🌱 Smithtown Daily: Smithtown Robotics Team + Esports In Lake Grove

Hey, neighbors! Diane Witek here with today's Smithtown Daily.

First, today's weather:

Mostly sunny and milder. High: 70, low: 50.

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Here are the top stories today in Smithtown:

1. At the SBPLI #2 Long Island Regional at Hofstra University in March, John Galletta, a Smithtown High School West student, was nominated as a FIRST Robotics Dean’s List finalist. The entire Smithtown Robotics team went to Houston to support their teammate, John Galletta at the FIRST Robotics World Championship in Houston. (Smithtown Matters)
2. Barkgata in Nesconset is a brand-new doggie hotel. It is a family affair with dad behind the construction and mom in the office and Bianca Caras, the owner. According Greater Long Island, Barkgata offers a bath and a la carte grooming services, various sized suites for daycare and overnight boarding. "Behind glass doors, each room boasts beds, bowls, doggie-themed wall art and a flat screen television."(Greater Long Island)
3. According to documents filed with the Smithtown Planning Department, Lake Grove Mall may house one of Long Island’s first arenas for the global $1 billion esports industry. Belong Gaming, a Manhattan-based company, would have 72 gaming stations, bleachers for spectators and large-screen televisions to show gamers’ exploits in real time. (Subscription: Newsday)
4. Have you seen the GreenDrop trailer in the parking lot by the Cheesecake Factory and wondered what it was? GreenDrop is a for-profit professional fundraiser that accepts secondhand clothing and household goods on behalf of Big Brothers Big Sisters of Long Island Donation Center, Inc. There is an attendant who will collect your items; all donations are converted into funds for its nonprofit partner. (Smithtown Patch)

Today in Smithtown:

• Baby Sign Language Basics (Smithtown Library-Smithtown Building). (10 a.m.)
• One-On-One Medicare Counseling and Assistance (Smithtown Library-Nesconset Building). (Noon)
• Mother's Day Mason Jars (Smithtown Library-Smithtown Building). (4:30 p.m.)
• Game Night (Smithtown Library-Smithtown Building). (6:30 p.m.)
• Honey Bee Hives (Smithtown Library-Nesconset Building). (7 p.m.)
• Ukulele Workshop (Smithtown Library-Smithtown Building). (7:45 p.m.)

From my notebook:

• Nextdoor Neighbor, Village of The Branch: "I'm so appreciative! Thank you neighbors! Because I complained loudly on NextDoor about my air conditioners and asked you to help, two of our neighbors called the appliance store and the installers on my behalf. Guess what! I got calls." (Nextdoor)
• Lisa, Neighbor: "For those that cannot make the time for Candidate Meet & Greet at Sweetwaters, join us for light fare and a drink on our two Mikes at Katie's of Smithtown at 7:30 - 9:30 p.m. on Monday, May 9." (Patch)
• Lisa, Neighbor: "Meet & greet candidates Mike Saidens and Michael Catalanotto running for Smithtown School Board! Come down, grab a treat and get to know your candidates!" (Patch)

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Events:

• Family Friendly Pro Wrestling Action. (May 7)
• Hire A Pro To Tackle Mom's To-Do List. (May 8)
• Candidate Meet & Greet. (May 9)
• Candidate Meet & Greet Evening. (May 9)
• Open House for "A Summer to Remember!" (May 14)
• Add your event.

Announcements:

• National Football Foundation Honors Suffolk County Players. (Details)
• Thomas Albero, St. Anthony’s Student, Wins Fourth Annual “Autism Can Do” Scholarship. (Details)
• Behind The Scoreboard — Hockey Defense in Good Hands. (Details)
• Add your announcement.

Thanks for following along and staying informed! 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.

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