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HLTOWN -- Smithtown

Mary Ellen Jones recalled struggling to be noticed at age 6 at the checkout counter at Blue Jay Market -- Smithtown’s first supermarket. 
 “When I was little, my uncle worked at the market,” said Jones, 74. “I was so little and the counter was so high that the workers wouldn’t wait on me because they couldn’t see me.” 
 To take a walk down memory lane, Jones sat in on a lecture Monday night&nbsp; by Smithtown Town Historian Brad Harris at the historic Frank Brush Barn. 
 Jones sat among nearly 50 seniors -- most of whom she or her older sisters grew up with -- listening quietly at first, but later interjecting&nbsp; her own intricate memories of growing up in Smithtown. 
 Harris focused the lecture on how different Smithtown was in the 1930s, a turning point for the town with a quaint Main Street that was then a mix of Victorian homes and small shops. 
 Eighty years ago, the town was separated into two distinct communities: Smithtown, a community in the area that now encompasses Head of the Harbor; and Smithtown Branch, which included what is now the downtown area of Smithtown hamlet. 
 In 1927, Smithtown Branch’s Main Street became the commercial heart of the town, with a wide, four-lane highway with curbs and sidewalks. Five years later, two traffic lights were installed to control the increased vehicle traffic. 
 During the lecture, Harris mentioned the old gas station, Smithtown Hotel, the local bakery and other stores that thrived off the small business it received from locals. 
 “Freelan Jones’ gas station had nine gas pumps where gas could be purchase from different companies at different prices,” Harris said. “What his customers didn’t know was that he only had one large gas tank in the ground that he drew gas from.” 
 The audience chuckled in unison, nodding their heads in remembrance. 
 They also discussed Smithtown Bakery, a place children passed by on their way to and from school on New York Avenue, often stopping in, succumbing to the tantalizing smells. 
 Many of the seniors smiled and let out a “uh-huh” in agreement. 
 Harris also mentioned Smithtown Branch’s first diner, which opened in 1933. 
 “A man named Angelides dragged an old railway dining car onto an empty lot near 
 Town Hall,” Harris said. “He reconditioned the car and opened it for business as Angelides’ Diner.” 
 Also, the arrival of a brand-new movie theater came in 1933, just across from the Bank of Smithtown, which is now the Smithtown Center for the Performing Arts. 
 Jones said she misses walking down the street among Victorian homes and local grocery, candy and bakery shops where everyone knew her name, but would welcome improvements today. 
 “People were so friendly in those days,” she said. “After seeing small businesses thrive in my day, I just hate seeing the decay of these buildings with empty storefronts. I don’t want Smithtown to go back to being quaint. I love it here and I really want to see the area thrive.”

Seniors discuss history of Smithtown

Smithtown seniors gather for a walk down memory lane

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Holding a picture of a snail, student Alyson Koch played a food chain game with her class during a Web of Life program Thursday at the Sweetbriar Nature Center in Smithtown. 
 Koch was among the 47 fourth graders from Medford Elementary School in Patchogue to take a field trip to the nature center to learn about animal habitats and the food chain. 
 “I already knew a lot about food chains because we just did a project on them, but it was cool to see the owl and snake,” said Alyson, 9. “We learned what they needed to survive.” 
 Koch’s group of 22 students first formed a circle in the room and was tasked with completing a food chain using yellow rope and picture cards of the sun and examples of producers, consumers and decomposers. Each student ended up holding onto a piece of rope, creating a web, which if broken would fall apart, much like a food chain. 
 “What grows from fresh soil? Poison ivy,” said Janine Bendicksen, curator at the nature center, situated on 54 acres of woodland and wetlands on the Nissequogue River. “The turtle eats the ivy plant, the hawk eats the turtle and after the hawk dies mushrooms eat its body, turning it into fresh soil.” 
 The program also led to a discussion of the screech owl, snake and rabbit habitats, while students hiked on the preserve. They were challenged to find examples of habitats in the wild. 
 Nancy Adornetto, center program coordinator, introduced her group to an owl that was saved after it was injured flying into a car and also an abandoned pet python and rabbit. 
 Jayme Dowling, 9, said she found it fascinating that owls can almost turn their heads completely around as a defense mechanism to protect themselves in the wild. 
 “I didn’t think I’d see so many real animals,” Jayme said. “It’s snowing, but it’s cool to go outside and look at the animals and learn more about what Ms. MacDevitt teaches us.” 
 Jayme was referring to her fourth-grade teacher, Suzanne MacDevitt, who said the experience was a first for many of the students, and a great opportunity to expose them to the animals, habitats and food chain examples she taught them about in class just a week earlier. 
 “This is great. The students just finished a poster and research paper on food chains,” MacDevitt said. “This gives them a chance to play and learn more about what I taught them in the classroom.”

Program teaches kids about food chain

Web of Life program teaches kids about food chain

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After spending five days in Smithtown, exploring the neighborhood, getting to know the culture and digging into its rich history, it is now time to say “until next time.” 
 I’m spending my last day wrapping most things up and checking out those neat spots around town you all told me about. If there’s anything else, let me know. 
 Later today, you’ll see the historical piece and video on Smithtown I’ve been working on all week. 
 And make sure you come back this weekend to read a story on Sweetbriar Nature Center’s “Web of Life” program Medford Elementary School students from Patchogue took advantage of. 
 And at any point, reach out to me via <a href="http://www.twitter.com/brittanywait">Twitter</a>, <a href="mailto:brittany.wait@newsday.com">email</a> or the comments below. 
 Thanks for having me, Smithtown. All of you have been so friendly and accommodating. I thank you from the bottom of my heart, and please invite me to come back again. 
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Town Focus: Day 5 in Smithtown

HLSMITH20

Anthony Annunziato, 49, of Smithtown, has been superintendent of Smithtown schools since July. He taught social studies at Grover Cleveland High School in Queens, served as assistant principal at Kings Park High School and worked at other schools on Long Island. 
 Tell me a little bit about yourself. 
 I was born and raised in Queens and moved to Smithtown 17 years ago. 
 Why did you come to the district? 
 Our district has a total of 10,000 students in eight elementary schools, three middle schools and two high schools. I was superintendent at Bayport-Blue Point School District for seven years. That district only had five schools with 2,500 students. So, I felt it was time for a challenge running a larger school district. And it’s also closer to home. 
 I’ve spoken to several Smithtown parents and they rave about the schools here. 
 The Smithtown community supports a high quality of education and really cares about our students’ success. We have all the ingredients that go into making a good school system. We have the support from parents, local organizations and our students thrive academically and athletically. 
 Tell me what about the district you’re most proud of? 
 For the second year in a row we had an Intel finalist. This year, we also had five Intel semifinalists. We’re still excited about our Industry Advisory Board’s “Shark Tank” program, which challenges students to convince local business owners to invest in their concept. That has been going on for decades. We also have an exceptional music program and many kids graduate our high schools with 10 to 15 college credits, enough to prepare for college. 
 We know what you love about the district, but what would you change? 
 As educators we all want to build the curriculum for our students to progress, but these are difficult financial times and there are budget cuts. Ideally, I would like to build upon focusing more on 21st-century skill integration and cultivating more creativity and innovation in these kids and test them less. 
 Shifting gears to the community at large ... why is Smithtown a great place to live? 
 It really is a great place to live, but the business district needs revamping. There are barely any stores and you don’t see many shoppers walking up and down Main Street. I wish we would focus more on building up Main Street. And I really like the Smithtown Center for the Performing Arts. It’s really neat inside, too. It has the same original decor. I want it to stay, so I hope more people go to shows to support it. We all need to pull together and figure out how we can make our business district more attractive.

Smithtown chief: Cultivate innovation, test less

Smithtown superintendent: Cultivate students' innovation and 'test them less'

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The roughly 30 vacant stores along Smithtown’s Main Street are signs of businesses that did not succeed. However, Luisa Batista’s restaurant, Luso, has been so successful since the St. James woman, 57, opened it four years ago that it has outgrown its current space at 101 E. Main Street. On March 29, Batista, a native of Portugal, will be holding the grand reopening for her restaurant at its new home at 133 W. Main Street. 
 Why did you choose Smithtown to open your restaurant? 
 I love this town. I like everything. They take care of the streets. I love the people. They are very nice and very friendly. 
 What kind of cuisine do you serve? 
 It’s Portuguese but it’s also American. We have the rodizio from Brazil. Everything is barbecued on the grill. A lot of fish and meats. We’re famous for our chicken. I used to have a place that sold 200 chickens a week. 
 Why have you decided to move? 
 When I came in over here I knew it was going to be too small for me, but I was in the middle of a crazy divorce and I didn’t want to spend much money. So I opened small but now it’s too small for me. On a Saturday night, 40 people have got to wait. I put a lot of money into this place and I don’t want to move it, but I have no choice because I’m losing business over here. 
 How much bigger is the new restaurant compared to your current location? 
 This one seats 50 inside plus 60 outside. Over there, I have 270 seats, but I’m only going to put maybe 130 or 150 because I don’t want it to get out of control. 
 What have your customers been saying about your imminent move? 
 They say this is going to be the big thing in Smithtown, because they all want to come but it’s too small. They are all very excited. &nbsp;

Smithtown people: Luisa Batista

Business is booming for owner of Smithtown restaurant Luso

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After two weeks of training at The Guide Dog Foundation for the Blind in Smithtown, students take to Main Street, familiarizing their guide dogs with a real world setting. 
 Anne Mercer, an instructor at the national foundation, said the community welcomes students and foundation instructors to use their hometown for training. 
 “We teach the dogs to safely cross the street and notice obstacles like uneven sidewalks and stairs,” said Mercer, 35, director of training at the foundation. “It’s a great area for this.” 
 Since 1946, the foundation has provided guide dogs at no cost to visually impaired individuals or veterans around the country. 
 Mercer, of Smithtown, said the majority of the training is done at the Smithtown location, and when the guide dogs are ready, they’re paired with owners who seek enhanced mobility and independence. 
 “It gives them more security and another set of eyes,” said Mercer, who frequently travels out of state to assist owners and trainers. “It’s a much more efficient way of getting around.” 
 Linda Jones, 63, of Northport, was declared legally blind at age 11 after slowly losing her vision because of a hereditary degenerative eye disease. 
 She has used a cane to get around for most of her life, but it wasn’t always enough. She said strangers would bump into her cane throwing her off balance, and she would unintentionally knock over displays at stores. 
 Jones reached out to foundation in 1997, which provided her with her first trained guide dog to act as her eyes. 
 “I would make excuses to stay home because using a cane was so demeaning,” said Jones, 63. “Having a guide dog changed everything. I finally felt what it was like to walk normally and without fear.” 
 The foundation first provided her with a 2-year-old yellow Labrador named Kappy. 
 Thankful for the years she had with Kappy, who died at age 12 a year ago, Jones began volunteering at the foundation in 2008 visiting Long Island schools to tell children how having a guide dog has changed her life for the better. 
 “Kappy saved my life,” said Jones, with her second guide dog, Seymour, nuzzling his nose between her leg and the chair. “And now Seymour is my other miracle. He saves me every day. A cane would never do what he does. He takes care of me.” 
 To this day, the flat-coated retriever helps Jones live an independent life without fear of leaving her home and has saved her on more than one occasion. 
 “I can walk normal like everyone else and I can even fly by myself now,” she said. “It gave me back my self esteem, dignity and independence. He makes me whole.” 
 Wells Jones, chief executive of the Guide Dog Foundation, said the next group of guide dogs will start training in April. After students complete two weeks of on-site training with their assigned dogs, they’ll take a van to Town Hall and train on the streets of Smithtown. 
 “Smithtown is a wonderful location for us,” Wells Jones said. “We have tremendous support from the community and many of our volunteers are from Smithtown. We’re happy to continue to grow here.”

Smithtown: Guide-dog training ground

Smithtown streets are training ground for guide dogs

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On my fourth day in Smithtown, I’m beginning to wrap everything up, but at the same time give you a taste of its local history and introduce you to more members of its community.. 
 Look out for a story on the Guide Dog Foundation for the Blind and how its volunteers use streets in the community to train guide dogs for the visually impaired. 
 If you have a chance, check out my Newsday colleague Tara Conry’s business profile of <a href="http://www.newsday.com/long-island/towns/long-island-now-1.1732330/smithtown-man-leaves-corporate-world-for-cupcake-couture-1.4851513">Cupcake Couture on Main Street in Smithtown</a>. She did an excellent job yesterday getting a feel for the business atmosphere on the main strip. 
 I’ll be starting my day checking out an educational event involving children learning about nocturnal animals at Sweetbriar Nature Center in Smithtown. The event will allow children to learn more about screech owl, snake and rabbit habitats, while taking a hike on the preserve, weather permitting. 
 After lunch, I’ll be sitting down at Cupcake Couture on Main Street with Kay Nuthatch, a Nesconset resident who has been blogging since March about life on Long Island, especially in Smithtown. (<a href="http://coastalvillagegirl.blogspot.com">http://coastalvillagegirl.blogspot.com</a>). 
 As you’ve been doing all week, follow me via social media and the Storify feed below. 
 Thank you for all the food suggestions. By popular request, I did try the French toast at Maureen’s Kitchen, but didn’t have enough room to try the oatmeal. 
 This afternoon, I plan to eat lunch at Old Street Pub off East Main Street. What’s the best dish that you recommend I order? 
 As always, if you have any questions or would like to leave me a suggestion, reach out to me via <a href="http://www.twitter.com/brittanywait">Twitter</a>, <a href="mailto:brittany.wait@newsday.com">email</a> or the comments below. 
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Town Focus: Day 4 in Smithtown

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More than 13 years after John K. Johnson, 50, chose Smithtown to raise his two kids, he decided it would also be the perfect place to open his first business. So he left the corporate candy world and in November 2011 opened up Cupcake Couture, at 91 E. Main St. 
 What attracted you to Smithtown? 
 From a residential standpoint, it has a great school system, a good area in which to raise children and friendly people … From a business standpoint, it has good demographics in terms of potential clients. You have to look at average income. Obviously, this is no Huntington or Glen Cove, but it does have a good mix from an income perspective where it could support my business. And it’s a great location, right on Main Street. 
 Is this the first business you have opened? 
 Yes. I came from corporate America. I was the national sales director for Mars Chocolate USA. I spent 16 with Mars [and] eight years with Nestle, right out of college into corporate America ... I had a great run, but I decided to take a risk. Nothing good ever happens unless you take a risk, so I’m sticking my toe in the water, trying to be an entrepreneur. 
 Are your cupcakes all made inside your store? 
 Everything is baked here daily, fresh. We have 21 different flavors. There’s the Sweet 16, which are items that never change 365 days out of the year and then I rotate five new flavors in every month to keep it fresh and exciting, to give people point of difference. 
 Do you personally do the baking? 
 When you’re the owner, you do everything, from sweeping the floors to baking. I’m a hands-on owner, but you also have to empower your people to make decisions. That’s how they learn and grow. 
 Everyone always has a little passion on the side. I’m originally from Baltimore, Md., most of my family is from Virginia and South Carolina, so we’re home-grown, home-cooking type of people. 
 What are your best-selling cupcakes? 
 Chocolate Peanut Butter is No. 1, No. 2 would be Red Velvet, No. 3 would be Chocolate-Covered Raspberry, [and] No. 4 would be Confetti. The reason why that’s No. 4 is that you get kids coming in going “Oh Mom, look at the colors!” 
 You business has only been open 15 months. How’s it going so far? 
 It’s going well … My largest order, 500 [cupcakes], is going out this weekend. &nbsp;

LIer leaves corporate job for Cupcake Couture

Smithtown man leaves corporate world for Cupcake Couture

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Looking around the room filled with nearly 100 women, Craig Cooper realized he was one of only three men present at the Smithtown Elementary School’s Parent Teacher Association meeting. So he stood up and asked, “Where are all the dads?” 
 When Cooper’s oldest daughters went through the Baldwin public schools in the 1980s, at least a third of the parents present at the PTA meetings he attended were men, so he was surprised by the lack of fathers in the Smithtown Elementary School’s PTA when his youngest daughter, Mackenzie, started there in 2009. 
 With the blessings of the PTA president and then-principal Paul Graf, Cooper set out on a mission in 2010 to get more fathers actively involved in their children’s school. He created a Dad’s Committee within the PTA, sent home fliers, and soon he had rounded up a group of about 12 guys for his first meeting. Since then, Cooper’s email list of members has tripled and even more fathers have been turning up at PTA meetings and events. 
 “It’s not just about the guys who are actually members of the committee,” Cooper, 58, said. “It’s reaching out and engaging dads, bringing them into the building and creating activities they can wrap their hands around.” 
 The dads have hosted a bike rodeo, where kids learn about bicycle safety. They raised money to label the trees outside the school building by species. And they built donation bins shaped like doghouses in December for students to drop off pet supplies for animals living at local shelters. 
 In addition to Cooper, who works as a freelance video producer, the committee also includes police officers, engineers, attorneys, a nurse and a graphic designer. 
 “You have this amazing cross section of skills,” Cooper said. “We’re not just the ‘brawn.’ ” 
 The committee’s two most well-attended events are the annual end-of-the-year picnic, where the fathers cook up hot dogs and hamburgers at a local park on the last day of school for about 60 families, and “Mom’s Night Off.” This annual event only lasts about 90 minutes, but for $10 per family, dads and their kids enjoy a pizza party and an educational show while moms get some “me time.” 
 “The look on these kids’ faces as they walk into the building, holding their dad’s hand, in their school, no mom around, it just changes the dynamic,” Cooper said. “It’s that feeling that my dad is doing something at my school that makes it magical.” 
 Since taking over as principal of Smithtown Elementary School last year following Graf’s retirement, Janine Lavery has noticed that the Dads Committee and the larger PTA have a synergistic relationship. 
 “The Dads Committee helps us really offer a forum for dads who typically haven’t gotten involved in the traditional PTA meeting forum,” she said. “The dads are contributing in ways that help to make our whole parent-teacher-student experience better. It adds a whole other dimension.” 
 On a personal note, Cooper has noticed that his involvement in his daughter’s school has strengthened their relationship. 
 “I know that Mackenzie is excited and proud when I come into the building,” he said. 
 He’s also formed a better connection with his daughter’s teachers and administrators by being more active in the school community. 
 “Any parent who is involved at the school is respected or at least regarded in a different way,” he said. “People know that Mackenzie’s dad is around and it’s definitely made her very proud and very confident here in the building.”

Dads active in Smithtown PTA

Smithtown PTA reaches more parents with Dads Committee

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Patrick Vecchio, 82, has lived in Fort Salonga since 1967 and is in his 36th year as Smithtown town supervisor. He is planning to run for reelection again this year. 
 Black-and-white photos from his earlier years working as a police officer in Brooklyn hang on the walls in his office. There also are photos of him and former New York Mayor Ed Koch, who died&nbsp;Feb. 1, and another with the first man in space, Russian cosmonaut Yuri Gagarin. 
 Tell me about the changes you’ve seen over the years in Smithtown. 
 Changes in Smithtown came in areas near the downtowns. For example, in Nesconset, there used to be a gas station and nursery, but those have been replaced by a Walgreen’s and soon a Chase Bank and 7-Eleven will move in with brick and colonial exterior. Smithtown has changed a lot over the years with additional shopping centers, banks and even Starbucks. 
 Tell me more about what the town has to offer. 
 We have a beautiful North Shore. We have Kings Park Bluff with boardwalk and fishing pier. From there you can view the Sound and an island where people can camp in the summer. There’s also Callahan's Beach in Fort Salonga. I used to golf a lot. We have a beautiful golf course off Landing Avenue. It’s stunning with its wooded area. 
 Did you lose a lot of those trees from superstorm Sandy? 
 Actually, we’re still chipping a thousand tons a day of fallen trees and branches that was left over from that storm. This will continue for weeks. 
 And what else are you proud of that the town provides? 
 Our schools are top-notch and we have a first-class library system with four branches. Also, we have good-quality beaches and parks for families to enjoy. 
 And how well did the town dig out from the past blizzard? 
 I think our town did the best we could. I don’t know if a town could really prepare for the storm that we had. We just have to do the best we can with the equipment we have under the circumstances. 
 I spoke to the town historian Monday about the town’s rich history, and I was wondering what you thought about the legend surrounding the bull statue? Legend has it that Smithtown founder Richard Smith picked the longest day of the year to ride his pet bull to outline the territory of Smithtown and claim it. 
 It’s an interesting legend to think a street name [Bread and Cheese Road in Fort Salonga] is named after the place the founder of Smithtown stopped to have lunch. And Smithtown is 55 square miles. I wonder how long it took him riding his bull to cover the distance. I’d say it’s a good story and not too hard to disbelieve. 
 What can you tell me — going back to when you first took office — about how Smithtown looked compared to now? 
 Smithtown has definitely grown up, much like I have. The old movie theater is now a performing arts center and there have been other changes throughout the years. What used to be an old landfill is now a senior center on Middle Country near Route 111. It’s the quality of life that’s offered here that keeps everyone around. The parks and beaches are beautiful and there’s a vast array of town services offered.

Vecchio: Smithtown has 'grown up, much like I have'

Town Supervisor Patrick Vecchio: Smithtown has 'grown up, much like I have'

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Richard Smith, 58, mayor of Nissequogue, incorporated in 1926, is a direct descendant of Richard Smith, an Englishman who acquired and first settled in Smithtown in 1665. He also works as a commercial banker for the First National Bank. 
 Over lunch at Butera’s in Smithtown, Smith and Glenn Williams, president of the Rotary Club of Smithtown, happily discussed the history and atmosphere of the community. 
 Richard, how did having this strong historical family background influence you? 
 I have a natural interest in national and local history, but when I was 7 years old my father told me I was related to the founder of Smithtown and that did it for me. Since then, I’ve always had an appreciation for my family history. I’ve been on the board of the Smithtown Historical Society since 1987. I was president from 2001 to 2002. 
 Smithtown has a long history. What makes it standout? 
 The communitywide deep appreciation for its history, maritime recreational activities and the preserved natural environment and harbors. People aspire to move to Smithtown. The high quality of schools is sensational. It’s a wonderful area to live. I’ve lived here almost all my life and one of those places you don’t leave. 
 So, you must know about the legend behind the bull statue in Smithtown. Some believe it’s true. As a direct descendant of the man supposedly riding the bull to mark the territory of Smithtown, what do you think? 
 It’s a wonderful legend. I wouldn’t be surprised if my ancestor was called a bull rider. I think there might be some truth in that. All I know is that Brad Harris [the Town Historian] will probably try to get me to ride a bull at Smithtown’s 350th year anniversary in 2015. 
 Glenn, so you’re also president of Williams &amp; Williams on Manor Road. I hear it has a long history of family ownership. 
 My grandfather George Rothwell started the business in 1928 in Brooklyn Heights and my father Aubrey Williams later moved the business to Smithtown in 1961. As you can see, it’s been in the family for quite some time. 
 And you said you’ve been with the rotary club for almost two years. What does the club bring to the community? 
 We’re very active in terms of supporting those in need, whether they’re families, local food pantries, organizations or charities. We just had the “Go for the Green” 5K on Saturday, which is our largest fundraiser of the year. 
 I know you live in Cold Spring Harbor, but your business is in Smithtown, so I’m curious what would you say you like most about the area? 
 Stony Brook Harbor. I’ve had several boats over the years and at one time used to live on the harbor and swim in it as a kid. It’s the only noncommercial harbor around. I love how the surrounding communities have worked hard to preserve its natural beauty.

Town historian counts Smithtown founder as family

Nissequogue mayor counts Smithtown founder as family

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On the second day of my weeklong focus on Smithtown, I’ll dig further into its rich history, give lifelong residents a platform to reminisce and explore new places. 
 This morning, I'm meeting Smithtown Town Supervisor Patrick Vecchio at Town Hall. 
 And after lunch, I’ll be learning more about The Guide Dog Foundation for the Blind -- based in Smithtown -- from its chief executive Wells Jones, and a volunteer who is visually impaired, Linda Jones, of Huntington. 
 Later in the week, I'm meeting Chamber of Commerce president Mark Mancini to discuss the business culture and also Smithtown Superintendent Anthony Annunziato to get a better picture of the school system in Smithtown. 
 Over the course of the next couple of days — and of course depending on the weather — I’ll be visiting some of the many places you’ve recommended, such as Avalon Preserve in St. James, Arthur Kunz County Park and hidden spots along the Nissequogue River. 
 Later this week, I also plan to meet a Nesconset resident, Kay Nuthatch, whose <a href="http://coastalvillagegirl.blogspot.com">blog</a> about life on Long Island might interest you. 
 Continue to follow me throughout the rest of my week via the Storify feed below, which will be frequently updated throughout each day. And if you have any questions, concerns or suggestions, feel free to reach out to me via <a href="http://twitter.com/brittanywait">Twitter</a>, <a href="mailto:brittany.wait@newsday.com">email</a> or the comments below. 
 Plus, if you like history, make sure to check out these Smithtown <a href="http://bit.ly/historyofsmithtown">historic photos</a> we posted Monday. &nbsp; 
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Town Focus: Day 2 in Smithtown

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Kiernan Lannon, 31, executive director of the Smithtown Historical Society, has lived in Smithtown since 2006. A graduate of the Cooperstown Graduate Program with a master of arts degree in history museum studies, Lannon has co-authored two books, “Smithtown” and “Smithtown: Then and Now.” 
 Tell me how you came to be in Smithtown. 
 I came here for the job. I started as director of education of the Smithtown Historical Society and then within a month moved to acting director and now I’m executive director. 
 And what are your responsibilities? 
 I handle the administrative side and supervise curatorial projects and education programs. 
 This place is beautiful. What can you tell me about the cottage we’re in now? 
 We’re here in the Roseneath Cottage, built by Verne Rockwell in 1918. Its one of four historic homes on our 21-acre property. We also have two old barns. It’s a beautiful light brown cottage with green trimming. Our administrative office is upstairs and we’re in the process of organizing things downstairs. 
 I’m curious, has history always been an interest of yours? 
 It was always my favorite subject in school. You get swept up in the heroism of it all. The battles and the strong leaders. The heroism grabs you. I had always wanted to be a high school history teacher, but after going to Marquette University to study history and political science, I quickly became aware of the constraints of teaching in a classroom. So, I changed my goal. Instead, I wanted to work on the public side of history, so I took a college class on history museums and loved it. 
 From a historical perspective, what’s so interesting about Smithtown? 
 The absolute coolest thing about Smithtown is how much pride the locals have for the history of their community. Their community means a lot to them and so many of them want to learn more. I look at the evolution of the history of Smithtown as a whole and it’s rather interesting. When you look at it today it’s so different from what it was, going from being an agrarian society to a bustling suburb. You look around and a lot of the old buildings in those black-and-white photos are still here. Check out the old fire station on Bellemeade Road in Smithtown, just north of Main Street. It’s still there.

History buff finds a home in Smithtown

History buff finds a home in Smithtown, leads historical society

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Today will be the first of five days I spend in Smithtown for this month's installment of Town Focus, a series in which we take an in-depth look at one community. 
 This morning, I’m starting early, snapping photos around town to add to the Smithtown photo gallery. And don’t forget to check out the ones we already have. 
 After that, I’m meeting with Kiernan Lannon, executive director of the Smithtown Historical Society, and Brad Harris, the town historian for nearly 30 years. A graduate of the Cooperstown Graduate Program with a master of arts degree in history museum studies, Lannon has co-authored two books, “Smithtown” and “Smithtown: Then and Now.” 
 I will be spending most of the day collecting information and footage to tell the history of Smithtown in print and video form. If there’s anything vital about the history that you don’t want me to miss, please get in touch with me. And the same goes for a business or hangout spot you would recommend I visit. 
 In the afternoon, I’m having lunch at Butera’s on East Main Street with Glenn Williams, of Williams &amp; Williams Insurance. As president of the Rotary Club of Smithtown, he’ll be able to tell me about some upcoming events and fundraisers in the area. 
 Although I already have lunch plans Monday, I need your help finding places to eat breakfast, lunch and dinner the rest of my week in Smithtown. 
 Later in the week, I’ll be meeting with Town Supervisor Patrick Vecchio, Chamber of Commerce president Mark Mancini and Anthony Annunziato, superintendent of the Smithtown Central School District. 
 Make sure to follow me throughout the week and if you have anything to add to my coverage don’t be afraid to reach me via <a href="mailto:brittany.wait@newsday.com">email</a>, <a href="https://twitter.com/brittanywait">Twitter</a> or the comments below. 
 I look forward to the rest of our weeklong journey together. 
 Check out the Storify below for updates throughout the day, including an early venture into Smithtown on Saturday for the community's annual Go for the Green 5k Run. 
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Town Focus: Day 1 in Smithtown

Judy Regulinski, 66, has lived in Head of the Harbor in the Town of Smithtown for 31 years. She said not a day goes by that she regrets the decision to leave Flushing, Queens. 
 She spent the day before St. Patrick’s Day cheering on her son, Charles, 34, of Setauket, who ran in the Smithtown Rotary’s 20th annual “Go for the Green” 5K run on Saturday. 
 What initially brought you to the Smithtown area? 
 Well, we found a really nice house overlooking the water in a nice quiet setting of Head of the Harbor and thought it would be a nice change for our family. Most importantly, I wanted my kids to get a good education and it’s really the best place to raise children. 
 What do you like so much about Smithtown? 
 It’s a beautiful place to live. There’s so much nature. It’s like living in heaven. It’s also a convenient area to shop for anything you need, is close to Smith Haven Mall and parking isn’t so bad. Where I live, it’s so quiet and quaint. I just love it here. 
 You said it’s a great place to raise your children. How so? 
 I have two boys, Charles and Doug [37, of Manorville]. When they were younger, I wasn’t afraid of them riding their bikes in the neighborhood or playing in the woods. It was a safe community to raise children when we moved here. Now, like in most places, the scene has changed. There’s traffic congestion during certain times on Main Street and it’s hard to cross the road there. But I still love living here and wouldn’t go back and change a thing. You couldn’t pick a better place to live. 
 Are you enjoying yourself at this event? 
 Oh, yes. Of course. I call myself my son’s running groupie. I cheer him along when I can. He’s been running for three years and is a member of the Long Island Road Runners Club. This 5K run was to help him get ready for tomorrow’s half marathon in New York City. I’m so excited. Now, that’ll be a good way to start off St. Patrick’s Day. 
 I’m going to be visiting a lot of places during this coming week. Do you have a favorite or special place you like to go? 
 Avalon [Nature] Preserve [in St. James]. I live right down the street from it, so I go all the time. It’s one of the most beautiful parks to walk through. It’s so peaceful. I just feel so relaxed when I’m there. That’s definitely my favorite spot in town.

School system, nature brought woman from Flushing to Smithtown

hlSMITHP -- cropped

Sporting a green T-shirt over her coat, 4-year-old Lily Mortimer held her father Frank’s hand, finishing her first one-mile run in front of Smithtown Elementary School on Saturday. 
 Mortimer was among the 40 runners who participated in the Rotary Club of Smithtown’s 20th annual “Go for the Green” one-mile family fun run. Another 300 people ran a 5k immediately after. 
 “She even beat my time,” said her mother Christina, 28, of Smithtown. “After they finished [in 11:42], she just wanted to keep running. She’s got the running bug now.” 
 Glenn Williams, the rotary club’s president, said they raised $15,000 with 550 runners last year, but this year only raised $10,000 due to the bleak forecast. 
 “This is the rotary’s largest fundraiser of the year,” Williams said. “And it’s tradition. What’s nice is that it allows experienced runners to get ready for running season, and beginners to get out there and stay active.” 
 It was Mike Blanda’s second time running the 5k. Last year, he came in sixth overall. This year, he finished first with a time of 18:12 and received a trophy. 
 “I’m so happy I did it again this year,” said Blanda, 24, of Deer Park. “And this time I won. I never expected to win, but it’s a good feeling. My hard work has paid off.” 
 Just behind him was Eddie Reagan, 56, of Levittown, who finished with a time of 18:44. Michele Lauer, 26, of Sound Beach, won the women’s division and came in third with a time of 19:05. 
 It wasn’t about winning for Laura Logan and her friend Linda Parsons. It was about the experience. 
 Both are members of the North Country Road Warriors in Wading River. Logan crossed the finish line with a time of 28:40, a second after Parsons, 50, of Shoreham. 
 “It doesn’t matter how long the run is, it still feels the same when you finish,” said Logan, 52, of Miller Place. “I asked myself during the run, ‘Why are you doing this again?’ but when I finished, it feels exhilarating. Now, when I eat corned beef later, I won’t feel so bad.” 
 Wearing green beads and a shamrock sweatshirt, Smithtown native Mary Trotto, who dressed for St. Patrick’s Day on Sunday from head to toe, finished in 33:39, the first in her age group. 
 “Everybody’s Irish on Saint Patrick’s Day, so you have to dress the part,” said Trotto, 65, who now lives in Maui, Hawaii. “Now, I’m ready for the holiday.”

Smithtown celebrates St. Pat's with 5k

Smithtown celebrates St. Patrick's Day with 5k

STPATSAT12

Town Focus: Smithtown

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