🌱 ER Closes Due To Vaccinated Nurse Shortage + Holiday Lights

Happy Wednesday, people of Merrick! Here's everything you need to know to start today off on an informed note, shall we? Here's everything going on in Merrick today.

A light show kicks off this week at Old Westbury Gardens. A Freeport man was arrested for having 10 license suspensions. An emergency room in Nassau closed due to a lack of vaccinated nurses.

First, today's weather:

Sunshine. High: 46 Low: 37.

Here are the top stories today in Merrick:

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. Alex Costello explains that County Executive-elect Bruce Blakeman will be keeping Nassau's top police officers, Police Commissioner Patrick Ryder and Sheriff James Dzurenda. He said he will also retain Health Commissioner Dr. Lawrence Eisenstein as head of the health department. (Patch)
3. 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)
4. 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)
5. 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)

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Today in Merrick:

• Pie Sale Pick Up, North Merrick UFSD.

Merrick 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)

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• Celebrate Thanksgiving With 15 Percent Off Floral Centerpieces (November 26)
• Free Private Screening of Operation Triple Take (November 30)
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Now you're in the loop and ready to head out the door on this Wednesday! See you all tomorrow for your next update. If you're liking these newsletters, consider inviting some of your friends and neighbors to read along. You can send them this link to subscribe.

— Jackie

Have a news tip or suggestion for an upcoming Merrick Daily? I'm all ears. You can reach me at Merrick@Patch.com.