Community Corner

🌱 Patch AM: Bay Shore Teacher Accused Of Sexually Abusing Student Arrested For Stalking: Police

Happening soon: The History of the Port Jefferson Branch on the Smithtown Patch calendar

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Saturday September 5th Patch AM
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Good morning Smithtown! We're back in your inbox this morning to keep you in the loop with what's happening in and around town. Grab a cup of coffee and read on. ☕️️

In today's newsletter:

  • St. James teacher arrested on stalking charge involving former student
  • Need free rabies shots for your pets in Smithtown this month?
  • How a Smithtown chemistry teacher just earned national recognition.

Also on today's calendar: The History of the Port Jefferson Branch and 9 more events.

Today's riddle: Where do math teachers go on vacation? 🤔 (Answer below!)

Weather forecast:

  • Saturday: Sun mixing with clouds, with a high of 80 and low of 63 degrees.
  • Sunday: Nice with clouds and sun, temps: high: 76, low: 60.
  • Monday: Nice with plenty of sun, with a high of 78 and low of 63 degrees.

📰 News we're reading

1. Bay Shore Teacher Accused Of Sexually Abusing Student Arrested For Stalking: Police (patch.com) — Residents in Smithtown's St. James community are learning that Bay Shore High School art teacher John Kennedy, who lives on Moriches Road, was arrested on a stalking charge involving a former student. Police say he followed the 18-year-old from her home and had previously had a sexual relationship with her when she was 17, while a separate civil lawsuit accuses the district of failing to protect another student from alleged abuse.
   

2. Suffolk County SPCA To Offer Free Rabies Vaccination Clinic On September 13, 2026 (longisland.com) — A free rabies vaccination clinic for dogs, cats, and ferrets is coming to the Suffolk County SPCA office at the William J. Lindsay Complex in Smithtown on Sunday, September 13, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Open to all county residents while supplies last, the clinic stresses the importance of keeping pets vaccinated to protect both animals and people from rabies.
   

3. Smithtown Science Teacher Earns National Honor (southshorepress.com) — A longtime Smithtown High School East science teacher, Maria Zeitlin, has earned one of the nation's top honors for high school chemistry educators from the American Chemical Society. Her work building a strong research culture and mentoring students in chemistry and scientific inquiry has drawn national recognition, bringing pride to Smithtown's school community and highlighting local excellence in STEM education.
   

4. Shelter Pet of the Week: Sweet Loretta (tbrnewsmedia.com) — Loretta, a young calico rescued through the town's TNR program, is now ready for adoption at the Town of Smithtown Animal & Adoption Shelter on Middle Country Road. The shelter invites residents to apply, schedule a visit, and meet her in a home-like setting, while also highlighting visitor hours and contact details for anyone considering adopting a local rescue pet.
   

5. Public Awareness and Perceptions of Stem Cell Therapy for Stroke: A Cross-Sectional Survey Study (cureus.com) — A student-led survey of 26 people in Smithtown explored what locals think about embryonic stem cell therapy for stroke, finding generally hopeful views but a lot of uncertainty about safety, mechanisms, and who it might help. The project, done informally via school and family networks, stresses that responses reflect perceptions only and that larger, more rigorous studies are still needed.
   

📸 Around Smithtown

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🪧 Patch Classifieds

  • Self defense training
    Interested in self defense classes? Please contact Mike. 30+ years of experience. (More info)

💬 Chatter

What your neighbors are talking about on social media

  • Please call the owner on flyer if you see Charlie.
    Don't approach, just please call. He has never been outside. He escaped the groomer and his family is devastated. He is likely hiding under… (Nextdoor Hofstra Dr)
  • Dollar Tree posted a job opening for Customer Service Associate in Smithtown. Apply here.
  • G.W. Lisk Company, Inc. posted a job opening for Assembler in Hauppauge. Apply here. You can search for other jobs near Smithtown here.

Ok Smithtown! So now you're in the loop about what's happening today. Thanks for reading, and see you in your inbox next time! Oh -- and if you like what you're reading, invite a friend to Patch AM!

-- The Patch AM Team

P.S. The answer to today's riddle: Times Square (Thank you Jean K. for sending it in!)
Got a good riddle for PatchAM? Submit it here!

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