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TOMORROW — Tuesday, July 7, 2026 — TONIGHT IN CEDARHURST PARK!

🎵 Full 2026 Cedarhurst Concert Schedule (Save These Dates!)
All concerts are FREE, Tuesdays at 7:00 PM, Andrew J. Parise Park, Cedarhurst:

Friday, July 10, 2026

Ongoing — Rock Hall Museum, Lawrence

Ongoing — FREE Senior Enrichment at The Sands, Lido Beach

Coming Up — Nassau County Drone First Responder Program

The dangerous heat wave that baked the entire Tri-State region over the past week has now claimed multiple lives. A prolonged period of triple-digit temperatures spanning several consecutive days resulted in multiple fatalities and a sharp spike in emergency medical evaluations across New York and New Jersey. In New York City, three residents lost their lives due to heat-related illness in their homes, while New Jersey reported approximately 29 heat-related deaths across 10 counties. A significant portion of those who died were found in homes without functioning air conditioning. Although temperatures have moderated, health officials remind Five Towns residents that summer heat risks remain elevated — please check on your elderly neighbors and anyone living without reliable AC. Read more here 5townscentral

In news that will make every Five Towns driver cheer — the long-suffering sinkhole on Rockaway Turnpike has finally been repaired. This road hazard has been a thorn in the side of local commuters for months and has been a major topic on community social media groups. The repair is complete and the road is fully open. Consider this your permission to stop swerving! Read more here 5townscentral

Homeowners, renters, and business owners across the region who sustained property damage during the severe storms on May 20, 2026, can now apply for low-interest federal disaster loans. Here's what's available: homeowners can apply for up to $500,000 for structural repairs; homeowners and renters can apply for up to $100,000 for personal property losses; and businesses can apply for up to $2,000,000 for physical damage or economic injury. A temporary in-person assistance center is opening on Bell Boulevard starting July 7 and running through July 21. The deadline to apply for physical damage is August 31, 2026. Apply at sba.gov/funding-programs/disaster-assistance. Read more here 5townscentral

New York State lawmakers have successfully secured public funding to expand specialized personal safety and self-defense education for women and girls across the South Shore region. The funding directly benefits GD Force, a Long Beach-based training organization led by Rebecca Weiss that teaches situational awareness and practical self-defense techniques. The effort was led by Assemblyman Ari Brown and Senator Patricia Canzoneri-Fitzpatrick. This is excellent news for Five Towns families — practical safety skills that make a real difference in everyday life. Contact GD Force for program schedules and registration details. Read more here 5townscentral

A sobering national survey released this week reveals that American Jews — including many right here in the Five Towns — are making meaningful changes to their daily lives out of safety concerns. The survey found heightened anxiety about openly displaying Jewish identity, attending synagogue, and participating in community events. For a community like ours, where Jewish life is lived openly and proudly every day, this is a sobering reflection of the national climate. Read more here

In a case with massive implications for Orthodox communities nationwide including the Five Towns, the U.S. Supreme Court has agreed to hear a case involving zoning restrictions on home minyanim. The case centers on whether local zoning laws that restrict home religious gatherings violate federal religious freedom protections. A ruling in favor of religious liberty could reshape the legal landscape for backyard minyanim and home-based religious gatherings across America. Read more here

Two separate shark incidents rattled South Shore beachgoers over the July 4th weekend. A suspected shark bite was reported at Jones Beach, prompting a temporary beach closure and heightened lifeguard alerts. Separately, a shark sighting temporarily closed the waters at Long Beach. Both beaches have since reopened, but lifeguards are urging swimmers to stay in groups, avoid swimming at dawn or dusk, and exit the water immediately if a shark is spotted. This is a good summer reminder to always swim near a lifeguard stand! Read more here

Nassau County has officially launched a Drone as First Responder (DFR) program — an innovative public safety initiative that dispatches drones to emergency scenes seconds before police vehicles arrive. The drones give officers real-time aerial intelligence, potentially saving lives in time-critical situations like fires, accidents, and violent incidents. Five Towns communities served by the Nassau County 4th Precinct will benefit directly from this program. Read more here

With summer in full swing and kiddie pools popping up across Five Towns backyards, New York State is reminding homeowners that safety regulations apply to temporary and inflatable pools too. Any pool capable of holding more than 24 inches of water is subject to state fencing and safety requirements. That means large quick-set and seasonal pop-up pools need a 4-foot barrier or fence around them — or you could face fines. More importantly, proper fencing saves children's lives. Please take a moment to review your backyard setup this summer. Read more here 5townscentral

A heartbreaking and miraculous story from just across our border: a veteran NYPD law enforcement officer survived a violent shootout in Brooklyn just days before his scheduled retirement. The officer is recovering and is expected to survive. Our entire community sends prayers for his full and speedy recovery, and deep gratitude for the men and women in law enforcement who put their lives on the line every single day to keep us safe. Read more here

Nassau and Suffolk County authorities have charged a Long Island man with impersonating a licensed physician and defrauding Medicaid out of $105,000 alongside a nurse practitioner. The case is a reminder to always verify the credentials of any healthcare provider — particularly for families seeking care for children or elderly relatives. Read more here

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📣 Long Island Small Businesses Win $5,000 Grants — Could YOUR Business Apply Next Year?

Optimum Business and the LIA Foundation celebrated 40 Long Island small business grant winners at their 2026 Small Business Summit in Bethpage — 20 from Nassau County and 20 from Suffolk. Each winner received a $5,000 grant through the L.O.C.A.L. Small Business Grant program. Five Towns business owners: watch for next year's application cycle opening. It's a real opportunity for local businesses to get a meaningful boost. Source: patch.com

🟢 OPENED: Burger Spot Opening on Central Avenue — A Five Towns First!

Burger Spot, the Forest Hills staple that's been serving glatt kosher smash burgers and late-night comfort food to Queens diners for years, is opening a new location in the Five Towns. The new spot is located at 560A Central Avenue — right in the heart of the Five Towns kosher dining corridor. This is Burger Spot's first expansion beyond its original Queens location. Expect smash burgers with vegan cheese, crispy chicken sandwiches, oat milk shakes, and the full late-night-friendly menu that made the Forest Hills original a beloved institution. Kosher certification under the Vaad HaKashrus of the Five Towns is expected. No hard opening date announced yet — follow @burgerspotny for updates! Read more here yeahthatskosher

🟢 OPEN: Wicked Wiches — Build-Your-Own Wich & Bowl Spot Near Hewlett LIRR

In case you missed it — Wicked Wiches officially opened earlier this year near the Hewlett LIRR station with a build-your-own sandwich and bowl concept. Choose your bread (ciabatta, focaccia, Italian sesame hero, toasted potato bun, whole wheat wrap, pita, and more) or bowl base (salad, rice pilaf, or fries), then pick your protein — za'atar grilled chicken, premium grilled steak, double smash burgers, slow-cooked pulled beef, fried fish fillet, or falafel. A fresh, made-to-order option right in the heart of Hewlett. Read more here

🍽️ Stay Up to Date on Five Towns Kosher Restaurant News:

What do you call a shark that delivers presents on Tisha B'Av?

Sandy Claws... wait, wrong holiday. 🦈

Question:
The Cedarhurst Summer Concert Series is now in its 29th year. But what is the name of the park where the concerts take place, and who was it named after?

Answer:
The concerts take place at Andrew J. Parise Cedarhurst Park. The park is named after Andrew J. Parise, a longtime Cedarhurst village official who served the community for many years. The park sits opposite the Cedarhurst Village Hall at 200 Cedarhurst Avenue and has been the heart of village community life for decades.

The deadly heat wave has passed, but temperatures remain elevated this summer. Key reminders: check on elderly neighbors and relatives, never leave children or pets in parked cars, and call 311 for the nearest Nassau County cooling center if you need one. The heat that just hit our region killed dozens of people across the Tri-State area — take it seriously.

Nassau County Police Homicide Squad continues to investigate the discovery of an unidentified body recovered from the marsh area of North Woodmere Park on June 16. The investigation remains active. If you have any information, contact Nassau County Police immediately.

🚨 About RNSP — Your Community Safety Patrol

The Rockaway Nassau Safety Patrol (RNSP) operates 24/7, 365 days a year — completely volunteer-run — protecting the Five Towns and Rockaway communities.

📞 24/7 Hotline: (516) 858-7300
📱 Instagram: @rnsp_patrol
🌐 Website: rnsafetypatrol.org
💛 Donate: rayze.it/rockawaynassausafetypatrol

Nassau County Police Non-Emergency: 888-684-4274 | Crime Stoppers: 1-800-244-TIPS