Jack O'Lanterns + Merrick Grad Aims For WWE

Good morning, neighbors! It's me again, your host of the Merrick Daily.

A favorite fall event comes back next week, with thousands of jack o'lanterns to see. A job fair next month will bring dozens of Long Island employers. A community rallies against a woman who was once not expected to live past her first year. Check your car seat safety in Wantagh. And read about a Merrick graduate who's trying to make it as a pro wrestler.

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First, today's weather:

Partly cloudy throughout the day. High: 82 Low: 67.

Here are the top stories today in Merrick:

1. News 12 Long Island previews a favorite annual fall event: the Great Jack O'Lantern Blaze returns to Old Bethpage Village next Wednesday. There will be over 7,000 hand carved Jack o' lanterns, with an accompanying music and light show. (News 12)
2. News 12 also visits a nearby car parade for a woman who was once not expected to live past ten months old. The Massapequa Fire Department and neighbors drove by Jessica Venditto's home to show support for the 26-year-old. She was born with pulmonary atresia, a rare heart defect, and has undergone five heart surgeries. (News 12)
3. Alex Costello previews a major job fair hosted by the Town of Oyster Bay on Oct. 12, with employers from across Long Island. It will be at the Town Ice Skating Rink, 1001 Stewart Ave. in Bethpage, free and it runs from 10 a.m. until 2 p.m. (Patch)
4. Jerry Barmash tells parents how they can make sure their car seat is installed correctly. On Sept. 28. members of the Nassau County Police Department will assist in the free program at Wantagh Park from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Reservations are required. (Patch)
5. Jordan Vallone talks to a Calhoun graduate who is trying to become a professional wrestler. 20-year-old Jaden Foster or "Jaden Valo" will be putting on a show on Sept. 19 in Deer Park. (LI Herald)

Today in Merrick:

• Bellmore-based Long Island Crisis Center will hold its annual fundraiser, Making Moves for Suicide Prevention, from Sept. 17 to 19. The virtual run, walk, and cycling event will use the racing app JustMove to log miles and raise funds: longislandcrisiscenter.org.

Merrick Patch Notebook

• Nassau County Police Department announced the loss of Police Officer Charles C. Vroom IV, who died this week from complications of COVID-19 sustained in the line of duty. (Facebook)
• Merrick Library opens signups for children's programs including BenAnna Band, STEM Club, A Time for Kids and a Fall Tree Craft. (Facebook)

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Now you're in the loop and ready to head out the door on this Saturday! I'll see you around. If you're into these newsletters, consider bringing some friends and neighbors along for the ride. You can send them this link to subscribe.

— Jackie

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