🌱Merrick Chef Named LI's Best + Carle Place Church Closes

Get on up, Merrick! It's Monday, so let's get you started with everything you need to know going on today in Merrick.

First, today's weather:

An afternoon snow shower. High: 33 Low: 25.

Here are the top five stories in Merrick today:

1. Police say a 7-year-old girl was shot in Hempstead on Saturday, March 26. The shot injured her arm, and she was taken to a local hospital for treatment. The incident is under investigation. (WABC-TV)
2. It's happening nationwide: Low attendance at church services is leading to closures of churches all over the country for many denominations. St. Mary's Episcopal Church in Carle Place is not immune to the phenomenon. The church held its final service Sunday, March 27 before shutting down due after 96 years in operation. The diocese will retain the property, according to a local church leader, but will use it for other purposes. (News 12 Bronx)
3. Need a new spot to get your hair trimmed? Cousin's Barber Shop opened up in Farmingdale last week after five years operating in Massapequa. (Patch)
4. A Nassau County chef was voted Long Island's best in a recent poll. Chef Stephen Rosenbluth of Anchor Down Seafood Bar & Grill in Merrick has worked at the establishment since 2014. Before becoming a chef, Rosenbluth worked as a fisherman in Montauk. Anchor Down was also recognized for having the best seafood on LI in that same poll. (Daily Voice)
5. "Home is where the heart is" is true often even after one moves on to greener pastures. A former Bellmore resident reflects on what she misses about the community after retiring and moving off-island in a reader essay featured in Newsday.

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Today in Merrick:

• Free Read Aloud - Book a session @ The Luxe Library: Bookstore & Lounge in Lawrence to promote literacy. Ideal for kids ages 3 years and up. (10:00 AM - 3:00 PM)
• A A [At the Library] - Freeport Memorial Library offers a support group for those struggling with alcohol use. (5:30 PM)
• Virtual Movie Trivia Night! Hosted by Dan French - Log on to test your knowledge as an individual or team. $7-$10 admission. (8:00 PM)

From my notebook:

• Did you make it to the Chocolate Expo Sunday, readers? Check a highlight from vendor @SideHustleBread via Instagram.
• Looking to lighten up your meals as spring sneaks in? Might be time to try an acai bowl at Playa Bowls Merrick.

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You're all caught up for today! I'll see you back in your inbox tomorrow with another update.

— Ash DeMello