🌱 ER Closing Sparks Opposition + Shimmering Solstice Show

Happy Wednesday, people of Five Towns! Here's everything happening in town today.

The ER closure in Long Beach due to a lack of vaccinated nurses is drawing protest. The woman hit by a van in Hempstead has now died of her injuries.

First, today's weather:

Abundant sunshine. High: 49 Low: 39.

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Here are the top stories today in Five Towns:

1. Freeport's Christopher Rodriguez, age 32, was arrested in Sagaponack Saturday for using a mobile device when Southampton Town Police learned he had more than 10 suspensions on his license. (Daily Voice)
2. NY Metro Parents checks out a family-friendly event. Shimmering Solstice runs through Jan. 9 at Old Westbury Gardens. The show is interactive and there's hot chocolate along the trail. (NY Metro Parents)
3. WIPX 11 looks at a Nassau emergency room that closed Monday due to a nurse shortage triggered by the COVID-19 vaccine mandate. The Long Beach Emergency Department, part of Mount Sinai South Nassau, will remain shuttered for at least four weeks. Nearby residents will be transported via ambulance to Mount Sinai in Oceanside. (WPIX 11 New York)
4. The woman hit by a van in Hempstead on Saturday has died from her injuries. Apolonia Montejos, age 81, of Hempstead was hit on Bennett Avenue. (Daily Voice)
5. In more news related to the Long Beach hospital closure, a rally opposing it was held Tuesday evening. Local Assemblywoman Melissa Miller (R-Atlantic Beach) told Patch the closure puts patients at risk. (Patch)

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Today in Five Towns:

• District Early Dismissal Drill, George W Hewlett High School.
• Alumni Day, George W Hewlett High School.
• Hewlett Elementary School Thanksgiving Day Parade Grades 2-5, Hewlett Woodmere School District, 1:45 p.m.

Five Towns Patch Notebook

• Nassau County Police Officers were selected to be the Flag Captains at the Islanders opening game to thank them for a recent rescue. (Facebook)
• Hewlett-Woodmere Public School's PPS newsletter for November is here. (Facebook)
• Hewlett-Woodmere Public Library will screen Jungle Cruise Sunday on a big screen. (Facebook)

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Now you're in the loop and ready to start this Wednesday off right. See you all tomorrow morning for another update! If you're liking these newsletters, consider inviting some of your friends and neighbors to follow along. You can send them this link to subscribe.

— Jackie

Have a news tip or suggestion for an upcoming Five Towns Daily? Contact me at FiveTowns@Patch.com.