By Liz McBreen
Newly named club president Michael Fusco is a mortgage broker and he recently did business with Rosemarie and Orlando Valentino, a couple from Elmont.
Before wrapping up their meeting, Fusco asked the Valentinos if gaining access to the house would be a problem for Rosemarie, who is confined to a wheelchair. He suggested that a ramp be built, and then asked the Kiwanis Club to get involved.
Jim DiBari, a member of the Kiwanis Club, told John Pepe about the Valentino's need for a ramp in front of their home. Pepe, a Franklin Square resident and owner of his own business, JP Home Improvement, volunteered to help the Valentinos.
Using materials donated by Home Depot, Pepe went to work. "I tore down the old deck that was there, and put up a larger one, so that Mrs. Valentino can get in and out of the house easily," said Pepe. The project took about four and a half days to complete.
On Oct. 15, the Valentinos were guests of honor at the Kiwanis meeting to celebrate the completion of the project. The couple are grateful to the club for their assistance, and Pepe said it was a pleasure to work with the Valentinos.
The Kiwanis Club has a history of helping out when they see a need in the community. "We make money through different fund-raisers, and pinpoint community projects to focus on," said Fusco. One of these fund-raisers is the Franklin Square Street Fair, which will be held on the Sunday before Mother's Day in the future.
With the money it raises, the Club sets up a scholarship fund for one male and one female graduate of Carey High School, as well as send children to camp who would not otherwise be able to afford it. During the holiday season, they also set up baskets of cheer which are donated to families in need.
Carl Gerrato, member of the Kiwanis Club and the Franklin Square Historical Society, updated the Kiwanis on the progress being made on construction of the Historical Society Museum at the meeting. The Town of Hempstead has set aside land in Rath Park for the building.
More than half of the funds needed for the museum have been raised, and the test borings at the site are planned for this month. "Hopefully construction will begin in the spring after the test borings are complete," said Gerrato. The Historical Society is also looking for volunteers to help with plumbing and electrical work once construction of the building is complete. When the museum is operational, it will run on donations made by community members and corporate sponsors.
The Kiwanis, currently looking for eight to ten new members, hold meetings twice a month at Filomena's restaurant in Franklin Square.
