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  • 🌊 Nassau's $284M Bank Deal + Record Breaking Fun For The Family!

🌊 Nassau's $284M Bank Deal + Record Breaking Fun For The Family!

A major banking merger. A record-breaking go-kart track. Upcoming street fair!

Welcome to this week’s edition of 516 Update—your go-to guide for everything happening across Nassau County.

From community highlights to weekend plans, we’ve rounded up what’s new, what’s fun, and what’s worth checking out around town.

Scroll down for local events, live music, family-friendly fairs, and more.

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— Janine, Sue, Mo, and Nick

Today’s Edition
🏦 ConnectOne's $284M Banking Deal Makes Waves in Nassau County
🥘 Afghan Food Company Brings New Flavors to Nassau County
🏎️ Local Go-Kart Track Makes History with Record-Breaking Design
🪩 Upcoming Events and Things To Do!
🐾 Paws & Whiskers Spotlight

🏦 $284M Banking Deal Makes Waves in Nassau County

ConnectOne Bank is joining forces with a Long Island bank in a big money move worth $284 million. This team-up will give Nassau County a whole new banking experience starting in 2024.

Photo by: CONNECTONE BANK

The New Jersey-based ConnectOne wants to grow bigger and do more for its customers. They're planning to mix their money smarts with local know-how to make banking better for everyone. The CEO says they're building something stronger for the whole community.

Local bank branches will start looking different soon. People are already talking about what's coming - from new signs to fresh services. Everyone's curious about what's changing at their local branch.

This is good news if you live in Nassau County. You might get better interest rates and more banking options to choose from. It's worth keeping an eye on these changes since they could make your banking life easier.

In Partnership With
Chhatpar Family Dentistry

Located in the heart of Massapequa, Chhatpar Family Dentistry offers compassionate, expert care for the whole family. Whether it’s a routine cleaning, whitening, or more advanced treatment, Dr. Chhatpar and team are here to keep your smile healthy and confident.

📍 1096 N Broadway, Massapequa, NY 11758
📞 Call today: 516-249-5525

New patients welcome — book your appointment now and experience dentistry that feels like family!

🦷 Healthy smiles start here! 

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

🥘 Afghan Food Company Brings New Flavors to Nassau County

A fresh taste of Afghanistan is coming to Hicksville, New York! Food distributor Aahu Barah just bought a new building for $5.15 million to grow their business on Long Island.

The company's CEO Ahmad Zahir couldn't be happier about bringing real Afghan food to more dinner tables. "We are excited to bring the rich and flavorful dishes of Afghanistan to your table!" he says.

🏎️ Local Go-Kart Track Makes History with Record-Breaking Design

Big news from Long Island! RPM Raceway in Farmingdale just made it into the record books. They now have the world's longest indoor go-kart track that goes up and down multiple levels. This isn't your average racing spot. The track twists and turns through the building, taking drivers on a wild ride that's unlike anything else around. It's perfect for anyone who wants to feel like a real race car driver.

Want to join the fun? They're throwing special events to celebrate their new world record. Bring your friends and family - there's nothing quite like competing for first place on a record-breaking track!

In Partnership with
Reviews To The Top

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] 

Subscriber Bonus: Mention 516 Update when you reach out and get a free trial with Reviews To The Top!

NEWSBites

🎪 Westbury Street Fair Makes Its Big Return

Mark your calendars for May 31! The Westbury Spring Street Fair is back on Post Avenue from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. This family-friendly event brings together food vendors, local artisans, music, and shopping. Just one block from the train station, it's easy to reach and promises new attractions alongside community favorites.

👩‍⚕️ Long Island Nurses Get Top Recognition

Mount Sinai South Nassau joins the elite group of Magnet hospitals, showing off the amazing work of Long Island's 12,000 nurses. This special award proves what we already knew - our local nurses are doing outstanding work in patient care.

🏃 Nassau Games Welcome 1,200 Athletes

Get ready for the 39th Games for the Physically Challenged, coming to Nassau County on May 30-31. Over 1,200 young athletes will show off their skills and determination. Mark your calendars to cheer them on at this awesome community event.

🌤️ WeatherWatch

⛈️ May 15th
High: 72°F | Low: 61°F
⛅ 50% chance — isolated thunderstorms, cloudy skies

🌧️ May 16th
High: 79°F | Low: 63°F
⛈️ 42% chance — thundershowers with overcast skies

⛅ May 17th
High: 79°F | Low: 63°F
🌤️ 39% chance — morning clouds, mild breeze

☀️ May 18th
High: 82°F | Low: 63°F
💨 3% chance — sunny with stronger winds

Please follow us on Instagram here! @516Update

🍴Featured Restaurant
Now Serving Nassau: Playa Bowls Opens in Oceanside

Photo by: Playa Bowls

A new spot for healthy and tasty treats has just opened at the Sands Shopping Center! Playa Bowls brings their beach-inspired menu to Oceanside, and people are already loving it.

The star of the show is their Tropical Playa Acai Bowl. Picture this: sweet acai topped with crunchy blueberry flax granola, fresh pineapple chunks, and a sprinkle of coconut flakes. It's like having a mini vacation in a bowl!

The place has such a fun, laid-back beach feel that makes you want to stay a while. They've got outdoor tables too, perfect for enjoying your bowl in the sunshine. Their focus on using good ingredients and being kind to the planet makes the food taste even better.

Want to see what's new? Follow them on Instagram for fresh updates and mouth-watering photos. Stop by soon - your taste buds will thank you!

🎉 WHAT’S HAPPENING THIS WEEK IN
NASSAU COUNTY

Looking for something fun, affordable, and local? From live music to family-friendly festivals, here’s what’s popping up around town this week👇

Fair Days & Fun Ways 
What’s Happening This Weekend in Nassau County

 Mineola Foodie Festival
Saturday & Sunday, May 17th –18th 4:00 PM – 9:00 PM
Wilson Park, Mineola

Fifth Annual Garden Days
Saturday–Sunday, May 17th –18th 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Old Westbury Gardens, Old Westbury

Wantagh Spring Festival
Saturday, May 17th 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Wantagh Station, Wantagh

Scroll up and tap “Explore the full list of events” to see all weekend fairs with more information.

🧠 Join the Conversation on Alzheimer’s
📍 May 15th | 1–2 PM
Life Enrichment Center, 45 E Main St, Oyster Bay, NY
📞 Call 800.272.3900 to register.
Light refreshments provided.

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Friday, May 16th

Art & Heritage: A Pop-Up Celebration of Long Island’s Cultures
5:30 PM – 8:30 PM
📍 Westbury Arts, Westbury 

Saturday, May 17th

Franklin Square Shred Event
10:00 AM – 1:00 PM
📍 Ridgewood Savings Bank, Franklin Square

Hope In Motion: A Walk for Youth Mental Health Awareness
9:00 AM – 1:00 PM
📍 Glen Cove High School, Glen Cove

Scroll up and tap “Explore the full list of events” to see all Civic and Social Happenings with more information.

Saturday, May 17th

3D Tournament Fundraiser
9:00 AM – 2:00 PM
📍 Ten Ring Archery LI, Levittown

Long Island Roller Rebels: Season Opener
7:00 PM – 9:00 PM
📍 Skate Safe America, Old Bethpage

Sunday, May 18th

Fords at the Park
10:00 AM – 2:00 PM
📍 Morgan Park, Glen Cove

Scroll up and tap “Explore the full list of events” to see all Sports Events with more information.

In Partnership
Two Bands - LIVE at Bayway Art Center

Feel the Magic of Queen & Journey – Live!
One night. Two unforgettable tribute performances.
Step into a night of pure rock nostalgia on May 16 at 7:30pm at the Bayway Arts Center.

Xtreme Queen delivers Freddie Mercury’s electric stage energy with immersive visuals and anthems like “Bohemian Rhapsody.”
Any Way You Want It revives Journey’s golden era, with pitch-perfect vocals and timeless classics like “Open Arms.”

🎟 Don’t miss out—tickets are moving fast.

Friday, May 16th

Evan & James Live @ The Snug
6:00 PM – 9:00 PM
📍 The Snug, Wantagh

Saturday, May 17th

Porchfeast – Sea Cliff
1:00 PM – 2:00 PM
📍 Sea Cliff, Glen Cove

Sunday, May 18th

Happy Trails: Classic Country Music
2:30 PM – 4:00 PM
📍 Freeport Memorial Library, Freeport

Scroll up and tap “Explore the full list of events” to see all Live Music Events with more information.

Valley Stream Cat Rescue  

From Cold Streets to Warm Laps
Thousands of stray cats in Valley Stream are waiting for someone like you.
At Valley Stream Cat Rescue, your compassion writes their happy ending.
🐾 Adopt a rescue cat.
🐾 Open your home as a foster.
🐾 Donate to save lives.

Give love. Get purrs. Be the difference.
https://www.valleystreamcatrescue.org/

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!