🌱 Meet Candidates For Suffolk Legislature + Autism Awareness

Hey, neighbors. It's me, Debora Whitehead, your host of the Smithtown Patch newsletter — back in your inbox with all the most important things happening locally. Including news about...

• Meet the candidates for Suffolk Legislature.
• Autism Awareness 2023.
• Events and more!

But first, today's weather:

Increasingly windy. High: 55, Low: 45.

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Here are the top four stories today in Smithtown:

1. The Smithtown Matters releases an article detailing the candidates running in November for the Suffolk County Legislature. If elected, the candidates will start their posts in 2024. Visit here to learn about each challenger and some of their political views. (Smithtown Matters)
2. April is Autism Awareness in all branches of the Smithtown Library. An art exhibit features a collection of works from the Developmental Disabilities Institute at the Commack building. All are welcome to stop by to appreciate the art of these talented local artists from 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. (Smithtown Library)
3. Long Island now has a Youth Suicide Prevention Center. The institute RISE Life Services is now the first organization to offer emotional support for teens and young adults in distress, with a grand opening in Riverhead on March 30. The facility will host programs that aim to reduce the number of suicides in the youth community. (Daily Voice)
4. Save the date for the Smithtown Historical Society 2023 Spring Village Craft Fair on Sunday, April 30. The event will be set up outdoors, featuring over 100 vendors from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., with free admission. (LI Events)

Today in Smithtown:

• Art Exhibit-National Autism Awareness Month (Smithtown Library). (9:30 a.m.)
• Art Exhibit-Richard Kramer (Smithtown Library-Nesconset Building) (9:30 a.m.)
• Make It Monday (Smithtown Library-Smithtown Building) (6:30 p.m.)
• Bless this Nest (Smithtown Library-Smithtown Building) (6:30 p.m.)

From my notebook:

• Smithtown Christian School: "Miss Kalin’s kindergarten class made palm branches last week in class as they learned about Palm Sunday. So they took branches of palm trees and went out to meet him, crying out, “Hosanna! Blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord!" (Smithtown Christian School via Facebook)
• Smithtown Historical Society: "Our farm family enjoying this beautiful day." (Smithtown Historical Society via Facebook)
• A group of people who lost their beloved friend in a hit-and-run on Medford Avenue in Patchogue started a petition that may increase punishment for leaving the scene of a fatal accident. Visit here to learn about Nicholas Puzio's story and the petition. (LI News12)

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Featured events:

• From The Page To The Stage: Maximize Your Presentation Through The Power Of Story. (April 11)
• (mostly) TRUE THINGS Storytelling Show. (April 15)
• One Love Dog Rescue Fundraiser, Local Author Reading and Book Signing, Chinese Auction, and Dinner. (April 16)
• Swing for the Brook. (April 20)
• Solo Joe and Friends, Tribute to Legendary Singer-Songwriters. (April 22)
• Add your event

You're officially in the loop for today. I'll be back in your inbox tomorrow with a new 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.