For Immediate Release Media Contacts: Collin Nash, Sid Nathan, and Jason Elan
August 1, 2011 (516) 869-7794
North Hempstead Joins With Children’s Mental Health Agency and New Cassel/Westbury Residents to Host Annual Crime and Drug Prevention Awareness Rally
New Cassel, NY— Residents of New Cassel turned out en masse last week, joining Supervisor Jon Kaiman, Councilwoman Viviana L. Russell, County Legislator Robert Troiano and a host of other elected officials as well as law enforcement brass to celebrate National Night Out 2011, the hamlet’s 28th 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 and protecting our children,” Supervisor Kaiman said, referring to this year’s theme: Save our Children. “With the ongoing revitalization, the New Cassel area is returning to the vibrant community it once was. A unified front among residents will further ensure that it will remain that way going forward.”
“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 Russell, a longtime New Cassel resident. “We are a diverse community and it’s great to see us all working together.”
Sponsored by the US Department of Justice with support from a host of local businesses and institutions including, 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. Community leaders said the event not only raised awareness about fighting crime in the community but also 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.
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.”
Councilwoman Viviana L. Russell and Supervisor Jon Kaiman welcome the crowd at the 28th annual Crime and Drug Prevention Rally.
Nassau County Police Officers were on hand for National Night Out 2011
Face painting was one of many activities during the event