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  • 🌊 Magical Lantern Night, $7.9B Tourism Boom, & Pasta Perfection in Mineola

🌊 Magical Lantern Night, $7.9B Tourism Boom, & Pasta Perfection in Mineola

Shells to Reefs: Local Restaurants Save Sea Life. Children's Book Spreads Love and Support. New Hope for Veterans in Island Park

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Hello, Nassau—Let’s Talk What’s New & What Matters Most
It’s Friday, and as we step into the weekend, we take a moment to reflect, connect, and celebrate the stories shaping our community. From local triumphs to weekend happenings, here’s your Friday rundown—fresh from the heart of Nassau County.

Yesterday, we remembered.
September 11, 2001, changed our nation forever. Nearly 3,000 lives were lost—and countless others forever touched. On its anniversary, we honored the heroes, remembered the fallen, and stood in quiet unity with families and communities who still carry the weight of that day.

The passage of time does not dim the memory. 9/11 continues to remind us of our resilience, our compassion, and the unbreakable threads that bind us as Americans.

We will never forget.

If you find value in the 516 Update, please share it with a neighbor—your support means the world.

— Janine, Sue, Via, Mo, and Nick

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

Today’s Edition: 
🌟 Water Lanterns Paint the Sky: A Night of Magic
🏖️ Long Island Tourism Hits Record $7.9B
🍝 Pastaru Pastificio — Handmade Pasta, From Puglia With Love
🗓️ Upcoming Events and Things To Do!

🌟 Water Lanterns Paint the Sky: A Night of Magic

Get ready for a special night! The Water Lantern Festival is coming to East Meadow's Eisenhower Park on September 13, 2025, bringing light and joy to our community.

Starting at 3:30 PM, you'll find food trucks lining the paths and music filling the air. Kids and adults can join in games and hunt for treasures in a fun scavenger hunt. As night falls, everyone gets to make their own lantern and watch it float beautifully on the water. Your ticket includes you everything you need - a lantern kit, entry to all activities, and a nice gift pack. Don't worry about the environment - these lanterns are good for nature, and the team picks them all up afterward.

Photo by Going Local Long Island

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.

🏖️ Long Island Tourism Hits Record $7.9B

Money is flowing into Long Island like never before. Tourism spending reached $7.9 billion in 2024, showing a 3.8% jump from last year. This money isn't just sitting there - it's making a real difference in local communities.

The growth is creating jobs too. Nassau and Suffolk counties now support 78,418 tourism jobs, up from 76,227 in 2023. The best part? All this activity brought in $945 million in state and local taxes, which helps everyone who lives here. Big things are coming too. The Ryder Cup and 2026 U.S. Open are heading our way. Just the Ryder Cup alone should bring in about $150 million.

🏡 Open House This Weekend – Discover Twin Waterfront Gems!

762 Connecticut View Drive, Mill Neck, NY 11771

758 Connecticut View Drive, Mill Neck, NY 11771

Live the dream on Long Island’s Gold Coast with TWO stunning new-construction residences — both boasting breathtaking water views, Italian craftsmanship, and private beach access.

📍 758 & 762 Connecticut View Drive, Mill Neck, NY
🛏 4 Beds | 🛁 2.5–3 Baths | 📐 3,000–3,561 Total Sq. Ft. | 🚗 2-Car Attached Garages
🌊 Private beach access, water-facing decks, spa-inspired primary bathrooms, oversized family rooms with electric fireplaces, chef’s kitchens with islands and quartz counters, open floor plans, ENERGY STAR appliances & windows, and full walk-out basements.

⏰ Open House Times:
Saturday, Sept 13 – 2:00 PM to 4:30 PM
Sunday, Sept 14 – 1:00 PM to 3:00 PM

✨ Built by Pironi Homes — celebrating 50 years of craftsmanship and integrity
🏖 Steps from a private beach, and minutes to boutiques, marinas, golf courses & direct Manhattan train service

🔑 Join us for an exclusive showing — your future waterfront home awaits.

NEWSBites

🦪 Shells to Reefs: Local Restaurants Save Sea Life

North Hempstead restaurants are giving their used oyster shells a second life. The shells are being collected to rebuild Manhasset Bay reefs, with a goal to release 50,000 oysters this year. Each shell goes through a year-long process before becoming a new home for marine life.

📚 Children's Book Spreads Love and Support

A heartwarming book called "Love, Nana" hits shelves September 13. It tells the story of a Rockville Centre nonprofit that has provided over 1,000 baby bundles to families in need. The book aims to raise funds and awareness for their work helping local families. Be sure to pick up a copy to support this wonderful cause!

🏠 New Hope for Veterans in Island Park

The old Long Beach Motor Inn is getting a fresh start as veteran housing. The Tunnels to Towers Foundation got approval to build a new complex with modern features. The project will turn an empty eyesore into a supportive home for veterans returning to civilian life.

🌤️ WeatherWatch

🌤️ September 12
High: 77°F | Low: 63°F
💧 2% chance — sunshine fading into increasing clouds

⛈️ September 13
High: 76°F | Low: 63°F
💧 38% chance — cloudy with isolated late-day thunderstorms

🌥️ September 14
High: 76°F | Low: 63°F
💧 39% chance — mostly cloudy throughout the day

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🍴Featured Restaurant

🍝 Pastaru Pastificio — Handmade Pasta, From Puglia With Love

Picture ribbons of fresh pasta rolled by hand, rich sauces simmering slowly, and the comforting aroma of Italian cooking — that’s our promise: authentic flavors from Puglia, Italy, made fresh daily in the heart of Mineola. Founder Simone brings generations of family tradition to every dish, from classic pomodoro to decadent truffle cream. Whether you’re stopping by for takeout, picking up dinner for the family, or savoring a meal in our cozy space, Pastaru is a tribute to true Italian craftsmanship and hospitality.

📍 133 Mineola Blvd, Mineola, NY 11501
Taste tradition, one bite at a time.

🎉 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! 👇

🎡Fair Days & Fun Ways

What’s Happening This Weekend in Nassau County

Saturday, September 13th

Long Island Water Lantern Festival
📌 Eisenhower Park
East Meadow, NY | 3:30 PM

Sunday, September 14th

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

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

Scroll down and tap “Click here to view all 516 Update events” to see all weekend fairs with more information.

📣 Civic & Social Happenings

Friday, September 12th

Both Sides Now: The Music and Lives of Joni Mitchell and Leonard Cohen
📌 Jeanne Rimsky Theater
Port Washington, NY | 8:00 PM – 10:00 PM

Saturday, September 13th

Jack’s Run 5K Run/Walk for Autism Awareness
📌 Eisenhower Park – Field 2
East Meadow, NY | 8:00 AM

Sunday, September 14th

Girl Scouts Thin Mint Sprint 5K & 1-Mile Family Walk 
📌 Jones Beach State Park
Wantagh, NY | 8:30 AM

Scroll down and tap “Click here to view all 516 Update events” to see all weekend fairs with more information.

🏈 Sports Events 

Friday, September 12th

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

Saturday, September 13th

Long Island University Sharks vs. Sacred Heart Pioneers
📌 Bethpage Federal Credit Union Stadium
Old Westbury, NY | 12:00 PM

Sunday, September 14th

PARKING: New York Jets vs. Buffalo Bills
📌 MetLife Stadium Parking Lots
East Rutherford, NJ | 3:30 AM

Scroll down and tap “Click here to view all 516 Update events” to see all weekend fairs with more information.

Invest in recession-resilient Mobile Home Parks with Vintage Capital

Invest in recession-resilient Mobile Home Parks with Vintage Capital. Invest direct or in a fund of 20+ underlying assets. 1031s are also available. Access stable, income-generating properties with consistent demand and low tenant turnover.

Now is the time to act: Current market conditions are creating opportunities to acquire properties at attractive valuations.

Our fund targets a 15%-17% IRR and makes monthly distributions, which provides a steady income stream alongside strong upside potential and tax-efficient benefits.

Why Mobile Home Parks?

  • Recession-Resilient: Affordable housing demand drives stable returns in any economy

  • High Tenant Retention: The average MHP tenant stays 10-12 years (compared to 2-3 in Multifamily)

  • Proven Expertise: $100MM+ track record in mobile home park investments.

  • Tax-Smart Investing: Bonus depreciation offers tax advantages.

🎸 Live Music

Friday, September 12th

Night of Classic R&B:
Howard Hewett, Miki Howard & Lillo Thomas
📌 Flagstar at Westbury Music Fair
Jericho, NY | 7:00 PM

Saturday, September 13th

Hella Doubt (No Doubt / Gwen Stefani Tribute) & What’s in the Box (90’s Covers)
📌 South Shore Craft Brewery
Oceanside, NY | 7:00 PM

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!