🌱 Winter Run Series Returns To LI + Business Burglarized In Smithtown

Morning, everybody. It's me, Debora Whitehead, your host of the Smithtown Daily — here to tell you all the most important things happening locally. In this issue, you'll learn about the following:

• Winter Run Series returns to Long Island State Parks.
• Police are offering a cash reward for help to identify a burglar.
• Stony Brook Professor faces backlash after "anti-cop" comments and more!

But first, today's weather:

Cloudy, brief showers; breezy. High: 63, low: 44.

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Here are the top four stories today in Smithtown:

1. Have you heard of the Winter Run Series? The 5K race returns to Long Island State Parks on Sundays at 11 a.m. Participants will enjoy hot beverages and baked goods after each race. There also will be medals and prizes. One of the events will be held at Sunken Meadow State Park in Kings Park on Jan. 22. If you want more information and to see the full schedule of races, visit here. (Mommy Poppins)
2. Police are offering a cash reward to help identify the man who broke into Transitions Counseling Services on Lawrence Avenue in Smithtown. Cameras caught the suspect breaking a locker and stealing cash from the facility. (News 12)
3. A Stony Brook professor is facing an angry backlash after sharing "anti-cop" comments on social media regarding a law enforcement operation in Medford. The SBU employee allegedly accused police officers of murder for shooting the man who brutally attacked them with a knife. New York Post has the whole story. (New York Post )
4. Make yourself a priority in 2023 and head into the new year with healthy habits! Long Island News 12 lists a guide with eight healthy tips to improve the body's immune system and encourage a better lifestyle. (News12)

Today in Smithtown:

• Art Skills: Sketching Ideas in Notes at Smith Haven Mall. (5 p.m.)
  
• Suffolk Winter Lantern Festival at Smithtown Historical Society. (5:30 p.m.)
  
• Riverhead at Smithtown East. (5:45 p.m.)

From my notebook:

• Winter Long Island Restaurant Week kicks off on Jan. 29! For all foodies out there, eight days of prix-fixe deals are ahead of us until Feb. 5. Check prices and which local eateries are participating. (LI Restaurant Week)
• "George Santos is due to be sworn into Congress as the new representative for Long Island's 3rd District on Tuesday, even as his legal and criminal issues mounted Monday when The New York Times reported that Brazilian authorities will reopen a 2008 criminal case against the 34-year-old Republican." (Patch)
• The Beauty and the Beast Jr. will be on the stage of the Smithtown Performing Arts Center until Jan. 22. If you'd like to check upcoming dates and times, visit the link to plan your visit to our local theater today. (Smithtown PAC)

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Featured businesses:

• Fitness 4 You — (Visit website)
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Events:

• (mostly) TRUE THINGS STORYTELLING SHOW. (January 7)
• East Wind Wedding Showcase. (January 8)
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Thanks for following along and staying informed. See you all tomorrow morning for another update!

— Debora Whitehead

About me: Have a story idea? Please get in touch with me! I would love to hear from you! Wife, mom, foodie, traveler, and nature lover.

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