🌱 Smithtown Daily: LI 'American Idol' Singer + Steakhouse Opens

Rise and shine, Smithtown! Diane Witek here to get you all caught up to start this day off on an informed note. Here are the most important things happening around Smithtown today.

First, today's weather:

Some sun, then clouds; milder. High: 45, low: 41.

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Here are the top stories today in Smithtown:

1. Christian Guardino, a legally blind, Patchogue-Medford High School graduate, will once again be on a national stage. Guardino made it to the quarterfinals of "America's Got Talent" in 2017, and this Sunday, will appear on season 20 of "American Idol." Viewers can tune in to see his audition on the season preview of the new "American Idol" season at 8 p.m. Sunday on ABC. Let's give him Smithtown's support! (Patch)
2. Suffolk County police said a 19-year-old man riding in a car was shot and critically injured in what detectives believe was likely a targeted shooting Thursday evening in Deer Park. Police said no arrests have been made in the shooting, which occurred around 9:45 p.m. near the intersection of Bay Shore and Commack roads. Police said it was not immediately clear where the shots were fired from or how many shots were fired, but said the shooting was not random and was not a road rage incident. Police are asking anyone with information to call Crime Stoppers at 1-800-220-TIPS. (Daily Voice)
3. There's a new restaurant near town, Ruth’s Chris Steak House, the famous steakhouse franchise with more than 150 locations worldwide, opened its doors in the Smith Haven Mall in Lake Grove. The new 6,917-square-foot restaurant features two main dining rooms, a bar with high tops for dining, and two private dining rooms for celebrations and business meetings. While steak is the name of the game, the menu also features fresh seafood, scratch-made side dishes and desserts, craft cocktails and wine. (LongIsland.com)
4. Neighbors and preservationists are not happy with the Russian Orthodox monks' proposal to turn the Head of the Harbor site into a church, citing that the church would erode the area’s historic character. Plans call for a 3,341-square foot church with a 47.5-foot steeple and wraparound porch near the property’s center. The church would hold up to 97 occupants with 51 parking spaces. (Subscription: Newsday)

Today in Smithtown:

• Take and Make — Happy Birthday Dr. Seuss (Smithtown Library-Smithtown Building). (9:30 a.m.)
• Creation Station (Smithtown Library-Smithtown Building). (10 a.m.)
• Savvy Sightseer Video Vacation-Republic of Ireland. (10 a.m.)
• Catch a Leprechaun (Smithtown Library-Nesconset Building). (10:30 a.m.)
• Coin and Stamp Appraisal (Smithtown Library-Nesconset Building). (1 p.m.)

From my notebook:

• Sweetbriar Nature Center: "Marguerite demonstrates the proper way to prepare a worm for cacheing. Marguerite is intrigued by earthworms but never actually eats them! You've probably seen baby birds devouring earthworms in cartoons." (Facebook) (Website)
• Smithtown Performing Arts Center: "We are seeking a stage manager with immediate availability for 'High School Musical Jr.' and future productions. Candidate should be responsible, reliable, punctual, and a self-starter. Must be 21+. Previous theatre tech experience a plus." (Facebook) (Website)
• Smithtown Library Kids: "Save the date for SmithCon 2022! We'll have games, crafts, programs, and fun for the whole family on Saturday, Nov. 5!" (Instagram) (Website)

More from our sponsors — thanks for supporting local news!

Featured businesses:

• Fitness 4 You — (Visit website)
• The Creative House — (Visit Website)
• Add your business here.

Events:

• Open House for "A Summer to Remember!" (March 5)
• The New York Times’ Bret Stephens with Rabbi Peter J. Rubinstein. (March 6)
• Evening Labyrinth Walk (Indoors with Live Music). (March 8)
• How to Promote a Healthy Microbiome and Improve Your Gut Health. (March 9)
• Financial Issues of Divorce: Taxes & Assets — Vesta's Westchester/ Rockland, N.Y. Hub. (March 9)
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Announcements:

• Exciting News for Long Island from PAL Lacrosse. (Details)
• Behind The Scoreboard — Watching Hockey from Above. (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.
• Get your local business featured in front of readers.
• Send me a news tip or suggestion at diane.witek@patch.com.

You're all caught up for today! I'll see you soon.

— Diane Witek

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