Town of North Hempstead Supervisor Jon Kaiman was honored on August 6th at the 30th Annual “National Night Out” Against Crime rally, which featured local residents, Westbury community leaders, and elected officials including representatives of Nassau County Executive Ed Mangano.
“When so many of you show up to this event year after year, it sends the message that you care about your community and are committed to working with law enforcement and government to help preserve your community’s quality of life,” Kaiman told the estimated crowd of 1,000 gathered at Martin “Bunky” Reid Park in Westbury. “I thank all who supported and stood with me and my administration in its efforts to serve this great community.”
Sponsored by the U.S. Department of Justice, with support from a host of local businesses and institutions including North Shore Child & Family Guidance Center, “National Night Out” promotes neighborhood anti-crime efforts, crime and drug-prevention awareness and police-community partnerships.
The event, which featured music refreshments, arts & crafts, raffles, health screenings, giveaways and more, kicked off with a parade, which started at the Salvation Army headquarters on Prospect Avenue and finished up in the park. It marked 13 years since New Cassel first hosted the anti-crime gathering.
North Hempstead Town Councilwoman Viviana Russell, whose district encompasses New Cassel, thanked Kaiman for being a “trailblazer and a great friend to the community.”
“On a night when we stand against violence with Sandy Hook still in our collective psyche,” said Russell, referring to Sandy Hook Elementary School in Connecticut where twenty children and six adults were fatally shot Dec. 14, 2012. “We need to make sure we do everything possible to support law enforcement in their efforts to protect our community.”
Nassau County Legislator Judi Bosworth thanked Kaiman for his pursuit of community revitalization in New Cassel.
“By attending this event, each and every one of you is showing your appreciation for the strides made and is making a statement about your commitment to help preserve New Cassel’s quality of life,” she said, addressing the crowd.
Nassau County Legislator and former North Hempstead Town Councilman Robert Troiano also thanked Kaiman for helping to transform Prospect Avenue, New Cassel’s main thoroughfare, into a walkable Main Street with planters, benches, and mixed-use buildings with retail space and affordable rentals.
“With your vision and leadership, this community is a much better place,” said Troiano, a lifelong New Cassel resident.
