🌱 Italian Munchies At New Smithtown Pasta House + Lantern Festival

Good morning, friends. I'm here with your Thursday edition of the Smithtown Daily. Keep reading to find out all the community news you need to know right now, including updates on:

• The lights of Suffolk's Winter Lantern Festival.
• The fun Sweetbriar Raptors Fundraiser.
• A podcast project to preserve the history of Long Island and more!

But first, today's weather:

A shower and t-storm; breezy. High: 74, Low: 50.

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Here are the top five stories today in Smithtown:

1. Smithtown Historical Society features the Suffolk Winter Lantern Festival in November. The nights will be lightened by handmade lanterns in the shapes of animals, mushrooms, flowers, and more from Nov. 4 until early January. Save the date! (Show Clix)
2. The Rock N' Raptors Fundraiser kicks off in October to benefit the wildlife at the Sweetbriar Center in Smithtown. Tickets are on sale now for the event featuring 70s Parade Streetfighter, live music, raptor presentations, food and more. Doors will open at 2 p.m. on Oct. 2. All are welcome. (Sweetbriar Center)
3. Smithtown Pasta House is the new restaurant in town serving the community with an exciting variety of hot dishes. The new eatery manager, Christina Costello, said it's a place for families to enjoy Italian munchies on a Friday/Saturday night with a menu that accommodates all tastes. The restaurant is at 65 East Main St. in Smithtown and opens Tuesday -Saturday at 3 p.m. and Sunday at noon. (Greater Long Island)
4. Smithtown Public Library presents a new project that aims to preserve the history of Long Island. Members of the community who want to share their memories and experiences will work with Stony Brook Librarian Chris Kretz to learn how recording a memory podcast can create a source of information for future generations. Visit here to learn more about the project. (Smithtown Public Library)
5. Long Island State Farm partnered with the Roc Solid Foundation to give playsets to kids battling cancer. Emma from Lake Grove, under treatment to battle leukemia, received a complete playset installed in her grandmother's backyard. (Smithtown Patch)

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Today in Smithtown:

• Smithtown Underground's 31 Days of Halloween Horror Movie Challenge. (9:30 a.m.)
• Farm Friends (Smithtown Library-Kings Park Building). (10:30 a.m.)
• Apple Printing Fun (Smithtown Library-Smithtown Building). (11 a.m.)
• Library Playdate (Smithtown Library-Commack Building). (11 a.m.)
• Chair Yoga (Smithtown Library-Nesconset Building). (11:30 a.m.)
• Night Owl Café Book Discussion Group (Smithtown Library-Nesconset Building). (7 p.m.)

From my notebook:

• Smithtown Library Kids: "Save the date for "SmithCon" 2022 and join us for a meet and greet with some of your favorite characters! Join us at the Smithtown Building on Nov. 5 for photo ops, crafts and fun. Don't forget to wear your costume!" (Smithtown Library Kids via Instagram)
• Smithtown Performing Arts Center: "Exciting Day here at SPAC! Our commitment to restore this historic building continues. Today we started the first phase of a complete HVAC replacement. SPAC is getting brand new energy efficient units with air filtration throughout." (Smithtown Performing Arts Center via Facebook)
• Smithtown Kickers Soccer Club: "This past Saturday kicked off week one of our TOP Soccer program! TOP Soccer (The Outreach Program of US Soccer) or 'Special Soccer' is a community-based program for young athletes with disabilities, designed to bring the opportunity." (Smithtown Kickers Soccer Club via Facebook)
• Smithtown Department of Public Safety: "September is National Preparedness Month and serves to raise awareness about the importance of preparing for disasters and emergencies that could happen at any time." (Smithtown Department of Public Safety via Facebook)

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Events:

• St John's Annual Greek Festival. (September 23)
• 3rd Annual Commack Day. (September 24)
• EmblemHealth Healthier Futures Wellness Expo: Free Live Music & More! (September 24)
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• Behind The Scoreboard – Overcoming Challenges To Achieve Success, Happiness (Details)
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• Commack Day At Hoyt Farm with Signature Premier Property & being sponsored by The Psychic Godfather (Details)
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You're officially in the loop for today. See you all 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.