🌱 Man Convicted For Attempted Kidnapping + Library's Winter Tea

Hello again, everybody! Merry Christmas! I hope you are blessed, warm, and joyful! Keep reading for the most important things going on in town these days, including updates on:

• A man sentenced to 13 years in prison for a kidnapping attempt.
• Smithtown Library celebrates National Hot Tea Month in January!
• Happenings and more!

But first, today's weather:

Sunny, breezy and cold. High: 29, low: 20.

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Here are the top four stories in Smithtown today:

1. A quarrel between a couple started at America’s Best Value Inn in Smithtown and resulted in an attempted kidnapping. A man was sentenced to thirteen years in prison for driving his girlfriend against her will to Brooklyn. Security cameras of a gas station showed the victim trying to flee from the vehicle several times but being thrown back in violently. (Huntington News)
2. The Smithtown Public Library will host "A Winter Tea" in January to celebrate National Hot Tea Month! If you are interested in freshly brewed tea followed by scones and jams, join Margaret Johnson on Friday, Jan. at 2 p.m. There is a fee of $10 to attend. Click
   here to register. (Smithtown Library)
3. Police have released more pictures of the suspect accused of physical assault in Smithtown. Help authorities identify the man who attacked a customer at the Illusions Bar and Lounge on West Main Street. The victim drove to a local hospital to be treated for his injuries. The suspect threw a glass bottle at the man's face. (Smithtown Matters)
4. Freezing temperatures on Long Island this holiday weekend can make the roads icy for drivers. Salt trucks have been working on the streets to help to improve the conditions, but if you have to be on the roads, watch out for black ice and slow down. (LI News12)

Today in Smithtown:

• Christmas Day Mass at St. Patrick's Church. (9 a.m.)
• The Piano Lesson at St. James Theatre. (3 p.m.)

From my notebook:

• What will you do on the first day of 2023? If you want to do something different or like to be in contact with nature, join thousands of New Yorkers and participate in the 12th annual First Day Hikes. Various parks and trails will be open on Long Island on Jan. 1. Don't forget to dress for the weather! The link I've shared lists places to go hiking for those who need tips. (Patch)
• "Oliva Wolber, a junior at Smithtown High School West, won first place in an essay contest and was recently honored by Smithtown VFW Post 10870, the Smithtown Central School District announced." (Smithtown Patch)
• They say what is a blessing for some can be a "curse" for others. As the holiday approaches, many people may feel sad and lonely. That can open the windows for depression or suicide. The Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)says suicide is high among Americans aged 10 to 34. Stony Brook professionals give tips for those struggling with mental health during the holidays. (Three Village Patch)

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Now you're in the loop and ready to head out the door on this Sunday. See you all tomorrow 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 Daily? Contact me at Smithtown@Patch.com.