West Hempstead is gradually getting more beautiful thanks to the hard work of its Chamber of Commerce and eager volunteers in the community.
On Saturday, a group of Boy Scouts from Troop 240, answered the call of the Chamber's Beautification Committee to clean-up Halls Pond Park. The scouts - Matt Shea, Jonathan Vella, Reshawn Headen, Stephan Vailes, Rashawn Vailes, Antonio Verderosa, Matthew Siegelson, Steven TreZza, Justin Vella - and their assistant scout leader, Chris Vella, spent the better part of their morning raking up leaves and picking up garbage from inside the park. They also received some help from John Shaud, a veteran and active volunteer in the community. Together they hauled away roughly 40 bags of leaves and other debris.
Now, the Chamber's Beautification Committee is moving on to its next project, fixing up a vacant property at 540 Hempstead Turnpike, and they've already recruited some helpers.
Diann Forquignon has eagerly volunteered to be the leader of the next project on Dec. 17, which will be hosted by the West Hempstead Court Aktion Club. The West Hempstead Kiwanis, Circle K and Key Clubs have also signed on to help.
From 10 a.m. to 1 p.m., they will be scrubbing windows, picking up debris and painting over graffiti at this location, which now sits empty but had been home to Gothic Cabinet Craft.
"We have spoken to the owner of the building and he is willing to help cover the costs of the paint and rollers," Forquignon told Patch. She explained that anyone who comes to help should bring gloves, if they have them, and brooms and shovels to sweep up debris.
"We can always use more volunteers," she added.
They all did a great job in preparation of the Holiday Lighting the next day. Thanks in Advance to Diann Forquignon! Reply