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🏫 Freeport Schools Strike Gold: $250.9M Budget Keeps Taxes Steady

Big news for Freeport families - more school resources without digging deeper into their pockets.

Freeport School District just pulled off something pretty special. They've put together a $250.9 million budget for 2025-26 that doesn't ask taxpayers for an extra penny. The best part? They're not cutting corners - they're actually adding teachers and fixing up buildings.

During a recent Board of Education meeting, Superintendent Dr. Kishore Kuncham shared some good news with parents and teachers. "We're keeping our promise to give kids great education without asking families to spend more," he said. The plan keeps all current programs running and even adds some new staff.

You might have spotted signs around town about school funding. That's because lots of parents and teachers have been talking about what this budget means for their kids. It's pretty rare these days to see a school district manage to improve things without raising taxes.

🌱 Earth Day Brings Money-Saving Green Gear to Long Beach

Long Beach is making it easier for everyone to go green this Earth Day. The city just rolled out its first online sale of composters and rain barrels, giving locals a chance to help the environment while saving some cash.

Starting April 22, you can order these eco-friendly items through the city's website. The star of the show is the Earth Machine compost bin, made from 50% recycled plastic. It's going for $65 - a sweet $35 off the usual price. You can pick up your orders from June 6-9 at the Sanitation Department on West Pine Street.

"These items are simple ways our residents can help the environment and save money," says Francis McQuade from the Environmental Advisory Board. The timing couldn't be better, as Earth Day events are popping up all over Nassau County.

🛍️ Burlington Expands on Long Island with New Stores

Burlington is growing bigger on Long Island! The store chain is opening two new locations and moving another one in 2025. With more people looking for good deals these days, Burlington sees a perfect chance to grow.

The first new store will open in Bay Shore at 1851 Sunrise Hwy, taking over the old Big Lots space. At 43,123 square feet, this store will give shoppers lots of room to find great deals. It's set to open in fall 2025.

In Islandia, Burlington is teaming up with Tractor Supply Co. at 1730 Veterans Memorial Hwy. This location will open in July 2025, bringing a mix of retail options to the area. The store will take up about 30,000 square feet of space.

Each new store will create between 65 and 75 jobs for local workers. The current Massapequa store isn't going away - it's just moving next door to a smaller spot in the same shopping center.

NEWSBites

Rock Concert Raises Big Bucks 🎸

SIBSPlace hit a high note at their "Rock for SIBS" benefit concert, collecting $20,000 for kids' mental health programs. Local bands Trainwreck and Something Like That kept the crowd going at Centre Station. Read More

Police Department Turns 100 👮

Nassau County's throwing a birthday bash for its police department with a parade in Wantagh. Come join the community in celebrating 100 years of NCPD service.

Bike Parade Coming to Baldwin! 🚲

Mark your calendars for May 10! Baldwin Park is hosting its third annual Community Bike Rodeo and Parade. The morning event brings neighbors together for fitness and fun in the sun.

🌤️ WeatherWatch

☁️ May 5th
High: 68°F | Low: 50°F 🌥️ Mostly cloudy skies

☀️ May 6th
High: 77°F | Low: 50°F 🌞 Mostly sunny and mild

☁️ May 7th
High: 75°F | Low: 61°F 🌫️ Cloudy with light breeze

🎉 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👇

Make sure to click here for a full list of events for the week!

💐 Celebrate Mom, Nassau-Style!
From brunches to flower shows, here’s where to make Mother’s Day unforgettable.

Friday, May 9, 2025

❤️ Mother’s Day Celebration!
12:00 PM – 7:00 PM
Estetiquette – Love & Heal Your Skin by Alexandra, Garden City
Open house with self-care, wellness gifts, refreshments, and a chance to win spa treatments.

Saturday, May 10, 2025

❤️ Mother’s Day High Tea Party
⏰12:00 PM
The Garden City Hotel, Garden City
Enjoy exquisite teas and treats in a refined setting. Celebrate Mother’s Day with elegance, live music, and vintage-inspired style.

Sunday, May 11, 2025

❤️ Mother’s Day brunch @ Sonny’s Canal House
12 PM
Sonny’s Canal House, Baldwin Harbor

❤️ Mother’s Day Brunch
12:00 PM - 5:00 PM
AG Steakhouse, Carle Place

🛍️ Eisenhower Park Mother's Day Vendor Fair
Saturday & Sunday, May 10–11, 2025
10:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Eisenhower Park, Field 8, East Meadow

🛍️ Broadway Commons Mall Mother's Day Vendor Fair
Friday–Sunday, May 9–11, 2025
Friday & Saturday: 11:00 AM – 8:00 PM; Sunday: 12:00 PM – 7:00 PM
Broadway Commons Mall, Hicksville

🎉 The Chocolate Expo, Long Island
Sunday, May 11, 2025, 10:00 AM
Hofstra University David S. Mack Sports Complex, Uniondale

Monday, May 5, 2025

🏆 22nd Annual Golf Outing
9:00 AM – 8:00 PM
Town of Oyster Bay Golf Course, Woodbury

🎉 Cinco de Mayo Celebration at Palmer's
5:00 PM – 10:00 PM
Palmer's American Grille, Farmingdale

Thursday, May 8

Tap Into Giving Fundraiser
12:00 PM - 10:00 PM
Tap Room, Massapequa Park

🎭 Elana Arian Concert & Cocktails
6:30 PM
Temple Beth-El of Great Neck, Great Neck

Friday, May 9, 2025

🎭 Gold Coast Forum: An Evening with Rachel Maddow
7:00 PM
Tilles Center for the Performing Arts, Brookville

Saturday, May 10, 2025

🏆 NSRF Comic Run 5K Long Island
9:00 AM
Eisenhower Park Field #2, East Meadow

🏆 May ACO Regional
1:30 PM – 8:00 PM
MaX Effort Baseball, East Farmingdale

Sunday, May 11, 2025

🏆 NSRF Yo Mama's So Fast 5K & Half Marathon
9:00 AM
North Woodmere Park, Woodmere

🏆 Chen Tai Chi Seminar with Sifu Kwong Cheuk
10:00 AM – 1:00 PM
ORTIZ Chinese Boxing Association, Great Neck

Wednesday, May 7, 2025

🎸 Baldoria LBNY
6:00 PM – 9:00 PM
Baldoria Long Beach, Long Beach

Thursday, May 8, 2025

🎸 Troy Ramey - Live in Port Washington
7:30 PM – 10:00 PM
Landmark on Main Street, Port Washington

Friday, May 9, 2025

🎸 Acoustic Duo back at Salute of Plainview
⏰6:00 PM – 9:00 PM
Salute at Plainview, Plainview

🎶 See more live shows near you.

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