🌱Fiery Garden City Crash Ends With Arrest + Ukrainian Refugees Arrive

Up and at 'em, Merrick! Here's everything you need to know to get this Monday started off right. Here's everything happening today in Merrick.

First, today's weather:

Mostly sunny and warmer. High: 54 Low: 42.

Here are the top five stories today in Merrick:

1. A driver was arrested after a crash in Garden City on March 23. Police say the 19-year-old driver crashed into street bollards, trees and train tracks on Whitehall Boulevard. The individual was able to escape the wrecked vehicle before it burst into flames. Officers took the driver into custody after he was treated for minor injuries at the scene. (Patch)
2. Nassau County is welcoming its first Ukrainian refugees. Manhasset's Alex Golubenko brought his sister and his 10-year-old nephew from the war-torn country recently. The pair have guest visas, which only allow a six-month stay. Golubenko's brother-in-law stayed as part of the country's defense forces. (News 12 Bronx)
3. Möchtest du schnitzel? For those craving German eats, a Franklin Square restaurant was recently voted Long Island's best German restaurant. Plattduetsche Park won the honors in the Bethpage Best of Long Island poll. The venue also offers European beers on tap and viewing parties. (Daily Voice)
4. Read a rundown of thefts in Levittown during the week ending March 31. Among things stolen were an iPad and cash, taken from a car parked on Pinetree Lane, and AirPods snatched from a car parked in the LA Fitness parking lot in Hempstead. Good reminders not to leave valuables in the car! (Patch)
5. Hofstra University suspended a fraternity over 'misconduct' allegations. Watch a video about the issue on Newsday (subscription required).

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Today in Merrick:

• CSTL's Dinosaur! and Live Animals Exhibit - See animatronic prehistoric creatures and real live ones at one fun place with lots of hands-on activities. Kids $12; adults $15. (10 a.m. - 4 p.m.)
• Photo Skills: Editing on iPhone - Make the most of your device with help from the experts at the Apple Store in Manhasset (1900 Northern Boulevard). Follow the link to sign-up. (3 p.m. - 4 p.m.)
• Freeport-Hempstead Toastmasters Club - Freeport Memorial Library is the spot to polish your public speaking skills and gain poise. (7 p.m.)

From my notebook:

• Here's a reminder from Sunday’s guest curator, Merlin Douglass: Even if you don’t garden you might want to stop by the Baldwin Community Gardens, 1980 Grand Avenue. Although early in the season, visitors can wander through the grounds soaking in the small garden peacefulness and original art work. Later in the season the garden will be the site of a variety of community events.
• If you've got a case of the Mondays, consider a trip to @WhiskeyDownDiner in Farmingdale. They have some fun and boozy (and non-boozy) beverages to upgrade your evening. Take a look at the Rainbow Cookie Cold Brew cocktail on Instagram.

More from our sponsors — thanks for supporting local news!

Events:

• Can market volatility help you pursue your financial goals? (April 5)
• The Wellness Tour; Marci Baron Mindfulness and Meditation Event and Tasting (April 6)
• Yiddish Fight Club with Dr. Eddy Portnoy (April 6)
• Holy Land Hardball Film Screening (April 10)
• Celia Berk Sings: On My Way To You: Improbable Stories that Inspired an Unlikely Path (April 10)
• Add your event

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

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Now you're in the loop and ready to head out the door on this Monday. I'll see you back in your inbox tomorrow with a new update!

— Ash DeMello