Yesterday Autism Speaks advocates Kathleen and Rick Lanese and their two boys, Kevin and Brendan met with the founders of Smithtown Today to pose in front of Whisper the Bull. The rain was not about to put a damper on the enthusiasm of the Lanese family, nor Town Clerk Vincent Puleo, Councilman Ed Wehrheim and former Town Attorney John Zollo from supporting the initiative to light the whole town in blue for Autism Awareness month. The Autism Speaks Long Island and Smithtown Today collaboration will continue through the month of April.
The Smithtown Bull, is one of three major landmarks in Smithtown to be lit up in blue. Giant puzzle pieces and Autism Speaks signs embellish the Bull as well as Smithtown Parks Department and Smithtown Town Hall thanks to efforts, orchestrated by Councilmen Wehrheim and Creighton, unanimously agreed upon by the Town Council. Photos of Whisper the bull went viral early last week after being posted on the Autism Speaks facebook page.
“After meeting the Lanese family, during the Kings Park St. Patrick’s Day Parade, I took the initiative to advise the board of the request. As long as no one had an objection, we would bring the Building Director and Parks Department on board to get the ball rolling. The enthusiasm behind lighting these major landmarks was truly inspiring. Everyone involved from our town officials to our Parks, Buildings and Grounds employees, went above and beyond, adding blue puzzle pieces and breathtaking lighting, in honor of Autism Awareness Month.” – Councilman Ed Wehrheim
“When members of a community rally together like we have for Autism Awareness Month, it is a reminder of why I love serving the good people of Smithtown. The compassion we have for our fellow neighbors has very literally lit up this town… it is truly worth celebrating.” – Councilman Bob Creighton
Smithtown Today needs our readers, local businesses and residents throughout the five villages of Smithtown to be a part of history and light the Town Blue for the month of April, by replacing outdoor lights with blue light bulbs. If you’d like to sponsor a block or two or have photos of your blue lights on, please email us at editor@SmithtownTodayNews.com and we’ll include you in our special coverage.