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🎃 HALLOWEEN WEEK IN NASSAU
Good morning, Nassau.
For Nassau travelers taking the Van Wyck to JFK, new HOV lanes in Queens are open as part of the $1.4 billion project. We also have Oyster Bay preschool open houses, Long Beach dining and local Halloween plans.
In today’s edition:
📰 New JFK HOV lanes follow the $1.4B Van Wyck upgrade
📍 Thrift the Runway has opened in Bellmore
✨ Opening update: Hacienda Tulum is serving in Long Beach
🎃 Tonight’s costume activities and Saturday’s family skate
Janine, Mo and Nick
🚗 What the $1.4B Van Wyck Project Changes for JFK Trips
The Van Wyck Expressway near JFK, shown in NYSDOT’s project-completion photos. Photo: NYSDOT.
The Van Wyck Expressway’s new HOV lanes opened October 23, with mainline work substantially complete on the $1.4 billion upgrade. The project is in Queens, with a practical change for Nassau travelers using this route to JFK.
The lanes allow private cars, taxis and for-hire vehicles carrying a driver and at least one passenger, as well as buses. They run along the airport corridor between the Kew Gardens Interchange and JFK.
The wider project includes work on the Nassau Expressway bridge and bridges carrying the LIRR, as well as ramps and drainage. Nearby service-road work continues, so the entire project is not yet finished. Check 511NY for current conditions before leaving for the airport.
Source: New York State Governor’s Office.
Access note: Free official announcement; no account required to read.
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Around Nassau
🛍️ Thrift the Runway Opens a Bellmore Storefront
Dawn Gonzalez’s women’s resale business now has a storefront at 2717 Grand Avenue in Bellmore, alongside its online shop. The selection includes clothing, handbags, shoes and accessories.
Inventory changes as pieces sell. Check the shop’s current social updates for open days before making a trip.
Reporting: Long Island Wave. Shop details: Thrift the Runway (official page).
Access note: The article text and shop page are free to read. The article’s audio feature requires a free sign-in.
Local Updates & Useful Resources
🎒 Oyster Bay Preschool Open Houses Are Coming Up
Town of Oyster Bay residents with three- and four-year-olds can learn about the town’s preschool programs at two open houses: November 5, 6–8 PM, at Marjorie Post Community Park, 451 Unqua Road, Massapequa; and November 10, 6–8 PM, at Syosset-Woodbury Community Park, 7800 Jericho Turnpike, Woodbury.
Source: Town of Oyster Bay.
Access note: Free official notice; no account required to read.
🌤️ WeatherWatchNassau County, NY
Mostly sunny with a few passing clouds; clear overnight. Source: News 12 Weather, Nassau County selection.
On News 12, choose “Nassau County, NY” if another location appears. |
FEATURED RESTAURANT • OPENING UPDATE Now Open: Hacienda Tulum in Long Beach | |
 Photo: Hacienda Tulum, from its official restaurant gallery. | |
Hacienda Tulum opened October 15 at 180 Boardwalk in Long Beach. The oceanfront Mexican steakhouse has about 200 seats, with steaks, seafood and regional Mexican dishes. Its current menu includes oysters, duck with moles and masa dumplings with pistachio and pumpkin-seed pesto. Dining-room hours are 5–10 PM Thursday through Saturday and 4–9 PM Sunday. An attached parking garage has elevator access to the restaurant. Check the restaurant’s website for reservations and current hours. Original reporting: Greater Long Island. Current menu and hours: Hacienda Tulum (official pages).
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What’s Happening in Nassau
October 29–November 1 • Halloween week: three local picks for the days ahead.
FEATURED HALLOWEEN EVENT Zombie Makeup WorkshopThursday, October 29 | |
6:30–7:30 PM | Levittown Public Library, 1 Bluegrass Lane, Levittown Special-effects makeup for grades 6–12. Registration and library card required. Latex will be used.
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More Halloween Plans
- West End Family Costume Party | Thursday, October 29
6–8 PM | Long Beach Library, West End Branch, 903 West Beech Street
Children can wear costumes for a Polaroid photo and decorate a magnetic frame to take it home. Register for headcount; drop-ins are welcome. See the costume-party details → - Halloween Family Skate | Saturday, October 31
Noon–3:30 PM | United Skates of America, 1276 Hicksville Road, Seaford
Costume skating, trick-or-treat games and a costume contest. Listed admission: $15.50 online or $17.50 at the door, plus $8 skate rental. Non-skating adults over 18 accompanying a child with paid admission: $6. Check availability before booking. View the Halloween skate session →
More plans for October 26–November 1
Explore the full 516 Update weekly guide for more Nassau festivals, live music, comedy, sports and family outings.
| See the full weekly events guide → |
All times are Eastern. Check organizer pages for ticket availability, fees, registration and schedule or weather updates.
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