Hello Nassau! Let’s Talk What’s New & What’s Next
An old East Rockaway bank now has a stage, giving Main Street a new reason for an evening out. We’re celebrating community support for Garden City’s children’s museum, checking dining offers and looking ahead to holiday lights. There’s also a closer look at Nassau’s proposed budget, career support and a small weekend selection for shopping, theatre, Halloween and fitness.
In today’s edition:
🎭 East Rockaway’s bank-to-theater transformation
🧒 Museum community giving, dining offers and holiday lights
💰 Nassau’s proposed budget and local career resources
🛍️ Long Beach artist shopping, a play, a Halloween ball and a 5K
— Janine, Mo and Nick
🎭 East Rockaway’s Old Bank Becomes a 90-Seat Theater
Image from the linked story.
A former bank at 40 Main Street has found a new purpose. Strongbox Theater has transformed the 1930 building into an intimate professional stage after a six-year conversion.
The room: About 90 seats, with modular seating and balconies.
The old vault: Kept as part of the bar and lounge.
Getting there: Roughly a six-minute walk from the East Rockaway LIRR station.
It is a new reason to spend an evening on Main Street. Buried Child is scheduled for October 30–November 15; check the current calendar and ticket availability before planning a visit.
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Around Nassau
🧒 More Than $800,000 Raised for Hands-On Learning
The Long Island Children’s Museum in Garden City raised more than $800,000 at its October 8 gala, with over 350 supporters attending.
The private fundraising supports educational programming, accessibility, inclusion and community outreach, including families who face barriers to visiting. It is a community-giving story, separate from government grant funding.
The source may require a subscription or sign-up to view the full article.
✨ Eisenhower Park’s Lights Festival Adds a Train Ride
LuminoCity returns to Eisenhower Park November 11–January 3, with four themed worlds and a new Lumi Express train ride.
Budget before booking: Admission starts at $29, or $22 for ages 4–12, before taxes and fees. Children 3 and under enter free. Some rides need separate add-on tickets; on-site parking is free.
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Local Updates & Useful Resources
🍽️ Port Washington’s Set-Price Dining Week
Port Washington Restaurant Week runs through October 25, offering special prix fixe lunches and dinners at participating local restaurants.
Check each menu’s price before reserving. Drinks and gratuity are extra, offers are dine-in only, and Saturday dinner specials may stop at 6 PM. Reserve directly with the restaurant.
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💰 Nassau’s $4.6B Budget Proposal Would Tap Nearly $44M in Reserves
Nassau’s proposed $4.6 billion budget for 2027 would use nearly $44 million from reserves to balance spending. It proposes no county property-tax increase and includes about three dozen additional police officers.
The plan also counts on $1.7 billion in sales-tax revenue, about $69 million more than this year. For residents, the key question is how recurring services will be paid for as savings help close the gap. This remains a proposal subject to legislative action and financial-oversight review.
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💼 Career Support for Nassau Job Seekers
The Workforce Partnership serves Glen Cove, Oyster Bay and North Hempstead, with career specialists who help residents identify transferable skills and build a job-search plan.
Its site also directs residents to youth and veteran services. Contact a career center for current appointments and eligibility; this is an ongoing local resource.
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RESTAURANT SPOTLIGHT Besito Mexican • Roslyn Photo: Besito Mexican website. Besito’s Roslyn location offers Mexican dishes ranging from made-to-order guacamole to iron-skillet tacos. Make it a sit-down dinner, or check the Roslyn menu for takeout. A few menu highlights
Find it: 1516 Old Northern Boulevard, Roslyn Confirm current hours, menu prices and availability with the Roslyn location before visiting.
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What’s Happening in Nassau
October 23–25 • Four local picks for the days ahead.
⭐ Featured Event Halloween Ball — Down The Rabbit HoleSaturday, October 24 | |
 Event artwork: Sands Point Preserve Conservancy. | |
8–11 PM | Hempstead House, Sands Point Preserve, Sands Point Step into a twisted Wonderland for dinner, an open bar and dancing. Ages 21+; general admission $250 plus credit card fees. Costumes or cocktail attire requested.
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Festivals & Fairs
- Arts In The Plaza | Saturday, October 24
9 AM–2 PM | Kennedy Plaza, Long Beach
Browse handcrafted jewelry, photography, fine art and unique gifts made by local artists. Details →
Music & Shows
- The Elephant Man | October 24–25
Saturday 7:30 PM; Sunday 2:30 PM | Elmont Memorial Library Theatre, 700 Hempstead Turnpike, Elmont
See Plaza Theatrical’s drama inspired by John Merrick’s life. Recommended for ages 10+; children under 4 are not admitted. Details →
Sports & Fitness
- Outrun The Stigma 5K Run/walk | Saturday, October 24
9:15 AM; kids’ run 8:45 AM | Front Street & Park Boulevard, Massapequa Park
Run or walk through Massapequa Preserve while supporting mental health initiatives for first responders. Bib pickup 8–8:45 AM; registration required. Rain or shine. Details →
More plans for October 19–25
Explore the full 516 Update weekly guide for more Nassau festivals, live music, comedy, sports and family outings.
| See the full weekly events guide → |
All times are local. Check organizer pages for tickets, fees, registration and schedule or weather updates.
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