This Week In West Hempstead: Week of Feb 11, 2026
Cold snap finally easing — Temps are climbing back into the 40s after a brutal stretch that caused frozen pipes and heating issues across town. Another storm might be possible early next week, but it’s still too soon to know.
Natural ice skating returns — For the first time in decades, McDonald Pond at Hempstead Lake State Park is open for skating (7:30 AM–5:30 PM daily). Free to skate — bring your own skates — and stay only in designated safe areas.
School Board Meeting — Video from last night’s BOE meeting isn’t posted yet. If you attended, share updates in the comments. Several school stories are brewing, including discussion around bringing the Diamond Charter School into the district for two years.
NYS DMV Shutdown Reminder
• Fri Feb 13 — closes at 2 PM
• Feb 14–17 — CLOSED statewide
• Reopens Feb 18
All services are affected (in-person, online & phone) due to a major system upgrade.
Possible 311 Service in Nassau?
County Legislator Olena Nicks is pushing a proposal for a 311 non-emergency line — similar to NYC — to handle issues like potholes, streetlights and sanitation calls and reduce pressure on 911.
Community Event:
YIWH Bruce Wenger Youth Department is hosting a Family Hockey Outing at UBS Arena on Feb 22 at 5 PM — Elite Israel Hockey League (Tel Aviv vs Jerusalem).
Public Safety Update
Police arrested a Hempstead man in connection with a January 31 bank robbery on Fulton Avenue. No injuries were reported.
Car Wash Talk
After all this winter grime, neighbors are recommending spots like Harry’s on Woodfield Road, exterior night washes near Westminster, and several late-night options along Hempstead Turnpike and Sunrise Highway.
Black History Month at the Library
Stop by the Adult Fiction section and Teen Room to check out curated Black History Month book displays. Also — tried the Libby app this week… great borrowing experience, even if the book itself didn’t quite deliver.
Politics — Last Item
Republican gubernatorial candidate and Nassau County Executive Bruce Blakeman announced Fulton County Sheriff Richard Giardino as his running mate for lieutenant governor. Giardino has served as a district attorney, state Supreme Court judge, and sheriff — a rare law-enforcement résumé heading into the race.
Community Reminder:
Grab your fresh bagels at Riesterer’s — and check out the new lineup of cream cheese flavors while you’re there.
