🌱 Smithtown Daily: School's​ Proposed Spending Vote + Water Hike

Welcome back, Smithtown! Diane Witek here to help you get this Wednesday started off right. These are the most important things going on today in Smithtown.

First, today's weather:

Times of clouds and sun. High: 67, low: 56.

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Here are the top stories in Smithtown today:

1. Smithtown residents get ready to hit the polls on Tuesday, May 17, from 6 a.m. to 9 p.m. The Smithtown School District's proposed spending plan is $267,786,882 for the 2022-23 school year. That is an increase of 2.08 percent from the current budget and the tax levy is a 1.2 percent increase from last year. Here is a Smithtown polling place finder. (Smithtown Patch)
2. The water authority's board approved an increase of 4.8 percent at its March 31 meeting. Effective June 1, the Suffolk County Water Authority's quarterly service charge of $29.17 per quarter will increase to $30.57 per quarter. (Smithtown Patch)
3. The Red Cross is traveling to Long Island to install free smoke alarms! The Red Cross home visits are free and will last 20 minutes. If you are interested in having a fire alarm installed in your home, click this link to register for the distribution as soon as possible. (Riverhead Patch)
4. The Whaling Museum and Education Center, 301 Main St., Cold Spring Harbor is offering the course that meets the New York State education requirement for the Personal WaterCraft Operation Permit, Youth and Adult Boating Certificate. The course is being is offered Saturday, May 14, and Saturday, June 25. Fee is $25 and includes a pizza lunch and viewing of the museum’s exhibits. To register, visit www.cshwhalingmuseum.org or call 631-367-3418. (TBR News Media)
5. Joseph Garcia, age 20, a Port Jefferson resident, may spend the rest of his life behind bars for a fatal shooting after getting into a verbal altercation, the DA announced. Garcia was convicted of murdering Shirley resident David Bliss, age 25, a man he did not know, in March 2021. Afterwards, Garcia and his associates joked about the incident. (Daily Voice)

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Today in Smithtown:

• Nursery Rhyme Time (Smithtown Library-Smithtown Building). (10 a.m.)
• Clue — A Mystery Book Discussion Group (Smithtown Library-Smithtown). (2:30 p.m.)
• Buggy Storytime (Smithtown Library-Smithtown Building). (4:30 p.m.)
• S’more Cake (Smithtown Library) — Smithtown Library. (7 p.m.)

From my notebook:

• Smithtown Library Kids: "Harbes Family Farm has been added to our Museum Pass Program! To reserve a date with your library card, click here!" (Facebook)
• Smithtown Performing Arts Center: "Attention Long Island! There are only three more performances of 'Disney's High School Musical Jr'. Purchase today & save $5." #smithtownpac, #spac, #smithtowntheatre." (Facebook) (Website)
• St James/Smithtown Little League: "Come catch two iconic baseball movies under the stars! SJSLL will be hosting two movie nights at Veterans Memorial Park , May 13-14. On Friday, we'll show 'The Sandlot,' and Saturday will be 'Field of Dreams.' (Facebook)
• Smithtown Historical Society: "Great line up of local vendors at this Sunday’s Spring Farm Festival! There’s a little something for everyone. Spring Farm Festival Sunday, May 15, noon-4 p.m. Rain or shine $5/per person. Tickets available online in advance or at the door." (Facebook) (Website)

More from our sponsors — thanks for supporting local news!

Featured businesses:

• Fitness 4 You — (Visit website)
• Val Shops for You — (Visit Website)
• Add your business here.

Events:

• Open House for "A Summer to Remember!" (May 14)
• (mostly) TRUE THINGS Storytelling Show. (May 14)
• Lady Knights Fastpitch Travel Softball Tryouts. (May 15)
• Add your event.

Gigs & services:

• Tennis Lessons. (Details)
• Add your gig or service.

Now you're in the loop and ready to head out the door on this Wednesday. I'll be in your inbox tomorrow morning with a new update!

— Diane Witek

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

Have a news tip or suggestion for an upcoming Smithtown Daily? Contact me at diane.witek@patch.com