🌱Smithtown Main Street Blood Drive+ Woman Charged With Animal Cruelty

Hello, friends. I'm here with your fresh copy of the Smithtown Daily, filled with everything you need to know about what's happening locally. Including updates on:

• Community Cares blood drive on Main Street.
• Rep. Lee Zeldin declines debate invitation
• Smithtown Library home improvement webinar and more!

But first, today's weather:

An afternoon thunderstorm. High: 76, low: 60.

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Here are the top five stories in Smithtown today:

1. Community Cares is hosting a blood drive in Smithtown on Thursday, Sept. 29, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Walk-ins are welcome at 300 W. Main St. Don't forget to bring a photo ID. (Patch)
2. Rep. Lee Zeldin declined Gov. Kathy Hochul's offer for a debate. The debate would have been on Oct. 25, transmitted by Spectrum News NY1 at Pace University. Zeldin said he would have accepted the invitation if the other debates were added and if all New York residents had access to the network hosting the event. (Patch)
3. An employee of the nonprofit Guide Dog Foundation in St. James is accused of animal cruelty after leaving a dog in a hot van. Jodi Meyers is facing criminal charges for leaving the Labrador, Milton, for more than five hours in the vehicle on a 90-degree day in July. (Smithtown Patch)
4. Students of Tackan Elementary in Smithtown accomplished the creation of a mural. The project was part of the school's participation in the Shanti Fund Art Competition. The mosaic shows the word "Peace" and will be displayed in the school hall. (Smithtown Patch)
5. For those needing an extra hand to be more organized, Marie and Annemarie are back in the Smithtown Library to teach how to minimize clutter and organize the house. The program will be hosted via Zoom on Wednesday, Sept. 28, at 7 p.m. Click here to register. (Smithtown Library)

Today in Smithtown:

• Smithtown Underground's 31 Days of Halloween Horror Movie Challenge. (1 p.m.)
• Migrating Monarchs at Sunken Meadow Park. (1:30 p.m.)
• Into The Woods at St. James Theatre. (2 p.m.)

From my notebook:

• Smithtown Library Kids: "We had so much fun reading stories about apples and other fruits and vegetables, playing with our parachute, and making apple prints from real apples! We hope everyone is enjoying the autumn season." (Smithtown Library Kids via Facebook)
• Patch: " This Smithtown home is available for $845,000. The back yard boasts a 20-foot by 40-foot in-ground pool with a new liner. Inside, the house offers a full finished basement." (Patch)
• Smithtown Recreation Department is calling all crafters in our community to participate in the Tender Years Treasury of the Smithtown Senior Citizens Department, which will be hosted on Dec. 3 from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. The event features a craft fair with handmade items created by Smithtown Senior residents. To participate, call Patty or Mae (631)360-7616. (Town of Smithtown)

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• Key Legal Strategies During and After Divorce – Vesta's Long Island, NY Hub. (September 27)
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All right, you're all caught up for today! I'll be in your inbox tomorrow with a new update.

— Debora Whitehead

About me: Have a story idea? Don't hesitate to 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 Daily? Contact me at Smithtown@Patch.com.