🌱Fingers Poised For 363 Area Code + Nassau Freezes Tax Assessing

Happy Tuesday, Merrick! Let's get you all caught up on what's happening locally to start today off on an informed note.

First, today's weather:

Clouds giving way to some sun. High: 44 Low: 21.

Here are the top five stories today in Merrick:

1. It's no secret that home prices have surged in recent months. Former Nassau County official Laura Curran responded by freezing the values on which homes are taxed before she left office to make way for Bruce Blakeman as County Exec. The freeze will extend through the 2023-24 tax year. (The Real Deal)
2. Tax season is upon us! The Town of Hempstead announced the continuation of contactless payment options to help make paying your taxes just a little easier. This year, you can pay online or via the drive-through booths at tax offices. The township also announced extended hours to help you get your paperwork in before the deadline.
3. There are some new queens in town: J&L Dream Productions, Inc., crowned Jessica Fuentes from Massapequa as Miss Long Island Teen 2022 and Nadgeena Jerome from Baldwin as Miss Long Island 2022. The women will go on to compete in the Miss USA/Miss Teen USA programs. (Long Island Press)
4. Looking for a new furry member of the family? Get a glimpse of local pets who need homes over at the Merrick Patch.
5. Find out who's hiring in the Merrick area with a list of job openings at the Merrick Patch. Sales and customer service positions abound!

Last week, we told you about our new favorite non-alcoholic go-to — the refreshingly bitter drinks from our partners at Betera. They’re chef-created from natural botanicals, lightly effervescent and worthy of life beyond “Dry January.” We mentioned that their Ginger-Orange was excellent; we’ve since tried Elderflower-Lime and loved it as well — light and floral with the perfect amount of zing. We're converts.

Enough of you took Betera up on their 15% discount on first orders for Patch Daily readers that they’ve extended the offer for another week. Use PATCH15 at checkout. Highly recommended — try Betera here.

Today in Merrick:

• Click, Clack, What? - Kids ages 2-4 (plus their grownups!) are invited to the Freeport Memorial Library for a farm-themed storytime. Registration required. (10:00 AM)
• 2Casa Tuesdays - Oulala Café and Lounge in Lynbrook hosts special deals on tacos and margaritas all night, plus first 22 ladies to enter receive a free Casamingo shot. 21 and over. No cover. (5:00 PM - midnight)
• Family Game Night @ United Skates of America - Enjoy arcade and DJ games all evening in Seaford. $16. (5:30 PM - 7:30 PM)
• Colin Quinn @ The Beach House - Head to Long Beach to see SNL/Weekend Update alum. Tickets start at $50. (7:15 PM)
• Blocks & Brews - Bright Eye Beer Co. in Long Beach hosts a crafty evening with a flight of beer included! Learn how to create your own unique prints. $60. (7:30 PM)

From my notebook:

• Merrick Library showcases the Calhoun High School Robotics Club work session in preparation for its upcoming competition. Click over to Facebook to see the students at work!
• Get your fingers poised: There's soon to be a new area code for Nassau County — State of New York officials say new phone numbers will be assigned the 363 prefix in the near future. (Newsday; subscription required)

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Now you're in the loop and ready to start this Tuesday. I'll see you soon!

— Ash DeMello