‘It was built with love’

It was built in the rain and dedicated in the cold. In between, the new gazebo at Hewlett House has become a popular spot for those who are battling cancer.

Students from the construction and remodeling class at Valley Stream South High School built the gazebo during a school service day in April. It was officially dedicated on Dec. 10 with officials from the school and Hewlett House in attendance. The ribbon was cut by Sierra Grant, daughter of school social worker Karen Grant who helped coordinate last spring’s service activities.

“It’s just beautiful,” Principal Maureen Henry said of the gazebo. “It was built with love.”

Henry said that South High School has formed a strong relationship with Hewlett House, a non-profit community resource center for cancer patients and their families and friends. Earlier this year, students collected paper goods for the facility. Proceeds from the Cultural Society’s events and the school’s one-act plays will also go to Hewlett House. In the spring, students in the life skills program and National Junior Honor Society will partner up to plant flowers on the grounds.

Geri Barish, executive director of Hewlett House, said many of the support groups meet in the gazebo during the nice weather. It has also already hosted three baby showers and one bridal shower. “We hope to have a wedding in there,” Barish said.

For those suffering from cancer, Barish said the gazebo has a certain therapeutic value. To be able to sit outside on a nice day and enjoy the scenery helps one with the healing process, she explained.

Barish noted that for those students who built the gazebo, it wasn’t a job for them, it was a labor of love. “Turn around and see what young people do,” she said. “Give them the credit that they deserve. There’s a lot of good kids who want to make a difference.”

Joe Cannon, a senior in the construction class last year, came back for the dedication. His family owns a sign company and they made and donated a plaque for the gazebo.

“It was nice to come back and put the last finishing touch to it,” Cannon said, adding that he was glad the project could be done for such a good charity.

Additionally, South High School teachers Kristy Hinkelman and Colleen Byrne made a donation of $1,050. They ran in the Philadelphia Marathon on Nov. 22 in honor of a fellow teacher who is battling cancer and uses the Hewlett House. They collected donations from teachers and staff who supported their effort.

“We decided we could turn the opportunity into a fundraising opportunity for Hewlett House,” said Hinkelman, who ran the 26-mile marathon for the first time.

This was Byrne’s 11th time participating in the run, but the first in several years. “This one definitely had the most meaning,” she said.