The plan to create a new Adopt-A-Spot on the corner of Prospect and Forest Avenues began with a simple intention - to turn an unsightly, overgrown embankment into a garden of colorful perennials and flowering shrubs. As the plan took root, it grew into an opportunity for volunteers and neighbors to become acquainted, share the wealth from their own gardens and wage war on weeds.

The project is the vision of Damion Stavredes, Glen Cove Beautification Commission's program coordinator. "So many people stop at this corner every day as they wait to turn onto Dosoris Lane, I wanted to give them something interesting to look at," said Mr. Stavredes. His dream took shape over two Saturdays in July with the help of his neighbors from Prospect Avenue and members of the beautification commission.

The work began the morning of July 22 with the arrival of Stavredes and Victor Miranda in the familiar blue DPW truck. As they unloaded the chain saw, weed whacker, rakes and shovels, beautification board volunteers showed up. Pat Parmalee and Linda Thompson were wisely dressed in long-sleeved shirts, long pants and garden gloves. Beautification Executive Director Diane Beecher brought her camera to record the action, Nancy Furlong provided moral support, and Board Chair Rita Demmler kept the volunteers going with cold water, coffee and Munchkins, provided by the Litter Prevention Program.

Hearing the buzz of the weed whacker, neighborhood volunteers appeared. Henry Fender, Kenneth and Remi Woods and Mike Skvarla all lent a hand, and Adela offered flowers and money. A passerby promised to donate trees and shrubs. Best of all, people who had only a nodding acquaintance with one another were soon calling each other by name.

By noon of that first Saturday, the group had accomplished its primary goals: to cut the overgrowth, remove the weeds, and expose the terraces held back by railroad ties. Their goal for the following Saturday was to fine-tune the project. Volunteers planted the buckets of daylilies and lamb's ears that Maria Lewis had brought. They pulled weeds from the curb and cleared debris from the storm sewer drain.

The Beautification Commission will need additional materials and personal expertise when work on this project resumes in early September. The commission is seeking donations of new railroad ties and engineering help to rebuild the terraces. To volunteer, call 676-5188.