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Scores of Westbury, New Cassel Residents Say No to Crime at 2010 National Night Out

 

For Immediate Release                                                                                                              Media Contacts: Collin Nash and Sid Nathan 
         Aug. 4, 2010                                                                                                                                                                (516) 869-7794

Scores of Westbury, New Cassel Residents Say No to Crime at 2010 National Night Out

Westbury, NY--Residents of New Cassel turned out en masse last week, joining Supervisor Jon Kaiman, Councilwoman Viviana L. Russell and other elected officials from the Town of North Hempstead, Nassau County and the state as well as law enforcement brass to celebrate National Night Out 2010, the hamlet’s 27th crime and drug prevention rally.

An estimated 1,000 or more participants crowded into Martin “Bunky” Reid Park following a parade which started at the Salvation Army headquarters on Prospect Avenue and wound up in the park on Broadway.

“We are here tonight because all of us—those who live and work here, those in law enforcement and those of us in government who have the privilege of representing this community—believe in this neighborhood,” Supervisor Kaiman said.

Sponsored by the US Department of Justice with support from a host of local businesses and institutions including Target, North Shore Child & Family Guidance Center and the NAACP, National Night Out promotes neighborhood anti-crime efforts, crime and drug-prevention awareness and police-community partnerships.

“Today is the day when we come together as one to say, ‘we don’t want drugs and crime in our community,” said Town Councilwoman Viviana L. Russell, a longtime New Cassel resident. “We are a diverse community and it’s great to see us all working together.”

As residents mourn the recent death of a neighborhood hero, Tuskegee Airman, Spann Watson, this year’s National Night Out event revolved around the theme, “Be a Hero in Your Community.” Community leaders and others said it gave residents an opportunity to meet and greet each other as well as emphasize the working partnership between the community, local law enforcement and government.

Pointing to a decrease in crime in New Cassel, Nassau County Legislator Robert Troiano said, “We have to send a message by joining with law enforcement. If you see something, say something.”

Congresswoman Carolyn McCarthy, who along with State Senator Craig Johnson and Assemblyman Charles Levine brought millions of dollars in funding to New Cassel, said she was “honored to help the community pursue its vision. This is a partnership and we are not giving up on this community,” she said. North Hempstead Town Clerk Leslie Gross added, “All the parents here this evening with their children in toe strongly indicate that this is a great community whose future will be in good hands.” North Hempstead Receiver Charles Berman said it was “an inspiration to see the care, love and support that exists in this community. The unity shows,” he said. “We in government thank you.”

 


Geraldine Mitchell, Legislator Robert Troiano, Carolyn Simmons, Councilwoman Viviana L. Russell, and Carol Burnett



Councilwoman Viviana L. Russell welcomes the Westbury crowd, along with other elected officials including Supervisor Jon Kaiman, Receiver of Taxes Charles Berman, Town Clerk Leslie Gross and Legislator Robert Troiano.



Over 30 booths filled Bunky Reid Park including the Westbury Branch of the NAACP shown here.

 

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