🌱Nassau Apps For Subsidies Up 40% + New N. Bellmore Coffee Shop

Happy Monday, neighbors! Let's get you all caught up to start today off on an informed note.

First, today's weather:

Mostly sunny, breezy and cold. High: 27 Low: 18.

Here are the top five stories in Merrick today:

1. Demand for social services has increased in the area after pandemic aid ended, Rachelle Blidner reports. When unemployment provisions stopped for many on September 5, a key program reported a 40% jump in applications for Nassau County. Click over to Newsday (subscription required) to read how the demand for food, rent and utilities subsidies are in hot demand these days.
2. There's a new spot in the area to caffeinate these days: Buzz'd Express Coffee opened in North Bellmore recently. The drive-thru-only shop offers signature brewed beverages as well as food items. It's the third Buzz'd location on Long Island. (LongIsland.com)
3. A Hewlett-based nonprofit serving older adults continues to flourish despite COVID-19-related challenges over the past few years, Jeff Bessen reports. Center for Adult Life Enrichment (CALE) offers day trips, classes, live music and more for its members. Poor weather and the pandemic pose obstacles, but staff has learned to adapt, switching to online events when necessary and maintaining strict protocols to help folks stay healthy when they attend in person. Learn more about the organization at liherald.
4. A suspect is at large following a Mineola bank robbery on Saturday. Police say that a man passed a note to the teller at the Citi Bank at 250 Old Country Road around noon that day and made off with an undisclosed amount of money. Click over to the article to get a description of the robber. (Daily Voice)
5. What's in store for the week ahead weather-wise? Find out at the weekly forecast from Merrick Patch.

From our sponsor:

Today's Merrick Daily is brought to you in part by Newrez, a leading nationwide mortgage lender. Make a smart move for your future and refinance with Newrez today. Call 844-979-1707 to connect with a Newrez loan officer. Newrez, LLC (NMLS #3013)

Today in Merrick:

• Adult coloring - The Freeport Memorial Library hosts a relaxing session with coloring pages and colored pencils provided. Registration required. (10:30 AM - 11:30 AM)
• NY Project Hope COVID Team - A team of professionals will be on hand to speak with individuals in crisis due to COVID-19. (11:00 AM - 1:00 PM)
• D'Antonio Jazz Series: Paul Joseph Quartet - The East Meadow Public Library hosts a chance to hear live music in person or via Zoom. Registration required. (7:00 PM)

From my notebook:

• Vaxxmobile schedule: Click over to the Town of Hempstead's site to find out where to get your booster this week.
• Looking for some winter reading ideas? Check out North Merrick Public Library's Black History Month reading list, with titles available via Overdrive. (Facebook)

More from our sponsors — thanks for supporting local news!

Featured businesses:

• Miller Home Technologies — (Visit website)
• Add your business here

Events:

• FREE WEBINAR | “Building St. Peter’s” (February 15)
• Add your event

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

Now you're in the loop and ready to start this Monday. I'll be back in your inbox tomorrow morning with a new update!

— Ash DeMello