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From the halls of Franklin Square schools to the streets of Glen Cove, our communities are buzzing with significant changes and inspiring initiatives.
516 Update
February 14, 2025
Good Day Nassau County Readers!
Welcome to this week’s edition of 516 Update, where we bring you the latest updates on local events, community efforts, and initiatives that make a difference in our neighborhoods.
Read on to catch up on these impactful events and stay connected with your community!
— Janine, Mo and Nick
In today’s edition:
📢 New York school districts may soon be able to opt out of the state's zero-emission school bus mandate due to proposed bill addressing financial concerns, with electric buses costing $400,000 compared to $130,000 for diesel buses
🎖️The Tribute and Honor Foundation celebrated veterans' contributions to Glen Cove and North Shore communities at their annual Awards Ceremony at The Crescent Beach Club in Bayville
🍽️ Sea Cliff residents John Canning and Lisa Spina join North Shore Soup Kitchen board to help provide meals to those in need in Glen Cove area
📵 Governor Hochul proposes comprehensive smartphone ban in New York public schools as part of 2026 budget, aiming to create distraction-free learning environments during school hours
🤖Franklin Square School District implements innovative AI-powered reading program using voice-detection technology across three elementary schools to help students improve reading skills
📢News
🚌 New York School Districts May Skip Electric Bus Switch
Courtesy Metro Creative
A new bill in New York is giving school districts hope for their budget worries. The bill would let them skip the state's plan to make all school buses electric by 2027 for new purchases and by 2035 for all buses.
The push comes from Assemblyman Robert Smullen, who says schools just aren't ready for this change. The numbers tell the story - an electric bus costs about $400,000, while a regular diesel bus is only $130,000.
The total cost for schools could hit between $8 billion and $15.25 billion. That's not even counting the money needed for charging stations and other setup costs. Rural schools are worried they won't be able to pay for these changes.
"Just let everything catch up when the time is ready," says Smullen. The bill has strong backing from Republican lawmakers who want to give schools more time and options.
🎖️Veterans Awards Ceremony Unites Local Heroes
On Feb. 1, the Tribute and Honor Foundation celebrated the contributions of veterans with its annual Awards Ceremony at The Crescent Beach Club in Bayville.
Elisa Dragotto/Herald photos
The Tribute and Honor Foundation brought together the Glen Cove and North Shore communities on February 1st, 2023, for a special night celebrating local veterans. The gathering took place at The Crescent Beach Club in Bayville, New York, where both veterans and their supporters came together to share stories and recognize outstanding service.
The night shone a light on people who've gone above and beyond to help service members in the area. The Herald, one of the event's sponsors, was there to catch all the special moments of the evening.
These kinds of get-togethers do more than just hand out awards - they bring people closer together. When neighbors take time to thank veterans face-to-face, it creates real connections that last. It helps younger folks understand why supporting veterans matters so much.
The ceremony showed how much Nassau County cares about its veterans. By coming together like this, the community makes sure that those who served know they're not forgotten and that their contributions still make a difference today.
🥄 Local Leaders Step Up to Feed Their Community
John Canning and Lisa Spina, not pictured, of Sea Cliff have been named to the board of the North Shore Soup Kitchen in Glen Cove.
Will Sheeline/Herald
Sea Cliff neighbors John Canning and Lisa Spina are bringing their talents to the North Shore Soup Kitchen (NSSK) board. The Glen Cove-based group helps feed local families who need a hand putting food on the table.
This comes at a time when many families are finding it harder to make ends meet. More people in the area are looking for help with meals, and NSSK wants to make sure they can meet this growing need.
The new board members will help NSSK work better with local businesses and other groups that want to help. While they haven't made any public statements yet, the board is happy to have them join the team.
The kitchen's work means a lot to Nassau County families who are struggling with rising food costs. With Canning and Spina on board, NSSK hopes to reach even more people who could use their help.
📱School Phone Ban: New York Takes on Digital Distractions
Gov. Kathy Hochul unveiled a proposal for eliminating smartphone use in New York’s schools as part of her fiscal budget next year.
Herald file photo
Governor Kathy Hochul wants to make New York schools phone-free zones. Her new plan would keep smartphones out of classrooms, lunch rooms, and study halls across the state.
The big news came on October 15, 2023, when Hochul shared her vision for helping kids focus better at school. "We need to give every child the chance to learn without getting sidetracked," she said during her announcement.
In Nassau County, the proposal is sparking debate. In Baldwin, Garden City, and other local districts, some teachers and parents see it as a step toward better focus and learning 📚, while others worry about staying connected with their children during school hours.
Local school leaders say the policy could reshape classroom environments across Nassau County. News outlets are buzzing about whether this will be a game-changer or a challenge for students and teachers alike.
This isn’t just about Baldwin—it could change how all Nassau County schools handle phone use. What do you think? Should phones stay in lockers, or do they belong in class?
📚 AI Powers Up Reading Skills in Franklin Square Schools
Matthew Serrao, a third-grader at Washington Street School, enjoyed some “independent” time in class using Amira AI to improve his reading skills.
Courtesy Franklin Square School District
The Franklin Square School District has started something big in 2023. They've brought AI into their three elementary schools to help kids become better readers. Think of it like having a friendly reading buddy who's always ready to help.
The AI works by listening to kids read out loud. It gives them quick tips about how to say words correctly and helps them understand what they're reading better. The best part? Each student can learn at their own speed, without feeling rushed or stressed.
Dr. Jennifer Smith, the district's superintendent, says this new tech helps students take control of their own learning. Teachers love it too - they say it's like having an extra helper in class who can work one-on-one with students.
The whole community is excited about this new way of teaching reading. If it works well, other schools might want to try it too. Parents and teachers are already seeing good results, with kids feeling more confident about their reading skills.
☔ Thursday | Feb 13 9° | 1° 💧96% | ⛅ Tuesday | Feb 18 -1° | -9° 💧0% |
Jurassic Quest - Uniondale, NY
📅February 16 – February 18, 2025
⏰1 AM – 8 AM AEDT
📍Nassau Coliseum, Uniondale, NY, United States
70's Soul Jam
📅 Friday, February 14, 2025
⏰12 PM AEDT
📍Flagstar at Westbury Music Fair, 960 Brush Hollow Rd, Westbury, NY, United States
Track 9 Duo at James & Main!
📅 February 14, 2025
⏰ 11:00 AM - 2:00 PM AEDT
📍 James & Main, 1 Main St, East Rockaway, NY, United States
Be Our Valentine - T-Bird & the Buzzards at Swing the Teapot on Valentine's Day!
📅 February 15, 2025
⏰ 12 PM AEDT
📍 Swing the Teapot, 6 Verbena Ave, Floral Park, NY, United States
DDB ❤️ Feb. 14 Still Partners Sea Cliff, NY
📅 Saturday, February 15, 2025
⏰ 12:30 PM AEDT
📍 Still Partners, 225 Sea Cliff Ave, Sea Cliff, NY, United States
Rock Away Valentine's
📅 Saturday, February 15, 2025
⏰ 1 PM AEDT
📍 UBS Arena, Belmont Park, 2400 Hempstead Turnpike, Elmont, NY, United States
Big-O Acoustic @ Park Place, New Hyde Park - Valentine’s Day
📅 February 15, 2025
⏰ 12:00 PM AEDT
📍 Park Place Restaurant & Bar, 1218 Jericho Turnpike, New Hyde Park, NY, United States
ED RYAN at LI McGRATH'S 💕🥂✨ Sings Love Songs for Valentine's Day Weekend
📅 February 15, 2025
⏰ 8:00 AM - 11:00 AM AEDT
📍 LI McGrath’s Pub & Grill, 217 Main Street, Farmingdale, NY, United States
Borrelli’s Tap Room
📅 February 15, 2025
⏰ 10:00 AM AEDT
📍 Borrelli’s Taproom, 912 W Beech St, Long Beach, NY, United States
Evan & James Live @ Salisbury Tavern
📅 February 15, 2025
⏰ 11:00 AM - 2:00 PM AEDT
📍 Salisbury Tavern Sports Bar and Grill, 850 Carman Ave, Westbury, NY, United States
Little River Band
📅 Sunday, February 16, 2025
⏰ 12 PM AEDT
📍Flagstar at Westbury Music Fair, 960 Brush Hollow Rd, Westbury, NY, United States
Zanti Misfits Valentines Day @ Charlottes Speakeasy
📅 February 15, 2025
⏰ 11:30 AM - 3:30 PM AEDT
📍 Charlotte's Speakeasy, 294 Main Street, Farmingdale, NY, United States
TASTE THE TASTY WAVE LOVE @ PROHIBITION! SAT., 2/15!
📅 February 16, 2025
⏰ 12 PM – 4 PM AEDT (4-hour duration)
📍 Prohibition Massapequa Park, 109 Front St, Massapequa Park, NY, United States
Streetfighter at DOX!
📅 February 16, 2025
⏰ 12 PM AEDT
📍 DOX, 10 Broadway, Island Park, NY, United States
Shahram Solati
📅 February 16,2025
⏰ 1:00 PM
📍 250 Post Ave Westbury, NY, United States, New York 11590
Weekend of Love! The Liverpool 2 Band
📅 February 16, 2025
⏰ 10:00 AM AEDT
📍 La Famiglia Pizzeria & Restaurant, 5 School St, Glen Cove, NY, United States
FAST TRACK is back at MEMORIES 2
📅 February 16, 2025
⏰ 12:30 PM - 3:30 PM AEDT
📍 Memories Bar & Grill, Williston Park, Mineola, NY, United States
ED RYAN at LI McGrath’s 💕✨🥂 Sings Love Songs for Valentine’s Day Weekend
📅 February 16, 2025
⏰ 8:00 AM - 11:00 AM AEDT
📍 LI McGrath’s Pub & Grill, 217 Main Street, Farmingdale, NY, United States
Hard Drive at Trotters Bar & Grill
📅 February 16, 2025
⏰ 12:00 PM AEDT
📍 Trotters Bar & Grill, 1050 Hempstead Turnpike, Franklin Square, NY, United States
Green Machine - Sunday “Funday”!!
📅 February 17, 2025
⏰ 7 AM AEDT
📍 Brixx & Barley, 152 W Park Ave, Long Beach, NY, United States
Renew Your Marriage Vows on Valentine's Day
📅 February 15, 2025
⏰ 3:00 AM AEDT
📍 Town of Oyster Bay, 54 Audrey Avenue, Oyster Bay, NY, United States
Karaoke Hooley for St. Patrick's Day Parade Grand Marshal Joseph McDonald
📅 February 16, 2025
⏰ 10 AM – 3 PM AEDT (5-hour duration)
📍 St. Rocco's Roman Catholic Church, 18 3rd Street, Glen Cove, NY, United States
You Don't Bring Me Flowers: A Tribute to Sinatra, Diamond & Streisand
📅 Saturday, February 15, 2025
⏰ 12 PM AEDT
📍 Flagstar at Westbury Music Fair, 960 Brush Hollow Rd, Westbury, NY, United States
Long Island Breakfast Club Show
📅 February 14, 2025
⏰ 7:30 AM AEDT
📍 Strong Island Television, 20 Broadway, Massapequa, NY, United States
Valentine's Dinner and Dance with Disco Unlimited at The Milleridge
📅 Saturday, February 15, 2025
⏰ 7 PM – 11 PM (Doors open at 6:30 PM)
📍The Milleridge Inn, 585 N Broadway, Jericho, NY, United States
Valentine's Day Dinner and Dance with Disco Unlimited at The Coral House
📅 February 15, 2025
⏰ 11:30 AM AEDT
📍 Coral House, 70 Milburn Ave, Baldwin, NY, United States
"You Don't Bring Me Flowers" starring Robert Neary, Jill Gioia, and Sal "The Voice" Valentinetti
📅 February 15, 2025
⏰ 12 PM AEDT
📍 Flagstar at Westbury Music Fair, 960 Brush Hollow Rd, Westbury, NY, United States
DJ Swiftie - Taylor Dance Party
📅 February 15, 2025
⏰ 1 PM AEDT
📍 Mulcahy's Long Island, 3232 Railroad Ave, Wantagh, NY, United States
D'JOYS EVENT HALL & RWE Valentine's Day Dance
📅 February 15, 2025
⏰ 12 PM – 4 PM AEDT (4-hour duration)
📍 New Hyde Park, NY, United States
VALENTINE'S DAY W/ DEREK FLOREN @ CANCUN
📅 February 15, 2025
⏰ 1:00 PM AEDT
📍 Cancun Hicksville, 206 W Old Country Road, Hicksville, NY, United States
La Vie En Rose
📅 February 15, 2025
⏰ 1:00 PM - 7:00 PM AEDT
📍 The Sands Atlantic Beach, 1395 Beech St, Atlantic Beach, NY, United States
Valentine's Day Dinner at La Bussola Ristorante
📅 February 15, 2025
⏰ 8:00 AM AEDT
📍 La Bussola Ristorante, 40 School Street, Glen Cove, NY, United States
Murder and Mystery Valentine's Day Dinner & Show
📅 February 16, 2025
⏰ 10 AM – 1:30 PM AEDT (3 hr 30 min duration)
📍 Sapphire Yacht Charters, 11 Richmond St, Freeport, NY, United States
GALENTINE'S ON THE WATER 2025
📅 February 17, 2025
⏰ 4:00 AM - 8:00 AM AEDT
📍 Bayview On The Water, 395 Woodcleft Ave, Freeport, NY, United States
WEEKEND DATING SINGLE MINGLE VALENTINES DAY AT CANCUN LI
📅 February 15, 2025
⏰ 8 AM – 10 AM PST
📍 CancunLongIsland, 206 W Old Country Rd, Hicksville, NY, United States
THANKS!
Thanks for reading 516 Update! Stay tuned for the next edition!!
