🌱 Patchogue Daily: Soldier Homecoming + Petito's Documentary

Happy Sunday, people of Patchogue! Let's get this day started. Here's what's happening today in town.

First, today's weather:

Decreasing clouds and windy. High: 42 Low: 24.

Here are the top 5 stories in Patchogue today:

1. Graduate Alyssa O'Hara had a wonderful surprise while attending her graduation ceremony at Stony Brook University. Her Air Force member husband was there with flowers and a huge proud smile. He has been stationed in Alaska but worked very hard in the last two months to be able to attend his wife's graduation in person. (abc7)
2. As the Omicron spreads, hospitals all over the country are facing challenges to support patients. On Dec. 16 reports say that about 79 percent of inpatient beds were occupied according to the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. (Patchogue Patch)
3. On Dec. 17 Nancy Kerrigan opened the holiday season performance Gateway's Holiday "Spectacular On Ice" at Patchogue Theater. The play also counts with others Olympic ice skaters and American Idol's singer Shannon Gibbons. (News 12 New Jersey)
4. Peacock TV streamed a documentary about Gabby Petito case last Friday, Dec. 17. "The murder of Gabby Petito: Truth, Lies And Social Media" includes an interview with Gabby's parents. Her disappearance touched many hearts and filled headlines all over the country.(Patchogue Patch)
5. A Dairy Queen in Suffolk is seeking for legal action after closing the dining room as costumers refused to wear masks. The Restaurant's employees were yelled at by furious costumers as the staff tried to ask them to put masks on before entering the establishment. (News 12 Bronx)

Today in Patchogue:

• Pick It Up Coastal Cleanup/Save Our Seals at Fire Island National Park. (10 a.m.)
• Brunch with Santa at RHUM! (11 a.m.)
• Holiday Spectacular On Ice at Pacthogue Theater. (4 p.m.)

From my notebook:

• Patchogue-Medford Library: "It’s national ugly sweater day! The PML crew had on our Holiday Best today in celebration. Happy Holidays from our PML family to yours!" (Instagram)
• Patchogue-Medford School District: "A message from Pat-Med Superintendent, Dr. Donna Jones." (Facebook)
• Patchogue Chamber Of Commerce: "It's not New Years Eve without fireworks! Midnight on Main 2021 Sponsor Shout-out." (Instagram)
• Patchogue Chamber Of Commerce: "Hands together for the sponsors that help make Midnight on Main 2021 possible!" (Instagram)

More from our sponsors — thanks for supporting local news!

Events:

• Board of Education Business Meeting - Patchogue-Medford High School. (Dec. 20)
• CAN - Cookies with Santa - Patchogue-Medford High School. (Dec. 21)
• FREE Holiday Dinner at VFW. (Dec. 24)
• Add your event

Announcements:

• Congratulations To Hills East Football (Details)
• Add your announcement

For sale:

• *** $75 OFF *** Walk with "CONFIDENCE" Once Again! (Details)
• Add your item

Job listings:

• Hairdresser Wanted (Details)
• Dental Receptionist (Details)
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Loving the Patchogue Daily? Here are all the ways you can get more involved:

• Send a friend or neighbor this link so they can subscribe
• Get your local business listed in front of readers
• Send me a news tip or suggestion at Patchogue@Patch.com

You're officially in the loop for today. See you all tomorrow morning for another update!

— Debora Whitehead

About me: Debora Whitehead is a dedicated wife and homeschooling mom from Coram, NY. She has a bachelor's degree in Education and loves to teach and write. Her passion for the community reflects on her volunteering work at the "Mariposa Ministry, " a nonprofit family assistance program. One of her strongest believes is Jesus Christ and when she is not parenting, teaching or reading, she is writing. One of her favorites quotes is: " The future belongs to those who believe in the beauty of their dreams."- Eleanor Roosevelt.