🌱 Smithtown Daily: Deer Park Drive-By Shooting + Hearts & Heroes

Rise and shine, Smithtown! Diane Witek here to get you all caught up to start this Wednesday, Feb. 23 off on an informed note. Here's everything you need to know about what's happening in Smithtown today.

First, today's weather:

Clouds breaking and warmer. High: 62, low: 28.

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Here are the top stories in Smithtown today:

1. We are six days away from Mardi Gras, check out 15 Long Island Cajun restaurants to eat for this festive event. Enjoy jazz-fueled atmospheres and Cajun-style food to eat in celebration of Mardi Gras this year. (Long Island Press)
2. A 12-year-old child is recovering after being shot and struck in the eye by a pellet gun while walking in the parking lot of the Tanger Outlets in Deer Park on Monday around 5:30 p.m. Investigators believe the pellet was fired from an airsoft gun by a person in a passing car. The same car shot pellets in North Babylon 20 minutes before the Deer Park incident. (WABC-TV)
3. Réserve Restaurant in Huntington blends new American and French cuisine. It is also getting high ranking on its food and service since its opening night, Feb. 18. This new restaurant is located at 326 W. Jericho Turnpike, Huntington. Be sure to make a reservation! (Rutherford Daily Voice)
4. According to a news release, Paws of War recently hosted its "Hearts and Heroes" event at its Nesconset headquarters. The event was an effort to give back to veterans and first responders by providing 27 service animals with free veterinary care, which included wellness checks, flea and tick medications, vaccinations, bags of dog food, and microchipping service. (Smithtown Patch)

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Today in Smithtown:

• Virtual Open House/Information Session for Lower School and Upper School. (9:30 a.m.)
• Nursery Rhyme Time (Smithtown Library-Smithtown Building). (10 a.m.)
• Virtual Open House/Information Session for Early Childhood. (12:30 p.m.)
• Family Bingo (Smithtown Library-Smithtown Building). (3 p.m.)
• Canvas and Cookie Party (Smithtown Library-Nesconset Building). (4:30 p.m.)
• Library Mini-Golf Volunteers (Smithtown Library-Smithtown Building). (7 p.m.)

From my notebook:

• Smithtown Performing Arts Center: "We asked our cast of 'A Royal Princess Party' to share some of their favorite memories with their favorite princess growing up. Do you notice any familiar faces? A Royal Princess Party returns tomorrow at 11 a.m. and 2 p.m. 🎟️: smithtownpac.org." (Facebook) (Website)
• St James/Smithtown Little League: "When we said big things were coming in 2022, we meant it. A field at both Gaynor and Veterans Memorial Parks are about to get a glow up. More on our huge announcement." (Facebook)
• Smithtown Performing Arts Center: "Do you have a loved one who is just itchin' to be on stage? Good news! Registration for our Theatre Education Program spring 2022 classes is now open. To register, email education@smithtownpac.org #spac, #longislandtheatre." (Facebook) (Website)
• Smithtown Library Kids: "Come to the Smithtown Building tomorrow to enjoy bingo card fun! Register in person, by phone 631-360-2480 ext. 140, or online https://search.livebrary.com/record=g1101339~S62." (Facebook) (Website)

More from our sponsors — thanks for supporting local news!

Featured businesses:

• Fitness 4 You — (Visit website)
• The Creative House — (Visit Website)
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Events:

• 2 Journey Tix. UBS Arena, 2400 Hempstead Turnpike, Elmont. (Feb. 25)
• KPY Spring Intramural Baseball & Softball Registration Open. (Feb. 28)
• Learn How To Reduce Your Risk For Heart Disease During American Heart Month. (Feb. 28)
• Get A ‘Taste Of Paradise’ During This Exclusive Event At Atlantis. (Feb. 28)
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Announcements:

• Exciting News For Long Island From PAL Lacrosse. (Details)
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Job listings:

• Assembler & Technician. (Details)
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Loving the Smithtown Daily? Here are all the ways you can get more involved:

• Send a friend or neighbor this link so they can subscribe.
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Thanks for following along and staying informed! I'll be back in your inbox tomorrow morning with your next update.

— Diane Witek

About me: Impassioned Writer, Website Designer, Social Media Marketer and newly proclaimed Baker. Lover of nature and animals of all kinds.