🌱Man Sentenced For Fatal Crash In Smithtown + Help For Little Church

Hello all. I'm back with your new edition of the Smithtown Patch newsletter. Here are all the things you need to know about what's happening these days in town. Today we'll cover these stories and more...

• Ex-firefighter sentenced this week in Smithtown.
• Little Church to be restored on Landing Avenue.
• Weekend happenings in town and more!

But first, today's weather: Humid with a t-storm or two. High: 80, Low: 70.

Here are the top stories today in Smithtown:

1. Ex-firefighter Joseph Norris was sentenced to 15 years in prison for a wrong-way crash that killed a teacher in Smithtown. Norris pledged guilty to aggravated DWI and stated to the Mariano's family that he would trade places with teacher Anthony if he could. Read the whole story at Smithtown Patch. (Smithtown Patch)
2. A group of residents joined forces to bring a 200-year-old church in Smithtown back to life! Volunteers say the Smithtown Landing Avenue Methodist Church has a unique historical meaning to the neighborhood but has been locked for 60 years. (Newsday/Subscription Required)
3. Speaking about historic sites, did you know there are lots of historic houses open for tours on Long Island? Most sites will welcome visitors through October. One on the list is the Sherwood-Jayne Farm (ca. 1730) in Setauket not too far from Smithtown! Visit the I Love NY website to check their list and plan your visits today! (I Love NY)
4. The Long Beach Concert Series brings the best of 50s/60s to the neighborhood! The show is on Friday, July 21, at 7 p.m. The Dedications band will rock the event! Notice this event is weather permitting with a rain date on Aug. 25. (Smithtown Gov.)
5. Summer treats are everywhere on Long Island and besides cold ones, hot dogs are on the list of some of the most wanted ones! The question is "Who makes the best hot dogs on LI?" If you don't have a personal opinion but would like to find out for yourself, visit the link I've shared to check the best spots to go! (Long Island Press)

These are the great local businesses who sponsor the Smithtown Patch newsletter. We love what they do, and we think you will, too:

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Today in Smithtown:

Friday, July 21

• Time for Twos at SmithLib Nesconset Building. (11 a.m.)
• Goat Yoga at Smithtown Historical Society. (5:30 p.m.)
• Lego League at SmithLib. (7 p.m.)

From my notebook:

• Sweetbriar Nature Center: "Do you recognize this baby from a post last month? This Downey Woodpecker has grown up and all the feathers on its wing have grown in nicely! We can’t wait to release this little nugget!" (Sweetbriar Nature Center via Facebook)
• Smithtown Department of Public Safety: "Over the last week, the Smithtown Department of Public Safety has responded to just under 200 calls for service from our residents and partner agencies." (Smithtown Department of Public Safety via Facebook)
• Smithtown Historical Society: "One of our young volunteers, Caedyn, with little Lennon." (Smithtown Historical Society via Facebook)
• Smithtown Performing Arts Center: "Hey, SPAC friends and family! What are YOU most excited about? Leave us a comment and let us know when you’ll be coming to see one of our awesome upcoming shows and events! For more information, check out smithtownpac.org!" (Smithtown Performing Arts Center via Facebook)

More from our sponsors — thanks for supporting local news!

Featured businesses:

• ‘The Psychic Godfather Rise To POWER’, by Jason Donegan — (Visit website)
• The North Shore Injury Lawyer — (Visit Website)
• Add your business here

Featured events:

• Travel Back to the 80's Experience. (July 21)
• 6th Annual Sunflower Festival at Waterdrinker. (July 22)
• Sherwood-Jayne House Open for Tours Saturdays from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. (July 22)
• 6th Annual Sunflower Festival at Waterdrinker. (July 23)
• String Quartets at Setauket Presbyterian Church. (July 28)
• Add your event

That's it for today! I'll see you soon.

— Debora Whitehead

About me: Have a story idea? Please contact 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