🌱RVC Cheese Merchant Celebrates 5 Years + Pinkalicious In Elmont

Morning, Merrick! Let's get this day started. Here's everything you need to know today in town.

First, today's weather:

Rain, then snow, up to 1 inch. High: 46 Low: 23.

Here are the top stories in Merrick today:

1. Looking for five-star Mexican dining? A new seafood restaurant is getting rave reviews after opening about three months ago. Head to Frida's Mexican Grill for house-made guacamole and chips and décor inspired by the iconic artist Frida Kahlo. (Daily Voice)
2. Here's more foodie news for you: Rockville Centre's Village Cheese Merchant is celebrating its fifth anniversary. Learn how the shop's owner kept agile through the pandemic in order to stay in business and plans for the future over at Patch.
3. Nassau County residents are seeing coyotes in some neighborhoods, especially on the North Shore. Experts say the animals aren't "villains," but precautionary measures are in order. Residents can avoid attracting unwanted visitors by not leaving pets or pet food outside. Find out more at NBC New York.
4. An Oceanside smoke shop robbery on March 6 left one employee in the hospital after being shot by a suspect. Now police have released new information about the duo responsible for the crime and are asking the community's assistance in identification. See pictures and read descriptions at the Daily Voice.
5. A third woman has accused a former Hempstead Village police officer of rape and assault, reports John Asbury of Newsday (subscription required). The accused — Jack Guevrekian, 50, of Kings Park — was placed on administrative duty back in 2020, although no criminal charges have been filed by the Nassau County DA.

Today in Merrick:

• Hicks Nurseries' 32nd Annual Flower & Garden Show - Get inspired for Spring with seven diverse display gardens to explore in Westbury through March 27. Free. (8 a.m. - 6 p.m.)
• Stop Throwing Out Pollutants (S.T.O.P.) Program - Do you have a storage area cluttered with old paint cans, antifreeze and other toxic chemicals that you don't know how to dispose of? The Town of Hempstead invites you to Eisenhower Park, Parking Field 3, for a safe disposal event! (8 a.m. - 3 p.m.)
• Plaza Theatrical Productions Presents Pinkalicious - Elmont Library Theater hosts a kid-friendly performance. (11 a.m. - noon)
• Shilelagh Law - Celebrate New York Irish culture with live music from a local band at Mulcahy's in Wantagh. $20 at the door. (Doors open at 7 p.m.; show starts at 9 p.m.)

More from our sponsors — thanks for supporting local news!

Events:

• Office Chair & Office Furniture Liquidation Sale CT & NJ 2 Days (March 12)
• Saint Patrick's Family Day Irish Stew Community Lunch! (FREE) (March 13)
• Beating the Odds, The Al Rosen Story Film Screening (March 14)
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Announcements:

• Living with someone with Memory Issues? Paid remote study for both (Details)
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Loving the Merrick Daily? Here are all the ways you can get more involved:

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That's it for today. See you all tomorrow morning for another update!

— Ash DeMello