Hauppauge Round-Up: Hanukkah Event & New Traffic Signal

HAUPPAUGE, NY — Next week, we gather with friends and family for Christmas, Hanukkah, the Festival Kwanza and gear up to welcome new beginnings as we say farewell to 2019 and usher in 2020.

Before we get into what's going on in Hauppauge, here's a broad message from Supervisor Edward R. Wehrheim:

"This is the time of year when we are reminded of what is truly important to us. We reflect on all we have to be grateful for. Each year, my fellow elected officials in Smithtown come together to sponsor local families who are in need of a little extra kindness. I would like to say 'thank you' to the Smithtown Children’s Foundation and the school district social workers who helped us to discreetly surprise these families with gifts in time for their respective holiday. The work they do year round is an extraordinary gift to our community. They are in good company with many local non-profit groups, ensuring no one is forgotten this holiday season.

Volunteers at Christmas Magic have been gathering every Saturday morning in Hauppauge to wrap gifts for 13,000 homeless children in shelters across Long Island and even branch out to the outer boroughs. The organization, founded by Hauppauge attorney, Charles Russo, relies solely on private donations year round to deliver thousands of holiday miracles.

The Nesconset non-profit; Heros 4 Our Heroes, will devote the afternoon of Saturday Dec. 21 to handing out Hams & Turkeys to local U.S. Veterans at the Northport VA. Volunteers or families looking to give back together this year can still donate online or lend a hand by arriving before noon at the lobby of the Northport VA hospital.

Collection boxes for Baxters Food Pantry (Long Island Cares) are still posted in the lobby of Town Hall and at our Animal Shelter (410 Middle Country Road) if you would like to help a four-legged stranger in need.

There is no shortage of goodwill in Smithtown and for that I am truly grateful to serve in a community that cares so deeply for neighbors and strangers alike.

However you choose to spend your holiday, on behalf of all of us at Town Hall, we wish you and yours a very healthy and Happy Chanukah, a Merry Christmas, Kwanzaa celebrations filled with joy and prosperity and may your New Year be filled with hope, promise and great expectations."

Here's what's happening on a community level in Hauppauge:

A menorah lighting ceremony is being hosted by Temple Beth Chai of Hauppauge on Sunday, Dec. 22, from 6:30 p.m. to 8 p.m. The event will include a Religious School performance of holiday songs, donuts, latkes and gelt, games and crafts. This is a free event, with a suggested donation of $10 for adults.

Traffic Safety has installed the modern Mast Arm traffic signal at the intersection of Marcus Avenue and New Highway. Teams will continue underground work with hopes of completing the project in January, provided that the weather holds up.

If you have ideas or would like certain topics discussed in this weekly report, you can email the Supervisor Office at supervisor@smithtownny.gov.