The Franklin Square Civic Association was founded in 2016 with a mission to maintain and enhance the quality of life in the Franklin Square community. From beautification projects and community events to problem-solving initiatives and issue-oriented discussions, the FSCA aims to serve as a channel for residents to actively participate in the community and be part of positive changes in town.
Frank Culmone, treasurer of the civic association, and Kristen Spielberg, its vice president, detailed some upcoming events and initiatives the association will lead in the coming year. For more information, residents can search for their Facebook page by name or visit FSQCivic.org. The next meeting will be held May 28 at the Franklin Square Public Library from 7 to 9 p.m.
1. Honoring and supporting veterans and hometown heroes
The FSCA will materially support the Memorial Day Parade by marching on May 26 at VFW Post 2718. Volunteers from the civic association will put up flags around the triangle on New Hyde Park Road and provide patriotic bunting, which will be installed by Scouting America Troop 93 along Naple Avenue and the gazebo near the Rath Park memorial. In addition, Culmone said the FSCA has officially unveiled this year’s Hometown Heroes banners, which are displayed on posts along the VFW building on Lincoln Road. The program began in 2019 and honors military veterans who are either from Franklin Square or nominated by a current resident. It also recognizes first responders, like firefighters, police officers, and healthcare workers.
2. Beautification efforts are currently underway with new tree planting program
Spielberg said the beautification committee has been working on an initiative to plant trees around Franklin Square, a program the FSCA officially launched this year. The association is currently partnering with Cornell Cooperative Extension, an organization of educators, researchers, specialists and volunteers dedicated to preserving the environment, to conduct the program. Spielberg said any Franklin Square resident interested in planting a tree on their property can email Trees@FSQCivic.org. Culmone added that the civic association collaborates with the Franklin Square Chamber of Commerce, Historical Society, and Morton Civic Association to help fund plants and bunting.
3. Two family events to add to your calendar later this year
Culmone said the FSCA will bring back its annual community yard sale on Nov. 1 from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. in the Rath Park pool parking lot. He said they plan to host more than 50 sellers, many of whom are returning from previous years. The event is a hit in the community, Culmone said, because it draws a crowd to one location where sellers can maintain privacy, rather than setting up individual garage sales at their homes. Sellers interested in participating can find the registration link—which opens in early August—on FSQCivic.org. This year’s Winter Festival, Culmone said, will take place Dec. 6 at the gazebo in Rath Park, with free hot chocolate and a visit by Santa.
