Hardware store sets stage for instruction

Island Park, N.Y.-based Costello’s Ace Hardware in Island Park is joining forces with TV personality, carpenter and DIY expert Carmen De La Paz to offer hands-on instruction to local residents undertaking home restoration projects as a result of Hurricane Sandy’s destruction. 

Dubbed “Project Community,” the event aims to empower local residents with the know-how and confidence to tackle basic water damage restoration projects.

Project Community takes place Saturday, June 1 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. in the parking lot of Costello’s Ace, located at 3965 Long Beach Road in Island Park, and features two workshops at 10 a.m. and 1 p.m. De La Paz will provide hands-on training in basic water damage restoration, including wet sheetrock removal, mold and mildew treatment, drywall repair and compound and finish. She will also share her expertise in hand and power tools, job-site safety, as well as insider construction tips.

“So many of our neighbors were affected by Hurricane Sandy and we wanted to be able to give back in a truly hands-on way,” said Mike Costello, owner of Costello’s Ace Hardware. “Project Community is our opportunity to do just that by empowering people with the knowledge and confidence to undertake their restoration projects. Providing this more personal kind of helpful is what Costello’s Ace is all about, and we’re thrilled to partner with Carmen to offer these workshops to the residents of Island Park.”

Product for the Project Community workshops is provided by 3M, Milwaukee Tool, Benjamin Moore and Costello’s Ace.