The winners of the WHCA's Business Pride Award for 2005 were honored and recognized at the WHCA General Membership meeting on Wednesday, February 15. The businesses were chosen by the West Hempstead Civic Association Executive Board. Each of the owners has demonstrated a concern for their customers and the West Hempstead community. The owner/manager demonstrates pride in the exterior and interior of their establishments, and continues to enhance their facades. The Business Pride Award is our way of saying "Thank You" to businesses for their efforts to maintain and improve their premises. The five businesses to receive the Award for 2005 were:

Riesterer's Bakery, 282 Hempstead Avenue, Karl Riesterer, proprietor.

Karl was born to August and Wally Riesterer in 1937. His father was a master baker from Germany, and married his mother in 1929 in Patterson, NJ. Together they opened Riesterer's Bakery in October of 1931, and now that same bakery is celebrating its 75th anniversary. Although the bakery has expanded over the years, it remains in its original location. The bakery was named the National Retail Bakery of the year in 1997, and its customers come from far and wide, with 60-70% coming from a distance to purchase goods. Over the years Karl has remained an active member of the community, having served for many years with the West Hempstead Fire Department...a tradition his son carries on. Soon Karl will be honored by the Metropolitan Bakers Association, recognition he truly deserves.

B & O Furniture, 177 Hempstead Avenue, John Ouwerkerk, proprietor.

Since 1947, as one of the oldest original businesses in West Hempstead, B & O Furniture continues to serve the community in the same location. John started the business 59 years ago, and has served the community for 49 years in the West Hempstead Fire Department (25 of those years as commissioner). B & O's customers can expect individual attention and personalized service, because there is a knowledgeable staff to answer any and all questions. Because they maintain their own warehouse, everything is inspected to ensure customer satisfaction.

Country Arts and Flowers, 535 Hempstead Turnpike, Nick and Tom Flouskakos, proprietors.

Country Arts and Flowers has been serving Long Island with a wonderful array of floral designs since 1957. The business was a dream come true for Jack Wulfurst and his wife Helen, who together labored for 37 years to establish an unblemished record of outstanding design and customer service. Jack and Helen retired, and sold the shop to Nick and Tom (formerly of Astoria) in 1994. After successfully owning and operating several smaller flower shops, Nick and Tom were looking for a floral business with a reputation and location that they could take to the next level of quality and service. That tradition continues, as Nick and Tom and their entire design team provide the public with outstanding wedding designs, sympathy arrangements, and fruit and gourmet baskets.

Pompei Restaurant, 401 Hempstead Avenue, Ada Rago, proprietor.

The name Pompei comes from the Church of Pompei where Ada's parents were married. Her family began in the restaurant business 55 years ago on Linden Boulevard in Elmont, and then opened a second location in West Hempstead in 1970. The business originally started as a small family restaurant which had an extensive menu, and also offered pizza. The business location has grown over the years, and was completely renovated in 1989. The legend of fine dining is alive and well thanks to Ada's dedication and hard work, and the business has accomplished what many want to achieve-a successful sit-down dinner business and spin off from its kitchens a thriving catering facility. Pompei truly lives up to the pinnacle the great city once stood for.

The West Hempstead Civic Association urges residents to contact us to nominate future recipients for the 2006 Business Award. Send us the names of businesses you want us to consider for the 2006 Business Award. Nominations should be sent to WHCA, P.O.Box 425, West Hempstead, NY 11552-0425; or email us at www.westhempsteadcivic.org