🌱 Fire Destroys Lawson Street Home + Pakistani Bakery Opens In LI

Happy Monday, Merrick! Here are the most important things going on today in Merrick.

First, today's weather:

A shower in the p.m.; breezy. High: 52 Low: 45.

Here are the top five stories in Merrick today:

1. Fire engulfed a home in Hempstead on Saturday. Firefighters reported to Lawson Street where they were able to extinguish the flames and prevent the fire from spreading to neighboring properties, although an adjacent home's siding melted as a result of the heat. No injuries were reported and the cause has not yet been released. (WABC-TV)
2. A Pakistani bakery chain opened its first US shop in Westbury. Layers Bakeshop unlocked its doors on Old Country Road to the carb-hungry public earlier this month. Hurry over to the location for halal cakes, brownies and cake cups. (Newsday, subscription required)
3. Head over to April's edition of the Long Island Press to read a profile of a Valley Stream CEO who explains the supply chain shortages that are plaguing the nation and other shipping topics on Fox Business News. Salvatore J. Stile runs Alba Wheels Up International, a company that brings products from overseas to local retailers. During his guest appearances on Fox Business News and other programs, Stile tries to make complex issues easily comprehensible to busy viewers.
4. The Freeport Village Board is set to vote on rezoning parcels for development. The Cleveland Avenue ballfield, the former Moxey Rigby housing property and a former manufacturing site at 84 Albany Ave. are all under consideration. The incoming project is a warehouse. (Newsday, subscription required)
5. Are you a first-time homebuyer? The Town of Hempstead wants to help you navigate the complexities of making what will likely be one of the biggest purchases of your life. Click over to a Newsflash from the Town of Hempstead regarding a series of seminars on the topic, running from Wednesday, April 27 through Saturday, June 11, at various locations throughout the area. Registration is required.

Today in Merrick:

• Cinderella @ Elmont Memorial Library Theatre - Watch a fast-paced musical production of a classic tale. $15. (11 a.m.)
• Freeport-Hempstead Toastmasters Club - Public speaking can be less intimidating with some help from friends and experts. (7 p.m.)
• Open Studio @ Painting With a Twist in Baldwin - Work independently on a painting of your choice. Beer and wine are available for purchase. $37-$44. Reservation required. (7 p.m. - 9 p.m.)

More from our sponsors — thanks for supporting local news!

Events:

• FREE WEBINAR | Renaissancing Renoir (April 19)
• Earth Day Celebration! (April 23)
• Curbside Food Drive (April 23)
• Labyrinth Walk for Earth Day (April 24)
• Add your event

Announcements:

• Legacy Wood FloorsLLC (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

Alrighty, you're all good for today! I'll be in your inbox tomorrow with your next update.

— Ash DeMello