🌱Valley Stream Man Dies In Crash + Local Students' Space Flight

Morning, neighbors! Ash DeMello here with today's edition of the Merrick Daily.

First, today's weather:

Breezy and mild with some sun. High: 56 Low: 32.

Here are the top five stories in Merrick today:

1. A Valley Stream man was killed on Thursday as the result of a head-on crash with a school bus. The incident occurred around 5:00 PM after witnesses say John A. Caputo, age 31, was driving sporadically on Sound Avenue in Riverhead when he exited his lane and hit a Riverhead Central School District Bus. Though Caputo was killed, only one of the two individuals on the bus suffered non-life-threatening injuries. (Rutherford Daily Voice)
2. Need a COVID test? Lincoln Diagnostic in Hicksville offers free PCR testing with results in just 24 to 48 hours. PCR tests are more accurate than COVID rapid tests, says the site manager. (LongIsland.com)
3. There 's a new spot to enjoy classic Tex-Mex favorites in the area. Ole's Fajitas opened in Wantagh recently, with an official Grand Opening celebration still to come. Head over to the location at 3357 Merrick Rd. for fast and delicious Mexican-inspired cuisine. (liherald)
4. A local nurse was among the most recent recipients of the DAISY Award. LIJ Valley Stream hospital nurse Jyothis Joy won the quarterly award, which recognizes extraordinary compassion in nursing. (Newsday; subscription required)
5. A project by Garden City Middle School students is heading to space! "How does microgravity affect the germination of a tomato seed," a question posed by seventh graders in the school, is set to be addressed later this year thanks to the National Center for Earth and Space Science Education's Student Spaceflight Experiments Program. (Newsday; subscription required)

Today in Merrick:

• South Shore Symphony - Enjoy a full orchestra performance of Beethoven’s Violin Concerto @ Madison Theatre at Molloy College, 1000 Hempstead Ave., Rockville Centre. Tickets start at $15. (7:30 PM)
• Vic Dibitetto - Fast-paced live comedy from "The Italian Hurricane" @ The Governor’s Comedy Club, 90 Division Ave., Levittown. $30; 16 and up. (7:00 PM and 9:30 PM)
• 4 Local Folk Rock Bands - Mr. Beery's in Bethpage hosts Josh Yavneh & The Culprits, Pete Mancini, The Belle Curves and Anne O'Rourke. $10 at the door; 21 and over. (8:30 PM)

From my notebook:

• Nassau Coliseum marked a big day Friday — its 50th anniversary! The landmark opened its doors on February 11, 1972, offering a home for a time to the Nets and Dr. J as well as the New York Islanders. (Twitter)
• Get ready for Oscar Season! It's Global Movie Day! What better way to celebrate than a visit to Cinema de Lux in Farmingdale or the quaint Bellmore Movies and Showplace.

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You're all caught up for today! I'll see you around.

— Ash DeMello