A $1.61 million state award will support renovations to the playground at Kenny Memorial Park in the Village of Hempstead. The project is included in the state’s newly announced playground-funding round, which directs money toward building and improving places for children to play.

For local families, the award puts a familiar neighborhood park on the improvement list. This is funding for a planned renovation, not an announcement that construction is finished. The state’s announcement does not provide a project-specific opening date or construction schedule.

Source: Dormitory Authority of the State of New York
Read the playground funding announcement

Your next grocery run can double as a small act of neighborly help. The Town of Oyster Bay and the Massapequa Farmingdale Men’s Club have announced a collection drive beginning October 1 to replenish local food pantries.

Residents can donate new, unopened, sealed peanut butter at Town Halls North and South or the Town Ice Skating Center. Sun butter, almond butter, cookie butter and jelly are also accepted. Check the drop-off location’s hours before heading over, and keep donations in their original sealed packaging.

Source: Town of Oyster Bay
See the collection details

Planning a public arts event or community creative project? Nassau-based artists, groups and eligible nonprofits can apply to the Huntington Arts Council’s Community Impact Micro Grant program. Despite the organization’s name, the opportunity includes applicants in both Nassau and Suffolk counties.

The next listed deadline is November 6 at 5 p.m. Eligible expenses can include artist fees, materials, venue costs and promotion. Projects must meet the program’s public-access and timing requirements, including taking place after the corresponding award notification. Review the guidelines before building your budget.

Source: Huntington Arts Council
Review eligibility and application dates

Rain and strong winds didn’t keep Long Island’s 50-plus community from gathering at the 17th annual Over 50 Fair on September 27 at the Hilton Long Island/Huntington in Melville. Founded by East Hills resident Barbara Kaplan, the event brought seniors, Baby Boomers and their families together for education, resources and new connections.

According to the organizer’s post-event recap, the fair hosted more than 80 exhibitors and 27 classes, with topics ranging from Medicare and Social Security to reinvention after 50 and Scrabble strategies. Attendees also enjoyed live acoustic music, a singles lounge, hearing screenings and appearances by Ms. New York Senior America titleholders.

The fair supported Angela’s House, a local nonprofit helping families caring for medically fragile children. Guests contributed nonperishable food, new toys and financial donations in exchange for door-prize raffle tickets.

Source: Barbara Kaplan, Over 50 Fair post-event press release, October 2, 2026
Learn more about the Over 50 Fair