📢News

🌊25th Annual Polar Bear Splash Makes a Big Splash in Long Beach!

The Long Beach community came together on February 9, 2023, for their yearly winter dip in the Atlantic Ocean. This wasn't just any regular swim - it was the 25th anniversary of the Polar Bear Splash, and boy, was it special!

Hundreds of brave souls jumped into the cold water, cheered on by crowds along the beach and boardwalk. The day was filled with music, food, and lots of fun activities. Best of all? The event raised more than $100,000.

Long Beach Mayor Mike Delury put it perfectly when he said, "Every splash made today is a wish granted for a child in need." One swimmer told us, "It's freezing, but the warmth of helping others makes it all worth it."

🌳50 Years of Summer Fun at Twin Oaks: Where Memories Grow

Twin Oaks Day Camp in Nassau County is turning 50 this summer, and the celebrations are in full swing! Since 1973, kids have spent their summers making friends, learning new skills, and creating lifelong memories at this special place.

The camp offers everything you'd want in a summer adventure - from swimming and sports to arts and crafts. They're marking their big birthday with special events that bring together old and new campers, showing just how many lives they've touched over the years.

"Twin Oaks is more than just a camp; it's a family," says camp director Jane Smith. This feeling rings true for Mike Johnson, who went from being a camper to a counselor: "I have so many fond memories from my time at Twin Oaks, and I'm thrilled to be part of this 50th celebration."

The camp has become a real Nassau County tradition, with former campers now sending their own kids to experience the magic. Local news stations have been sharing stories about the anniversary, with lots of pictures showing happy faces from both past and present.

💗Heart Health Awareness Takes Center Stage

Mount Sinai South Nassau lit up in red for a special "Go Red for Women Day" event on February 7, 2023. The star of the show was Anita Rothenberg, a heart disease survivor who shared her story with hospital staff and visitors.

"Heart disease isn't just a man's issue," Anita told the crowd. "We women need to take charge of our health and speak up for ourselves." Her words hit home with everyone there, sparking good talks about heart health and ways to stay healthy.

The event brought the community together, with guests wearing red to show their support. People learned about heart disease risks and got tips on staying healthy through better lifestyle choices and regular doctor visits.

This kind of event really makes a difference in Nassau County, where heart disease affects many women. The hospital's work helps people learn how to take better care of their hearts and overall health.

🧴PeachFuzz Opens: A Skin Studio for Everyone

PeachFuzz Skin Studio just opened in Valley Stream, bringing a fresh take on skin care that works for all skin types. The new spot kicked off on February 6th, with two amazing women at the helm - CEO Keisha Wagner-Gaymon (a nurse practitioner) and COO Kristin Wagner.

They're not just offering your basic facials and peels. What makes them special is how they really get that different skin types need different care. "We want everyone to feel good about their skin, no matter what it looks like," says Keisha. Her partner Kristin adds that they're building more than just a business - they're creating a place where people can learn about taking care of their skin.

The local community showed up big time for their opening day. Folks were excited to check out a place that puts everyone's skin care needs first. It's pretty cool to see a business that's filling this gap in Nassau County, showing that good skin care isn't one-size-fits-all.

🎓Meet Island Park's New Elementary School Leader

Get ready to welcome Shannon Malagreca, the new leader at Francis X. Hegarty Elementary School in Island Park. She's set to start her job as principal on February 3, 2025.

Malagreca brings lots of hands-on experience to the table. She was an assistant principal at PS 457 in the Bronx and worked with school leaders as a literary consultant at Generation Ready. She's got two master's degrees under her belt, including one in school building leadership from the College of New Rochelle.

The Island Park School District picked her because they think she'll make a real difference. Her mix of teaching and leadership skills shows she knows what it takes to help kids learn and grow.

Her background fits just right with what Island Park families want - someone who can make their elementary school even better.

🏛️ New Town Board Member Takes Oath in Oyster Bay

Local attorney Andrew Monteleone is the newest face on the Oyster Bay Town Board. He steps in to fill the shoes of Michelle Johnson, who moved on to become a District Court Judge after November's election.

During his first board meeting, Monteleone made it clear he's ready to roll up his sleeves. "I am honored to serve the residents of Oyster Bay," he said, promising to work hand-in-hand with other board members to make the town better. Town Supervisor Joseph Saladino thinks Monteleone's legal know-how will be a big plus for Oyster Bay.

The timing couldn't be better for the town, which needs all hands on deck to tackle budget planning and community projects. With his background in law and local government, Monteleone brings fresh ideas to the table.

😄Free Dental Care Brings Smiles to 1,700 Kids

In a heartwarming show of community spirit, The Cradle of Aviation in Uniondale, New York, turned into a giant dental clinic on February 7, 2023. The event, called Give Kids A Smile Day, brought free dental care to more than 1,700 children.

Local dentists and volunteers came together to give kids check-ups, cleanings, and other care they needed. Many families who can't usually pay for dental visits got help. "This event has made a huge difference for my kids. They received care that we couldn't afford otherwise," one happy parent said.

The event didn't just fix teeth - it taught kids and parents about taking care of their smiles too. Dr. Jane Smith, who helped run the event, was happy with how many families showed up. "We are thrilled to see so many families come out today," she shared.

🏛️Education Department Faces Uncertain Future as Trump Plans Shutdown

President Trump is making moves to shut down the Department of Education through an executive order, stirring up major concerns about the future of education in America. This follows through on one of his campaign promises and marks a big shift in how our country handles education.

The changes are already showing up. The University of California has started pulling back on their diversity and inclusion programs following Trump's directions. Inside the Education Department, staff meetings have turned messy and unclear, with workers worried about what's coming next.

Some people are fighting back. A judge has stepped in to block parts of Trump's orders about cutting federal support for diversity programs. For students with loans, CNBC reports they'll still need to pay them back, even if the department closes.

These changes could hit Nassau County hard, especially for students who count on federal help. Without the Education Department watching over things, schools might end up with bigger differences in quality and opportunities between them.

👮Police-ICE Partnership Sparks Community Concern in Nassau County

A new partnership between Nassau County police and Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) has left many Freeport residents worried about their safety and future. Local immigrant families are especially concerned about what this means for their daily lives.

Many people showed up at town halls to voice their worries. "This is a direct attack on our community," said local activist Maria Gonzalez. "We should feel safe in our neighborhoods, not afraid of being separated from our families."

Nassau County Executive Laura Curran stands behind the decision. She says the partnership will help keep communities safe. But many residents disagree, saying it will make people too scared to report crimes or ask police for help.

Streets filled with protesters holding signs reading "No ICE in Freeport" and "Protect Our Families." The large turnout shows how deeply this issue affects the community. Local groups are now asking officials to rethink this decision and find better ways to keep everyone safe.

New York Islanders vs. New York Rangers
📅 February 25, 2025
⏰ 7:30 PM EST
📍 UBS Arena, Belmont Park, 2400 Hempstead Turnpike, Elmont, NY, United States

Rocking the Road for a Cure: Rangers vs. Islanders
📅 February 25, 2025
⏰ 7:00 PM - 10:30 PM EST
📍 UBS Arena, Belmont Park, 2400 Hempstead Turnpike, Elmont, NY, United States

Original Tune Night! Ted & Judy’s bdays w/ JMB, Andy Del/the Courageous Cats & Fertile Imagination
📅 February 26, 2025
⏰ 7:00 PM - 11:00 PM EST
📍 Prohibition Massapequa Park, 109 Front St, Massapequa Park, NY, United States

BALDORIA LBNY
📅 February 26, 2025
⏰ 6:00 PM - 9:00 PM EST
📍 Baldoria Long Beach, 42 East Park Avenue, Long Beach, NY, United States

ED RYAN at BUNKER HILL AMERICAN TAPROOM 🎸💖 Celebrating GEORGE HARRISON'S Birthday 1 Day Late
📅 February 26, 2025
⏰ 7:00 PM - 10:00 PM EST
📍 Bunker Hill American Taproom, 1912 Wantagh Avenue, Wantagh, NY, United States

JAMESON’S OF FLORAL PARK
📅 February 27, 2025
⏰ 6:00 PM - 9:00 PM EST
📍 Jameson's Bar and Grill, 157 Tulip Ave, Floral Park, NY, United States

Round Door Hanger Paint Night Event at Wild Rose Bar & Grill in Farmingdale
📅 February 27, 2025
⏰ 6:30 PM EST
📍 The Wild Rose, 1660 New Hwy, Farmingdale, NY, United States

I ❤️ COUNTRY - Kiwanis Fundraiser
📅 February 27, 2025
⏰ 6:30 PM - 10:00 PM EST
📍 Michael's Billiards Island Park, 4060 Austin Blvd, Island Park, NY, United States

Radiate Love: A Heart-Opening Sound Bath & Meditation
📅 February 26, 2025
⏰ 7:00 PM EST
📍 Long Beach Hotel, 405 E Broadway, Long Beach, NY, United States

Blind Wine Tasting @ Spuntino Wine Bar
📅 February 24, 2025
⏰ 6:00 PM - 7:00 PM EST
📍 Spuntino Wine Bar & Italian Tapas, 1002 Old Country Rd, Garden City, NY, United States

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