Replanting Merrick Trees + Outdoor Pizza Gardens + Fatal Crash

Happy Monday, Merrick! Let's get this day started. Here's what's going on today in Merrick.

The Town of Hempstead is hoping a new program means no one will go hungry in the township this holiday season. Outdoor pizza gardens are all the rage: find out where they are. And two high school seniors are donating their time to grow trees in Merrick.

First, today's weather:

Mostly cloudy and breezy. High: 70 Low: 61.

Here are the top stories today in Merrick:

1. A new Irish pub opened in Wantagh this summer on Wantagh Ave. called The Irish Poet. Have you checked it out yet? (LongIsland.com)
2. A new initiative by the Town of Hempstead aims to make sure no one will go hungry this holiday season. The town authorized a $470k relief grant for Island Harvest Food Bank to establish a food distribution program for residents, including, senior citizens, veterans and other populations affected by the COVID-19 pandemic. (The Island Now)
3. John Asbury reports that early Sunday morning a Copiague man was killed in a car crash. Reny Cruz-Puente, 21, was driving a 2004 Honda Acura and drove off the road near Kenmore Road and struck a tree. (Subscription: Newsday)
4. Newsday rounds up a list of spots with a new trend: pizza gardens. Saverio's at 929 N. Broadway in Massapequa has a new Amalfi-themed outdoor space with artisanal Neapolitan pies. (Subscription: Newsday)
5. Jordan Vallone talks to two JFK students who started a nonprofit to help replant trees around Bellmore and Merrick. Christopher Prainito and James LaSalle founded Students Giving Trees. (LI Herald)

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You're officially in the loop for today. I'll catch up with you bright and early tomorrow morning with a new update! If you're into 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 Merrick Daily? I'm all ears. You can reach me at Merrick@Patch.com.