Residents and clubs to clean up W.H. and need your help

West Hempstead is slowly, but surely, getting made-over, and community participation is on the rise ever since the West Hempstead Chamber of Commerce launched its beautification committee last month and began coordinating cleanup efforts.

This coming weekend, Diann Forquignon and a number of community volunteers will spend about three hours cleaning the vacant property at 540 Hempstead Turnpike, and hope to turn it from graffiti-covered eyesore into a more aesthetically pleasing spot.

“I believe it is important to take pride in our community,” Forquignon told the Herald. “If we hope to attract new businesses and people to live here … it is important for us to present the best we have to offer.”

Forquignon will be joined by members of the West Hempstead Court Aktion Club, who is sponsoring the cleanup, the Division 6 Key Club, Adelphi’s Circle K, local Kiwanis Clubs  and possibly some children from Franklin Square. As an advisor to the Aktion Club, Forquignon said she felt compelled to make a commitment to not only help the West Hempstead community, but also to help disabled adults from within the community by offering them a chance to contribute their time. “That is what matters,” she said, “that we all get a chance to make a difference and make our community a nicer place to live.”

Forquinon encourages others in the community to join the effort. “Yes, it’s right before the holidays, but what better time to make our neighborhood look better?” Forquignon said. “I decided, enough talk. Time for action.”

The cleanup, which will take place on Saturday, Dec. 17, is expected to run from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m.