🌱 Port Jefferson Daily: Mask Mandate Protest At Target

Hello, neighbors! Debora Whitehead here with a fresh issue of the Port Jefferson Daily.

First, today's weather:

Some sun, then clouds. High: 49, low: 47.

Here are the top 5 stories in Port Jefferson today:

1. A group of Long Islanders walked into a Commack Target without masks to protest Gov. Kathy Hochul’s new mask or vaccine mandate. The governor’s new requirement went into effect Monday and some residents say it’s a huge infringement of their rights. One woman who took part in the protest said they want choices and that stores are going to lose their business if they are requiring masks. (News 12 Bronx)
2. Last week, Suffolk County Executive Steve Bellone (D) announced the county’s comprehensive police reform and reinvention plan, which was approved by the Legislature back in March. According to Bellone, the reform plan seeks cultural change in the Suffolk County Police Department, with enhanced civilian oversight, increased accountability and transparency through the use of body cameras, and an expanded mental health crisis response, among many other initiatives and policy changes. (TBRNews)
3. Curious about what to do in the Port Jefferson area this week? Your Port Jefferson Patch community calendar is a great way to check out what's happening near you and discover local events that fit your interests. Here are some events taking place in town this week. Click on the link. (Port Jefferson Patch)
4. If you're looking to add a fluffy ball of love and affection to your household, look no further than these shelters in and around Port Jefferson for a pet who needs a home. Over 6 million companion animals are taken in each year by animal shelters nationwide, according to the American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals. (Port Jefferson Patch)
5. The Port Jefferson School District congratulates student-athlete Caelan Schretzmayer on her recent athletic achievements. She was named the Class D Cross-Country Suffolk County champion and received All-Academic Team and 2nd Team All-County awards from the Suffolk County Coaches Association. (Press Release Desk)

Today's Port Jefferson Daily is brought to you in part by our friends at GoodRx — the best way to save money on your prescriptions. GoodRx helps you locate the lowest prices for medications at local pharmacies, so you're not overpaying. Works for pet medications too! To see how much you can save, go to GoodRx.com.

Today in Port Jefferson:

• MS Grade 6 Winter Concert PM HS AUD — Port Jefferson School District. (7 p.m.)
• Baby Start — Comsewogue Public Library. (10 a.m.)
• Potato Leek Soup & Winter Chocolate Snowstorm Cookies Class. (Comsewogue). (5 p.m.)

From my notebook:

• St. Charles Hospital has received a $25,000 New York Life Foundation "Love Takes Action" Award for its COVID-19 response to be used to support the hospital's Department of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation. (Port Jefferson Patch)
• Businesses in the Port Jefferson area are looking for new employees, and we've rounded up some of the best local job openings listed within the past week. Whether you're looking for full time, part time or temporary work, plenty of employers in Port Jefferson are hiring. Click any job listing below for more details, or to apply. (Port Jefferson Patch)
• Suffolk County Board of Health meeting scheduled for Dec. 15. The Board of Health, at the request of the Commissioner of Health Services, will considers matters relating to the preservation and improvement of public health. (Press Release Desk)
• Cub Scout Pack 41 Port Jefferson, NY: "Super fun holiday skate party. Big thank you to Boy Scout Troop 45 for helping those that were first-time skaters. Everyone had a blast!" (Facebook)

From our sponsors — thanks for supporting local news!

Events:

• Big Apple Circus is NOW OPEN in New York City! (Dec. 17)
• Via Zoom — NCNW General Membership Meeting Long Island Cross County Section. (Dec. 18)
• Add your event

Loving the Port Jefferson 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 PortJefferson@Patch.com

That's it for today! I'll catch up with you bright and early tomorrow morning with 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.