Performers, judges set for West Hempstead’s Got Talent

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Whether it’s through music, comedy or theater, the West Hempstead Community Support Association hopes to highlight resident talent of all ages while promoting community pride. “West Hempstead’s Got Talent” would be the first communitywide talent show, according to the WHCSA. As the Herald went to press on Monday, the association said that eight contestants from the community are expected to showcase their talents at this year’s event.
“The goal is to show West Hempstead pride and to interact with our neighbors in a positive, fun, outdoor, summer kind of event,” said Zehava Schechter, an association board member who will be the master of ceremonies for the event.
Aside from competing for bragging rights and a cash prize, association member Aisha Crumpton said, the talent show — scheduled for July 29, at 6 p.m., at Hall’s Pond Park — will also demonstrate what the organization does for the community, and how much members care about West Hempstead.
“We do a whole lot of events, and this is just a fun aspect,” Crumpton said. “Yes, we get nitty-gritty and fight for our resources to try to make our community better, but this is something we thought we could do as a fun event. We’ve all worked very hard to make sure that West Hempstead is well represented.”
The WHCSA thanked the following businesses for their support and helping to contribute certificates for winners of this program:

Pompei Ristorante, 401 Hempstead Avenue, West Hempstead.
Fel’s Hair Creations, 123 Woodfield Road, West Hempstead.
Riesterer’s Bakery, 282 Hempstead Avenue, West Hempstead.
Bageltown, 488 Hempstead Avenue, West Hempstead.
Lia’s Pizzeria, 710 Dogwood Avenue, Franklin Square.
Hair by Claudine, 457 Hempstead Avenue, West Hempstead.
National Wholesale Liquidators, 111 Hempstead Turnpike, West Hempstead.
NEFCU, 648 Hempstead Turnpike, Franklin Square.
Judges for the event are Harry Baldino, owner of Creative Corner in West Hempstead, Eitan Kantor, owner of Hyperstudio in West Hempstead and Joyce Simantov, a local, full-time professional musician.
Schechter added that the community’s support is what helped to make this event possible.
“The community is strong. It may not be as active as we would like, but yet when we reach out to the community, the response is positive,” she said.
WHCSA member Marie Chambers will coordinate a concession stand where water and snacks will be sold. All proceeds will go toward scholarships for graduating West Hempstead High School students.
Membership forms will be available at the event. Ello Entertainment will provide a DJ and musical entertainment. People who attend the event can also request their own music by emailing WHCSA at whempsteadtalent@yahoo.com.
The group hopes to bring people of all ages together for an evening of fun. “We want the neighborhood to come out and show that we’re proud of our talent here,” Crumpton said.
For those who cannot attend the event, the WHCSA will have a live stream on their Facebook page.