Hempstead Living Magazine Winter 2012

Winter Issue 2011/12

Confidence Rises as Businesses Start to Call Hempstead

HOME

IN THIS ISSUE “Safe Routes to School” Takes Off •Redistricting: Local Leaders Speak Out •A Dream of Homeownership Comes True

Holiday Shopping in Hempstead

Why go anywhere else when you can support the businesses located in our Village?

There are a variety of retail stores located right here in the heart of Hempstead that

will meet all of your holiday shopping needs. Everyone on your list will get their

wishes fulfilled when you choose to shop locally in our downtown area.

Here are some of the local stores offering great sales on men and women’s apparel:

SneakerTerminal

300 Peninsula Boulevard

45-47 Main Street

140 Fulton Avenue

156 Fulton Avenue245 Fulton Avenue

172 Jackson Street160 Fulton Avenue

| WINTER 2011 /12 3 HEMPSTEAD LIVING |

10 “Safe Routes to School” Takes Off

Contents WINTER ISSUE

2 0 1 1 / 1 2

D E P A R T M E N T S

05 Letter from Mayor Wayne J. Hall, Sr.

06 Letter from Editor

07 Publisher’s Note

09 Village Beat

12 Happenings

18 Local Flavor

22 Community Development

30 In The Mix

F E A T U R E S

10 “Safe Routes to School” Takes OffAn update on interactive activities that are raising our children’s awareness on walking to & from school safely.

22 Redistricting: Local Leaders Speak OutWhat redistricting really means and the potential impact it can have on our Village.

27 Homeowner’s Dream Becomes RealityOne woman’s story on how she kept faith during her journey towards homeownership.

09 TD BANK at Home In Hempstead

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Please be sure to visit the new CDA website atwww.hempsteadcda.org and let us know what you think by

sending us an email at [email protected].

THE CDA WEBSITE HASA FRESH AND EXCITINGNEW LOOK!

Community Photos!Important Announcements!

You can even viewHempstead Living magazine online!

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LETTER FROM THE CHAIRMAN

Mayor’s Message

’m pleased and enthusiastic about the planned redevelopment project, and am thankful for the support of many Village residents in this endeavor. The Main Street project has been one of my initiatives since 2005; along with the

Village Board of Trustees, I am confident that it will result in a better, safer, more economically secure and more beautiful Hempstead Village.

I want the diversity and character that composes our Village to be reflected on Main Street; our culture and pride should be evident to passers-by. Hempstead Village should be a place where businesses thrive and consumers enjoy shopping; a place where families raise their children with confidence that they are safe and secure; a place where residents and visitors alike enjoy our green parks, our clean and well-lit streets, and our cultural offerings. I believe that when this redevelop-ment project is completed, Hempstead Village will indeed be that place.

It is my hope that a plan for commercial expansion will be followed by further real estate development. The construction of new condominiums and rental housing is a need right now, particularly with the continual influx of younger men and women to our area. Current residents have a need for new real estate as well, and downtown is the perfect area to build. Many Village residents have left city apartments in favor of a suburban way of life. Smaller-scale housing near Main Street, including new and renovated buildings, will incorporate the latest security technology to ensure the safety and comfort of owners and/or tenants. With our close proximity to the Long Island Railroad and other public transportation, the revitalized downtown area will attract tourists as well, bringing in new revenue and ultimately lowering tax dollars.

Six years ago, I had a dream of what Hempstead Village could become if we, the Village administration and the members of this community, worked together. Today I am confident that the Main Street project will allow my dream, and yours, to come to fruition.

Sincerely,Wayne J. Hall, Sr.Mayor of the Incorporated Village of Hempstead

I


On a beautiful Sunday afternoon, I decided to do a little shopping in our downtown area. I was extremely thankful that I could run all of my errands right here in the neighbor-hood, instead of going way across town. After finishing up at the register at Staples, I smiled at the young lady who rang up my purchases and told her to “Have a great day!” She replied,“It is a good day! I’m going to treat myself to a sundae right there at the McDonald’s.” I walked out in an exceptionally good mood, and entered HomeGoods to see what the popular store had to offer. After browsing the shelves, I wound up buying a household item at an irresistible price and left the store very happy.

As I was getting into my car, I stopped for a moment and looked at the full view of the shopping mall. I was amazed at how the entire center was buzzing with activity. The parking lot was jam-packed; droves of customers were entering and exiting every one of the stores. It was then that I realized that we are truly on the road to revitalizing our downtown. Not only could I feel it in the air, but I was seeing it unfold right before my eyes.

As the holiday season approaches, be sure to shop locally and patronize the businesses here in Hempstead!

Best,Rachel BretonEditor-In-Chief

MESSAGE FROM THE EDITOR-IN-CHIEF

A BustlingDowntown

Tell Us What You Think About Hempstead Living Magazine!

We’d love to hear your feedback! Please send an email to [email protected]

and let us know your thoughts on the magazine.

You may already love it, or you may have some helpful

tips on how we can improve it—either way, we want to know!

Give us your opinion…TODAY!

Publisher

Incorporated Village of HempsteadCommunity Development AgencyCommissioner Claude Gooding

Editor-In-Chief

Rachel BretonThe Noteworthy Groupwww.thenoteworthygroup.com

Creative Design & Layout

Andrew BassStraight Design, www.str8tdesign.com

Contributors

Latasha ConyersSherina GonzalesClaude GoodingDeidre JohnsonAshley OrmonSarian ParkerDulce Zapata

Photography

Tyree CurryAshley Ormon

Cover Credits

Photo illustration by Andrew Bass

Hempstead Living is a free publication provided to

the general public by the Hempstead Community

Development Agency.

THE INCORPORATED VILLAGE

OF HEMPSTEAD

COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT AGENCY

50 Clinton Street

Suite 504

Hempstead, New York 11550

Phone: (516) 485-5737

Fax: (516) 485-1667

www.hempsteadcda.org

CDA BOARD OF DIRECTORS

Mayor Wayne J. Hall, Sr., Chairman

Mr. Inocencio Perdomo, Secretary

Rev. Keith Harris, Member

Ms. Della Hudson, Member

Dan Oppenheimer, Member

Claude Gooding, Commissioner


remised on a philosophy that community development is more than bricks and mortar, Hempstead Living magazine was conceived to counteract the overwhelming negative images that pervade the dailies, weigh heavily on

the psyche of the residents and diminish the community’s perception of itself. That apart,

n Building stakeholder confidence in complex economic development initiatives is difficult to achieve, especially when the population is largely disengaged and a great sense of disenfranchisement exists;

n Economic development can often be seen as gentrification at the detriment of communities of color;

n Stakeholder participation in the process is often limited to public meetings and hearings with time constrained presentations and responses;

Hempstead Living magazine serves as an effective economic development platform by:

n Conveying and explaining complex concepts such as the PILOT (payment-in-lieu of taxes) program; how it works and its impacts were broken down in simplified human interest articles that dissected this issue, so that it can be easily understood by the all residents.

n Providing information and resources via the magazine to the general public is a direct use of the publication as an economic development tool;

n Promoting businesses in the downtown area such as restaurants and shops to the 17,000 households and businesses that receive a direct mailed copy of the publication is a direct economic development benefit of the magazine.

The magazine has a goal of uplifting community spirit by promoting a sense of place through the celebration of all things positive that are, made, sold, or happened within the geographic boundaries of the incorporated Village of Hempstead. In closing, it is with great pride that I congratulate our design consultant, Andrew Bass, Jr. on the award from Graphic Design: USA for his creative work on Hempstead Living magazine.

Best,Claude Gooding, AICPCommissioner

P

PUBLISHER’S NOTE

Beyond Bricks & Mortar

You don’t have to be a heart surgeon to cure

heart disease—just a parent with a new reason

to deliver a lifesaving message. American

Heart Association advocates are part of a

nationwide network of people dedicated to

finding a cure for heart disease. They contact

legislators to ask for more funding for medical

innovations, paving the way for lifesaving

medical advances like new drugs to control

high blood pressure and lower cholesterol, and

advances in surgery to treat congenital heart

disease. Join us and you too can save lives

from the nation’s No. 1 killer—heart disease.

Heart Disease. You’re the Cure. www.americanheart.org/yourethecure

Heart Surgeon


Open ForBusiness InThe Village

AFTER SEVERAL MONTHS OF VACANCY AND THEclosing of the AJ Wright stores, the Hempstead Mall located on Peninsula Boulevard, got a shot in the arm with three new retailers. We proudly welcome the following national chain stores which have all opened within this year: TD Bank, HomeGoods and Harbor Freight Tools. It would be no surprise to residents that these stores are doing quite well and residents from all across the island are stopping to shop in Hempstead.

You don’t have to be a heart surgeon to cure

heart disease—just a parent with a new reason

to deliver a lifesaving message. American

Heart Association advocates are part of a

nationwide network of people dedicated to

finding a cure for heart disease. They contact

legislators to ask for more funding for medical

innovations, paving the way for lifesaving

medical advances like new drugs to control

high blood pressure and lower cholesterol, and

advances in surgery to treat congenital heart

disease. Join us and you too can save lives

from the nation’s No. 1 killer—heart disease.

Heart Disease. You’re the Cure. www.americanheart.org/yourethecure

Heart Surgeon

VILLAGE BEAT


Maintaining pedestrian safety in the Hempstead walking school district is no small feat. For years, our thoroughfares remained among the highest in rates of pedestrian accidents throughout the Island. Learning proper pedestrian habits cannot be taken for granted and our children are our most precious resource. The Hempstead Safe Routes to School Program has worked on building a curriculum that is fun and interactive while imparting critical informa-tion on pedestrian safety.

The program consultants, renowned singer perfor-mance artist, Carolyn Harding, in collaboration with the Hempstead Boys and Girls Club, have created an engaging

music, step and tap program to impart this information. In the last issue of Hempstead Living, we announced

the launch of the Safe Routes to School (SRTS) project, an initiative that focuses on creating safe paths for the children in our Village who walk to and from school. The project continues to move forward with significant strides. The Village of Hempstead Community Development Agency (CDA) has received fully executed contracts for three schools: ABGS Middle School, Fulton Elementary School and Jackson Main Elementary School. Gibbons, Esposito, and Boyce (GEB HiRise) of Uniondale, has been selected to serve as the engineering firm for the campuses located at Fulton Elementary School and ABGS Middle

Safe Routes to School Program Update

VILLAGE BEAT

WINTER 11 HEMPSTEAD LIVING

School. The RBA Group Inc. has been selected as the engineering firm to work on the Jackson Main Elementary School.

In an effort to engage and excite the students about the Safe Routes to School program, the CDA along with representatives from local perform-ing arts company Carolyn Harding Music, have held informational seminars and interactive assemblies at these local schools including“A Summer Sendoff” assembly held atthe end of the school year encouraging students to use “Safe Routes” during the summer. Additionally, surveys were sent home directly to parents, so they can also participate in help-ing us identify certain areas in our

Village that may be considered unsafe for walking. The survey will be used as a key tool in determining where students are entering and exiting the schools during arrival and dismissal times, and if there are better solutions then those currently in place.

The CDA, in collaboration with the Hempstead Public School District, sponsored a summer camp for students attending Fulton Avenue, Jackson Main ABGS Middle School. The camp was successful in achiev-ing its objective of promoting the

-

-out the four week program with

-pants who completed the summer

the methods implemented during the

the partnership between the students, parents, schools and local

and active lifestyles within the community.—Sherina Gonzales & Dierdre Johnson

DID YOU KNOW that former NFL wide receiver Rob Moore & Pro Football Hall of Fame inductee John Mackey are both graduates of Hempstead High School?


Running for a Good

Cause

Hempstead residents, friends and visitors joined together on Saturday, June 25, 2011 to participate in Mayor Hall’s Annual 5K Run. Once again, The Mayor’s 5K Run, a highly anticipated event every year, did not disap-point by featuring walkers and runners who trekked a 3.12 mile-long trail throughout the Village. Those who didn’t participate in the race got a chance to experience a heart-pumping Zumba class. As always, the proceeds raised from the Mayor’s race were awarded to a graduating senior at Hempstead High School in the form of a scholarship.


In our Village, fun lasts throughout the year! Browse through our calendar of events and be sure to note all of the upcoming activities and programs.

Village ofHempsteadCommunityEvents

HempsteadPublic Library115 Nichols CourtHempstead, NY 11550Phone: (516) 481- 6990

Black Women Enterprises730 Fulton Avenue • Hempstead, NY 11550Phone: (516) 485- 5900 • www.blackwomenenterprises.org

Save The Date!

Village of Hempstead Annual Turkey Drive/Giveaway

November 22, 2011

Village of Hempstead Annual Toy Drive/Giveaway

December 20, 2011(Both of these events will be held at Kennedy Memorial Park)

CDA’s Annual Holiday Concert & Cocktail ReceptionDecember 15, 2011 – Event will take place at Círculo de la Hispanidad. Please visit www.hempsteadcda.org for details

Hempstead Chamber of Commerce Monthly MeetingWednesday, November 16, 20116:30 pm- 8:00 pm

AARP Hempstead-Roosevelt Chapter Monthly MeetingThursday, November 22, 2011 • 1 pm-3 pmThe meeting will be held in the community room.

Holiday Tree CupcakesMonday November 28, 20117:00 pm - 8:00 pmJoin The Baking Coach for a cupcake decorating workshop and make four holiday cupcakes to share with friends and family! Please register at the Reference Desk.

Winter Craft Thursday, December 8, 2011Teens will decoupage a glass plate. Space is limited, please sign-up in the Children’s Room. Material fee: $1.00; Please contact: Children’s Room (516) 481-6990, ext. 15

Monthly Series of Computer Classes • Every Wednesday of the Month • 10:00 am - 6:00 pm Variety of Classes Include the Following Topics: • Quick Books• Basic Computers for Beginners • Build Your Own Website • Social Media For Businesses• Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Excel, Power Point & Outlook)This service is open to all! NO WALK-INS! This service is by paid in advance registration only! Go to www.blackwomenenterprises.org or Call BWE at (516) 485- 5900.

The Black Rose Entrepreneurial Awards Luncheon & Annual MeetingMonday, November 21, 2011 • The Garden City Hotel • 11:00amThis special event recognizes and pays tribute to New York State’s women business owners ofcolor. For reservations, sponsorships & information, contact www.blackwomenenterprises .orgor call (516) 485- 5900.

BWE Entrepreneurs Meeting to be held at HempsteadThursday, December 8, 2011 • Public Library from 10 am - 2 pm.

2011 Thanksgiving Holiday Ball • Thursday, November 17, 2011 • The Garden City Hotel • 6:00pmTo benefit the programs and services of Family & Children’s. Business Attire, Cocktails, Elegant Dinner, Dancing, Raffles & Silent Auction. For reservations or information, please call (516) 746 - 0350, extension 364.

Hofstra Chorale And Chamber Singers Friday, December 9 ,2011 • Hofstra UniversityAn eclectic selection of choral music in an exquisite acoustic.$10 general admission

HAPPENINGS


Hempstead High School Class of

2011 Valedictorian Andra Smith

was recently named as a Gates

Millennium Scholarship winner.

The scholarship, which is funded

by the Bill and Melinda Gates

Foundation, is presented to only

1,000 students across the United

States each year and is a good-

through college scholarship

award. We congratulate Andra

Smith on her high achievements and encourage her to keep reaching

for the stars!

Here is a list of the Class of 2011’s Top10 Graduates and the colleges

& universities they are now attending:

Andra Smith, Rice University

Elvian Cali, Baruch College

DeAnna Bassett, Nassau Community College

Esther Botty, Mercy College

Aniqa Islam, Long Island University

Tyron Brown, SUNY Binghampton

Daniela Rodriguez, SUNY Fredonia

Danaisha Adderley, Nassau Community College

Luis Baez, Nassau Community College

Yolanda Little, Nassau Community College

HEMPSTEAD HIGH SCHOOL’S CLASS OF 2011 BOASTS HIGH HONORS

HempsteadSelect Chorale/Voices of Virtue BringHome TheHighest Score

ON SATURDAY, APRIL 2, 2011, Hempstead Chorale and Voices of Virtue was awarded the highest score in an International Choral Competition in Prague, Czech Republic. The group entered the mixed ensemble category as the only chorus to represent the United States of America. Director, Rachel Blackburn expressed her delight, “Indeed, it is an extreme honor to have earned the highest score out of the other 4 participating choruses from Czech Republic, Italy and Cyprus. This was an exciting jour-ney and experience for our chorus members and we certainly look forward to many more performance opportunities. A special thanks goes out to all of you who helped our fundraising endeavors to make this trip and win possible.”

HAPPENINGS


Fire Dept. Gets Annual Grant from CDA

THE HEMPSTEAD VILLAGE FIRE DEPARTMENT is a volunteer force, where all firefighters risk their lives without pay. The Village of Hempstead, with over 53,000* residents is one of the most densely populated areas in all of Long Island. To the credit of many who make the systems of the Village work, the Village of Hempstead Fire Department responds annually to over 500 calls. The volunteer force

receives an annual subvention for equipment through the Village Budget, but occasionally help is welcomed. For the past several years, through Community Development Block grants, the Village CDA provides support to the Fire Department. This year an additional $15,000 was granted to purchase much needed equipment and supplies.*Source: 2010 Census

(Pictured L-R:) CDA Board Member Inonencio Perdomo, Lieutenant Mike Blocker, CDA Board Member Dan Oppenheimer, Mayor Wayne J. Hall, Chief Charles Hendry, Firefighter & Chaplain Waylyn Hobbs and Commissioner Claude Gooding.

he Village of Hempstead

held its Annual Memorial Day

Parade on May 29, 2011. Marching

bands, local community organi-

zations, veteran groups, elected

officials and others proudly

marched around our village paying

homage and recognizing the efforts

of those who fight for the freedom

and liberties we enjoy here in the

United States! We Salute You!

T

(Pictured): Members of the Hempstead Village Fire Department proudly march during the Annual Parade.

Memorial Day Parade

DID YOU KNOW that Walt Whitman, the famous poet, essayist and humanist, was reportedly a Hempstead resident? He lived in our Village from 1836-1838.

HAPPENINGS


A PROM MADE ESPECIALLY FOR SENIORS BY SENIORS

THE SNEAKER TERMINAL, located at 172 Jackson Street, has been a mainstay in the Village of Hempstead for many years – 20 years to be exact! The urban clothing and footwear store recently celebrated its 20thAnniversary by hosting a ribbon-cutting ceremony where community leaders, residents and loyal customers were on hand to congratulate the owner, “Papu” Sidana. We wish the Sneaker Terminal many more years of success.

On June 17, 2011, the Youth Advisory Council hosted

a “Senior-Senior Prom” at the Family & Children's

Hagerdorn Family Resource Center gym located at 120

Greenwich Street. But this was no ordinary senior prom.

The concept behind the function was to create an intergenera-tional community service event with the primary objective of developing and measuring positive relations between the high school students and senior citizens. The event occurs every June and the students are responsible for selecting a theme and transforming the venue into a magnificent dinner & dance hall. Community seniors have expressed how special the event makes them feel because they’re partying with students who serve them dinner and show them the latest dance moves. Similar to a high school prom, the students crown a king & queen at the event and attendees are eligible to participate in raffles for gifts and prizes such as televisions, round-trip airline tickets, photo packages and more, all donated by Family & Children's Association. The Village of Hempstead Community Development Agency (CDA) consistently supports the unique community event which provides opportunities for learning and the expanding of each group’s socialization skills. The “Prom” is a positive exchange that has become a platform for bridging generations.

About the Youth Advisory Council

The Village of Hempstead Youth Advisory Council, which was created in

2005 as a collaborative effort between Family & Children’s Association and

the Incorporated Village of Hempstead, is comprised of Hempstead High

School students and student-athletes. The team, who works directly with

program director Donna Raphael, consists of young leaders who are recog-

nized for their dedication to promoting youth leadership, service-learning,

adult partnerships, political alliances and diversity.

(Pictured) Local residents attended the Senior-Senior Prom in style. Some partied the night away as a couple, while others enjoyed taking photos with their Senior escorts from Hempstead High School.

Sneaker Terminal Milestone

Sneaker Terminal Milestone

HAPPENINGS


UMC Health FairTHE UNITED METHODIST CHURCH OF HEMPSTEAD Outreach Ministry organized a Health Fair on September 24, 2011 at 40 Washington Street. The group invited a variety of health care providers to promote health aware-ness and demonstrate how residents can utilize available resources to enhance their health, wellness and fitness.The family health care providers disseminated vital

health information, conducted blood pressure screening and distributed giveaways. Providers included Affinity Health insurance; American Red Cross –Emergency Preparedness Unit; Asthma Coalition; Fidelis; Gentle Dental; Lupus; Mental Health Association; Nassau Health, Medical & Dental Center and Queens Long Island Medical Group.

LESSONS IN ECO-ARTEnvironmental Tree Branch Artist Vincent Smythe of Vincent Fine Designs Corporation, conducted this year’s

Annual Arts Summer Camp Program held at Kennedy Park. Smythe is an environmental artist whose medium, is

sculpting dead and fallen tree branches into art. The Village of Hempstead Summer Camp Arts Program focused

on various green connect-to-nature projects where the children interacted with one another and were encouraged

to express their individuality. Their artistic creations are on permanent display in the auditorium at Kennedy Park.

For more information on GO GREEN ECO-ART, please visit www.vincentfinedesigns.org.


AMERICAN

Roadrunner

685 Fulton Avenue

Hempstead, NY 11550

(516) 485-3651

Stella’s Café

216 Fulton Avenue

Hempstead, NY 11550

(516) 292-0764

Have an American dish at Stella’s Cafe on

216 Fulton Avenue. With their early week-

day hours starting at 7 am, you can order

a combination of breakfast foods such as:

grits, eggs, sausages, or pancakes. But if

you find yourself running late for work or

school and can’t stop by, have them deliver

one of the dinner dishes of chicken, soup,

or pasta to your home!

Wings N Things

519 Fulton Avenue

Hempstead, NY 11550

(516) 483-0936

ASIAN CUISINE

China Garden of Hempstead

108 Main Street

Hempstead, NY 11550

(516) 486-3331

China Taste

274 Jerusalem Ave

Hempstead, NY 11550

(516) 564-5128

Fu Gua Chinese Kitchen

11 Main Street

Hempstead, NY 11550

(516) 481-0303

Golden House Chinese Kitchen

155 Main Street

Hempstead, NY 11550

(516) 481-0200

Great Wall Restaurant

585 Fulton Avenue

Hempstead, NY 11550

(516) 483-3433

Manila Hut

7 Main Street

Hempstead, NY 11550

(516) 486-2983

Manila Hut, located at 7 Main Street,

is a great place to receive a home cooked

meal. The food is never frozen or pre-

cooked—making it freshly prepared for

Whether you’re on-the-go or if would like to sit down and dine, you can enjoy an American dish or one from around the world – without even leaving Hempstead! Sure, there are other eateries outside of town but they lack two crucial components: convenience and the ability to patronize your community. So the next time you’re in the mood for a delicious home cooked meal, satisfy your hunger by dining in Hempstead. This food & restaurant guide will help you choose the right cuisine that will be sure to please your palette.

By Ashley Ormon

Stella’s Café


you to eat. The restaurant serves Filipino

dishes with delicious meals such as meat

entrees cooked in peanut sauces and other

spices that are native to the Philippines.

CARIBBEAN

Golden Krust

296 Greenwhich Street

Hempstead, NY 11550

(516) 486-3663

Nakisaki

276 Fulton Ave

Hempstead, NY 11550

(516) 292-9200

Sam’s Caribbean Marketplace

43 Main Street

Hempstead, NY 11550

(516) 481-6602

If you’re looking for authentic food prod-

ucts from the Caribbean, then you don’t

have to go far. On 48 Main Street, Sam’s

Caribbean Marketplace has every ethnic

food you can think of from Jamaica. After

you’ve finished grocery shopping for

goods that are indigenous to the island,

seek comfort in the shade and have a seat

under their umbrella outside the store.

Taste of the Island

460 Peninsula Boulevard

Hempstead, NY 11550

(516) 489-5925

ITALIAN

Campus Pizza Gyro

742 Fulton Avenue

Hempstead, NY 11550

(516) 489-2111

Italian Pizza

222 Henry Street

Hempstead, NY 11550

(516) 483-3433

Pizzatini

185 Henry Street

Hempstead, NY 11550

(516) 280-8226

Singas

721 Fulton Avenue

Hempstead, NY 11550

(516) 280-7378

This Italian eatery is located at 721

Fulton Avenue. When you first walk in,

you’ll notice a menu filled with pastas,

a variety of pizza with special toppings,

sandwiches, beef patties, and wings.

For those who prefer something

lighter, try one of their salads.

Buon appetito!

LATINO

Dominican Restaurant

24 Main Street

Hempstead, NY 11550

(516) 538-4444

El Dorado Restaurant

273 Fulton Avenue

Hempstead, NY 11550

(516) 483-3559

La Palma

246 Front Street

Hempstead, NY 11550

(516) 292-5724

La Sevillana Bakery

372 Fulton Avenue

Hempstead, NY 11550

(516) 538-9857

Mi Tierrita Restaurant

31 N. Franklin Street

Hempstead, NY 11550

(516) 292-2666

Mi Tierrita, located at 31 North Franklin

Street, is a great place to go for an authen-

tic Columbian meal. The portions are huge

and affordable. Dishes range from $4.25

- $21.95 (plus tax). The Hempstead location

is one of the restaurant’s three sites located

on Long Island. Pay Mi Tierrita a visit… rest

assured that you will not be disappointed!

Pollos Mario Restaurant

75 N. Franklin Street

Hempstead, NY 11550

(516) 505-3200

FLAVOR

Manilla Hut Taste of the Island Singas Mi Tierrita


Dr. Milton E. Rochford has been the Pastor of

All Saints Temple Church of God In Christ in the

Village of Hempstead since 1984. He has led

various initiatives that focus on reducing crime

and lowering recidivism rates for past offenders.

Dr. Rochford created a significantly successful program that centers on

preparing re-socialized ex-offenders while they return effectively into

their communities. This pilot program was conducted at the Arthur Kill

Correctional Facility in Staten Island and is currently being remodeled around

New York State and in New Jersey.

Dr. Rochford is also the founder and Executive Director of Citiback, Inc.,

a community revitalization program designed to deploy trained, volunteer

chaplains to varied communities to promote and institute crime prevention

strategies; while providing a myriad of human service activities and

partnering with neighborhood organizations. His vision is to train and

place chaplains in communities, institutions, hospitals and in the penal

systems worldwide. He is committed to helping individuals learn how to

successfully navigate positive routes to securing food, shelter, clothing,

inclusion and acceptance.

SPOTLIGHT

Reverend Chaplain Milton E. Rochford, Ph.d

Food. Shelter. Comfort. Hope.

GIVE THE GIFT THAT SAVES THE DAYIn this season of hope—when you want your gifts to really matter—there’s one gift you can always count on to save the day.

It will save the day when the next disaster strikes, or when a neighbor’s house burns down. It will be there when someone needs lifesaving blood, or the comfort of a helping hand.

It will connect military families with their loved ones in service, and provide training in CPR, aquatics safety, and fi rst aid. It will spread goodwill and change lives around the world.

Hope. It’s the gift you give to the American Red Cross.

Please donate today.1-800-RED CROSS

RedCross.org

Verson 1 7.5x10.5_ADHR IN PLACE

Version 1.indd 1 11/3/09 1:38 PM


Nassau County’s

Redistricting Plan

Hempstead’s Local Leaders Speak Out

In early May 2011, the Republican members of the GOP-controlled Nassau County Legislature, proposed a redistricting plan that included sweeping changes to the current landscape of the County. Legislative presiding officer Peter Schmitt (R-Massapequa) was quoted in a Newsday article as citing legal opinion by County Attorney John Ciampoli stating that “the county charter requires the Legislature to approve a new reapportion-ment plan within eight months of the release of the new U.S. Census.” The U.S. Census numbers were made public on April 1, 2011.

The Nassau County Legislature is sharply divided along party lines on this issue. In fact, the Village of Hempstead would certainly feel the effects of the redistricting plan as proposed. The Village, which currently falls into two legislative districts, would be split into three districts under the new plan.

Hempstead Living has asked some of our prominent community members to give their opinion on the proposed plan and its potential impact on the Village of Hempstead.

Here’s what they had to say:

One of Nassau County’s hottest topics this year has been “Redistricting”. The fiercely debated issue focuses primarily on the early redrawing of Nassau’s 19 legislative districts, including the Village of Hempstead.

*Maps courtesy of Nassau County

“Regardless of whether or not I think the plan is good orbad, I do think that the plan will promote divisiveness within our Village. I believe in having a unified Hempstead. The proposed plan can potentially divide our community beyond repair.”

- Leo Fernandez, Hempstead Small Business Owner, Allstate Insurance

“The proposed redistricting plan not only changes boundaries across the County, but it would slice & dice our Village. The Legislature needs to adopt a plan that affects the fewest number of constituents.”

- Leone Baum, President Hempstead Chamber of Commerce

“I strongly believe that the proposed plan brought forth by the Republicans is a blatant attempt to diminish the minority vote.”

- Edward D. Tolver II, President NAACP Hempstead Branch


UPDATE: NORTH MAIN STREET URBAN RENEWAL PLANON TUESDAY, AUGUST 2, 2011, the Village Board of Trustees met and approved the appointment ofRenaissance Downtown/Urban America (RDUA) as the development company to create the redevelopment plan for Downtown Hempstead. RDUA is a joint venture

between a minority real estate investment trust and a Long Island development company. The company has been appointed to create a redevelopment plan for downtown Hempstead which will focus on redeveloping approximately five blocks along North Main Street.

Long-time Hempstead resident, Reginald Benjamin, who also heads the local non-profit organization ABBA, voices his expectations of the proposed plan to RDUA’s Donald Monti at a public meeting held at Hempstead Public Library on June 16, 2011.

Do you have a point of view on the hot topic of redistricting? We’d love to hear your thoughts!

Please send us an email at [email protected] and let us know what you think.

COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT


Once again, students from Adelphi University contributed their time and effort to the Village of Hempstead on August 25, 2011 by participating in the annual community clean-up project. Approximately seventy-five (75) undergraduate students, who are members of the University’s Freshman Community Action Program (FCAP), put on their work gloves and were ready to work. This year’s task required all students to clean up two major areas – the vacant lot located at the corner of President Street and Peninsula Boulevard, and the grounds of Mirschel Park. The students cleared tall grass and pulled up weeds from the vacant corner lot, which spans over an acre of land, so a white picket

fence could be installed. Afterwards, the students headed to the park where they cleaned the grounds of litter and debris.

Adelphi University’s successful FCAP program was created and released in 2006 by Della Hudson, Associate Dean of Student Affairs at Adelphi and a member of CDA’s Board of Directors. The Village of Hempstead Community Development Agency (CDA) has created community service projects for the program’s participants each year and has ranged from painting to planting and cleaning duties. The program also affords the students an opportunity to learn about a variety of community volunteer opportunities and about community development. FCAP is a “win-win” for everyone involved and best of all, our beloved community benefits directly!

CHIPPING IN TOMAKE A DIFFERENCE

EASY STREETS

IN AN EFFORT TO KEEP THE streets of our Village leveled and smooth, the Community Development Agency has facilitated the lease of a new milling machine for the Village of Hempstead Department of Public Works. The primary function of the milling machine is to grind the surface of asphalt and/or concrete pavement into flat and even planes. We are fully committed to keeping our streets beautiful!


WINTER 25 HEMPSTEAD LIVING

Commerical Revitalization ProjectsThe Village of Hempstead CDA is hard at work building for the future of our community. Here is a comprehensive list

of projects currently underway. With over $3.6 Million dollars dedicated to commercial revitalization projects, it’s

clear that the betterment of our community is our top priority. — By Dulce Zapata

1. FARMER’S BEST MARKET $3,280,000.00 / Total Project Cost 42 Main Street Status : In Progress Construction stage

2. MAMITA RESTAURANT $44,710.00 / Total Project Cost 287 Fulton St Status : 95% Completed

3. EPIPHANY DAY SPA & SALON $200,000.00 / Total Project Cost 285 Fulton Street Status : In progress design stage

(Learn more about Epiphany Day Spa & Salon on page 26.)

4. $30,000.00 / Total Project Cost 69-73 Main Street Status : In progress design stage

5. $40,000.00 / Total Project Cost 37-41 Main St Status : In progress design stage

6. $30,000.00 / Total Project Cost 65-67 Main Street Status : In progress design stage

DID YOU KNOW that Tanya Hobson-Williams is Hempstead’s first African-American female Village Justice? She was elected in March 2009.



Hempstead has one of the best-kept secrets in the

Village. It’s called Epiphany Day Spa & Salon and it’s

located at 285 Fulton Avenue. Epiphany’s Director,

Satnarine Ricketts-Weller, has created the perfect

oasis to help customers relax, rewind and rejuvenate.

Epiphany is the perfect getaway to help you maintain a healthy lifestyle while perfecting your good looks. The services offered include facials for all skin types and conditions, massages, body wraps, body scrubs, steam, paraffin treatments, eyelash application, waxing, make-up application, spa manicures & pedicures, as well as complete haircare. But don’t be fooled into believing that a trip to the spa is a luxurious treat that you cannot afford. “The truth is, you cannot afford to miss out on the importance of focusing on the wellness of your spirit and body”, explains Ricketts-Weller. She goes on to explain, “People tend to focus more on maintaining their cars than maintaining their bodies. The body can take only but so much. Your body will break down just as easily as a car can when it is neglected.”

The common belief is that spa services generally tend to focus on enhancing one’s outer beauty. Well, at Epiphany Day Spa & Salon, just as much emphasis is placed on inner beauty; specifically on preserving balance. “You achieve more in life when you are balanced and relaxed,” describes Rickets-Weller. The spa offers services which release impurities from the body such as a foot detox. Additionally, a Reiki Master is available on the weekends. (Reiki is a Japanese technique used for stress reduction and relaxation that also promotes healing.) An array of customized massages will identify and relieve your pressure points, leaving you relaxed and refreshed. Epiphany’s treatment rooms can accommodate

couples or small groups. Their licensed technicians and hairstylists are on hand to consult you on your personal needs.

Customers from all over the tri-state are regular clients at Epiphany. Isn’t it about time you visited our neighbor-hood’s haven for beauty and wellness too? Please visit their website at www.epiphanydayspany.com and make an appointment today!

LOCAL SPA FOCUSES ON BEAUTY & WELLNESS

Mention that you read this article in Hempstead Living and receive a 15% discount*!

(*Not applicable to specials & already marked down services)

along the way but you must always keep the faith and believe that things will work out for the best.” Good advice for all of us to take to heart.

— Rachel Breton

Are you interested in being a homeowner?

For additional information about the Village of

Hempstead’s First Time Homebuyer Program

and for a list of available homes, please call

Latasha Conyers at the Village of Hempstead

Community Development Agency (516) 485-5737.


Amanda Gist is a life-long resident

of Hempstead. She grew up in our

beloved Village and like many,

was an apartment dweller for the

majority of her life. In 2007, Gist

(pictured right) became aware of the first-time homebuyer’s program being offered by the Village of Hempstead CDA in partnership with Long Island Housing Partnership (LIHP). She wondered if the possibility of owning a home was a tangible goal for her and her family. After much thought, she figured “nothing ventured was nothing gained” and she started working towards her dream of homeownership.

“It was a long and hard process. But we knew we just had to keep the faith”, explains Gist. She diligently met with her one-on-one counselor and obediently followed all of the advice being given. Her diligence paid off and she was able to secure a pre-approved loan. The Gists were overjoyed at the thought that finally, homeownership would be a real possi-bility for them. “We were so excited!” describes Amanda. Although it was a long wait before the family could actually move in, they were elated when the certificate of occupancy was acquired earlier this year. The Gists were able to close on their new home on April 15th and they happily moved in on May 1st. When we asked, “Was it worth the wait?”, Amanda did not hesitate to say, “Absolutely! I am now a proud homeowner and I’m very thankful for all of the lessons I learned along the way.” Her advice to individuals trying to transition from apartment dwelling to homeownership: “Ask questions throughout the process so you understand fully what’s going on. There will be ups and downs

A DREAM OF HOMEOWNERSHIP FINALLY BECOMES A REALITY


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MILESTONESJoin us in congratulating the following Hempstead residents

on reaching significant milestones in their lives:

Marion Fleming80th Birthday

Dr. & Mrs. William Smith50th Wedding Anniversary

IN MEMORIAMWe remember those who have recently passed away.

Thank you all for your years of commitment, service and dedication to the Village of Hempstead.

Lelar Boone

Gerard Burnett

Bob Gray

Cherry Weinstein


C S R E D U C E R C T R T H I

S R N I L D H U O R O O N D N

K G O A O B L E A E S A E I T

L N P S I E T F L Y B D M C E

A I Y H S R F Y W A C S E R R

W K G L Y I T K I O N A C O E

E L N L C S N S N G A F R S S

D A I N E D I G E B I E O S T

I W K F K V E C G D I T F W S

S N I G N S A B A U E Y N A P

B L B Q T K Y R J L A P E L U

R S J I H E A L T H Y R W K O

U V O K S T U D E N T S D R R

C N H U Y T I L A U Q R I A G

D R E D U C E L E A R N Q Y I

Safe Routes To School

AIR QUALITY BIKING CONGESTION

CROSSING GUARD CROSSWALK CURBS

ENFORCEMENT GROUPS HEALTHY

INTERESTS LEARN LIFESTYLE

PEDESTRIANS PHYSICAL REDUCE

ROAD SAFETY RULES SIDEWALKS

STUDENTS TRAFFIC TRAVEL

WALKING


School trustee Hazelin Williams cuts the ribbon to begin a new school year at the Academy’s new location.

Students of The Academy Charter school Amber Wilkins, Kimani Panth-ier and Distin Milliner leave the stage after reciting the Pledge of Allegiance.

Pictured l-r: Claude Gooding, Susan L. Taylor, Rev. Barbara Mungin, Wayne & Doreen Redman

Two veterans pose for a photograph as they wave the American Flag at Hempstead’s Memorial Day Parade.

Runner’s engage in a Zumba fitness stretching session after the 5K Run.

Elected officials pose with gleeful students at the Jackson Main Elementary School Parade.

The Academy Charter School

Jackson MainElementary

Memorial Day Parade

Hempstead Boys & GirlsClub 14th Anniversary

Dinner

Healthy Hempstead5K Run Walk-a-thon

We offer hotel-like amenities such as:Internet Access, Coffee Bar, Concierge

Service, Theraputic Recreation Programs and

Dining Options. We also offer Spa Choices

such as: Aromatherapy, Massage Therapy,

Yoga, Tai-Chi, Pain Management, Reiki and

Personal Training Classes.

QUALITY CARE HAS MADE US ONE OF THE PREMIER

providers of skilled nursing care. Our broad

range of services, care and lifestyle options

offer residents choices and allow them to live

life on their terms.

We offer the following services:

• 280 Bed Skilled Nursing Facility

• 24 hour a Day Admissions

• Orthopedic Rehabilitation Program Six Days a Week

• Short Term Rehabilitation (Physical, Occupational,

& Speech Therapy)

• Comfort Care

• Tracheostomy Care

• Intravenous Therapy

• Post Acute and Surgical Wound Care

• Hemodialysis

• Gastrostomy tube feedings

• Psychological Services

• Hospice and Respite care

• Medical Model Adult Day Health Care Program(With Medical management and Administration, wound care, dental podiatry optometry onsite, x-rays, Laboratory Services, sonograms EKG and Pharmacy services on site)

One Greenwich Street

Hempstead, NY 11550

Exceeding customer expectations is our goal every day.

www.nassauextendedcare.com

Licensed by the NY State Dept of Health

We accept Medicare, Medicaid andcontracts with most HMO‘s

For information and tours please call our admissions department

Tel 516 565 4800Fax 516 486 5212

Director of Admissions . . . . . .ext 3104Admissions Coordinator . . . . .ext 3105 Director of Adult Day Care . . .ext 3117

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The Incorporated Village of Hempstead

Community Development Agency

Commissioner Claude Gooding

50 Clinton Street, Suite 504

Hempstead, New York 11550

PRESORTEDSTANDARDUS Postage

PAIDPermit No. 205Hempstead, NY

ECRWSSPOSTAL PATRON

Documents

Hempstead Living Magazine Winter 2012