🌱Chestnut Street School Turns 109 + East Rockaway Doc Indicted

Good morning, people of Merrick! Ash DeMello here with a fresh edition of the Merrick Daily.

First, today's weather:

Partly sunny and very cold. High: 25 Low: 16.

Here are the top five stories today in Merrick:

1. A local school marked an important milestone last week. Chestnut Street School in West Hempstead turned 109 on January 14. Students rang the Meneely Bell, which was created to mark the school's centennial, in commemoration of the event. (liherald)
2. Look forward to new beverage options at your local movie theaters in the near future. Nassau County and the New York State Liquor Authority (SLA) just okayed the service of beer and wine in movie theaters during the show. The policy change took effect on January 20. (Daily Voice)
3. An East Rockaway doctor was indicted in an alleged $120 million insurance scam on January 12, Mike Smollins reports. William Weiner, an osteopath, is accused of bribing emergency responders for access to accident records in order to steer victims to corrupt practitioners. He's accused alongside a dozen other prominent citizens, including other physicians, an attorney and a police officer. (liherald.com)
4. A big shoutout goes to a Macarthur senior, who was named a 2021-22 scholar in two different programs. Kayla Coradin received accolades from the College Board's National African American Recognition Program and National Hispanic Recognition Program. She says she plans to study architecture in college. (Gen Douglas Macarthur Senior High School)
5. Get out your calendar! Click over to see what's happening in the area this weekend at the Merrick Patch.

From our sponsor:

Tackling a big to-do list around the house to start the new year? Our partners at Thumbtack, the home services app, have made hiring trusted local pros for pretty much any job extremely easy and intuitive. In minutes, you can find a painter, plumber, roofer or someone to help with small jobs such as trash hauling or appliance repair. And Thumbtack's rating system can give you confidence that you're hiring a quality pro you can count on. Click here to get started.

Today in Merrick:

• The Carltun Food & Wine Festival - The Carltun on the Park invites you to an opportunity to sample over 100 wines, a multitude of food selections prepared by Executive Chef Joe Lester, live music and more. Tickets $100. (6:00 PM - 10:00 PM)
• Free Concert at South Shore Craft Brewery - Register to enjoy classic rock covers alongside BBQ and beer. (7:00 PM - 10:00 PM)
• Cipha Sounds - Head to The Brokerage in Bellmore to hear from a multi-talented performer. Ages 16+. $22. (7:30 PM)
• Virtual Poetry Slam 2022 - Login via Zoom to hear local poets and perhaps even share your own verses. Free; registration required. (8:00 PM)

From my notebook:

• Nassau County Police Department: Click over to Facebook to see the photo of Yonel Pitaud, wanted for murder. Crime Stoppers and the County's homicide squad are looking for tips pertaining to Pitaud's location and a 2020 murder in Uniondale.
• Need more ideas for the weekend? Check out this brief lineup from the Long Island Press.

More from our sponsors — thanks for supporting local news!

Featured businesses:

• Miller Home Technologies — (Visit website)
• Add your business here

Events:

• Curbside Food Drive (January 22)
• Add your event

Announcements:

• New Book by Wantagh Author (Details)
• Add your announcement

Loving the Merrick Daily? Here are all the ways you can get more involved:

• Send a friend or neighbor this link so they can subscribe
• Get your local business listed in front of readers
• Send me a news tip or suggestion at ash.the.copyartist@gmail.com

Now you're in the loop and ready to start this Friday. See you all tomorrow morning for another update!

— Ash DeMello