🏡 Long Island Towns Make Top Family Living Spots

Nassau County is making waves as one of America's best spots for family life. The small town of Kensington just took second place nationwide for top family-friendly communities, right behind Chesterbrook, Pennsylvania.

The rankings come from Niche, who looked at over 18,000 towns across the country. They checked everything from how good the schools are to how safe the neighborhoods feel. Nassau County really showed up this year - they now have eleven towns in the top 100, up from seven last year.

Some standout spots include Syosset at #11, Jericho at #21, and East Williston at #30. These places are getting noticed for their great schools and strong sense of community. "Where you live shapes so many aspects of your life."

This is big news for Long Island. More families might start looking at these towns when deciding where to settle down. It's clear that Nassau County offers something special - good schools, safe streets, and neighborhoods where people look out for each other.

🏆Baldwin Girls' Basketball Claims Historic Third State Crown

The Baldwin girls' basketball team just wrote a new chapter in their history books. They beat their opponents 65-58 to grab their third state championship, and their first since 2018.

Senior captain Emily Thompson led the charge with 25 points, while junior Mia Rodriguez added 18 points and 7 assists. The team showed real heart throughout the tournament, proving they had what it takes to be champions.

"These girls have worked so hard all season," said Coach Sarah Johnson, beaming with pride. Thompson couldn't hide her excitement either: "Winning this title means everything to us."

This win means a lot to the Baldwin and Nassau County communities. Young players now have new local heroes to look up to, showing them that dreams come true with enough practice and teamwork. The town's getting ready to throw a parade to honor their champions.

🎭Long Island Nostalgia Fest: A Trip Down Memory Lane

Get ready for a fun blast from the past! The Long Island Nostalgia Fest is coming back to Mineola this July, and it's going to be bigger than ever. Picture this: classic cars shining in the sun, great music filling the air, and local artists showing off their cool creations.

This isn't just another street fair - it's a chance for everyone to share their favorite Long Island memories. Families can spend the day together checking out all sorts of neat displays and activities. The best part? You'll probably run into old friends and make some new ones too!

Local shops and artists will be there selling their work, which helps keep our community strong. Last year's event was a hit, and this summer's festival looks even better.

If you're looking for a fun day out that brings back good memories, mark your calendar for this special event. It's perfect for kids, parents, grandparents - really, anyone who loves Long Island and its history.

NEWSBites

Local Hospital Wins Top Safety Award 🏆
Long Island Jewish Valley Stream Hospital has won the 2025 Patient Safety Excellence Award. This puts them among the best hospitals in the country for keeping patients safe. The award shows their hard work in giving great care to the community.

Gabby Petito Foundation Fights Domestic Violence 💪
Nassau County marked what would've been Gabby Petito's 26th birthday with a powerful message against domestic violence. The foundation hosted a fundraiser at Miller's Ale House, with 20% of sales going to help victims. Her grandmother Mary Wickman pushed for new laws, saying "Stop asking 'Why didn't she leave?' Start asking 'Why didn't he stop?'"

DoorDash Brings More Groceries to Long Island 🛒
DoorDash is now delivering from 37 stores across Long Island, including King Kullen and Uncle Giuseppe's. They're making it extra sweet with 40% off grocery orders through March. Great news for locals who want their groceries brought right to their door.

Just Salad Brings Fresh Eats to Plainview 🥗
Just Salad opened a new spot in Plainview, NY, serving up fresh salads, wraps, and bowls. They're big on being green with a cool reusable bowl program – bring your bowl back and get a discount on your next meal.

Royal Dim Sum Steams Up Westbury 🥟
This new Westbury spot is making waves with real-deal dim sum. Must-tries include their Shrimp Har Gow and Pork Siu Mai. Their menu mixes old-school Chinese cooking with new twists - like their popular Truffle Chicken Dumplings.

Taglio Pizza Hits Massapequa Park 🍕
New Italian spot Taglio is turning heads with fancy pizzas and fresh pasta. Their Truffle Mushroom Pizza and house-made Pasta alla Vodka are big hits. They use local ingredients and make everything from scratch.

🌤️ WeatherWatch

🌧️ Mar 31
High: 68°F | Low: 50°F
💧 85%

Fair Days & Fun Ways 
Nassau County Week’s End Wonders

🏡 04/05 | Long Island Spring Home Show | Nassau Coliseum | Uniondale
Get inspired for your next home project with vendors, ideas, and renovations galore at this annual indoor expo.

🎲 04/05-04/06 | Long Island Tabletop Gaming Expo | Cradle of Aviation Museum | Garden City
Calling all gamers! Dive into a weekend of board games, RPGs, and card games at this lively and interactive event.

🎨 04/05 | Hauppauge Spring Craft Fair | Hauppauge High School | Hauppauge
Support local artisans and find handmade treasures at this craft fair with over 80 vendors under one roof.

🎣 04/05 | Belmont Lake Spring Family Fishing Festival | Belmont Lake State Park | West Babylon
Enjoy a day of free fishing, activities, and outdoor fun with the family—no license needed!

👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 04/06 | 14th Annual All Kids Fair | Hilton Long Island/Huntington | Melville
A kid-focused extravaganza with bounce houses, petting zoo, face painting, shows, and family-friendly exhibits.

🎤 04/03 | Joe Dombrowski at Governor's Comedy Club | Governor's Comedy Club | Levittown
Laugh the night away with Joe Dombrowski as he brings his sharp wit and hilarious storytelling to the Governor’s stage!

👩‍👩‍👧 04/04 | Bad Momz of Comedy – Special Event | Governor's Comedy Clubs | Levittown
Catch this hit comedy act for a night of nonstop laughs in the Giggle Room!

🎙️ 04/04 | Frankie Valli Tribute Night | Sergio’s Italian Restaurant | East Massapequa
Sing along to classics with Dominick Paradise as Frankie Valli & The Four Seasons—an unforgettable night of music and vibes! ***Family friendly

🤣 04/05 | Gabriel Iglesias: Don't Worry Be Fluffy | UBS Arena | Elmont
Laugh out loud with Gabriel Iglesias in this side-splitting comedy night packed with charm, wit, and Fluffy flair.

🦇 04/05 | Cemetery Cinema™ presents The Bat | Sparkle On Stage | Freeport
Enjoy a chilling night of horror mystery as The Bat returns to the screen—featuring a classic performance by Vincent Price!

📜 04/05 | Celebrate National Poetry Month | Bellmore Memorial Library | Bellmore
Join local poets, songwriters, and spoken word artists for an inspiring open mic event in honor of National Poetry Month! ***Family friendly

🎭 04/05 | The Show Must Go On! | Elmont Memorial Library | Elmont
A lively musical revue by Long Island Cabaret Theatre featuring 30 costumed performers and a live band—Broadway and pop classics await! ***Family friendly

🧩 04/01 | Pucks for Autism – NY Islanders Event | UBS Arena | Elmont
Autism Awareness Night on the ice—hockey, inclusion, and community spirit. ***Family friendly

⚡ 04/01 | New York Islanders vs. Tampa Bay Lightning | UBS Arena | Elmont
Islanders take on the Lightning in an electrifying NHL showdown. ***Family friendly

🏒 04/04 | New York Islanders vs. Minnesota Wild | UBS Arena | Elmont
Islanders vs. Wild—high-energy NHL action on home ice. ***Family friendly

🎱 04/05–04/06 | L.I. Billiards Elite Road Tour | Raxx Pool Room, Sports Bar & Grill | Garden City South
Competitive Fargo-rated 9-ball weekend—Scotch Doubles and Calcutta kicks off.

🥅 04/06 | New York Islanders vs. Washington Capitals | UBS Arena | Elmont
Islanders vs. Capitals—fast-paced face-off full of hockey excitement. ***Family friendly

🎧 04/05 | Louder Than Love (Freestyle Concert) | Flagstar at Westbury Music Fair | Westbury
High-energy freestyle concert with a star-studded lineup at a legendary venue.

🕺 04/05 | T80s Coming Out of Hibernation! | Plattduetsche Park | Franklin Square
Throwback ’80s night with Touch the 80s—retro tunes, dancing, and good vibes.

🌊 04/05 | The Chain – Debuts at EGP Land & Sea | EGP Land & Sea | Island Park
Fleetwood Mac & Stevie Nicks tribute with Rumours-era hits by the water.

🎸 04/05 | Radio Flashback rocks Nutty Irishman | The Nutty Irishman | Farmingdale
Ultimate ‘70s & ‘80s rock tribute—Radio Flashback brings the classics.

🎤 04/05 | Lead Singers of Classic Rock | Tilles Center for the Performing Arts | Brookville
Legendary rock voices live—classic anthems and powerhouse vocals.

🍻 04/05 | Gig at Centre Station | Centre Station | Rockville Centre
Kick back with great music, good drinks, and fun vibes courtesy of Old Dogs, New Tricks!

🍽️ 04/05 | Hohw at Swing The Teapot | Swing the Teapot | Floral Park
Cozy night with great food and live music from Hell or High Water Band.

🍸 04/05 | Hardknocks Rocks the Knight Owl Lounge | Knight Owl Lounge | Oceanside
Get ready for a night of great classic rock with HardKnocks NY at this lively local spot.

🌅 04/05 | The Breakfast Club Debuts at Sonny’s Canal House | Sonny’s Canal House | Baldwin Harbor
’80s New Wave and rock hits live at this scenic waterfront spot.

🍔 04/05 | Grooving The Rail | The 3rd Rail | Bellmore
Porch Groove brings live jams, tasty bites, and good vibes to this lively Irish pub.

🎷 04/05 | Joanne Shaw Taylor Live | Landmark on Main Street | Port Washington
Soulful vocals and bluesy guitar magic from Joanne Shaw Taylor.

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