🌱 'Safe Dates' + Man Punches Police Officer + Mel Brooks Calling

Hello, neighbors! I'm here with the Saturday copy of the Merrick Daily.

Nassau County is trying to educate young people about abusive relationships after the Gabby Petito case underscored the danger. A man punched a police officer in the face in Bellmore. And if you get a robocall from Mel Brooks, this is why.

First, today's weather:

Cooler with variable clouds. High: 60 Low: 48.

Here are the top stories today in Merrick:

1. Andrew Garcia looks at the first fundraiser by the Viki Sorrentino Foundation, founded by family of the late Victoria Sorrentino: a vocal and piano coach at the Parish of St. Barnabas the Apostle in North Bellmore. She died at age 47, and her family wants to help promote music education in her honor. (LI Herald)
2. News 12 Long Island checks on the race for Nassau District Attorney. Democrat Todd Kaminsky and Republican Anne Donnelly are trading accusations on TV and radio. (News 12)
3. CBS New York reports that Gabby Petito’s death prompted Nassau County to expand a "Safe Dates Initiative." The program teaches kids healthy versus abusive signs in relationships. (CBS New York)
4. The Daily Voice explains that a man was arrested after he punched a police officer in the face in Bellmore on Wednesday. Officers responded to Lakeview Road after receiving a report of a man punching and throwing bottles at cars. (Daily Voice)
5. The Daily News writes that comedic icon Mel Brooks has recorded a robocall for Nassau County District Attorney candidate Todd Kaminsky. The 95-year-old is Kaminsky's great uncle. (New York Daily News)

Today in Merrick:

• Homecoming Game, 2 p.m., Bellmore-Merrick Central School District.

Merrick Patch Notebook

• Isabelle Sivin, a sophomore at John F. Kennedy High School, will travel to Israel next summer as a member of the U.S. women’s u16 soccer team to compete at the 2022 Maccabi Games. Read her story. (LI Herald)

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Now you're in the loop and ready to start this Saturday. I'll be back in your inbox tomorrow morning with your next update! If you're enjoying 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? Reach out anytime to Merrick@Patch.com.