🌱 Smithtown Daily: Smithtown's America's VetDogs Award + VA Save

Happy Wednesday, Smithtown! Diane Witek here with everything you need to know going on in town today.

First, today's weather:

Times of clouds and sun. High: 46, low: 39.

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Here are the top stories in Smithtown today:

1. Jaspan Schlesinger LLP awarded Smithtown's America's VetDogs the Heart of the Community Award, according to a news release. Jaspan Schlesinger LLP was introduced to America's VetDogs by a long-term client of the firm. "We have been happy to support their mission, to help those who have served the United States honorably to live with dignity and independence, over the last several years and look forward to continuing involvement with this great organization," Jaspan Schlesinger LLP wrote in a statement. (Patch)
2. Brittany Schiavone, a Huntington woman with Down syndrome, got a home makeover on NBC's "George to the Rescue" to help her nonprofit Brittany's Baskets of Hope, supporting families with Down syndrome babies. (Patch)
3. Nicholas Pedagno, 73, a West Islip man, was arrested and charged on Monday, after a police investigation found him in possession of child pornography. "Upon examination of his portable electronic device, investigators found several accounts during which Pedagno identified himself as a younger person in various chat applications," police said. (Patch)
4. Suffolk Police 4th Precinct Crime Section officers are investigating the possible hit-and-run that destroyed two parked cars and stunned neighbors in Lake Ronkonkoma. News 12 reported, "The crash was so hard that it caused the parked car to plow into another car in front of it. The driver took off, leaving the owners of the damaged cars seeking answers." (News 12 Brooklyn)
5. On Monday, Sen. Chuck Schumer, along with Long Island elected officials and dozens of veterans, held a news conference outside the Northport VA hospital. Schumer outlined what he will do to fight the proposed cuts including going "to the White House and stress to President Joe Biden that Long Island’s geography and large veteran population make the services offered there essential," wrote Newsday. The VA said these types of changes take years and still need top Governmental approval. (Subscription: Newsday)

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Today in Smithtown:

• NYS ELA Gr. 3-8 — Smithtown Csd. (All Day)
• Baby Playground (Smithtown Library-Nesconset Building). (10 a.m.)
• Tai Chi (Smithtown Library-Nesconset Building). (1 p.m.)
• LEGO® League (Smithtown Library-Smithtown Building). (5 p.m.)
• No Sew Sock Bunnies (Smithtown Library-Smithtown Building). (7 p.m.)

From my notebook:

• Sweetbriar Nature Center: "This is highly unusual, a duckling hatchling in March!? That means momma had been sitting for the last 28 days on her eggs which brings us back to February — which means she started laying her eggs in the middle of the winter?!" (Facebook) (Website)
• Smithtown Historical Society: "Happy 6th birthday to our Pearl! Pearl is a Friesian sheep (born on the grounds this day in 2016), a gentle girl who loves her farm family." (Facebook) (Website)
• Smithtown Historical Society: "SHS Spring Lecture Series, 'Seeking Sanctuary| 125 Years of Synagogues on Long Island,' Presenter: Brad Kolodny." (Facebook) (Website)
• Smithtown Performing Arts Center: "You know what they say, the early bird gets the worm. Take advantage our early bird special for our upcoming Summer Theatre Intensive Program and SAVE! #smithtownpac, #spac, #smithtowntheatre." (Facebook) (Website)
• Sweetbriar Nature Center: "Join us this Sunday for meeting local animals, taking a short hike and learning how important our wetlands are. Buy tickets though our website via the link below! April 4, noon." (Facebook) (Website)
• Smithtown Library Kids: "Dive deep into Oona the mermaid's latest tale, 'Oona and the Shark,' splashing onto shelves this week. Check out Oona's adventures here." (Facebook)

More from our sponsors — thanks for supporting local news!

Featured businesses:

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

Events:

• FREE Home Buying & Selling Workshop + Dinner. (March 31)
• Tai Chi Class Registration Beginner class available. (March 31)
• Last Child — Top Aerosmith Tribute Band in the Nation. (April 2)
• U2 Easter Show with 2U — The Worlds 2nd Best U2 Show! (April 16)
• Add your event.

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.

That's it for today! I'll see you back in your inbox tomorrow morning with another update.

— Diane Witek

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