🌱Commack School 'Gunman' Identified + Free Apprenticeship

Hello all. It's me, Debora Whitehead, your host of the Smithtown Patch newsletter — back in your inbox with everything you need to know about what's happening in town these days. Including news on...

• The gunman was identified as a cop in Commack.
• Neighborhood happenings.
• Smithtown Historical Society egg hunt and more!

But first, today's weather:

Mostly sunny and very warm. High: 80, Low: 58.

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Here are the top five stories in Smithtown today:

1. Police announced the "suspicious man" seen armed on the grounds of a Commack school was a police officer. A staff member spotted the person in the Sawmill Intermediate School parking lot on Tuesday and immediately reported him to the authorities, who ordered an early dismissal. However, officials confirmed the man was a police officer who went to the school for his child. (LI News12)
2. The the Electrical Industry of Nassau and Suffolk counties offers 47 apprenticeships and training opportunities for Long Island residents. Those interested are asked to fill up an application at the committee's office at 370 Motor Parkway in Hauppauge on April 19, May 3 and 17, June 7 and 21, July 5 and 19, Aug. 2 and 16 and Sept. 6 and 20. For more information, please get in touch with 631-434-3939. (Newsday/Subscription Required)
3. Parents of a high school student of Paul J. Gelinas Jr. in the Three Village are suing the school district following months of verbal and physical abuse of their teenager. According to the family attorney, the bullying was reported to the school several times, but no action was taken to stop it. (News 12 Long Island)
4. A marvelous high-wire Venus will be set in the Smith Haven Mall parking lot from April 14 to 24. Flip Circus is coming to town with various attractions, including the famous Bello Sisters. To access the artistic schedule and time, visit Flipcircus. (Newsday)
5. Photo Gallery: Smithtown Historical Society was filled with little ones excited to hunt eggs and hang out with the animals in the barn! TBR News Media publishes 12 scenes of one of the most favorite events of the year! (TBR News Media)

Today in Smithtown:

• Art Exhibit-Richard Kramer (Smithtown Library-Nesconset Building). (9:30 a.m.)
• Terrific Threes (Smithtown Library-Smithtown Building). (10 a.m.)
• All Abilities Game Day (Smithtown Library-Commack Building). (10 a.m.)
• Fun with Play Dough (Smithtown Library-Kings Park Building). (10:30 a.m.)
• It's Raining, It's Pouring (Smithtown Library-Nesconset Building). (10:30 a.m.)
• CARES® Dementia Basics™(Smithtown Library-Smithtown Building). (1 p.m.)
• Thursday Movie of the Week (Smithtown Library-Commack Building). (1:30 p.m.)
• Wonderful Ones (Smithtown Library-Smithtown Building). (4 p.m.)
• HSW - Business Etiquette Dinner & Business Honor Society Induction. (6 p.m.)
• Take and Bake Dog Treat Volunteers (Smithtown Library-Nesconset Building). (7 p.m.)
• Retirement and Estate Planning (Smithtown Library-Kings Park Building). (7 p.m.)

From my notebook:

• Sweetbriar Nature Center: "Many of you have been asking about Apollo, our Rescued fox that was surrendered to our facility after being purchased and kept as a pet for over a year. Here’s the update. Apollo has come a long way in a few weeks!" (Sweetbriar Nature Center via Facebook)
• St James/Smithtown Little League: "It's finally that time. Our 2023 Opening Day Parade and Festival are just a few short days away. Join us this Saturday, April 15, as our players and coaches march down Woodlawn Avenue to Gaynor 3!" (St James/Smithtown Little League via Facebook)
• Smithtown Christian School: "Mr. Frey’s students made seed bombs in life science! They just finished up two chapters on plants. So, they finished it off by making seed bombs that have been used throughout history to bring flowers and plants to barren lots and fields." (Smithtown Christian School via Facebook)

More from our sponsors — thanks for supporting local news!

Featured businesses:

• ‘The Psychic Godfather Rise To POWER’, by Jason Donegan — (Visit website)
• Fitness 4 You — (Visit Website)
• Add your business here

Featured events:

• (mostly) TRUE THINGS Storytelling Show. (April 15)
• Hiring Event Monday, April 17, 2023, 9 a.m. – 3 p.m. (April 17)
• Swing for the Brook. (April 20)
• Solo Joe and Friends, Tribute to Legendary Singer-Songwriters. (April 22)
• Solo Joe & Friends: MTV Unplugged style concert. Light Rock, Country, Pop, Big Band. 40s-’90s! (April 22)
• East Wind Wedding Showcase. (May 7)
• Add your event

All right, you're all caught up for today. I'll see you soon!

— Debora Whitehead

About me: Have a story idea? Please get in touch with me! I would love to hear from you! Wife, mom, foodie, traveler, and nature lover.

Have a news tip or suggestion for an upcoming Smithtown Patch newsletter? Contact me at Smithtown@Patch.com.