🌱County Test Distribution + Malverne HS Against Lindner Place

Hey, Merrick! Here's everything you need to know to get this day started. These are the most important things going on around Merrick today.

First, today's weather:

Times of clouds and sun. High: 43 Low: 34.

Here are the top five stories in Merrick today:

1. Tens of thousands of locals are stocked and ready for testing after a COVID-19 Test Kit distribution push over the weekend. Nassau residents queued up at Tobay Beach and Eisenhower Park and received 160,000 at-home tests. The acquisition and distribution were a joint effort by Nassau University Medical Center, the NCPD and other County agencies and officials. (LongIsland.com)
2. Malverne High School students are lobbying for a change to a local street name. Lindner Place in Malverne was named after Paul Lindner, a village founder and bank owner. He was also a leader of the area's chapter of the Ku Klux Klan. Read about the students' efforts at CBS New York.
3. Many people would agree that crab is delicious, but now it can be sexy, too! Head over to the Daily Voice to learn about one of the area's newest restaurants, Sexy Crab. The eatery, located at 3345 Hempstead Turnpike in Levittown, is recognized for generous portions and fresh seafood.
4. Learn about the area's current hospital capacity at the Merrick Patch. Nassau University Medical Center reports that COVID patients occupy about 27.5 percent of inpatient beds. The institution is at 84.76 percent of capacity in total; over 98 percent of ICU beds are filled. Mercy Medical in Rockville Center is overcapacity, with around 113 percent of inpatient beds occupied.
5. Looking to scope out local real estate? Check out four open houses for the weekend in and around the Merrick area. Highlights include a beautiful Beach Drive family home complete with a swimming pool. For around half the price, you can find a similarly sized home in Freeport. (Merrick Patch)

From our sponsor:

Hey Merrick, are you looking to buy a house, refinance or just explore your options? Check out the new Patch Mortgage Center for all your home financing needs!

Today in Merrick:

• Zumba Gold for Adults [VIRTUAL] - Freeport Memorial Library offers a chance to log on for fun and fitness from home. (9:30 AM - 10:30 AM)
• Thirsty Thursday: Any Wood Workshop - AR Workshop Bellmore offers a chance to make a decorative plank project. BYO snacks and beverages! (6:30 PM - 9:30 PM)
• Virtual Movie & TV Trivia Nite - The Whaling Museum hosts a family-friendly chance to test your knowledge. Register to get the link. Free, donations recommended. (7:00 PM)

From my notebook:

• Merrick Bellmore Little League reminds families that there are just five days left to register for MBLL! Find out how at Facebook.
• North Merrick Public Library offers teens a chance to earn community service and help make their neighborhoods even better! Click the link to learn how to join the Community Clean-up Recycling Challenge. (Facebook)

More from our sponsors — thanks for supporting local news!

Events:

• "The Philadelphia SPHAs, The Life & Times of Basketball's Greatest Team" Book & Author (January 16)
• Add your event

Announcements:

• Whitmore's End-Year Media Blitz Features LI's Hospitality Clients (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

You're all caught up for today! See you all tomorrow for another update.

— Ash DeMello