🌱Free COVID Self-Tests + Aide Accused Of Killing Garden City Man

Good day, people of Mineola! Joanne Gallo here with the Thursday copy of the Mineola Daily.

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First, today's weather:

Mostly cloudy. High: 50, low: 45.

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Here are the top stories today in Mineola:

1. As COVID-19 rapid self-tests are in whirlwind demand and have sold out of most stores, Nassau County is distributing 20,000 at-home kits for free at a drive-thru event on Thursday, Dec. 30. Residents can receive up to three kits per car at Mitchel Field in Uniondale from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. on a first-come, first-served basis. (Mineola Patch)
2. An 83-year-old Garden City man died in his house, and the home health aide from Bay Shore who cared for him has been arrested for killing him, according to Nassau County police. Garden City police officers reportedly responded to a call around 9:30 p.m. Monday for an unconscious man at a home on Monroe Street. The man had a cut on his head and was pronounced dead a few minutes later by paramedics. After investigating, police arrested 63-year-old Gail Godwin in connection with the man's death. (Mineola Patch)
3. The FDNY has promoted 79 of its members, which was celebrated at a small ceremony on Tuesday without families and fellow firefighters due to the COVID-19 surge. Almost a third of the FDNY members moving up the ranks are from Long Island, including Daniel M. Garcia of Mineola, who was promoted from firefighter to lieutenant. (Newsday)

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Today in Mineola:

• New Year's Eve Observed: Village Offices will be closed a half day — Village of Mineola Public Meetings. (Noon)
• New Year's Eve Observed: Library is closed — Mineola Memorial Library. (All Day)

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From my notebook:

• Family & Children's Association - Garden City: "We can't do what we do without you! FCA serves more than 30,000 Long Islanders every year, from the toddlers in our co-op nursery to the seniors in our Ombudsman program. FCA staff simply would not be able to do the great work that they do if it weren't for donors like you and these generous organizations who recognize the power in giving back to the community. There is still time to help us reach our 2021 fundraising goal. Whether you can give $10 or $100, your money will make a difference in Long Island's legacy. Want to contribute? https://bit.ly/2NszmQo" (Facebook)
• Lutheran Counseling Center - Mineola: "Here's a look at an ingenious way to handle the winter blues! If you need help with real depression, call us at Lutheran Counseling Center! We have compassionate licensed counselors who can help!" (Facebook)

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Thanks for following along and staying informed! See you tomorrow for your next update.

— Joanne Gallo

About me: Joanne Gallo is a lifelong resident of Long Island and a writer/editor for 30+ years. After earning a B.A. in Journalism and an M.A. in Writing from NYU, Joanne edited and produced engaging, quality content for a diverse array of consumer publications, from the Johns Hopkins White Papers to Soap Opera Weekly. Raised in the nearby town of Roslyn, Joanne is happy to call Mineola her home for the past 7 years. She loves the arts, dining, gardening and all the natural beauty that Long Island has to offer.