A partial federal government shutdown has begun after funding for the Department of Homeland Security expired, stemming from a political standoff over proposed limits on immigration enforcement. While the shutdown is narrower than past closures and affects only agencies under DHS, most operations at U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement and U.S. Customs and Border Protection are continuing due to substantial funding previously approved under President Donald Trump’s 2025 tax and spending law. Democrats say they will not approve new funding without added restrictions on immigration operations following fatal shootings in Minneapolis last month. If the shutdown continues for weeks, some services — including airport screening — could face disruptions. To read more on this click here
Former Assembly Member Taylor Darling is planning to run for Congress in Long Island Taylor Darling says she’s running against the Long Island congressional representative, who’s one of the most vulnerable Democrats in the country. This perceived vulnerability stems from Rep Laura Gillen voting with republicans to approve increasing funding for the Department of Homeland Security. To read more on this story click here!
Upcoming Community and Family Events
LONG ISLAND STATE PARKS CELEBRATES BLACK HISTORY MONTH New York State Parks is celebrating Black History Month at Long Island State Parks with displays and programs honoring notable African Americans and their contributions to American history and culture. The 2026 celebration marks a special milestone—100 years of Black History Month commemorations—and visitors are invited to learn, reflect, and engage throughout the month. For more information click here!
School’s Out, We’re Open! Save Your Spot For February Vacation Art’s- Feb 17, 2026 through Feb 20, 2026 (daily) Vacation Arts is a fun and flexible option for February Break, offering children creative days filled with art, music, ceramics, dance, and acting. Families can choose the dates that work best for them, with students grouped by age for engaging, hands-on activities. Gold Coast’s President’s Week program runs February 17–20, 2026, from 9:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m., and is open to children ages 6 to 14. For more information click here
Winter Camp Mon 02/16/2026- Friday 02/20/2026 Turn winter break into an adventure! This full-day program is packed with hands-on science experiments, live animal encounters, and exciting explorations. This is a perfect way to fill your child’s day during winter break. @Center for Science Teaching and Learning1450 Tanglewood Road
Rockville Centre, NY 11570 For more information and to sign up click here
Engineering in Action: Discover How Innovation Shapes Our World This February School Break- Spend February Break at the Cradle of Aviation Museum with hands-on AI and robotics exhibits, a fun facial-recognition travel activity, a gallery-wide scavenger hunt, a futuristic full-dome film, special Museum Store creations, a new member tote bonus, and a Family Movie Night featuring Despicable Me. For more information Click here
Winter Break Skate @United Skates No homework. No alarms, Just wheels, beats, and Good vibes! Grab your crew and hit the rink because its time to celebrate freedom the fun way on skates! 1276 Hicksville Rd, North Massapequa, NY 11783 For more information click here
Rob Reiner Retrospective with Keith Crocker Film expert Keith Crocker returns for a two-part screening series featuring beloved movies by director Rob Reiner, followed by guided discussions. In February, audiences will enjoy Stand By Me (1986), with When Harry Met Sally (1989) showing in March. Upcoming dates include February 20, February 21, and March 20. For more information click here!
I Love the 90s Day Party: Pop & Alternative Edition 02/21/26 Enjoy nonstop 90s pop and alternative classics, high-energy vibes, and a packed dance floor Vitality Lounge 247 S Broadway Hicksville, NY 11801 For more information click here
Upcoming Nightlife Events
Psychic Night Dinner in Massapequa Come join us for an intimate experience with a psychic and medium reading! Enjoy a 3-course dinner plus an individual reading for only $75 per person (tax & gratuity not included). For more details please visit our website or give us a call. Mercato Kitchen & Cocktails 4958 Merrick Rd, Massapequa Park, NY 11762 For more information click here!
Twice This Is For World Tour Despicable 02/18/2026 Welcome to TWICE, where the impossible becomes possible and dreams take flight! Join us at UBS Arena in the heart of Elmont, NY for an event that will redefine your expectations. On February 20th, 2026 at 07:00 PM, witness the transformation of space and time into something truly magical. For more information click here!
Great Eats For the Week
Mint LI & Skybar in Garden City Offers a standout dining experience that fuses traditional Indian flavors with modern flair, all set in a sleek, upscale environment 1 Ring Road West Garden City NY 11530 For more information click here
Limani Coastal Mediterranean Dining with Elegant Vibes and Fresh Flavor. Limani delivers an elegant Mediterranean dining experience with fresh seafood, refined Greek flavors, and a stylish, welcoming atmosphere — perfect for special occasions or a relaxed night out. For more information click here
Community
Virtual Guided Meditation For Self Healing Join Patricia Anderson for one or all of the meditation sessions to bring harmony and balance into you life. Learn the beautiful practice of Jin Shin Jyutsu to help your body heal and keep you relaxed. For more information click here!
Happening in Nassau
You’re Not Broken Neurodivergence, Hormones, and Midlife Burnout An online masterclass exploring how neurodivergence and hormonal changes collide in midlife — helping women understand why burnout increases, recognize hidden brain patterns, and learn practical strategies to regain focus, balance, and control during perimenopause and menopause. Click here for more information!
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Helping Hands
SRLC USA National PB&J Hunger Relief Drive - Help SRLC tackle hunger across the USA Levittown Hall 201 Levittown Pkwy Hicksville , NY, NY 11801 10:00 AM - 01:00 PM Sat, Feb 21, 2026 Cost: Free Event For more information click here!
Nassau County Coalition Against Domestic Violence offers vital services to support the safety and well-being of survivors of domestic violence and sexual assault, while working to strengthen community response, promote accountability, and raise awareness to help prevent abuse. For more information and to participate click here!
Around Nassau County
Major roadwork in Nassau County, NY- Expect significant overnight delays in Nassau County next week due to asphalt paving repairs and lane closures on the westbound Long Island Expressway (LIE) between Exit 48 (Round Swamp Road) and Exit 46 (Sunnyside Boulevard) from 10 p.m. to 5 a.m..
Before driving, check the 511NY map for live traffic updates.
Weather For The Week
A Final Note with a quote
Dear Nassau Plus Readers,
Thank you for continuing to support Nassau Plus through your readership and engagement. Your time, trust, and connection to our work truly mean the world to us, and we are grateful to have you as part of our growing community.
We hope you had a wonderful weekend celebrating Valentine’s Day with your loved ones — filled with warmth, joy, and meaningful moments with family and friends.
As we move forward together, we encourage you to live in a spirit of gratitude and personal growth. Take time each day to learn something new, embrace opportunities for self-development, and remain open to new situations and experiences. Growth often happens outside of our comfort zones, and every new lesson brings us closer to becoming our best selves.
Thank you again for being a part of Nassau Plus. We look forward to continuing to inform, uplift, and connect our community with you.
With appreciation,
The Nassau Plus Team
Local. Connected. Hopeful.
"Do the best you can until you know better. Then when you know better, do better". Maya Angelou:
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