🌱Fire Departments Warn About Scam + Wantagh Woman Killed By SUV

Good morning, neighbors! Ash DeMello here with your brand-new edition of the Merrick Daily.

First, today's weather:

Rain; colder in the afternoon. High: 44 Low: 23.

Here are the top five stories in Merrick today:

1. Tragedy struck in Massapequa on Tuesday when a Wantagh woman died after being hit by an SUV while crossing the street. The incident occurred at the intersection of Sunrise Highway at Broadway at about 10:50 AM. An investigation is ongoing. (Daily Voice)
2. Local libraries are speaking out against the state budget, reports Mallory Wilson. The new budget allows $14 million for library construction aid, which is $20 million less than the prior year. Hear grievances from Seaford and Levittown library staff over at liherald.
3. 'Karen' used to be just a name, but these days it connotes so much more. The 'Karen' meme inspired a Wantagh student's research, which was published in The Journal of Student Research. Learn what Jennifer Rosen discovered through her studies over at liherald.
4. Long Island fire departments issued an alert earlier this week regarding a donation scam. Many Nassau County residents received a mailer from the Volunteer Firefighter Alliance Inc. Farmingdale FD says the organization is not affiliated with any local fire departments. (Daily Voice)
5. Find out what's happening this weekend with a roundup from Merrick Patch! Highlights include a Polar Bear Splash benefiting the local Make-A-Wish chapter and a virtual discussion of Romare Bearden's art, hosted by Hofstra University.

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Today in Merrick:

• Tiny Tots: Snow - Jones Beach Energy & Nature Center invites the littles (ages 3-6) for a storytime, craft and snow-themed fun! $4. Registration required. (10:30 AM)
• African American Culture: Connecting the Community Through the Arts - Westbury Arts hosts an opening reception for the organization's Black History Month exhibition. Registration required. (7:00 PM - 9:00 PM)
• Talking about Literature - Join the Freeport Memorial Library in a discussion about Transcendent Kingdom by Yaa Gyasi. Register to attend in person or online. (Noon)
• Seal Walk @ Jones Beach Energy & Nature Center - Bring the family for an indoor/outdoor event featuring a walk and discussion about marine mammals. $4. Registration required. (2:30 PM)
• Hi Def @ K.J. Farrell's - Enjoy live music alongside a full menu. (Doors open at 5:00 PM, music starts at 6:30 PM)

From my notebook:

• Nassau County Police Department awarded Hector Nunez a posthumous promotion to Detective First Grade following his death due to COVID-19. See pictures of the occasion at Facebook.
• Town of Hempstead officials are officially unhappy with the latest state budget. Click the link to learn about their grievances.

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Events:

• Office & Home Furniture Liquidation Warehouse Sale (February 5)
• Long Beach Polar Bear Splash Benefiting Make-A-Wish (February 6)
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• Behind The Scoreboard – No Practice But Lots Of Shoveling Today (Details)
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Thanks for following along and staying informed. See you all tomorrow morning for another update!

— Ash DeMello