Living in Oceanside

Look what’s Happening

Courtesy Dana Lynch Top Photo: Twins Jaxson and Mason Lynch, 4, received a birthday car parade outside their Oceanside home from “Strong Island Car Parades 4 Kids” on April 14 after their traditional birthday party was canceled because of the virus.

Courtesy Michele Butterman Middle Photo: Oceanside resident Michele Butterman raised money and made dozens of deliveries of food and other treats for essential workers in hospitals and first responders during the pandemic.

Courtesy Bella Voyage Photography Bottom Photo: Oceanside resident Jonathan Rizzo played a weekly concert on Sunday nights at 9 p.m. on Facebook Live for more than two months, where he took requests from listeners and donated the money he raised to local businesses and to provide meals for hospital workers and first responders.

O’side comes together during uncertain time

Situated in the south-central portion of Nassau County, Oceanside has a plethora of visitors in normal circumstances, yet remains a tight-knit community during the dark times of a pandemic.

In addition to having a rich history dating back to the earliest days of settlement on Long Island, Oceanside features a supportive business community as well as a number of civic resources for residents of all ages.

Every summer, the Oceanside Kiwanis and the library present poetry and prose readings at Oceanside’s Schoolhouse Green gazebo, which have continued virtually. And fun at the Green doesn’t stop when summer ends. During the winter, it shines bright with holiday decorations replete with Christmas carolers and a menorah lighting.

Oceanside schools are also a major force in the hamlet, not only responsible for preparing the next generation of Oceansiders for adulthood, but also administering the De partment of Community Affairs, which holds community programs, activities for seniors and after-school programs at the district’s facilities. The schools are currently in the process of exploring options for fall instruction.

The Kiwanis and Kiwanettes host holiday gatherings, pancake breakfasts and dinner dances — attended by hundreds — and the money raised is used to serve the community.

Oceanside also features an active Chamber of Commerce, which welcomes new businesses with ribbon-cuttings, and honors community leaders at its annual dinner dance. It works on behalf of members to keep business in Oceanside thriving. During the pandemic, members banned together to help support local businesses, some of which closed temporarily, and others which adapted to a takeout-only model. Other civic groups include the Knights of Columbus, Ladies Auxiliary, Sons of Italy, Rotary Club, Veterans of Foreign Wars and American Legion.

For Oceanside’s houses of worship, there are places for adherants to a wide variety of religious denominations from Oceanside and surrounding communities to feel wel come. Many recently reopened their doors after being shuttered for months amid the virus.

For the younger crowd, you’ll find Boy and Girl Scouts, Little League and Girls Fastpitch.

The Oceanside Fire Department and its volunteers keep residents safe during fires and were first on the scene dur ing Hurricane Sandy, making protection from natural disasters one of the department’s top priorities. They also became even more vital during the pandemic.

An Oceanside treasure is the Marine Nature Study Area, which offers year-round educational opportunities for visitors, students and adults alike, and draws nature enthusiasts from all over.

The award-winning Mount Sinai South Nassau hospital hosts a wide range of informational meetings and healthrelated groups, which are open to the public.

So no matter your interest, you will find Oceanside a welcoming community.