🌱 Patchogue's New Year's Eve On Main Returns + Mastic Open Space

Hello, neighbors! It's me again, your host of the Shirley-Mastic Daily.

Mastic Beach is on a list of Long Island towns that will be prioritized as an "environmental justice" area for preservation. Patchogue's New Year's Eve on Main Street is back this year after being canceled last year.

First, today's weather:

Some sun, then clouds. High: 47 Low: 39.

Here are the top stories in Shirley-Mastic today:

1. USA Today shared the top 10 Best Readers' Choice picks for best small airports. Long Island MacArthur was in the top 10 based on excelling in its commercial flight offerings, easy access, and air traveler amenities. (Metropolitan Airport News)
2. Greater Port Jeff shares that five talented young musicians will compete for $5,000 in grand prize money in the third annual Lillian and Maurice Barbash J.S. Bach Competition at Stony Brook University's Staller Center Recital Hall and will be streamed live at The Violin Channel. (Greater Long Island)
3. Patch shares that Paws of War, a Nesconset-based organization, is seeking money to help relocate a military working dog back home to the U.S. Duke has been given a medical retirement clearance in his old age and the organization wants to bring him home for the holidays. (Patch)
4. Patchogue's New Year's Eve festivities once again will be in-person. The Greater Patchogue Chamber of Commerce's 'Midnight on Main Street' returns for its sixth annual year. (Greater Patchogue)
5. Newsday explains that Suffolk County officials are putting a new focus on acquiring open space in "environmental justice areas," communities that have been disproportionately impacted by pollution and other environmental problems. Mastic Beach is one. (Subscription: Newsday)

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Today in Shirley-Mastic:

• Suffolk County Parks will hold the annual holiday lighting of the Big Duck in Flanders today at 7 p.m. Duck carols and a Santa visit are planned. (Instagram)

From my notebook:

• On Jan. 12 and 13, a representative from the cap and gown company will be at William Floyd High School to measure seniors for their caps and gowns. (Patch)

From our sponsors — thanks for supporting local news!

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Events:

• Restore America New York (December 1)
• Holiday Tree Lighting at The Shoppes (December 4)
• Big Apple Circus is NOW OPEN in New York City! (December 12)
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Now you're in the loop and ready to start this Wednesday off right! See you tomorrow for your next update. If you're enjoying these newsletters, consider bringing some friends and neighbors on board. You can send them this link to subscribe.

— Jackie

Have a news tip or suggestion for an upcoming Shirley-Mastic Daily? I'm all ears. You can email me at shirley-mastic@patch.com.