🌊Plandome’s Gan Shalom Awarded $4M to Expand Child Care

Hello Nassau! Let’s Talk What’s New & What’s Next

Tuesday’s edition starts with a North Shore child care expansion that could matter to more local families.

We’re also looking at a familiar diner with a new direction, plus a week of independent films heading to Bellmore.

Let’s get into what’s happening around Nassau.

— Janine, Mo and Nick

Today’s Edition: 
👶 Plandome child care program gets $4M to expand
🍽️ Lava Diner brings a halal menu to New Hyde Park
🎬 Film Expo opens in Bellmore this week
🗓️ Upcoming Events and Things To Do!

• Fun Fact Spotlight
East Williston spent about 200 years under a much plainer name. Before becoming East Williston in 1879, it was known simply as “The North Side.”

👶 Plandome child care program gets $4M to expand

A North Shore child care program is getting state funding to add more seats for local families.

The Jewish Reconstructionist Society of the North Shore in Plandome was awarded $4 million through New York’s Childcare Capital Construction Funding Program. The money will help Gan Shalom nursery school expand from 76 to 104 children.

Planned upgrades include more classroom space, updated facilities, a library, a STEAM room, a main-floor multipurpose room, and additional restrooms. The award is part of a larger $106 million state grant round for child care projects across New York, including four organizations on Long Island.

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🍽️ Lava Diner brings a halal menu to New Hyde Park

A familiar Hillside Avenue diner has a new name and a new menu direction.

Lava Diner opened in the former New Hyde Park Diner space, just steps from the Hillside Islamic Center. The restaurant kept much of the classic diner menu and nearly all of the same staff, while adding halal options such as lamb skewers, shawarma, and halloumi wraps.

The menu no longer includes alcohol or bacon, but turkey and beef bacon are available as substitutes. For longtime diner regulars, it’s a change. For nearby families looking for halal dining, it adds a new local option in a well-known spot.

🎬 Film Expo opens in Bellmore this week

The Long Island International Film Expo returns to Bellmore Movies from July 7 to 12, bringing 113 films to the historic theater on Pettit Avenue.

This year’s lineup includes feature films, documentaries, shorts, horror blocks, music videos, student films, and selections from Long Island, across the U.S., and several countries. The festival also includes filmmaker panels on auditions, screenwriting, foreign markets, indie filmmaking, and assistant directing.

Most panels are free, except the Filmmakers Breakfast Panel, which requires a $5 donation. For Nassau readers, it’s a local way to catch independent films and support the region’s film community.

516 Update Community Guide
Great Neck’s Arts Stop for Classes, Films, and Gallery Visits

🌤️ WeatherWatch

Tuesday, July 7
High: 77°F | Low: 67°F
☔ Showers stick around, so keep the umbrella close

Wednesday, July 8
High: 79°F | Low: 66°F
⛅ Clouds early, then a brighter afternoon comeback

Want your Nassau County destination featured?
516 Update highlights local places to visit, including parks, beaches, museums, historic sites, downtowns, family attractions, scenic spots, and seasonal destinations across Nassau County. Reach local readers looking for new places to explore, visit, and share.

Nassau Events Worth Knowing This Week

Here are a few local events to keep on your calendar, including family activities, community gatherings, live music, food events, and weekend plans across the county.

Before you go, check the event page for registration, parking, weather updates, and schedule changes.

Want your Nassau event featured?
516 Update highlights local events, festivals, live music, family activities, community gatherings, fundraisers, and seasonal happenings across Nassau. Reach local readers looking for things to do, attend, and explore.

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!