🌱W. Hempstead Baker Wins Big + Westbury Woman Chains Self To Tree

Happy Friday, neighbors! Here's everything you need to know about what's happening in town today.

First, today's weather:

Mostly sunny and milder. High: 65 Low: 48.

Here are the top five stories today in Merrick:

1. The NY Attorney General has condemned a Hempstead laundry due to unsafe conditions, Jacqueline Sweet reports. Workers from FDR Services Corp. claim they work in conditions that resemble a sweatshop for the business that cleans and delivers medical linens. The workers rallied on Wednesday in an event attended by NYAG Letitia James, who commented, "If we don't see the changes that are needed, we will not hesitate to take further action." (Patch)
2. A Bethpage man was arrested on the morning of Saturday, April 16, after he allegedly pilfered through cars with a machete in hand. The incidents occurred on Jupiter Lane, Hickory Lane and Mallard Road in Levittown. The man has been identified as Vincent Derosa, age 40. (Daily Voice)
3. A Westbury woman is passionate about defending a neighborhood tree. Denise Casareshas chained herself to the 80-year-old Ellison Avenue tree, slated for timber by village workers on Wednesday. Though the tree is healthy, a root is lifting the curb and impacting repaving efforts, village workers say. (News12)
4. Rising prices are evident in many industries, including hair care. MadMen Barbershop, with locations in Wantagh and Williston Park, is fighting the trend with $10 coupons heading out soon to 80,000 community members. With the coupon, a haircut at MadMen will cost what it did back in 2012 — just $15. (Patch)
5. Congrats to a West Hempstead baker who won big on the Food Network's Spring Baking Championship. Sydney Perry, who owns Sydney’s Sweets, earned $25,000 for her holiday-themed bakes. The second season of the show began airing on February 28 with six episodes. (liherald.com)

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Today in Merrick:

• A Year with Frog and Toad at the Showplace in Bellmore - Enjoy a special performance ideal for kids ages 2-8. $15. (11 a.m. - noon)
• Willing Hearts, Helpful Hands Caregiver Support Initiative - The Freeport Memorial Library offers a support group to help caregivers avoid burnout and get some 'me time.' Contact Maryellen Cantanno at 516-379-3274 or mcantanno@freeportlibrary.info for information on joining. (1:30 p.m.)
• Live Music with Mike Alessi - American Beauty Bar & Grill hosts a local performer. (7 p.m.)

More from our sponsors — thanks for supporting local news!

Events:

• Earth Day Celebration! (April 23)
• Curbside Food Drive (April 23)
• Orthodox Easter Midnight Vigil (April 23)
• Orthodox Easter Morning Service & Egg Hunt (April 24)
• Labyrinth Walk for Earth Day (April 24)
• National Hug A Plumber Day (April 25)
• For The Love Of Dine-LI: Small Business Market Fundraiser (April 30)
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Announcements:

• Behind The Scoreboard – Uglies Who Did Good (Details)
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For sale:

• BOAT SLIP FOR RENT SEAFORD NY 20”- under (Details)
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Now you're in the loop and ready to head out the door on this Friday. I'll see you around!

— Ash DeMello