🌱 Smithtown Daily: Hospital Capacity Rates + Home Sales Fell

Hello, neighbors! Diane Witek here with the latest issue of the Smithtown Daily. Here are the top 4 stories in Smithtown today.

First, today's weather:

Clouds and breaks of sun. High: 44, low: 33.

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Here are the top stories in Smithtown today:

1. According to the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, about 77 percent of inpatient beds were occupied as of Dec. 22; approximately one out of every 10 beds are occupied by a COVID-19 patient. The highly contagious omicron variant will likely sicken many of the country's 40 million unvaccinated adults, and some will require hospitalization, President Joe Biden said Tuesday. The vaccinated, and particularly those who have been boosted, have better odds of not getting sick or only catching a mild illness. (Smithtown Patch)
2. According to real estate experts, the number of homes for sale in November fell to a new all-time low, but inventory is expected to pick up in 2022. Home sales fell 18 percent in November 2021 compared with November 2020. The housing market was less competitive in November than in prior months, as homes stayed on the market a little longer and fewer sold above list price. Buyers are currently benefiting from low mortgage rates, but inflation could spread to more consumer goods next year, which would put a dent in housing budgets.(Smithtown Patch)
3. There is a lot going on in Smithtown from ugly holiday "Sweater" craft time to New Year meditation classes. See a roundup of local events coming up in the area this weekend.(Smithtown Patch)
4. Prayers were answered for Toys of Hope a Long Island-based volunteer organization that lost their van at the worst time of year. the public heard the organization's plea for help and came through. But unexpected Santa came to the rescue: The Empire Automotive Group in Huntington. They lent the group an SUV while they locate a van to donate permanently. (CBS New York)

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From my notebook:

• Sweetbriar Nature Center: "Looking for last minute gift idea? Stop by Sweetbriar before Christmas, between the hours of 9:30 a.m. and 4:30 p.m. and help support a great cause!" (Facebook)
• Smithtown Historical Society: "We go all out! #holidayseason, Chip, Rebel, Dottie & Piper enjoying a festive breakfast." (Facebook)
• Smithtown Performing Arts Center: "Limited spots remain for our TEP Winter Classes of 101 Dalmatians Kids & The Addams Family! Be sure to register at education@smithtownpac.org. #spac, #longisland, #Longislandtheatre." (Facebook)
• Smithtown Library Kids: "Smithtown Library Children's program registration opens. Call 631-360-2480 to register. Please have a Smithtown Library Card on hand when registering." (Instagram)
• Straus Historical Society: "What do the holidays mean to you? Comment on Facebook! #holidayseason, #winterholidays." (Facebook)

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Thanks for following along and staying informed! I'll see you back in your inbox tomorrow with your next update.

— Diane Witek

About me: Impassioned Writer, Website Designer, Social Media Marketer and newly proclaimed Baker. Lover of nature and animals of all kinds.