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  • 🌊 Freeport Parks Get Major Funding, Great Neck Gets Chinese Tapas, & Garden City Tastes Mexico

🌊 Freeport Parks Get Major Funding, Great Neck Gets Chinese Tapas, & Garden City Tastes Mexico

LIRR Riders Face Price Jump in 2026. Food Festival Spices Up Columbus Day Weekend.

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Hello Nassau! Let’s Talk What’s New & What’s Next
Happy Wednesday! We’ve got your daily roundup of what’s happening across Nassau County—spotlighting good news, great food, and can’t-miss community events. Let’s dive in to see what’s making waves today.

Fun Fact Spotlight: One of the Earliest Mills 🪵
Did you know Glen Cove’s Musketa Cove Plantation Grist Mill was built in 1677, making it one of the earliest mills in the region? 

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— Janine, Sue, Via, Mo, and Nick

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

Today’s Edition: 
🌿Freeport's Parks Getting a Fresh New Look
šŸŒ¶ļø Spicy Chinese Restaurant Hits Great Neck with Sharing-Style Plates
🌮 Tocolo Cantina — Modern Mexican, Bold & Sophisticated
šŸ—“ļø Upcoming Events and Things To Do!

🌿Freeport's Parks Getting a Fresh New Look

Big changes are coming to Freeport's favorite spots! Work has started at Cow Meadow Park and Guy Lombardo Marina, bringing fresh life to these local gems. The town's putting in new amenities that everyone's going to love.

What's new? They're adding fun playgrounds where kids can run wild, special areas for dogs to play, and fixing up the marina. They're also making sure water drains better, which means less puddles and mud on rainy days.

Photo by Village of Freeport

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

How 433 Investors Unlocked 400X Return Potential

Institutional investors back startups to unlock outsized returns. Regular investors have to wait. But not anymore. Thanks to regulatory updates, some companies are doing things differently.

Take Revolut. In 2016, 433 regular people invested an average of $2,730. Today? They got a 400X buyout offer from the company, as Revolut’s valuation increased 89,900% in the same timeframe.

Founded by a former Zillow exec, Pacaso’s co-ownership tech reshapes the $1.3T vacation home market. They’ve earned $110M+ in gross profit to date, including 41% YoY growth in 2024 alone. They even reserved the Nasdaq ticker PCSO.

The same institutional investors behind Uber, Venmo, and eBay backed Pacaso. And you can join them. But not for long. Pacaso’s investment opportunity ends September 18.

Paid advertisement for Pacaso’s Regulation A offering. Read the offering circular at invest.pacaso.com. Reserving a ticker symbol is not a guarantee that the company will go public. Listing on the NASDAQ is subject to approvals.

šŸŒ¶ļø Spicy Chinese Restaurant Hits Great Neck with Sharing-Style Plates

A new Chinese spot just opened in Great Neck, and it's bringing some serious heat to the neighborhood. Hunan Tapas opened its doors at 69 Middle Neck Road, mixing Chinese food with Spanish-style sharing plates. Owner Chi Zhang started this spot after his first success in Long Island City. His menu shows off the hot and spicy flavors of China's Hunan region, which is different from Sichuan food. Instead of numbing spiciness, you'll find fresh chilies and tasty pickled ingredients.

The place is great for both sit-down meals and quick lunch breaks, with easy-to-use kiosks for ordering. Zhang made sure to include different spice levels so everyone can enjoy the food, whether you're a spice lover or prefer things mild.

What if the solution to muscle spasms, bladder issues, fatigue, and brain fog…Was hiding in your water?

An estimated 75 percent of Americans are chronically dehydrated. The cause can be as simple as not drinking enough water, or from taking certain medications, and consequently, your cells are unable to function properly. 

NativePath’s Hydrate drink mix is made with 100% clean Ingredients, zero sugar, and high bioavailability. It includes essential minerals—like sodium, potassium, chloride, magnesium, and calcium—that are vital to many key functions in the body, along with Amino Acids to enhance muscle recovery and all 9 essential amino acids.

Restore Whole-Body Hydration with NativePath’s Hydrate.

NEWSBites

šŸ’° LIRR Riders Face Price Jump in 2026

Valley Stream commuters might need to dig deeper into their pockets as MTA plans a 4.4% fare increase for LIRR tickets. Local Mayor Edwin Fare says it unfairly burdens local riders. The change would affect subway and bus fares too.

🌮 Food Festival Spices Up Columbus Day Weekend

Get ready for tasty treats at Columbus Food Festival this October! Over 50 food vendors will set up at Genoa Park, bringing local flavors and a new farm-to-table section. With live music, beer tastings, and family fun, the event expects 20,000 hungry visitors. Mark your calendars and get ready to indulge!

šŸŒ¤ļø WeatherWatch

šŸŒ§ļø September 10
High: 68°F | Low: 59°F
šŸ’§ 59% chance — light rain with overcast skies

ā›… September 11
High: 80°F | Low: 59°F
šŸ’§ 4% chance — morning clouds, then clearing

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šŸ“Featured Restaurant

🌮 Tocolo Cantina — Modern Mexican, Bold & Sophisticated

Picture the vibrant colors of Mexico paired with the sleek feel of a California eatery — that’s our promise: refined Mexican cuisine served in a warm, inviting atmosphere. From flavorful tacos and shareable small plates to chef-inspired modern interpretations of traditional dishes, every bite is crafted with fresh ingredients and bold flavors. Pair your meal with the best margaritas and sangrias on Long Island, or explore our premium tequila and mezcal selection. Whether you’re here for a casual dinner or a festive celebration, Tocolo Cantina delivers an unforgettable dining experience.

šŸ“ 920 Old Country Rd, Garden City, NY 11530
Savor the celebration.

šŸŽ‰ 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! šŸ‘‡

šŸŽ”Fair Days & Fun Ways

What’s Happening This Weekend in Nassau County

Saturday, September 13th

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

SATURDAY MARKET – Weekly Market Stand by The Napolitano Family Farm
9:00 AM – 2:00 PM | Levittown, NY

Sunday, September 14th

Syosset Street Fair
šŸ“Œ Jackson Avenue & Underhill Boulevard
Syosset, NY | 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM

 Hicksville Street Fair
šŸ“Œ Nelson Avenue (alongside Newbridge Road)
Hicksville, NY | 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM

Scroll down and tap ā€œClick here to view all 516 Update eventsā€ to see all weekend fairs with more information.

Turn Uncertainty into Opportunity with BELAY

Budgets are shrinking. Teams are getting leaner. And the pressure to do more with less has never been greater.

Layoffs. Cost cuts. Uncertainty.
You’re feeling it — and so is your business.
But surviving a downturn isn’t about cutting corners. It’s about working smarter. 
With flexible, scalable support, you can maintain momentum and protect your budget — without committing to full-time hires.
That’s where BELAY comes in.
Our U.S.-based Executive Assistants, Accounting Professionals, and Marketing Assistants deliver the expertise you need — scaled exactly to fit your needs, your budget, and your future.
Because the truth is, when you’re stuck organizing your inbox or filing receipts, you’re losing more than time. 
You’re losing focus, energy, and strategic clarity.
And in a downturn, those aren’t luxuries; they’re survival skills.

The more you’re pulled into the weeds, the less you’re able to lead your business where it needs to go. Let BELAY help you do what matters most: lead boldly through uncertainty.

Stay lean. Stay focused. Stay ahead with BELAY.

šŸ“£ Civic & Social Happenings

Wednesday, September 10th

Tai Chi in the Gardens
šŸ“Œ Old Westbury Gardens
Old Westbury, NY | 10:30 AM

Govinda Disco Dhamaka Party 
šŸ“Œ New Hyde Park Inn
New Hyde Park, NY | 8:00 PM

Thursday, September 11th

Patriot Day at Long Island National Cemetery
šŸ“Œ Long Island National Cemetery
Farmingdale, NY | 9:30 AM

Sunset Paddleboarding and Kayaking
šŸ“Œ The WaterFront Center
Oyster Bay, NY | 5:00 PM

Scroll down and tap ā€œClick here to view all 516 Update eventsā€ to see all weekend fairs with more information.

Cleanfellas Lighting Service

Holiday Light Installation – Now Available Locally!

Brighten up your home or business this season without lifting a finger! Cleanfellas, known for their trusted exterior services, now offers professional holiday light installation — right here in our community.

āœ… Custom Design & Safe Installation
āœ… Hassle-Free Removal & Storage
āœ… Free Estimates

Whether you want cozy charm or wow-worthy sparkle, Cleanfellas will make your property shine bright all season long.

šŸŽ„ Space is limited — book early and enjoy a stress-free, stunning holiday display!

šŸŖ Own a Local Business? Let’s Spotlight You!
Whether you're a hometown favorite or the new shop on the block, we’d love to feature you in our newsletter.
šŸ“§ Email [email protected] to get listed and reach thousands in Nassau County.

šŸˆ Sports Events 

Thursday, September 11th

Rutgers Scarlet Knights Women’s
Volleyball vs. Saint Francis Cougars 
šŸ“Œ Jersey Mike’s Arena
Piscataway, NJ | 6:00 PM

Long Island Ducks vs. Lexington Legends 
šŸ“Œ Fairfield Properties Ballpark
Central Islip, NY | 6:35 PM

Friday, September 12th

Rutgers Scarlet Knights Women’s
Volleyball vs. New Hampshire Wildcats
šŸ“Œ Jersey Mike’s Arena
Piscataway, NJ | 6:00 PM

Long Island Ducks vs. York Revolution
šŸ“Œ Fairfield Properties Ballpark
Central Islip, NY | 6:35 PM

Scroll down and tap ā€œClick here to view all 516 Update eventsā€ to see all weekend fairs with more information.

šŸŽø Live Music

Wednesday, September 10th

Sunflowers & Sea Glass
šŸ“Œ The Saloon
Long Beach, NY | 7:00 PM

Thursday, September 11th

APB
šŸ“Œ My Father’s Place at The Roslyn
Roslyn, NY | 8:00 PM

The Bridge at Press 195
šŸ“Œ Press 195 Restaurant Group
Plainview, NY | 6:00 PM

šŸŽ‰ Got an Event? Let’s Get It Listed!
From live music to local sports, fairs to fundraisers—if it’s happening in Nassau, we want to share it with our readers!
šŸ‘‰ Submit your event here: [email protected]

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!