_______ Malverne/West HeMpstead ______
HERALD Pushing for property tax cut
Preview of W.H. street fair
Huge win for Malverne softball
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Vol. 30 No. 17
APRIl 20 - 26, 2023
$1.00
More room to play, and more room to learn By BEN FIEBERT bfiebert@liherald.com
Ben Fiebert/Herald
Community members are rejoicing after the completion of a three-monthlong renovation of the children’s room at the West Hempstead Public Library. Library Director Regina Mascia said she worked as quickly as possible to get the renovations finished, even though work could have been disrupted by a water pipe that had burst. Although it damaged parts of the library, the rupture did not delay work on the children’s room. Reopened on March 24, the room has even more
KERRy NugENT WITH new furniture in the renovated children’s room of the West Hempstead library, which reopened last month.
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From trustee to councilwoman, her selflessness remains By BEN FIEBERT bfiebert@liherald.com
Laura Ryder’s volunteerism as a village trustee is over, but her passion to help others has intensified as she takes a seat on the Hempstead Town Board. Ryder, who was appointed a month ago to represent the 4th Councilmanic District, which includes parts of Malverne, is well known in the Lynbrook community. Many will remember her humanitarian efforts in the village, which she will continue as councilwoman. Ryder knows what it is like to be part of a close-knit community and provide help wherever she can.
“I am extremely motivated to take on my new responsibilities as councilwoman and to give the time and attention needed to handle the needs of my constituents in the 4th district,” Ryder said. Ryder, 54, remembers being involved in the Lynbrook community most of her life. “When I was a little girl, for many years I was a Girl Scout,” she said. “I have vivid memories of visiting local nursing homes and bringing seniors handmade cards and cookies.” The happiness and joy that Ryder felt after doing these selfless acts as a child fueled her to continue to help others as she
got older. “I will never forget the happiness and joy it brought to them,” she said. “And it made me feel wonderful to bring others joy. “Throughout my entire adult life, I have dedicated myself to volunteering with many different organizations and committees within the village,” she added. “Serving others has always been extremely satisfying, and it brings so much joy into my life.” Ryder is honored to have been able to serve with Lynbrook Mayor Alan Beach. “Working with his team as a trustee has afforded me an opportunity to enhance Lynbrook and improve
local services,” she said. Some of these enhancements were projects that she said she was “100 percent” committed to. “There is one project in particular that I hold dearest to my heart,” Ryder said. “Lynbrook’s 9/11 Memorial.” A committee of residents who lost loved ones in the attacks created the memorial.
“The committee’s goal was to create a beautiful, serene place, surrounded by nature, honoring those Lynbrook residents lost on 9/11,” Ryder explained. “A special place where Lynbrook families could sit and reflect.” This project was completed with the help of several local contractors and businesses. Continued on page 14