Island Hopping

The Home Run to End Hunger program was launched to help meet the increased need for food across Long Island during the pandemic.

The money, which was part of the town’s $133 million in funding from the Coronavirus Aid Relief and Economic Stimulus (CARES) Act, will help the schools purchase the required personal protective equipment needed for reopening to students and faculty.

The eatery was supposed to open months ago, but the opening was postponed after construction delays and the state’s coronavirus shutdown pushed it back. The new restaurant has outdoor seating for 30 people and 57 seats inside.

Six elementary school students won awards for their artwork in the Town of Hempstead’s recycling poster contest co-sponsored by Covanta Energy.

The museum’s reopening event takes off at 11 a.m. on Saturday, August 1, when World War II-era planes and other vintage aircraft take to the skies from the museum’s ramp at Republic Airport in Farmingdale.

The upcoming lineup includes the Banjo Rascals on July 23; Turnpike Joe and the Traffic Jam on August 6; Sparkle on Stage on August 13; Robert Bruey on August 20; the East End Trio on August 27 and more to be announced.

The town is partnering with Babylon Citizens Council of the Arts to start outdoor classes, drive-in concerts and help local artists and students create mural paintings.

The town is adding the Walt Whitman Shops to its drive-in movie locations starting July 13, when it will screen “Frozen 2” in the mall’s parking lot.

Twenty-one Long Island restaurants received honors from Wine Spectator in its 2020 Restaurant Awards.