🌱 Shirley-Mastic Daily: Wertheim Refuge Educational Hike + Literacy

Hi all! Debora Whitehead here with your fresh copy of the Shirley-Mastic Daily, full of all the local news you need to know right now. Let's have at it.

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First, today's weather:

A t-storm around in the p.m. High: 88, low: 73.

Here are the top 4 stories today in Shirley-Mastic:

1. The Wertheim National Refuge in Shirley will host an "Invasive Species Walk" on Aug. 6. The three-mile hike will be around the White Oak trail at 11 a.m. Participants will learn about the invasive species in our area. Kids in grades 9-12 are welcome. (Wertheim Refuge)
2. Parents and guardians of William Floyd School District students are being called to fill out the school meal application to help the school qualify for the free food program. Access the form link here. (Press Release Desk)
3. Nearby News: Police arrested a man they believe is responsible for a fatal shooting outside a home in North Bellport. Shati Smith, 28, was arrested and charged on Wednesday with murdering his neighbor Lee Houpe. (Patch)
4. Suffolk County Community College received a $1.5 million grant to be invested in STEM. The investment will help students going through financial struggles who are academically talented. (Greater Long Island)

Today in Shirley-Mastic:

• Family Literacy — MMS Community Library. (9 a.m.)
• Morning Nature Walks at Wertheim Wildlife Refuge. (9:30 a.m.)
• Water Play at Shirley Beach — MMS Community Library. (11 a.m.)

From my notebook:

• Suffolk Times: "As gun violence in the country continues to escalate, people may ask themselves: What can I do to be prepared for an active shooting situation?" (Suffolk Times via Instagram)
• Girl Scouts of Suffolk County: "Girl Scout Media Girl Olivia recently covered an honor flight attended by multiple Girl Scout troops! Honor Flight Long Island provides one-day trips to all World War II, Korean, and Vietnam War veterans." (Girl Scouts of Suffolk County via Instagram)

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You're officially in the loop for today. I'll be in your inbox tomorrow morning with a new update!

— Debora Whitehead

About me: Have a story idea? Please get in touch with me! I would love to hear from you! Wife, mom, foodie, traveler, and nature lover.

Have a news tip or suggestion for an upcoming Shirley-Mastic Daily? Contact me at shirley-mastic@patch.com.