🌱 Environmental Health Inquiry At Smithtown HS + TandyGirl Now Open

Hey, everybody! It's me, Debora Whitehead, your host of the Patch newsletter. Keep reading for everything you need to know about what's going on in town. Today you'll find these stories and more:

• Smithtown High School West has been under an environmental health investigation.
• TandyGirl opens is Commack.
• Happenings and more!

But first, today's weather:

Cooler; breezy in the morning. High: 43, low: 32.

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Here are the top four stories today in Smithtown:

1. Four Smithtown High School West students had medical episodes last month. But what is even more peculiar is that the same part of the building has been investigated for over a decade due to the same issue. Parents said their kids experienced seizures and fainting episodes. The site has been under environmental health investigation since 2012. Visit here to understand the story. (ABC7NY)
2. Tandy Jeckel, who owns the TandyWear in Commack, extends her business, launching the new TandyGirl store across the street. Jeckel said the boutique is for the younger crowds featuring modern styles for girls 7 to 16. TandyGirl is at 114 Commack Rd., in Commack. Visit here to check their online store. (Newsday/Subscription Required)
3. "All you need is love" and a Beatles discussion! Smithtown Public Library features 'The Beatles - 50 Years Later' on Saturday, Feb. 25! Barry Wiesenfeld will discuss the recognizable band's history via Zoom. The event will also be live-streamed on Facebook. Click here to register. (Smithtown Chronicle)
4. Town of Smithtown Senior Center invites residents over 60 to enjoy Tai Chi classes. There is a package of eight classes hosted every Friday through April 7. Visit the Town of Smithtown website for more information and to learn the health benefits of Tai Chi. (Smithtown GOV.)

Today in Smithtown:

• Parachute for Tots (Smithtown Library-Smithtown Building). (10 a.m.)
• Creation Station (Smithtown Library-Smithtown Building). (10 a.m.)
• Nursery Rhyme Time (Smithtown Library-Nesconset Building). (10 a.m.)
• Creation Station (Smithtown Library-Kings Park Building). (10 a.m.)
• Nursery Rhyme Time (Smithtown Library-Commack Building). (10:30 a.m.)
• Winter Scratch Art (Smithtown Library-Kings Park Building). (10:30 a.m.)
• Teen Gaming Guild (Smithtown Library-Nesconset Building). (2:30 p.m.)
• Hearts and Crafts (Smithtown Library-Smithtown Building). (3 p.m.)

From my notebook:

• A student survey was canceled at Sachem High School due to its explicit sexual content. The question included how many sexual partners the students ever had and their gender preferences. Some parents fiercely expressed their disagreement and wanted to know who was responsible for the survey. (LI News12)
• Zuccaire Gallery and Long Island Museum celebrate Black History Month by offering a free bus shuttle to take visitors back and forth to spend an afternoon visiting Black artists' unique exhibits. This event is Saturday from noon to 4 p.m. (Stony Brook Events)
• Have you visited the Whaling Museum yet? There is a new exhibit in celebration of Black History Month. The displays show the 19th-century Black people who worked in dangerous conditions seeking wages. (TBR News Media)

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That's it for today. See you all tomorrow morning for another update!

— 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.