Hello Nassau! Let's Talk What’s New & What’s Next
It’s Monday—and that means your latest dose of fresh local news, standout eats, and exciting events across Nassau County is here. Start your week strong with what’s happening around town, including our Home of the Week pick!
Fun Fact Spotlight:
🌿 Planting Fields Arboretum in Oyster Bay spans 409 acres, making it one of the largest intact Gold Coast estates in Long Island with original landscaping preserved from 1913—and it’s now a public state historic park.
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Today’s Edition:
🏆Top health care honors for Nassau hospitals in 2025-26 U.S. News rankings
🚂 LIRR Hits Record Numbers: 1.72M Riders in One Week!
🍴 Authentic Ecuadorian BBQ
🗓️ Upcoming Events and Things To Do!
🌊 Top health care honors for Nassau hospitals in 2025-26 U.S. News rankings
Some exciting news for Nassau County residents — seven of our local hospitals just got named among New York's finest in the latest U.S. News & World Report rankings for 2025-26. That's pretty big news for our community!
NYU Langone Hospital-Long Island in Mineola stands out as the star performer. They didn't just make the state list - they earned a spot on the national Honor Roll too. That's like getting straight A's on a really tough test! Other local stars include Long Island Jewish Medical Center, North Shore University Hospital, and St. Francis Hospital. Together, these hospitals make up more than a third of New York's top medical centers. They got high marks for taking great care of patients and using the latest medical tech.
For those of us living here, this is really good news. It means we have some of the best medical care right in our backyard.
Photo by: Northwell Health
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🚂 LIRR Hits Record Numbers: 1.72M Riders in One Week!
The Long Island Rail Road (LIRR) just hit an amazing milestone. From July 17 to July 23, 2025, they moved 1.72 million people — that's their biggest week ever!
The trains are running better than ever too. They're showing up on time 96.6% of the time, which is the best they've done outside of the quiet pandemic years. People are taking the train to Mets games, beach trips, and pretty much everywhere else this summer. Governor Kathy Hochul says it's all thanks to better service since they opened Grand Central Madison in 2023. The trains are clean, safe, and reliable — exactly what riders want.
The good news keeps coming. With the U.S. Open and Ryder Cup on the horizon, even more people will be hopping aboard. The LIRR has turned into the number one choice for getting around Long Island and into the city.
NEWSBites
Adventureland's Fun Night Helps Students 🎡
Adventureland in Farmingdale plans a special VIP fundraiser on September 5 to raise $400,000 for local students. The event will fund thirteen $5,000 scholarships for high school seniors. Since 2016, they've given over $333,000 to help kids go to college.
Pokémon Party Takes Over Town 🎮
Nearly 30 years after its start, Pokémon still brings smiles to fans young and old at a local carnival in Merrick and Bellmore. The event featured games, rides, character meet-ups, and special giveaways, bringing together multiple generations of Pokémon trainers.
New Green Club Plants Seeds of Change 🌱
A new Environmental Rotaract Club has sprouted in Rockville Centre. Born from the Freeport-Merrick Rotary, this group focuses on both environmental care and social fairness. They're ready to start local projects that help protect our planet while making sure everyone has a voice in fighting climate change.
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🌤️ WeatherWatch
⛅ August 4
High: 90°F | Low: 66°F
Sunny start with a few afternoon clouds—just enough shade to keep things breezy and fun!
☁️ August 5
High: 88°F | Low: 70°F
Clouds take the stage, but it’s still warm and dry. Perfect day for errands… or a cozy café break!
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🍴Featured Restaurant
🔥 Hungry for authentic Ecuadorian BBQ near Williston Park?
There’s a new flavor firestorm in town! La Fogata BBQ brings the bold, smoky traditions of Ecuadorian barbecue right to Williston Park. From perfectly grilled picaña and ribs to hearty seafood stews and empanadas, every dish is flame-cooked and soul-satisfying.
Feeding a crew? Their $80 grill tray easily serves four with all the classic sides – think rice, beans, plantains, and more.
📍 Visit at 332 Hillside Ave, Williston Park
📲 Browse the full menu or place your order online: La Fogata BBQ Online Ordering
🎉 WHAT’S HAPPENING THIS WEEK IN
NASSAU COUNTY
Sun’s out, vibes are high, and the week is packed with fun! From live tunes to street fairs and pop-up surprises, here’s what’s turning up the heat across Nassau — don’t miss it! 👇
🎡Fair Days & Fun Ways
What’s Happening This Weekend in Nassau County
Saturday, August 9th
Seaford Farmers Market at Seaford Railroad Station
7:00 AM – 12:00 PM | Seaford, NY
Farmers Market at Eisenhower Park
9:00 AM – 1:00 PM | East Meadow, NY
Sunday, August 10th
Rockville Centre Farmers Market
7:00 AM – 12:00 PM | Rockville Centre, NY
Volunteer at The Garden at St. Francis
9:00 AM – 12:00 PM | North Bellmore, NY
Scroll down and tap “Click here to view all 516 Update events” to see all weekend fairs with more information.
How did today’s 516 Update land for you?
Monday, August 4th
Eglevsky Ballet’s 2025 Contemporary Dance Intensive
9:45 AM | Bethpage
Give Back Night at Miller’s Ale House
11:30 AM – 10:00 PM | Levittown
Tuesday, August 5th
Farmingdale Chamber of Commerce – Women’s Multi-Chamber Networking Event
6:00 PM – 8:00 PM | Farmingdale
Scroll down and tap “Click here to view all 516 Update events” to see all weekend fairs with more information.
🏡 Just Listed in Plainview – 47 Winthrop Rd | $1,249,000
Step into suburban elegance with this updated 3-bed, 2.5-bath split-level gem in sought-after Woodbury Hills. Boasting over 2,000 sq.ft, this home features a sleek new kitchen, modern baths, a finished basement with office, new roof, and fenced yard with deck—perfect for entertaining.
Enjoy central air, hardwood floors, 2-car garage, in-ground sprinklers, and zoning to top-rated Parkway Elementary & Mattlin Middle schools.
📍 47 Winthrop Rd, Plainview | MLS# 891545
📞 Schedule your private tour today—this one won’t last!
🏈 Sports Events
Monday, August 4th
New York Mets vs. Cleveland Guardians
7:10 PM | Baseball | Flushing, NY
WWE: RAW
7:30 PM | Wrestling | Brooklyn, NY
Tuesday, August 5th
Staten Island FerryHawks vs. Lexington Legends
6:30 PM | Baseball | Staten Island, NY
Scroll down and tap “Click here to view all 516 Update events” to see all weekend fairs with more information.
🎸 Live Music
Tuesday, August 5th
The Blend Tuesday Treat at Gatsby On The Ocean
⏰ 6:00 PM | Point Lookout
Concert Series: Dance the Night Away
7:00 PM | Cedarhurst
Music Under The Stars: Tribute to Beatles, Zeppelin, and Doors
⏰ 8:00 PM | Massapequa
🐾 Meet Asha – Your Loyal, Loving Companion
Looking for a gentle, well-trained dog with a playful spirit? Meet Asha, a 7-year-old mixed breed beauty at Nassau Humane Society. She’s crate trained, housebroken, and gets along wonderfully with other animals—even the exotic ones!
Looking for a gentle, well-trained dog with a playful spirit? Meet Asha, a 7-year-old mixed breed beauty at Nassau Humane Society. She’s crate trained, housebroken, and gets along wonderfully with other animals—even the exotic ones!
Asha’s a pro at fetch, adores stuffed toys, and thrives on love and attention. While she prefers a home without children, her loyal heart and well-mannered ways make her a perfect fit for a calm, caring household.
📍 Visit her at Nassau Humane Society
💲 Adoption Fee: $100
💻 Meet Asha Online
Thanks for reading this week’s 516 Update! We hope you found something to enjoy, explore, or share. Please share this with a friend or family member-we would really appreciate it!
