🌱Russo Funeral Today In Commack + Library's Trustee Election

Hello and happy Tuesday. I'm back in your inbox this morning with all the most important things happening in town. In today's issue, we have these stories and more:

• Students at Accompsett Elementary are learning all about violins!
• Possible road closure today due to EMS Lt. Alisson Russo's funeral in Commack.
• Chef Tom Schaudel will be at the Smithtown Historical Society and more!

But first, today's weather:

Very windy; rain and drizzle. High: 56, low: 54.

Shoutout to the awesome local business that keeps this newsletter running:

Looking to buy or sell a home in the Smithtown area? Nick Albanese at Douglas Elliman has lived in our area for 59 years and knows the rapidly changing Smithtown real estate market like few others. For the last 28 years, Nick has been specializing in helping sellers and buyers all throughout Suffolk County and uses his education in finance, contracts, negotiating, and marketing to your best advantage. For deep local knowledge and expertise, contact Nick here.

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Here are the top five stories today in Smithtown:

1. The music will "keep on playing" at the Smithtown Accompsett Elementary with the expansion of musical instrument training for fourth graders. Director of Fine Arts Michael Mastrangelo said students enjoy learning about the basics of violin in a fun and interactive program that aims to prepare them to participate in future musical activities throughout the school year. (Smithtown Matters)
2. Attention drivers in the Commack Road area, there's a possible road closure between 2 - 4 p.m. and again 7 - 9 p.m. today due to the funeral of FDNY EMS Lt. Alisson Russo. The wake will be held at Commack Abbey, 96, Commack Road. Drivers are requested to find alternate routes. (Smithtown Matters)
3. Chef Tom Schaudel will be at the Smithtown Historical Society on Tuesday, Oct 11. to discuss his latest book, "A Second Helping Whining and Dining on Long Island," at 7 p.m. The evening is promising to be entertaining to foodies in our community. Schaudel will talk about the fine dining scene on Long Island and unrefined behaviors. The event is free of charge. Please, visit www.smithtownhistorical.org to register. (Patch Events)
4. The Smithtown Library Board candidates were streamed live on Monday to present their projects if elected as trustees. The library will have its budget vote and trustee election on Oct. 11 from 9:30 a.m. to 9:30 p.m. For those who want to learn about the proposed budget and the trustee's candidates, click here for more information. (Smithtown Matters)
5. Commack United Methodist Church is serving complimentary breakfast and lunch on Saturday, Oct. 15, in celebration of the Annual Harvest Fair. Baked goods will also be available. The Church's thrift shop will be open for those who want to support the church during the event. Doors will be open from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. at 486 Townline Rd., Commack. (Smithtown Church)

Today in Smithtown:

• Art Starts (Smithtown Library-Smithtown Building). (10 a.m.)
• Twist and Shout Storytime (Smithtown Library-Commack Building). (11 a.m.)
• Town Board Meeting - Town of Smithtown Meetings. (2 p.m.)
• Job Fair Readiness (Smithtown Library-Kings Park Building). (2 p.m.)
• Craft Kits for Kids Volunteers (Smithtown Library-Smithtown Building). (4:30 p.m.)
• Mason Jar Pumpkins (Smithtown Library-Nesconset Building). (4:30 p.m.)
• Tie Dye Paint Night (Smithtown Library-Commack Building). (7 p.m.)

From my notebook:

• Nearby News: A video of catalytic converter thieves has been released by police. Two suspects stole the catalytic from a car parked on a residence's driveway on Walnut Avenue in Ronkonkoma. This type of crime keeps rising on Long Island. Police are asking for the public's help to identify the pair. (News12)
• Smithtown Patch: "Kellogg's may sell around two billion Pop-Tarts per year, but it also inadvertently helped a soldier rescue a dog in need of help, according to Guardians of Rescue, a Smithtown-based organization." (Patch)
• The Smithtown Recreation Department is hosting its annual Ghosts and Goblins Event on Oct. 22 at the Browns Road Park in Nesconset. The fun starts at 10 a.m. and goes on until noon. The department is asking for nonperishable food donations to help the Smithtown pantry. (Smithtown Matters)
• Sweetbriar Nature Center: "Imagine coming home from a vacation in France, unpacking and finding this little guy in your suitcase! It's a brown anole which is native to Cuba and the Bahamas." (Sweetbriar Nature Center via Facebook)

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Events:

• Free Baton Twirling Class W/ Titanium Twirlers. (October 4)
• We're Not Going Anywhere, Kathy! (October 6)
• AUDITIONS for "The Elves & the Shoemaker" (Charles Dickens Festival). (October 8)
• EmblemHealth Healthier Futures Wellness Expo: Free Live Music & More! (October 8)
• Silence Of The Lamb Chops. (October 25)
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Announcements:

• Fashion and Art Show: Another Face of Beauty. (Details)
• October is Down Syndrome Awareness Month. (Details)
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That's it for today! See you tomorrow for another 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.