🌱 Teacher From Shirley Creates Unique Holiday Map + NYE Events

Hello all. I'm back in your inbox this morning with your new copy of the Shirley-Mastic Daily, fresh off the presses. Here's everything you need to know about what's happening in town, including...

• A teacher from Shirley has a map of the best spots to see Christmas decorations!
• Help our local library to support Brookhaven Animal Shelter.
• New Year's Eve events and more!

But first, today's weather:

Mostly sunny, breezy and cold. High: 29 Low: 17.

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

1. A teacher from Shirley has a unique family tradition that has become a trend on social media! Jonathan Dignam started to drive his daughter to see Christmas lights in the neighborhood, but the simple outing became the LI Lights Map Scavenger Hunt/Link to "Elf on the Shelf" Scavenger Hunt. The map is filled with the best spots with gorgeous decorations to visit in Long Island! (Mastic-Shirley Patch)
2. Our Community Library wants to Support Your Local Furry Friends! If you want to help our community institution in this cause, bring your donations to the Mastic Center from Jan. 2-13. All donations are going to the Brookhaven Animal Shelter. There are also volunteer opportunities for all! Visit the link for details. (MMSC Library)
3. Freezing temperatures on Long Island this holiday weekend can make the roads icy for drivers. Salt trucks have been working on the streets to help to improve the conditions, but if you have to be on the roads, watch out for black ice and slow down. (LI News12)
4. Nearby Events: Looking for an outing for New Year's Eve? The ball will drop at midnight on Main Street! The Better Man Distilling Company is hosting a cocktail party on Dec. 31 at 9 p.m. The Sunset Harbour Catering in Patchogue will have a New Year's Eve Bash at Sunset Harbour on Saturday, Dec. 31, from 8 to 1 a.m. Visit the Patchogue Patch Calendar for details of these events and plan your NYE celebrations in the village! (Patch)

Today in Shirley-Mastic:

• The Garden Farmers Market at Daisy Garden Corporation. (10 a.m.)
• The 12k's of Christmas in Sayville. (All Day)

From my notebook:

• Two police officers from Shirley were recognized for saving a little boy's life. A four-year-old was using a metal straw when he fell. The straw penetrated his mouth and damaged his arteries, causing severe bleeding. The officers put him on oxygen and took him to Stony Brook Hospital to be treated. (Shirley-Mastic Patch)
• They say what is a blessing for some can be a "curse" for others. As the holiday approaches, many people may feel sad and lonely. That can open the windows for depression or suicide. The Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) says cases of suicide are high among Americans aged 10 to 34. Stony Brook professionals give tips for those struggling with mental health during the holidays. (Three Village Patch)

You're officially in the loop for today. I'll see you soon!

— 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.