As the calendar turns to 2026, a familiar name is returning in West Hempstead. The longtime neighborhood group known as the West Hempstead Community Support Association has reverted to its original name: the West Hempstead Civic Association.
“We decided to change the name back to West Hempstead Civic because it more clearly defines what we do for the community,” Maureen Mahoney, president of the civic association, said.
Mahoney explained that the previous title often left residents confused about the group’s role. “We are a civic association,” she said. “A voluntary neighborhood group of residents working together to improve our community. We advocate for the community and organize events. We listen to concerns about development, safety and quality of life.”
The group organizes West Hempstead’s annual street fair, Memorial Day parade, Sept. 11 memorial, the Holiday Children’s Party, and tree and menorah lightings at Halls Pond Park. They also host cleanups at the park twice a year and regularly respond to community concerns.
In July 2025, the group responded to complaints about conditions at Halls Pond Park and continues to advocate for improvements there.
The organization began in 1995 as part of a community revitalization campaign and was originally called the West Hempstead Civic Association. In 2007, under then-president Rosalie Norton, it adopted the West Hempstead Community Support Association name. The change was intended to help the group secure 501(c)(3) status.
Recently, Mahoney said, they were advised the group could retain its nonprofit designation while restoring its civic association name. “We received the go-ahead from the state at the end of December and thought it was a great way to start the New Year,” she said.
Mahoney will remain president during the transition, and Neal Rosenblatt, a former quality of life chair, will now serve as vice president.
The group plans to continue its work advocating for residents and enhancing community life.
Community members can email concerns to president@westhempsteadcivic.org or, for quality-of-life issues, to nr.whcivic@aol.com. The group is also on Facebook and Instagram. Visit WestHempsteadCivic.org for more.
