Last August, we introduced you to the dedicated volunteers of the Friends of Old Westbury beautification group and their mission to make our village even more beautiful. Since 2017, they've been transforming public spaces, adding color and life without touching the village budget.

This year, we’re taking you behind the scenes to explore the heart of our beautification efforts and why they matter so much. We asked each Friends of Old Westbury committee member to share their favorite planting or green space in the village. As the publisher of this magazine and a proud member of the Friends of Old Westbury committee myself, I also have a personal favorite that perfectly captures the spirit of what we’re working to achieve. Read on to discover the meaningful stories behind these cherished spots and how, together, we’re helping Old Westbury bloom.

And as our village continues to flourish, so do our efforts! This past year, we were thrilled to establish a brand-new planting site at the intersection of Hillside Avenue and Bacon Road, bringing fresh vibrancy to another key area. We also gave a much-needed refresh to the triangle at the intersection of Bacon Road and I.U. Willets Road, enhancing its curb appeal for all who pass by. Looking ahead, you'll see us diligently replacing dogwoods along the Service Road, ensuring our signature trees, known for their stunning spring blooms, continue to thrive for years to come.

The beauty nurtured by the Friends of Old Westbury isn't just about pretty flowers; it's about community pride. Every single planting, from our new site at Bacon Road to the revitalized dogwoods along the Service Road, contributes to the unified, sophisticated look that makes Old Westbury special.

The Friends of Old Westbury are committed to funding improvements beyond the village's budget, ensuring this level of beauty continues without raising your taxes. This ongoing beauty, from the first spring blossoms to the vibrant summer displays, relies on your support. Together, we can ensure Old Westbury remains a truly enchanting place to call home.

I co-founded Friends of Old Westbury in 2017 with a vision to uplift our Village’s unsightly shared spaces. One of the most meaningful transformations for me has been along the LIE Service Road - which was a stretch of asphalt, weeds, and litter through the heart of our community. Friends of Old Westbury began planting dozens of flowering dogwood trees and enhancing our welcome signs with vibrant blooms. At the same, as a journalist,  I uncovered months-long gaps in litter pick-up by the contracted litter removal company.  

Today, what was once an eyesore is an inviting corridor that serves as a living reminder that even the most drab public spaces can be transformed into something uplifting. We don’t have to  allow functional infrastructure to remain unsightly. With vision, care, and comm”unity”, the most ordinary shared spaces can reflect pride, beauty, and a sense of place.

The triangle at Bacon Road and I.U. Willets Road holds special meaning for me. This busy intersection, which connects drivers heading toward Wheatley, Jericho Turnpike, and Glen Cove Road, was redesigned for safety, ultimately creating the central triangle that exists today.

Like many new plantings, the original landscaping struggled to take root. But thanks to the support and collaboration between the Friends of Old Westbury and Mayor Marina Chimerine, the space was reimagined. We chose vibrant, low-growing perennials that not only add color but also preserve the clear sightlines needed for safety.

It's incredibly rewarding to see how this once-overlooked corner has been transformed into a beautiful and functional part of the village landscape.

The triangle on the LIE service road at Wheatley Road stands out to me because, as I recall, it was where we started. While this triangle is small and the plantings have been a bit challenged from time to time, it represents to me how far we’ve come because of the collaboration of Friends of Old Westbury and our Village officials, especially our mayor, and the financial support of Village residents. 

For me, the mound beside the Post Road Pond has become a personal favorite. The pond has always been one of the village’s most recognizable and cherished shared spaces, and its immediate surroundings were generally well cared for. But the adjacent mound leading down to the service area told a different story. It was overgrown with weeds and visually neglected, taking away from the pond’s natural beauty.

It was a prominent area that had not yet received the attention it deserved. The Friends of Old Westbury saw an opportunity to complete the landscape and bring cohesion to the space. We took on the challenge and transformed the mound into a vibrant, thoughtfully planted focal point. Now, when you drive by, the area feels complete. What was once an eyesore has become a beautiful asset that enhances the entire pond and reflects the care we put into our village.

The planting that stands out to me personally, is at the corner of Glen Cove Road and the LIE South Service Road.

What I love about this location is its visibility. Many people pass by it daily. This gives us a fantastic opportunity to make a real impact on their day, even if it's just a small one. I also value how it serves as a gateway to our neighborhood for many, setting a first impression.

This corner is meaningful to me because it's a constant, tangible reminder of why I volunteer. It's not just an abstract idea of beautification; it's about seeing the direct results of our committee's hard work in a place that's so central to my daily routine. It showcases the collective effort to enhance our community.

When neighbors drive by, I hope they feel a sense of pride in where they live.  Ultimately, I hope it instills a feeling of community spirit—a reminder that we all play a part in making our neighborhood a better, more beautiful place.

When my family and I first moved back to Old Westbury, one of the first things that struck me was the incredible color throughout the village. As the daughter of a landscaper, I’ve always had an eye for great plantings. One spot in particular really stood out to me: the large triangle at Old Westbury Road and the Service Road. I passed it every day, and watching it change with the seasons—seeing new flowers bloom and colors shift—completely captivated me.

At the time, I didn’t know who was behind it. I hadn’t yet heard of the Friends of Old Westbury or the role they played in keeping our village so beautiful. But that triangle made a lasting impression. It sparked my curiosity and led me to learn more. I came to understand that these shared green spaces are a meaningful part of what makes this village feel like home. And that keeping them vibrant takes a true community effort. That’s what inspired me to get involved.

One village planting that really stands out to me is the welcome sign at the corner of I.U. Willets and Glen Cove Road. When we bought our home in Old Westbury in 2020, it was the very first thing we noticed - the flowers and plantings were so vibrant and beautiful. At the time, we assumed the town had done it and had no idea about the Friends of Old Westbury.

We moved in during May, when everything was in full bloom, and I still smile every time I pass that corner on my way home. It left such a strong first impression, and it continues to be a reminder of how much care goes into making our village feel special.

I hope our neighbors realize they can be part of that impact, too. Even a small donation can help support the planting and upkeep of these beautiful spaces throughout town.