Five Towns Living

Hewlett-Woodmere Public Library reopened Gold Hall after a major LED lighting renovation and is continuing facility upgrades including boiler replacements, self-checkout kiosks, and a new interactive children’s learning table. The library remains a cornerstone of Five Towns community life.

Inflation-driven food cost increases are putting pressure on Five Towns families and the nonprofits that serve them. Local food pantries and community organizations are seeing increased demand while facing higher operating costs, creating a challenging environment for the area’s social safety net.

Seven-year-old Thomas Ortiz Jr., a Lawrence Primary School student from Inwood, was recognized by State Sen. Patricia Canzoneri-Fitzpatrick in Albany for publishing his children’s book, ‘Thomas Makes a Promise.’ The young author’s achievement highlights the talent and community spirit of Five Towns youth.

The Hewlett-Woodmere School District celebrated the grand opening of a new athletic concession stand at Hewlett High School, part of a $15.4 million facilities improvement project. The upgrade reflects the district’s ongoing commitment to enhancing student and community facilities.

Voters in Hewlett-Woodmere and Lawrence approved their 2026-27 school budgets, along with library funding and board trustee races. The successful votes ensure continued investment in Five Towns public education for the coming school year.

The Village of Lawrence is developing a 160-camera security network with license plate readers to help Nassau County police deter crime. While the initiative has strong support from local officials, some residents have raised privacy concerns about the scope of the surveillance system.

Eight residents of an Inwood building were displaced after a fire broke out on Memorial Day on Jeanette Avenue. About 70 firefighters from Inwood, Hewlett, Lawrence-Cedarhurst, Woodmere, and surrounding departments responded. No injuries were reported and the Red Cross is assisting displaced residents.

King Kullen, a beloved Five Towns grocery institution, is closing after 45 years of serving the community. The closure marks the end of an era for local shoppers who have relied on the store for generations. New kosher dining and retail options continue to open across Cedarhurst and Woodmere.

The three-day Long Island Rail Road strike ended Monday night after five unions and the MTA reached a tentative contract agreement. Five Towns commuters who scrambled for alternative transportation can now return to normal LIRR service, with phased restoration across Long Island and New York City.

Low inventory and aging housing stock are driving fast sales and rebuilds across the Five Towns real estate market. A Merrick-based real estate manager notes how housing priorities shift over time — from raising a family to downsizing and renovating — reflecting the area’s multigenerational appeal.

Former Lawrence Mayor Martin Oliner has launched an independent campaign for Town of Hempstead supervisor, focusing on overdevelopment, infrastructure, and government transparency. His candidacy adds a Five Towns voice to the November election for one of Nassau County’s most powerful local offices.

Cedarhurst author Jody LaGreca’s new book, ‘Heritage in Motion: Champion Swimmer, a Dual Family Chronicle,’ explores her family’s Jewish heritage through the remarkable story of her grandfather, champion swimmer Samuel Finkelman. The book is a celebration of Five Towns community history and identity.