$25.4 Million Sewer Construction Project To Begin In Kings Park Spring 2023

Smithtown Town Supervisor Wehrheim, Suffolk County Executive Bellone, Kings Park Chamber of Commerce President Tony TanziDowntown Kings Park is getting sewers and according to County Executive Bellone and Smithtown Town Supervisor Wehrheim it will happen this year. A $20 million grant (2014) from Former Governor Cuomo and an additional $5.4 million from Suffolk County  (American Rescue Plan) is bringing the dream of sewers to fruition.

The $25.4 million funding will provide for the expansion of Kings Park’s Sewer District #6. The expansion is part of Smithtown’s downtown revitalization program for Kings Park.According to Construction Journal “Suffolk County Sewer District No.6 - Kings Park Capital Project 8145: Kings Park - Downtown Sewers Work Consists of the Following: the Installation of Approximately 9,500 Linear Feet of Gravity Sewer, 3,100 Linear Feet of Building Connections, 7,500 Linear Feet of Force Main, and Construction of a New Wastewater Pumping Station in the Kings Park Business District in the Town of Smithtown.”

The project will provide 100+ businesses and the 144 Kings Wood Complex access to sewers. Businesses that have access to sewers will be able to expand and new restaurants, cafe’s and other businesses that use water in their operation will be able to open.

According to Deputy County Executive and Water Czar Peter Scully the details of the construction schedule will be announced shortly with construction expected to begin during the spring. The entire project is expected to take two years to complete. 

Early Registration Is Open For 2023 Smithtown Summer Camp

Smithtown, NY:  The Town of Smithtown Recreation Department has opened Early Bird Registration for the 2023 Full Day Summer Camp. This camp provides town residents a one of a kind summer experience with age appropriate programming that’s inclusive of all abilities. Campers make memories as they play, explore, and develop friendships as well as find their independence, discover their passions, and build confidence.

“Smithtown Summer Camp is a full day summer camp where campers learn, explore, and engage in recreational and educational activities. The goal of the camp is to provide campers with the opportunity to discover their passions through a variety of sports, arts and crafts, and games. We believe that each day is an opportunity for children to grow socially and aspirationally. The camp has a welcoming and judgment free environment that allows campers to express themselves and try new activities.” - Brandon Modrov, Recreation Supervisor

The camp will run Monday through Friday from 9 AM to 4 PM at Otto Schubert Beach in Smithtown for all 8 weeks of summer. Camp begins on Monday, June 26, 2023 and ends Friday, August 18, 2023. Activities include sports, games, swimming, playground, arts, crafts, music, beach, nature and adventure. 

For a limited time, the Recreation Department is offering up to $100 off the regular weekly rate for all families who register before Tuesday, January 31st. This is a great opportunity to save money and secure your child’s spot at camp early. Additionally, you can now secure the early bird discount even if you enroll in a monthly payment plan that spreads the payments out from now until June 1st.

Early Bird Discount Rates

Buy One Week: $569

Buy 2 to 3 Weeks: $30 off each week ($539 per week)

Buy 4 to 5 Weeks: $70 off each week ($499 per week)

Buy 6 to 8 Weeks: $100 off each week ($469 per week)

To take advantage of this offer, visit https://anc.apm.activecommunities.com/smithtown and register before the early bird deadline ofTuesday, January 31st. Space is limited, and registration is expected to fill up quickly.

For more information or assistance with the registration process, call the Recreation Department at (631)360-7644, or emailrecreation@tosgov.com. 

TOS Offering Maple Sugaring Classes At Hoyt Farm

Smithtown, NY: Hoyt Farm Nature Preserve is gearing up for another season of maple sugaring for families, scout troops and nature enthusiasts to take advantage of. This unique educational program, available to the general public, teaches the ancient process of making maple syrup/sugar, which was passed down by the Native Americans to the Colonists. Classes will run on Sundays; February 19th, February 26th and March 5th, from 1:30PM - 3PM at Hoyt Farm Nature Preserve. Tickets are $5 per person (cash only.) The class is open to both residents and non-residents. It is recommended that guests arrive by 1pm to register for the class as this is a very popular event. 

“This is one of the best educational programs the Town offers and it’s one that every Long Islander should partake in. The techniques used to make maple syrup are a part of our history that should be treasured for all time. Jeff Gumin, Sheryl Brook and the team at Hoyt go above and beyond in teaching this demonstration. It’s an unforgettable experience, which I highly recommend for the whole family.”  - Supervisor Edward R. Wehrheim

The maple sugaring program is a demonstration, encompassing the history of Native American early life, how maple sugaring was originally discovered, all the way up to the modern day process. An interactive portion of the program enlists the help of younger students to teach the anatomy of the tree, the importance of chlorophyll, and the role of photosynthesis in making maple syrup. 

The Hoyt Farm Nature Preserve maple sugaring program is unique in that Black Walnut trees are also tapped for sugaring, in addition to making maple syrup from Maple trees. Maple sugaring season is approximately three weeks out of the year. In order to produce the sweetest sap, weather conditions must be below freezing at night and over 40 degrees during the day. Hoyt Farm taps trees and conducts the maple sugaring program throughout the last two Sundays in February and the first Sunday in March. 

The maple sugaring program began in the late 1970’s, and started with one class. It is now a full blown family-oriented interactive experience, available to the general public, (not restricted to Smithtown residents) appropriate for all age groups. School classes, girl scouts, boy scout troops, kids and adults of all ages are welcome and encouraged to take advantage of this unforgettable experience. 

Did You Know? 

Sugar in the tree sap is made in the leaves by photosynthesis, which is the same process which green plants use to convert water, sunlight, and carbon dioxide into food.

Hoyt Farm is located at 200 New Hwy in Commack, NY. For Questions about this and other programs at Hoyt Farm call: (631) 543-7804. https://www.loc8nearme.com/new-york/commack/hoyt-farm-nature-preserve/7053699/

Town Board Unanimous In Its Decision To Hire LI Loud Majority Co-Founder

Writing in Newsday Mark Chiusano called out Smithtown Town Board members for hiring Long Island Loud Majority co-founder Kevin Smith for a position in the Department of Public Safety.

“Kevin Smith, co-founder of the influential far-right group Long Island Loud Majority, has a new job.

He has nabbed an “Audio Visual Production Specialist” gig with the Smithtown Department of Public Safety, according to the minutes of a Jan. 3 Town Board meeting.

The part-time job has a pay rate of $19.91 per hour and is “not to exceed 1⁄2 the normal work week,” according to a resolution included in the minutes, which shows unanimous support from Supervisor Ed Wehrheim and members of the council.” Read article 

Young People Join Forces To Clean Schubert's Beach

(Town of Smithtown) Youth Bureau, Horizons Counseling and Education Center, and Youth & Community Alliance Student Volunteers

Town of Smithtown’s Youth Bureau, Horizons Counseling & Education Center and Youth & Community Alliance Volunteers Spend Saturday Morning Cleaning Up Schubert’s Beach

Smithtown, N.Y. - On Saturday, November 5^th, the Town of Smithtown Youth Bureau, Horizons Counseling & Education Center and Youth & Community Alliance had 54 student and parent volunteers, in conjunction with the Parks Department, Public Safety Bay Constables, and Park Rangers, clean up harmful waste left along the shoreline of Schubert’s Beach. This initiative was conducted to help bring community awareness as a part of the Youth Bureau, Horizons Counseling & Education Center, and Youth & Community Alliance’s efforts to keep the community safe and clean. This event was initially scheduled for October 1st, but was rescheduled. This is the second annual beach clean-up for the group. Last year, volunteers cleaned up Long Beach.

“This was another fantastic turnout from our brightest future leaders within the community. I’d like to thank the Youth & Community Alliance team, our Parks Department, Public Safety Bay Constables & Park Rangers, and most of all our young student volunteers, who all worked together in this year’s cleanup. These events are vital to encouraging the public to be proactive in keeping our shorelines safe for residents and wildlife alike. I commend the Youth Bureau, Horizons Counseling & Education Center, and Youth & Community Alliance, student volunteers and their parents for going above and beyond to protect and care for our pristine beaches and wildlife habitat at Schubert’s Beach.” - Supervisor Ed Wehrheim

With the help of Youth Bureau, Horizons Counseling & Education Center, and Youth & Community Alliance personnel, the students collected trash and recorded any evidence of alcohol, tobacco, vape and drug related waste, including a syringe, to help identify the areas where substance use is taking place. The group also collected litter, discarded fishing equipment, and other household items. The New York National Guard Counterdrug Task Force was scheduled to take part in the October 1st event, but they unfortunately could not make the rescheduled date due to a conflict with their schedule.  

“We were lucky enough to have great weather on the day of this rescheduled event. It was actually a PERFECT day for a beach cleanup! Alliance student volunteers and a few of their parents were so enthusiastic and happy to be part of this project. It was a very effective beach cleanup; an educational experience about substance use in that location, and a wonderful opportunity for students and families to socialize and enjoy a beautiful morning together.” - Janine Marc-Anthony, Youth Services Coordinator, Town of Smithtown Youth Bureau

To get involved with future Youth Bureau events, apply to become a volunteer with the Smithtown Youth Bureau Volunteer Corps. Complete and submit the online volunteer application form, available on the Youth Bureau website. Adults and students are invited to register.