🌱 One Arrested For Older Adults Scam + Blood Drive In Smithtown

Hello, neighbors! It's me, Debora Whitehead, your host of the Smithtown Patch newsletter. Come along for everything you need to know about what's happening these days in town, including updates on:

• Two Commack residents spread love and warmth for cancer patients.
• Blood drive to be hosted in town.
• One arrested for elderly scam in Suffolk, and more.

But first, today's weather: A shower and t-storm; humid. High: 77, Low: 70.

Here are the top stories in Smithtown today:

1. Two special residents of the Independent Living Community Fountain Gate in Commack are ensuring that kids undergoing cancer treatment are warm and cozy. Audrey Goodfriend and Phyllis Stark donated over a dozen blankets they crocheted to the We Care Blankets charity. (TBR News Media)
2. The town of Smithtown is hosting a blood drive in September! The event is scheduled on Wednesday, Sept. 6, at the Eugene Cannataro Senior Citizens Center from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Donors will enjoy a free extra-large sandwich or premium salad at McDonald's when purchasing a meal. (Smithtown Gov.)
3. A man has been arrested in Suffolk for scamming senior citizens. The suspect allegedly tricked the victims into believing they would be arrested for having child pornography on their computers. Out of fear, the 72-year-old Huntington and 73-year-old Kings Park residents gave the scammer a large amount of cash. (Smithtown Patch)
4. There will be a Storytime Under the Stars at the Vanderbilt Planetarium on Sunday, Aug. 27. Kids of all ages are invited to put their favorite pajamas on to enjoy this event from 6 to 7 p.m. Tickets are $8 per person and can be purchased at www.vanderbiltmuseum.org. (TBR News Media)

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Today in Smithtown:

Friday, August 25

• Cotton Ball Painting at SmithLib. (3:30 p.m.)
  
• Social Art Expression by DTS Showcase (FREE: OPEN TO PUBLIC!). (4:30 p.m.)
• Musical Moments in Kings Park with Urban Rodeo. (7:30 p.m.)

From my notebook:

• Smithtown Historical Society: "We're looking for compassionate folks who are able to dedicate (minimum) 2 hours weekly (am or pm) doing farm chores and spending time with our sheep, goats, bunnies, ponies & chickens." (Smithtown Historical Society via Facebook)
• Sweetbriar Nature Center: "Charlotte trying to climb a tree? I guess she just wanted to eat some English ivy! Deer are not always easy to see but wherever they go they leave signs of their presence." (Sweetbriar Nature Center via Facebook)
• Labor Day is approaching, and as many Long Islanders plan to hit the roads, it's time to plan your road trip around the weather conditions, gas prices, expected traffic, and more! Patch journalist Jerry Barmash gives tips to all travelers out there. (Patch)

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Featured businesses:

• The North Shore Injury Lawyer — (Visit website)
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Featured events:

• The WICC Surfside Hotel Greatest Bluefish Tournament on Earth (August 26)
• 154 Hayrick Lane, Commack, NY (August 26)
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• We Paint Kitchen Cabinets (Details)
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Thanks for following along and staying informed! See you tomorrow morning for your next update.

— 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