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  • 🌊 $30M for Uniondale & Neighbors, $21.5M Road Fixes & Cafe Testarossa Magic

🌊 $30M for Uniondale & Neighbors, $21.5M Road Fixes & Cafe Testarossa Magic

Hero Dog Joins Nassau DA • $300M Health Boost • Beloved Seafood Spot Reopens in Seaford

Hello Nassau! Let’s Talk What’s New & What’s Next
 It’s Monday, and we’re kicking off the week with fresh updates, inspiring local stories, and events you won’t want to miss. From community wins to hidden gems worth exploring, here’s what’s happening across Nassau County today—and what’s coming up next.

Fun Fact Spotlight: The Hewlett–Munson–Williams House 🏡

Did you know that Elderfields Preserve is home to one of Long Island’s oldest surviving houses? Built around 1675, the Hewlett–Munson–Williams House has stood for nearly 350 years and now serves as both a historic landmark and an active art center for the community.

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— Janine, Sue, Via, Mo, and Nick

🎧 Prefer to Listen? Tune In On the Go
Driving, walking, or multitasking? Click to listen to this week’s episode.

Today’s Edition: 
💫 State Funding Brings Hope to Long Island Communities
🚗 South Shore Roads Get $21.5M Makeover
🍝 Taste Tradition at Cafe Testarossa
🗓️ Upcoming Events and Things To Do!

💫 State Funding Brings Hope to Long Island Communities

Big news for our local nonprofit groups! New York State is giving out $30 million to help organizations that make our neighborhoods better places to live.

The money will help groups in Uniondale and nearby towns like Freeport, Roosevelt, Baldwin, Hempstead, Lakeview, and West Hempstead. This funding will help local groups do more good work in health care, education, and community services.

Photo by: Mohammad Rafiq/Herald photos

If you’d like to sponsor 516 Update, please reach out at [email protected]

🚗 South Shore Roads Get $21.5M Makeover

Great news for people living on Long Island! Governor Hochul just gave the green light to put $21.5 million into making our South Shore roads better and safer.

Nassau County is getting $9.5 million to fix flooding problems at two spots that always give drivers headaches. The money will go to the Meadowbrook State Parkway at Merrick Road (Exit M9) and the Bay Parkway part of Wantagh State Parkway in Jones Beach State Park. The rest of the money will go to other road fixes across the South Shore.

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NEWSBites

🐕 Meet Samosa: The Four-Legged Hero at Nassau DA's Office

Nassau DA's office has a new team member - a therapy dog named Samosa. This special part golden retriever, part labrador retriever helps comfort crime victims during interviews and court proceedings. By being there for people during tough times, Samosa makes the legal process a bit easier for those who need it most.

💉 NY Health Care Gets $300M Boost

Governor Hochul is putting $300 million into New York's health care system. The money will help over 50 projects across the state, making medical care better and easier to get. This includes improvements to hospitals, mental health centers, and long-term care facilities.

🦞 Seafood Favorite Returns to Seaford

The White Whale is back after six years! This local favorite has opened its doors again with a fresh new look and menu full of seafood treats. The restaurant keeps its cozy feel while bringing new life to Seaford's dining scene.

In Partnership with

Helping local businesses (including service industries) in Nassau County grow fast and get more customers with 5-star reviews, seamless engagement, and stronger online visibility—all in one simple platform. Learn more at ReviewsToTheTop.com / email at [email protected] 

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🌤️ WeatherWatch

☁️ Monday, August 18
High: 78°F | Low: 66°F
🌥️ Cloudy and calm — the perfect day to slow down and savor your coffee.

☁️ Tuesday, August 19
High: 75°F | Low: 64°F
🌫️ Overcast vibes — sweater weather is knocking (but still picnic-approved!).

Please follow us on Instagram here! @516Update

🍴Featured Restaurant

🍝 Taste Tradition at Cafe Testarossa

In the heart of Syosset, Chef Billy crafts every dish like a love letter to Italy — hand-rolled pastas, slow-simmered sauces, and flavors that feel like home. For over three decades, generations have gathered here to celebrate life’s moments over meals made with passion and the finest ingredients.
Experience the warmth, flavor, and tradition that keep guests coming back.

📍 Cafe Testarossa — Where Syosset meets Sicily.
499 Jericho Turnpike, Syosset, NY 11791

🎉 WHAT’S HAPPENING THIS WEEK IN
NASSAU COUNTY

Sun’s out, vibes are high, and the week is packed with fun! From live tunes to street fairs and pop-up surprises, here’s what’s turning up the heat across Nassau — don’t miss it! 👇

🎡Fair Days & Fun Ways

What’s Happening This Weekend in Nassau County

Saturday, August 23rd

Seaford Farmers Market at Seaford Railroad Station 
7:00 AM – 12:00 PM | Seaford, NY

Farmers Market at Eisenhower Park 
9:00 AM – 1:00 PM | East Meadow, NY

Sunday, August 24th

Rockville Centre Farmers Market 
7:00 AM – 12:00 PM | Rockville Centre, NY

Volunteer at The Garden at St. Francis 
9:00 AM – 12:00 PM | North Bellmore, NY

Scroll down and tap “Click here to view all 516 Update events” to see all weekend fairs with more information.

📣 Civic & Social Happenings

Monday, August 18th

Parent Paddle 
10:00 AM | Glen Cove

Scroll down and tap “Click here to view all 516 Update events” to see all weekend fairs with more information.

🏡 Charming Levittown Cape with Fireplace, Detached Garage & Spacious Backyard

6 Farm Lane, Levittown, NY 11756
Charming Cape-style home with 3 bedrooms, 1 bath, and 1,230 sq ft of living space on a peaceful Levittown block. Enjoy a cozy living room, spacious den with fireplace, and a bright eat-in kitchen with a large front window. The meticulously landscaped front yard offers beautiful curb appeal, while the huge private backyard is perfect for entertaining, gardening, or relaxing. Bonus detached garage with office space ideal for remote work or hobbies. Featuring oil heat, public sewer, and well-maintained interiors, this estate sale is being sold as-is. A rare opportunity to own a classic Levittown gem—don’t miss out!

🏈 Sports Events 

Monday, August 18th

Infield and Hitting Clinic 
10:00 AM | Hempstead, NY

Tunnel to Towers National Golf Series Big Daddy Golf Classic & Gala 
📌 East Norwich Fire Department
10:00 AM – 11:00 AM | East Norwich, NY

Tuesday, August 19th

US Open Tennis Championships: Mixed Doubles – Day Session 
📌 Arthur Ashe Stadium
11:00 AM | Flushing, NY

Staten Island FerryHawks vs. Charleston Dirty Birds 
📌 SIUH Community Park
6:30 PM | Staten Island, NY

Scroll down and tap “Click here to view all 516 Update events” to see all weekend fairs with more information.

🎸 Live Music

Tuesday, August 19th

Gastbys on the Ocean  
6:30 PM – 9:30 PM | Point Lookout

Concert Series: An Evening of Country Music
📌 Andrew J. Parise Park
7:00 PM | Cedarhurst

The Men of Soul at the Hempstead Summer Concert Series 
📌 Mansfield Memorial Park a/k/a "Walker Park"
7:00 PM | Massapequa

In Partnership with 

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Thanks for reading this week’s 516 Update! We hope you found something to enjoy, explore, or share. Please share this with a friend or family member-we would really appreciate it!