Person of the Year

West Hempstead resident Scott Jablow was recently named as the West Hempstead Community Support Association's Person of the Year for 2008. Jablow, the president of the Cathedral Gardens Association, has lived in the hamlet for 18 years.

During these years, he organized the Cathedral Gardens Civic, with hopes that it will help to bring neighbors together and encourage others to take pride in their community. As president of the association, Jablow has worked very closely with the West Hempstead Civic Association and he currently works with the WHCSA.

One of Jablow’s goals has been to help keep West Hempstead a desirable community. In 1995 when West Hempstead was confronted with a business that threatened the safety of its residents, it was Jablow who helped galvanize the community and have this business removed.

Recognizing that the residents of West Hempstead needed an organization which would encompass all of its residents, Jablow also worked with a few residents and helped them establish the West Hempstead Civic Association (WHCA). As a result of his help and experience, the WHCA was formed in 1995. Since then, every president of the WHCA and now the WHCSA has worked closely with him on issues facing the community. Each has considered Jablow's expertise as an asset and welcomed his input to help preserve the quality of life in West Hempstead.

Jablow has also contributed his voice and presence at many of the Hempstead Town Board’s meetings. He is also no stranger at the Nassau County Planning Commission’s hearings when an issue involving West Hempstead is on its agenda.

During his years as a resident, Jablow has also attended many of the town's Zoning Board of Appeals hearings to strongly express a position on applications for zoning variances, which would affect West Hempstead.

He ardently supported variances which benefited West Hempstead residents and voiced strong opposition to those showed signs of having a negative impact.

Civic officials in the area describe Jablow as a staunch, dependable and capable supporter of ideas and programs that benefit his community.

The association will honor Jablow for his volunteerism and community service during its community meeting on Oct. 22 at West Hempstead Middle School at 7:30 p.m.