This acquisition was designed to expand Paul T. Given Park and protect environmentally sensitive areas along the Nissequogue River Headwaters. The Town Board approved a park swap with Suffolk County, authorizing special legislation to alienate Bill Richards Park in exchange for Paul T. Given Park.

Working closely with the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC), the Town of Smithtown is committed to realizing this vision of a natural sanctuary. Upon its culmination, the new Welcome Center and enhanced Paul T. Given Park will stand as a testament to Smithtown’s dedication to environmental stewardship, community well-being, and sustainable development.

TOS Senior Center Celebrates Birthdays Of Residents 90-10 Years Old

Town of Smithtown Senior Center Celebrates the Birthdays of Members Ranging from 90 Years to 103

Smithtown, NY:

 On Wednesday, September 18th, Smithtown residents celebrating birthdays ranging from 90 years to 103, enjoyed a very memorable lunch in honor of their years enriching the community, family and friends. The 90th birthday celebration is an annual catered lunch and ceremony held at the Smithtown Senior Center, which has become a favorite among the staff, and elected officials and current members. The annual birthday party is open to residents who are members of the Smithtown Senior Center. 

“The 90th and Over Celebration is a wonderful tradition honoring our Senior Citizens Center members who are reaching extraordinary milestones. Wednesday’s joyous occasion was a special day filled with friendship, laughter, wisdom, and longevity. I’d like to commend Doreen Perrino and the incredible team at the Senior Citizen Center for their dedication to creating cherished memories for Smithtown’s eldest and wisest residents. On behalf of the Town of Smithtown, I’d like to formally wish all of our residents who are celebrating these milestone birthdays a very blessed, healthy and happy year ahead.” - Supervisor Ed Wehrheim

With over 82 Smithtown Seniors celebrating turning 90 years and upward in person, Elvira Gomez, Ellen Quinn, and Elizabeth Silvestri had one hundred candles to blow out. Florence Cash surpassed a century on earth, celebrating 101 years with family and friends. The lovely Margaret Holthusen and Sarah Perillo celebrated their 102nd birthday, and the remarkable Janet DeVries and Rita Maffe celebrated 103! These extraordinary ladies shared their secrets to living well, which included laughing often, not sweating the small stuff, appreciating life’s little moments, and always looking your best to go anywhere in public. 

 “This event holds a special place in the hearts of all of us here at the Senior Citizens Department. We look forward to hosting this special afternoon, which our seniors enjoy immensely. It’s an opportunity to honor them, hear some of their stories, present them with a personalized certificate and let them know they’re appreciated! This year’s event included three seniors turning 100, one turning 101, two turning 102 and two turning 103 – truly amazing, we’re already making plans for next year’s event!”- Doreen Perrino, Smithtown Senior Citizens Department Program Director

The birthday celebration was catered by Napper Tandy’s in Smithtown. Guests were offered an entree choice of meatloaf or roast turkey, both accompanied by gravy, mashed potatoes and vegetables, and a delicious lemon cake for dessert. All dietary restrictions were taken into account prior to serving lunch.

The Smithtown Senior Citizens Department serves to elevate the social, emotional, and physical well-being for independent senior citizens within the Township, through access to a variety of services, activities and community resources. The Center is open to all Smithtown residents 60 years of age and older. No fee is required to join. To learn more visit:Smithtownny.gov/193/Senior-Citizens-Department or call (631) 360-7616

TOS's New Program Encourages Public To Drop Off Old Bicycles For Rehab

Smithtown NY: The Town of Smithtown Municipal Services Facility has grown programming and services for the 2024 calendar year, geared towards saving residents money while repurposing materials. The newest program has people hitting pedal to the metal, quite literally with the Smithtown Bicycle Co-op. Residents can now upcycle their bicycles for a good cause, when they drop off bikes to Municipal Services Facility (MSF.) Last month MSF employees delivered seventeen bikes to Smithtown Bicycle Co-op, a 501(c)3 nonprofit organization located at FlowerField (Unit 18) in St James. The organization fixes up and provides free bikes, classes and access to repair tools, promoting health, safety, education & the concept of “paying it forward” through Recycling, Education and Community. Residents can drop off used bicycles free of charge at MSF during regular hours.

Residents can also unload “plastic film” products such as shipping bags, grocery bags, bubble wrap, dry cleaning bags, zip-loc bags, produce bags, etc. The plastic film will be repurposed through NexTrex Recycling to produce various products such as recycled composite lumber. 

Big Brothers Big Sisters of Long Island Clothing & Textile Bins are now located at MSF. Clothing and other textiles may be dropped off at these bins during regular business hours.  There is no charge however, donation receipts are not provided. 

TOS Announces Fall Horseshoe Tournament Winners

On Saturday, October 28th, 2023, the Smithtown Recreation Department held its annual Singles and Doubles Fall Horseshoe Tournament at Gibbs Pond Park.

The winner of the Singles Tournament was Paul Williams with a record of 5-1. Ed Riss finished 2nd with a 3-2 record. Roman Pepkowski came in 3rd place with a 1-1 record. Paul Williams beat Ed Riss in the final 24 – 9.

Paul Williams and Andy Kassay were the winners of the Doubles competition with a 3-0 record. Bernie Van Rossem and Ed Riss finished in 2nd place with a record of 1-1. Paul Williams and Andy Kassay beat Bernie Van Rossem and Ed Riss in the final 21-9.

Congratulations to all the winners and to everyone who helped make this event so successful. We hope to see everyone at the Spring Horseshoe Tournament in May.
Contact the Smithtown Recreation Department 631 – 360 – 7644 for more information.

Town Supervisor Wehrheim Proposes A 22% Salary Increase For Himself

Smithtown Town Supervisor Ed Wehrheim is proposing to raise the saleries of elected officials including a whopping 22% increase for himself and a 16.9% increase for Nicole Garguilo the Town’s Public Information Officer. There’s also a property tax hike in the budget for residents. (Newsday, Nicholas Spangler, Oct.7)

Read Article at Newsday:

Smithtown officials have presented a $126.1 million tentative budget for 2023 that will maintain spending on parks and roads while boosting pay for Town Hall leaders.  

The 198-page spending plan relies on a 2.08% property tax increase, or about $23.75 for a home assessed at $5,500. It would also increase the residential solid waste fee, covering recycling and pickup and disposal of garbage and yard waste, by $25 to $530, almost 5%. The increase reflects higher fuel and disposal costs, town officials said in a budget summary. Property taxes and waste fees are the largest sources of town revenue, accounting for 50% and 16%, respectively.  

“We’ve delivered a budget this year that keeps all of the major funds structurally balanced, with no use of fund balance needed,” Supervisor Edward Wehrheim said in a budget message. “Our fund balance levels remain strong as does our outstanding fiscal rating.” 

The plan would raise Wehrheim’s annual salary by 22%, from $118,827 to $145,000, and increase the pay of council members, who are officially designated as part-time, by 10.5%, from $77,496 to $85,596. Pay for a top aide, public information officer Nicole Garguilo, would increase by 16.9%, from $95,127 to $111,186. Department heads, who are members of a union, would get a contractually mandated 9.5% pay increase. 

Town spending on salaries overall would rise 1.8%. Salaries account for 39% of town spending. Read full article at Newsday.

Patty Stoddard, Smithtown Democratic Town Leader, is urging the public to attend the budget hearing Thursday, October 20 at 7pm. “If you can’t attend email supervisor@smithtownny.gov  or call 631-360-7600