🌱Mineola Dentists' 'Weapons Workshop' + Lotus Restaurant Fire

Happy Saturday, Merrick! Here are the most important things happening in Merrick today.

First, today's weather:

A snow shower in the p.m. High: 42 Low: 21.

Here are the top stories today in Merrick:

1. Nassau County Police busted a 62-year-old dentist in Mineola on Wednesday, Feb. 16. Dr. Paul Carey, who practiced dentistry for over 30 years, had 30 firearms in his home, plus thousands of rounds of ammunition and silencers. Among the collection were 18 'ghost' guns, which have no serial number and are considered untraceable. Police say Carey had an illegal weapons workshop in his basement. (WPIX 11 New York)
2. Are your fingers poised for the incoming Long Island area code? Zak Failla reports that the 363 prefix could go into effect as soon as Jan. 20, 2023. (Daily Voice)
3. Did Thursday's storm affect your household? Joe Lombardi reports that over 8,000 PSEG customers were without power as of 7:00 AM on Friday. Just 521 of the outages were reported in Nassau County. The storm system swept in with wind gusts as high as 60 MPH, affecting Suffolk County more severely than Nassau. (Daily Voice)
4. A longtime Farmingdale restaurant, Lotus, was damaged in a fire on Thursday morning. Owners of the Japanese-Chinese fusion say the damage may leave their doors closed to business for the next few months. (Newsday; subscription required)
5. Seaford schools are set to welcome two new faces in the next few weeks. Kate Nalepinski reports that Seaford Middle School is getting a new assistant principal, Jennifer Bisulca, who was formerly at Seaford High School. Anthony Murray is headed over from the Bethpage School District to fill the assistant principal position at Seaford High School. (liherald)

Today in Merrick:

• The Sweet Life (Family) - The Environmental Education and Resiliency Center at Hempstead Lake State Park invites the whole family to learn about making maple syrup! Free; reservations required. (1:30 PM - 3:00 PM)
• Harlem Globe Trotters - The UBS Arena in Elmont hosts the iconic team. Tickets start at $35. (2:00 PM)
• An Evening of Soul with The Gentlemen of Soul - Head to the African American Museum of Nassau County to hear a popular local trio and its band perform in a free concert in honor of Black History Month. (Doors open at 6:00 PM)

From my notebook:

• Need to brush-up your computer skills? North Merrick Public Library is offering a two-session Computer Basics Class. Click over to their Facebook page for details!
• Merrick Library reminds folks that it's time to register for children's programming in March. Tap the link to learn how to sign up for the fun, kid-friendly sessions! (Facebook)

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Events:

• Curbside Food Drive drop-off (February 19)
• Chili & Chicken Wings Festival! (February 20)
• Learn How To Reduce Your Risk For Heart Disease During American Heart Month (February 28)
• Get A ‘Taste Of Paradise’ During This Exclusive Event At Atlantis (February 28)
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You're officially in the loop for today! I'll see you back in your inbox tomorrow morning with a new update.

— Ash DeMello