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Thursday, May 29, 2025 ~ Volume 70 ~ Issue Number 26 ~ $1.00
‘Look to the Past’: Ronkonkoma Memorial Day Parade and Ceremony By Matt Meduri As Suffolk County’s communities dotted the landscape with parades and solemn remembrance ceremonies, Lake Ronkonkoma did just the same on Monday morning. The 10:00a.m. parade was operated by the local posts of AMVETS, Veterans of Foreign Wars (VFW), and the American Legion. Beginning at Church Street, the parade rolled down Hawkins Avenue, taking Portion Road to Ronkonkoma Avenue to end at Raynor Park. Continued on page 4
L.I.’s First Special Needs Smart Home Launched in Shirley
Wreaths laid at the Raynor Park monument (Credit - Matt Meduri)
By Matt Meduri
Despite the drawbacks of a highly technological world, there are some incredibly beneficial features. Such technology was on display at the first “smart” home designed for individuals with special needs was minted in Shirley on Tuesday morning, the first of its kind on Long Island. The project not only includes an entirely “smart” home, technology-wise, but by virtue of itself expands the independence and capabilities of those with special needs. The four-bedroom Shirley residence was designed and operated by Family Residences and Essential Enterprises, Inc., (FREE). Founded in 1977, the Long Island-based non-profit supports more than 4,000 individuals with intellectual and/or developmental disabilities, mental illnesses, and traumatic brain injuries. Continued on page 12
FULL STORIES ON:
Community Spotlight: BMW Pharmacy Pages 3
LaLota Secures Major SALT Win Page 13
Sachem’s 2025 Alumni Hall of Honor Page 23
Residents of the ‘smart’ house cut the ribbon on their new home (Credit - Matt Meduri)