Nassau County came together for an amazing day of celebration at Belmont Park Village's Lunar New Year event. The streets buzzed with joy as people from all walks of life joined in the festivities.

The celebration had something for everyone. Kids watched in wonder as lion dancers moved to beating drums, while food stands filled the air with sweet and savory aromas. Local performers shared traditional music and martial arts shows that kept everyone glued to their spots.

"This celebration brings our whole community together to share our cultures," said a member of the organizing team. The words rang true as families from different backgrounds chatted, laughed, and tried new foods together.

The event did more than just mark a new year - it brought Nassau County closer. Local shops got a boost, kids learned about different traditions, and neighbors became friends. Social media lit up with pictures of smiling faces and bright decorations, showing just how much fun everyone had.

The Holocaust Museum just rolled out something pretty special - a brand new podcast platform that brings Holocaust stories to life in a whole new way. Their timing couldn't be better, as we're losing more survivors each year, and their stories need to be heard.

What makes this really cool is how they're mixing personal stories with expert takes. The museum team has put together a mix of survivor interviews, historian chats, and deep dives into what these events mean for us today. You can listen to all of it online, anywhere, anytime.

"This podcast platform is not just about sharing stories; it's about creating a dialogue that resonates with today's audience," the museum's director shared at the launch. Big names like and were there to cover it.

This is especially meaningful for Nassau County folks and really, anyone who wants to learn about this crucial part of history. It's not just about remembering - it's about making sure these stories stay alive and reach people who might never get to visit the museum in person.

Big changes are coming to the Long Beach boardwalk! New York State just announced it's giving money to fix up several spots in Nassau County, and the boardwalk is getting a nice piece of the pie.

The plans include adding new features and making the current ones better. While we don't know all the details yet, these changes will make the boardwalk more fun for everyone who visits. The money is part of a bigger plan to make Long Island's beach areas better for both locals and tourists.

The improvements will help local shops and restaurants by bringing in more visitors. Plus, it'll give people more reasons to get outside and stay active. It's not just about making things look nice - it's about building a better place for everyone to enjoy.

The Town of Hempstead has officially broken ground on a brand-new multi-sport facility at Town Park, Point Lookout. The $8 million project will introduce two state-of-the-art artificial turf fields tailored for lacrosse, soccer, and field hockey, creating a premier space for local athletes to train and compete.

On January 30, Town Supervisor Don Clavin, the town board, and local officials launched the project, aiming for completion by mid-summer. The fields will feature an electronic scoreboard, lighting for night games, and a drainage system to enhance playability. Designed to accommodate all skill levels, from youth leagues to professionals, the facility is expected to benefit local leagues, tournament organizers, and the community. The town plans to recoup costs through sponsorships, field rentals, and strategic partnerships, ensuring long-term sustainability.

Supervisor Don Clavin emphasized the significance of this investment, stating, “This is a multi-million-dollar investment we are making in the town for our people and our kids. That is the most important investment we can make.” Echoing this sentiment, Tanner Sands, General Manager of the Long Island Rough Riders, added, “We share the vision that sports has a unique ability to bring people together and build community.” Former New York Jet Marty Lyons, now Senior VP at LandTek, the company leading the construction, reinforced the project's importance, stating, “We are investing in the future, and the best investment in the future is our kids.”

With its multi-sport adaptability and economic benefits, this new facility is set to become a cornerstone for local sports and community engagement in Nassau County.

Kids in Oyster Bay-East Norwich schools are reading better than ever. The local schools kicked off a new reading program, and the results are already showing good news.

The numbers tell a great story. In just one year, fewer kids are struggling with reading - down from 16% to 12%. Even better, more students are now reading at or above their grade level, jumping from 23% to 33%.

Principal Devra Small is happy with how things are going. "The work we're doing is paying off," she says. Teachers are getting extra training to help kids become strong readers.

The new program started in kindergarten and first grade at Theodore Roosevelt School and James H. Vernon School. It focuses on teaching kids the basics of reading and writing in a way that makes sense for their age.

This is good news for everyone in Oyster Bay-East Norwich. When kids read well early on, they do better in all their subjects. The schools plan to bring this program to older grades soon.

JUST HUSTLE WEDNESDAYS @ CANCUN LI
📅 February 19, 2025
⏰ 6:30 PM AEDT
📍 CancunLongIsland, Hicksville, NY, United States

Groovin Bacaro
📅 February 20, 2025
⏰ 6:00 PM - 9:00 PM AEDT
📍 Bacaro Italian Tavern, Massapequa Park, NY, United States

ED RYAN at The ATLAS in Roslyn Hotel
📅 February 19, 2025
⏰ 7:00 PM - 9:00 PM AEDT
📍 Atlas Roslyn, Roslyn, NY, United States

John Byrnes Trio @ Harmony Bar’s Original Music Showcase, hosted by Tom Reynolds
📅 February 19, 2025
⏰ 7:00 PM - 10:00 PM EST
📍 Harmony Bar, 685 N Newbridge Rd, Levittown, NY, United States

Boy Scouts Merit Badge Mini Camp
📅 February 18, 2025
⏰ 9:00 AM - 3:00 PM AEDT
📍 Cradle of Aviation Museum, Garden City, NY, United States

KIDS WORKSHOP: LEAVE YOUR SPARKLE EVERYWHERE YOU GO
📅 February 18, 2025
⏰ 2:00 PM AEDT
📍 Sea Cliff, NY, United States

Kerboomkidz Dance Fitness
📅 February 17, 2025 - February 20, 2025
⏰ 10:00 AM - 1:00 PM AEDT
📍 Kerboomkidz Dance Fitness, Port Washington, NY, United States

Broadway Perspectives: A Concert Celebrating Diversity
📅 February 20, 2025
⏰ 7:00 PM EST
📍 Krasnoff Theater, Tilles Center, Brookville, NY, United States

Milla Nova Bridal Trunk Show
📅 February 20, 2025 - February 23, 2025
⏰ 10:00 AM - 7:00 PM AEDT
📍 Carle Place, NY, United States

Digitalis Planetarium
📅 February 20, 2025
⏰ 01:00 PM, 1:30 PM and 2:30 PM
📍 Long Island Children's Museum (LICM), Nassau County, NY, United State

Interstellar Cinderella
📅 February 18 - 20, 2025
⏰ 11:00 AM and 1:30 PM EST
📍 Long Island Children's Museum, 11 Davis Ave, Garden City, NY, United States

Jurassic Quest - Uniondale, NY
📅 February 15, 2025 - February 17, 2025
📍 Nassau Coliseum, Uniondale, NY, United States
⏰ Event runs daily

Thanks for reading 516 Update! Stay tuned for the next edition!!