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A Few Clouds Hewlett resident wins pothole hunting contest
Hewlett-Woodmere Business Association President David Friedman and SoBol of Hewlett co-owner Amy Golan teamed up to start a District 14 pothole contest, where Cristina Lahey, a Hewlett resident, submitted the most photos of local potholes and won a $20 SoBol gift card.
After the Jan. 28 to 29 weekend nor’easter, “the snowplows popped a lot of asphalt up,” Friedman said, “and that’s what has caused all of these potholes. We thought we’d make a fun contest with SoBol.”
To publicize the contest, Golan posted on SoBol’s Instagram and Facebook page: “Find some holes – win some bowls.” She and her husband, Russ, co-own the store on Broadway.
Friedman is working closely with Nassau County Administrative Assistant and Woodmere resident Ann DeMichael to fill the potholes, using contest submissions as pothole locators. Nassau County Pothole Patrol began filling potholes on Feb. 8 – a day before the contest winner was chosen – Friedman said.
He has also been in touch with the Town of Hempstead regarding pothole filling on town roads. Many people are not sure if the road they live on is a town, village or county road, Friedman said. To call the appropriate agency for road concerns, “People need to look at the online map on the Nassau County website,” he said.
Sobol opened in Dec. 2021 and is fairly new to the Five Towns, yet the business is “ very much about improving the community,” Golan said, “and so I think improving the pothole situation is a great step forward. That’s why we were happy to donate a $20 gift card.”
Lahey received her $20 SoBol gift card on Feb. 10 after sending in 23 pothole photos, which DeMichael sent to Nassau County and the Town of Hempstead along with the rest of the contest submissions.
Lahey found the potholes by driving around town, she said: “I didn’t expect to win, but entering is always fun!” I’m a big advocate of supporting local businesses and helping to get our roadways fixed in our town, it’s a win-win!” Thank you SoBol and Hewlett-Woodmere Business Association for the contest.”
