🌱 Smithtown Chiropractor Arrested For Sexual Assault + Happenings

Hello again, everybody! It's me, Debora Whitehead, your host of the Patch newsletter. Let's start this day by quickly diving into the most important things happening in town. Today we'll cover these stories and more:

• Police arrested a Smithtown chiropractor for sexual assault.
• Firefighter Robert Weisberg is helping Paws of War.
• Community Outreach Bus will be at the Smithtown Library and more!

But first, today's weather:

Partial sunshine. High: 52, Low: 33.

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Here are the top five stories in Smithtown today:

1. Police arrested a chiropractor from Smithtown who touched three female patients inappropriately at a Lake Ronkonkoma Clinic. Ronald Bernandini was arrested under sexual abuse charges. The women reported his conduct between 2021 and 2022. Police are asking other victims to come forward by calling 631-854-8452. (Smithtown Matters)
2. Robert Weisberg is a firefighter from Commack who volunteered during the 9/11 attacks. Unfortunately, he was injured while helping the victims on that tragic day. The good news is that Weisberg is raising money to help the Nesconset-based nonprofit, Paws of War. He adopted a service dog himself which allows him daily to overcome PTSD, and he wants to support other dogs who are on a mission to assist veterans, firefighters, and more! Read the whole story here. (Smithtown Chronicle)
3. The Catholic Health Services Community Outreach Bus will be parked at the Smithtown Public Library- Kings Park building on Tuesday, March 7, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. All are welcome to stop by to have free glucose screenings, cholesterol checks, and other tests. No registration or insurance card is necessary. (Smithtown Public Library)
4. Nearby News: A 12-foot long snake was found deceased on a side road in Medford. Police received an emergency call but noticed the animal was dead when they arrived at the scene. There is an ongoing investigation to determine who the owner was. (Smithtown Matters)
5. Adulting is hard, so why not go to a fun Ghost Hunting? Smithtown Sweetbriar is putting on a Paranormal Tour on Saturday, March 11 at 6 p.m. Guides will lead participants into an exciting investigation using tools from popular movies and TV shows. A raffle will be a plus! Tickets can be purchased here. (Smithtown Chronicle)

Today in Smithtown:

• Purim Palooza at Commack SYJCC. (11 a.m.)
• Skills: Getting Started with iPhone at Smith Haven Mall. (12:30 p.m.)
• Smithtown Sweetbriar (Explorat­ory) Walk/Hike. (1:30 p.m.)
• Women's History Month: Self-Guided Hike at Sunken Meadow State Park. (1:30 p.m.)

From my notebook:

• Sweetbriar Nature Center: "Well hello there! We are feeling so much better these days! This poor gull was hit by a car and when he arrived he was unable to stand or walk. As you can see he is now able to jump out of his bath and perch." (Sweetbriar Nature Center via Facebook)
• Smithtown Historical Society: "The girls wanted to be the first TikTok feature for our new account. Be sure to follow us for more cuteness." (Smithtown Historical Society via Facebook)
• There are many upcoming March events at the Smithtown Historical Society. I want to mention the Model Train Show that will be held on March 25 from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. The society's Brush Barn will have train models and other fun activities. All proceeds will benefit the animals living there. Tickets are $5 for adults and $3 for kids. (Smithtown Historical Society)
• The Easter Bunny will be hopping for the Easter celebrations in three malls on Long Island! Visit the link I've shared to learn where and when to take the little ones to take a picture with the bunny! (Patch)

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Featured events:

• 7 Days to St Pat's U2 Tribute Concert! Sat. March 11, 8 p.m. (March 11)
• (mostly) TRUE THINGS Storytelling Show: True Stores on the theme "Bad Match." (March 11)
• Luck of the Irish St Patrick's Day Bar Crawl Patchogue. (March 12)
• Pre-St. Patrick’s weekend Dinner and a Show. U2 and Journey hits by top NY Tribute bands! (March 16)
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You're officially in the loop for today. See you all tomorrow morning 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 Patch newsletter? Contact me at Smithtown@Patch.com.