West Hempstead Echo

17/12/2025

THIS WEEK IN WEST HEMPSTEAD — DECEMBER 17
West Hempstead saw its first snow of the season early Sunday morning, with about 4 inches of heavy, wet, icy snow making driving difficult and causing some sporadic power outages. The good news: warmer weather and heavy rain later this week should wash it away.
The West Hempstead Community Scholarship Fund is now accepting applications for local high school seniors. The deadline is February 6, 2026. Applications are available through school guidance offices, the public library, or online at: https://whcsfund.wixsite.com/website
On Monday night, the community gathered at Halls Pond for a Menorah Lighting, led by Rabbi Yossi Lieberman of Chabad West Hempstead. Despite the bitter cold—and in the shadow of the tragic attack in Sydney, Australia—residents came together for a powerful and meaningful Chanukah celebration. Special thanks to the Lakeview Fire Department, Nassau County Police, Chabad, and all the volunteers.
Traffic remains a daily frustration, especially in the late afternoon, with residents again reporting gridlock on Poplar Street. Drivers are urged to use caution and alternate routes.
In local sports, West Hempstead defeated Cold Spring Harbor 65–57, led by Alex Davis with 24 points.
Holiday happenings continue: Winter Wonderland is coming to the Secondary School on December 20, the library is stocked with holiday books (and those popular “cones of silence”), and Riesterer’s is in full holiday mode with sufganiyot for Chanukah and stollen for Christmas.
Finally, some store news around town: a new 99-cent store on Hempstead Turnpike has already closed, the former Alegro Bar & Grill will reopen as a Caribbean restaurant, and Bagletown on Hempstead Avenue has been sold to a Queens-based operator.

Visit us at: www.westhempsteadecho.com
https://youtu.be/fgp6CypDDN8?si=76Su1J0aqdx6RX0z

Very busy week in West Hempstead including our snowy start to the week. The community gathered on Monday for the annual menorah lighting at Halls Pond organi...

16/12/2025

Community Menorah Lighting at Halls Pond
Tonight’s Menorah Lighting was led by Rabbi Yossi Lieberman of Chabad West Hempstead. On a frigid, icy cold evening—and in the shadow of yesterday’s tragic terrorist attack against Jews celebrating Chanukah in Sydney, Australia, which took the lives of 15 people at a Chabad event—a large crowd gathered at the foot of Halls Pond to light the Menorah together as one community.
A very special thank you to the Lakeview Fire Department for making the fire ladder chocolate gelt drop such a memorable highlight for the kids. The night was filled with music, food, dancing, and a true warmth of spirit at the Chabad Grand Chanukah Celebration.
Thank you as well to the Nassau County Police Department, all the dedicated volunteers, and the many West Hempsteaders who came out in the cold to help make this a deeply meaningful and unifying Chanukah night for our community.

Visit us at: www.westhempsteadecho.com

14/12/2025

11/12/2025

Thank You Lakeview Fire Department!! Look likes speed may have been a factor given that the car took down a fire hydrant before hitting the house. Fortunately no one was injured.

10/12/2025

THIS WEEK IN WEST HEMPSTEAD — Week of Dec 10
Echo Park Pool Closure
The Echo Park Pool Complex will be closed Jan 2–Feb 2 for annual maintenance.
Pool pass holders may swim at Tully Park — bring your pass and driver’s license.
Tully Hours: Mon–Fri 8am–8pm (pool closes 7:30) | Sat–Sun 8am–6pm (pool closes 5:30)
At the Library — Sunday Concerts @ 2PM
Dec 14 — Jay Daniels Holiday Tunes
Dec 21 — Cubanazo Band
WHPL is also collecting new or gently used winter items for The INN.
MAIL Alert — “Brushing Scam”Residents receiving empty packages labeled “Thank You Letter” — part of a scam that creates fake “verified purchases.
Riesterer’s Holiday Push!
Featured on News 12 — producing 40,000 gingerbread houses this year and continuing a 94-year family tradition right here in WH!
Heating Season — Oil vs Gas
Older WH homes still run on oil; gas is more efficient but conversions are costly and require planning/permits.
Visit us at: www.westhempsteadecho.com

https://youtu.be/6rqetV8wEww?si=cQHBMSoIaxmOJ-nn

As we look ahead to the holidays the chances of a white Christmas don't look likely, but it got us talking about how people heat their homes and the oil vs. ...

03/12/2025

THIS WEEK IN WEST HEMPSTEAD — December 3rd
Noise pollution is becoming a major quality-of-life issue, with residents on Nextdoor describing nonstop boomer cars and motorcycles shaking homes at all hours. Many are asking why the SLEEP Act isn’t being enforced and whether the community should push for coordinated action.
The police blotter is quiet, but catalytic converter thefts continue. Report any incidents.
Is Anshei Shalom ripping up their sidewalk again? Neighbors are wondering what’s going on over there.
Two local elections are coming up Tuesday, Dec. 9 (6–9pm) — Fire Commissioner (at the Firehouse) and Water Commissioner (at 575 Birch St.). Incumbent William D’Alessandro is being challenged by Jonathan Poirot for the firehouse position and CJ Sparacio is running unopposed at the water district. And yes… state law requires these December elections.
Major work is happening at the outdoor pool complex, with heavy equipment digging near the kiddie pool. Repairs to the original concrete structure seem underway — but when will the gym equipment be upgraded?
Mark your calendars:
- WH Civic Association Tree & Menorah Lighting — Dec 7, 2–5pm, Halls Pond
- Chabad Grand Chanukah Celebration — Dec 15, 6:30pm parade, 7:15pm Halls Pond
- WH Cheerleaders Winter Wonderland — Dec 20, 6–7:30pm, North Gym
At the library: Tech Help on Dec. 10 & 11 — register at whplibrary.org. Walk-ins welcome.
And Riesterer’s is in full holiday mode — order your Stollen now and ship some joy to a loved one! Visit: www.rbakery.com

Visit us at: www.westhempsteadecho.com
https://youtu.be/LZ3i0vh43BU?si=UFJI9peEis_B2PuV

Two elections are upcoming next week, one for Fire Commissioner at the WHFD, and the other for Water Commissioner at the Water District. While we aren't sure...