This Week In West Hempstead: Week Of June 18th

Car Crashes into Synagogue

As first reported by The Echo, a black Volvo SUV crashed into Congregation Anshei Shalom at 472 Hempstead Avenue, causing significant front-end damage to the synagogue.

Thankfully, no injuries were reported.

Poison Ivy at Hempstead Lake State Park

Thanks to West Hempstead local Norm, poison ivy was spotted and reported near the playground and kayak launch.

In response, park staff removed the affected playground area over the weekend and will handle the kayak site this week.

Park officials thanked Norm for helping keep the park “clean and safe for all.”

Dangerous Roads: Closer Than You Think

A new Newsday report lists Long Island’s five most dangerous intersections—and one is just down the road.

The crossing at North Franklin St. and Jackson St. near the Academy Charter School in Hempstead saw 183 crashes in the past decade, including 2 fatalities and 12 serious injuries.

Arrest – Garden City

A 21-year-old Franklin Square man, Riken Acharya, was arrested after allegedly inappropriately touching an 11-year-old girl at Sephora in Roosevelt Field on June 17.

He was caught nearby and is charged with:

Sexual Abuse 1st Degree

Endangering the Welfare of a Child

He will be arraigned June 18 at 1st District Court, Hempstead.

Arrest – Lakeview

Police arrested Azzm Khan, 26, of Park Avenue for aggravated animal cruelty on June 13.

A cat was found deceased in the home. Khan was arrested without incident and taken for psych evaluation. Court date: July 3.

Six student athletes were honored at College Signing Day at WHUFSD, hear who made the list and what schools they chose.

Fireworks Already?

Reports are trickling in about early fireworks in West Hempstead.

It’s not July 4th yet, but longtime locals know—fireworks obsession is real here.

Stay tuned for tips on safety, noise rules, and community tolerance.

Malverne Cinema to Reopen as Nonprofit

Over 200 community members packed Connolly Station on May 29 to discuss the revival of the Malverne Cinema & Arts Center.

The historic theater shut down last fall due to costs—but now, it maybe coming back under a nonprofit model.

Library Update

The Children’s Room Summer Reading Club is here!

Theme: Color Our World!

Started: June 8 registration

Begins: June 30 — with prizes, games, and reading fun all summer long.

Scouting in West Hempstead

Want to get your child involved in Scouting?

Check out Troop 613, meeting Sundays at 3 PM at Congregation Anshei Shalom.

New Business Alert: Court’s Groovy Grooming

Support local!

Join the West Hempstead Chamber of Commerce at a ribbon-cutting this Friday, June 20, for Court’s Groovy Grooming, the newest addition to Hempstead Ave.

And at Riesterer’s…

Graduations are still taking place and Riesterer’s makes the Best specialty cakes!