🌱Chattertown School Lockdown + Where To Find Best Pizza Nearby

Happy Thursday, Merrick! Let's get this day started off right. Here's everything going on around Merrick today.

First, today's weather:

Breezy with periods of sun. High: 50 Low: 34.

Here are the top five stories in Merrick today:

1. Chatterton School went into lockdown Wednesday afternoon. The district's Facebook page indicated that the restriction was initiated because of police activity at the adjacent property, Roslyn Savings Bank on Merrick Avenue. The school's principal said that students and staff did "an exceptional job" responding to the lockdown, which was lifted before the school day ended. (Merrick Patch)
2. Locals can look forward to new affordable housing projects in Hempstead Village. The Estella Housing project and The Carman Place project are set to add over 300 units to Main and Bedell streets. Hempstead Town Mayor Waylyn Hobbs Jr. is credited for working with developers to make the two projects possible. (The Real Deal)
3. A Queens woman has been charged for leaving an infant unattended in a car at the Green Acres Mall in Valley Stream. The car was unlocked and running with the baby in the back seat. Police took 24-year-old Moksha Hamilton-Prince into custody without incident on Tuesday, February 8. Emergency responders examined the 8-month-old child and found her to be unharmed. (Daily Voice)
4. Long Island community members are rallying to save an historic ice cream shop in Williston Park. Hildebrandt's has been a fixture in its neighborhood since 1927. Shop owner Hunter Acosta says rent was already a struggle before the latest increase of more than $2,000 per month. Find out about locals' efforts to save the iconic eatery over at CBS New York.
5. Who makes the best specialty pizza on Long Island? The votes are in, and Grandpa Tony's in East Rockway takes the award! Head over to the shop for woodfired pizzas and a cozy atmosphere. (Long Island Press)

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Today in Merrick:

• Reception for the exhibition Art of the Dogon - Head to the David Filderman Gallery at Hofstra University to explore the art of West Africa alongside light refreshments. Free; registration required. (4:30 PM)
• SEPTA Virtual Event: So Yummy Food Show - Enjoy an interactive fun online food show for all ages, inspired by Netflix's "Nailed It" and "Sugar Rush." Free for members. Registration required. (7:00 PM)
• Take Off The COVID-19 Weight - Have the last two years seen you grow a bit (or more)? Hempstead Library hosts a session to help you fight the "Quarantine 15" with healthy eating and stress-reduction tips. Sign up via email. (7:00 PM)

From my notebook:

• Could your week be a little sweeter? Check out a milkshake concoction from Burgerology, complete with Ferrero Roche and chocolate cake! (Instagram)
• It's American Heart Month! Head over to the Long Island Press for a healthy lifestyle discussion from experts. (Twitter)

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Thanks for following along and staying informed. I'll see you soon!

— Ash DeMello