Councilwoman Russell Moderates “Business of Art” Seminar in New Cassel

North Hempstead, NY – Over 50 artists, small business owners, and local officials attended the Town of North Hempstead’s free “The Business of Art – Round 2” seminar, held on Friday, October 25th at the Town’s “Yes We Can” Community Center in Westbury.

The seminar, which was also sponsored by the Town’s Business and Tourism Development Corporation (BTDC), Arts Build New Cassel, Art League of Long Island and the Long Island Development Corporation/Long Island Small Business Assistance Corporation (LIDC/LISBAC), focused on funding sources for artists, nonprofits and entrepreneurs.

“I’ve been doing work in the arts for a long time,” said Vanessa Greene, an organizer of Arts Build New Cassel: A Community Cultural Development Program. “When I first started, there wasn’t any talk of how important the arts are to our lives and to our community. But now, people finally get it. The amazing support we get from the Town of North Hempstead and Councilwoman Russell is what really makes ‘Arts Build’ possible, and allows us to have conversations like these.”

Town Councilwoman Viviana Russell, who moderated the program, has already taken an integral role in bringing the arts to New Cassel, such as the recent implementation of “Arts Build” which includes life-like sculptures placed throughout downtown New Cassel.

“By being here today, you are all taking a step towards further implementing art into your existing business structure,” Councilwoman Russell said. “By hearing from experts in the arts field you will learn about the importance of art and how it attracts people, brings them together, and boosts the economy.”

Other speakers at the event included: Lisa Robb, Executive Director of the New York State Council on the Arts (NYSCA), Peter Cobb, Program Officer, The New York Foundation for the Arts (NYFA), and Roz Goldmacher, President/CEO, LIDC.

“This is incredibly exciting! To see business and art come together and contribute to our economy like this is so creative,” said Charlee Miller, Executive Director of the Art League of Long Island, which is a not-for-profit organization dedicated to broad-based visual arts education. “Business and art is a good marriage, and now more than ever, we need to be thinking about how to bring this partnership to the next level. We’re just starting to realize how many ways this can benefit us.”

After the featured guests made their presentations, there was a question and answer session followed by a meet and greet and an art exhibition. The exhibition featured the work of Robert Carter, Emmett Wigglesworth and Mario Tucci. Pieces from these artists will remain on display at the Community Center.

“Art is alive and well in North Hempstead,” said Roy Smitheimer, Executive Director of the Town’s BTDC. “We’re currently hosting the Gold Coast Film Festival, the former Westbury Theater just underwent a $10 million renovation and reopened as a beautiful concert hall called ‘The Space’. We have something really special here in the Town and we want to develop it so that it can be the economic driver for all of our vibrant downtowns.”

Town Clerk Leslie Gross also attended the event.

Peter Cobb, Lisa Robb, Roz Goldmacher, Roy Smitheimer, Oil Painter Donna Moraff, Councilwoman Viviana Russell, Town Clerk Leslie Gross, and “Yes We Can” Community Center Director April Brown-Lake.

The Art Exhibit at the North Hempstead “Yes We Can” Community Center.

Hundreds Treated to North Hempstead’s Halloween Celebrations

North Hempstead, NY – Town Supervisor John Riordan and the North Hempstead Town Board recently hosted several Halloween celebrations for children and seniors alike across the Town. The Department of Community Services and the Department of Services for the Aging organized Halloween Dances for seniors at Clinton G. Martin Park on October 25th and the “Yes We Can” Community Center in Westbury on October 29th. On Halloween Night, the 2nd Annual Kids Halloween Bash was also held at the Community Center in Westbury. Attendees at all events were treated to hot food, candy, games, a costume contest, and hair-raising Halloween music.

From left, Sharon Bonner with her 98 year old mother Sharon Bonner, Councilwoman Viviana Russell with Department of Community Services Deputy Commissioner Mohinder Taneja, standing, at the October 29th Halloween Dance.

Children enjoy their pizza at the October 31st Kids Halloween Bash.

Town Declares October Domestic Violence Awareness Month

North Hempstead, NY – During a North Hempstead Town Hall reception on October 1st, Town officials announced a partnership with The Safe Center LI, and proclaimed October as Domestic Violence Awareness Month within the Town.

The Safe Center LI works on behalf of not only victims of domestic violence but also for child and adult victims of sexual assault and severe physical abuse, said Kaitlyn Pickford, Assistant Director of Education.

“Our mission is to break down the barriers to getting help,” Pickford told attendees to the reception, including the Town Board. “The hope is to raise awareness in North Hempstead so that we will be seen as a local resource. We all have to work together for the victims of abuse.”

Educating town residents on the danger and prevalence of domestic violence is an ongoing effort in the Town. “In the past we have involved high school students in discussions and met with residents and community leaders,” said Director of the Office of Intermunicipal Coordination Ellen Birnbaum.

Domestic violence is a pattern of behavior used to establish power and control over another person through fear and intimidation, often including the threat or use of violence. It can include physical, emotional, psychological, financial, and or sexual abuse.

The Safe Center LI hotline - (516) 542-0404, operates 24 hours per day and seven days per week for domestic violence victims. It received approximately 6,500 calls in 2012 from victims of domestic abuse, officials said.

Among other services such as counseling, The Safe Center LI offers the only safe home in Nassau which houses up to 15 individuals at any given time in a communal living arrangement.

Free literature in English and Spanish featuring resources for victims of abuse and sources of help will be available at North Hempstead’s “Yes We Can” Community Center on Garden Street in Westbury, and at North Hempstead’s Town Hall in Manhasset.

The Safe Center LI has been formed as a result of the ongoing merger of the two non-profits, the Nassau County Coalition Against Domestic Violence and the Coalition Against Child Abuse and Neglect.

North Hempstead Joins with Public-Private Partners to Unveil Three Dozen Affordable Rental Units in New Cassel

Westbury, NY – North Hempstead and the Town’s Community Development Agency (CDA) joined with the team of Conifer Realty, LLC, the Community Development Corp. of Long Island (CDCLI) and a host of other partners to officially unveil an affordable rental complex in New Cassel, one of the milestones in the hamlet’s model revitalization.

Occupying a 1.25 acre parcel at 1020 Prospect Ave., the three-story, 36-unit Cathedral Place Apartments will house low- to moderate-income families who meet special income guidelines and were selected through a lottery drawing. The complex consists of 18 one-bedroom, 14 two-bedroom and 4 three-bedroom units. It also features community space, a fitness room, as well as on-site parking and a management/leasing office.

The October 29, 2013 ribbon cutting marked one year to the day that Superstorm Sandy devastated the region.

The roster of guest speakers representing a broad coalition of partners on the project including North Hempstead and its CDA, Nassau County, NYS Homes and Community Renewal, TD Charitable Foundation, NeighborWorks® America, Capital One Bank, Community Preservation Corporation, Redstone Equity Partners and National Grid.

Most all of them agreed that the coincidence of the ribbon cutting with Sandy’s first anniversary was poignant in that the storm, one of the most destructive in recent memory, underscored one of Long Island’s most bothersome concerns: the glaring shortage of affordable rentals.

North Hempstead Town Councilwoman Viviana Russell, a longtime New Cassel resident, said the completion of Cathedral Place touched her personally.

“When I moved here over a decade ago, plans for New Cassel’s revitalization were just being formalized,” she said, acknowledging former Town Supervisor Jon Kaiman for his leadership in helping orchestrate the rebuild and fostering the collaboration of entities that made it possible. Most of all, she said, “I thank all you residents working with government on all levels to make this happen.”

Rent will be $962 for a one-bedroom, $1,153 for a two-bedroom and $1,327 for a three-bedroom unit. A lottery for residency was held in August.

Nassau County, a key stakeholder in New Cassel’s $80 million reconstruction, contributed $720,000 in HOME funds to ensure long term affordability of the units.

Nassau County Legislator Robert Troiano said, “Having lived in this community practically my entire life and having served on the North Hempstead Town Board and in my present capacity as County Legislator, I know first-hand about the dire need for affordable low to middle income rentals in this community. The addition of these apartments to the rental pool adds another component to New Cassel’s revitalization that has injected so much new energy into the community.”

North Hempstead’s CDA acquired the 1.25 acre parcel occupied by Cathedral Place, issued the Request for Proposal and was instrumental in coming up with a design with input from the Town Board and former Supervisor Kaiman, said Lamont R. Bailey, chairman of the board.

“I am thankful to all the residents and community leaders for giving us the opportunity to support your vision for the community,” Bailey said.

As the president of the non-profit Unified New Cassel Community Revitalization Corp, Bishop Lionel Harvey, pastor of the First Baptist Cathedral of Westbury was also instrumental in helping create the vision for New Cassel.

“This critically needed housing,” he said, “is the culmination of so many people giving of themselves to help provide a basic necessity we all have a right to: decent, safe housing. I am overwhelmed.”

Nicole Bradley, the mother of a six-year-old son, said she was overjoyed at being one of the lucky ones to land a two-bedroomed unit at Cathedral Place. Bradley, 29, said she had been moving back and forth between New Cassel, where she stayed with family and Syracuse, where she is originally from for two years.

“New Cassel felt like home so I decided that I wanted to settle down here,” she said. “I felt safe and it felt like a community. I’m so happy I was fortunate enough to overcome the one big hurdle, finding affordable housing.”

From left, front row: Greg Watson, New York State Homes & Community Renewal; Allen Handelman, Vice President, Conifer Realty; Marianne Garvin, President/CEO, Community Development Corporation of LI; Town Councilwoman Viviana Russell; New York State Assemblyman Charles Lavine; Bob Bernard, Senior VP- Capital One Bank; and David Fearon, HCR Project Manager. From left, back row: North Hempstead CDA Member Sid Nathan; Kenneth Daly, President, National Grid; Nassau County Legislator Wayne Wink; Richard Conley, Senior VP and Chief Credit Officer, The Community Preservation Corporation; Lamont Bailey, Chair of North Hempstead Community Development Agency; Dermot Kelly, Executive Director of North Hempstead Community Development Agency; John Sarcone, Director of Housing & Community Development, Nassau County; Bishop Lionel Harvey, United New Cassel Community Revitalization Corporation; Richard Roberts; Kevin Law, Long Island Association President/CEO

Councilwoman Viviana Russell (right) and County Legislator Wayne Wink (left) speak with Nicole Bradley, a new occupant of the Cathedral Place apartments.

The 36-unit Cathedral Place Apartment Complex.

Officials Visit Westbury Senior Center

Westbury, NY – Town of North Hempstead Supervisor Judi Bosworth, Town Councilwoman Viviana Russell, and Town Director of Operations Robert Troiano recently attended the Westbury Senior Center’s “Celebration Day” for the month of January. “Celebration Day” takes place on the last Wednesday of every month and recognizes all of the seniors who have celebrated a birthday during that month.

“This truly is an active and vibrant senior center.  It’s wonderful to be here, to see familiar faces, and to meet some new friends,” said Supervisor Bosworth. 

The Westbury Senior Center, located 360 Post Avenue, is a not-for-profit, tax exempt organization that has been serving senior residents of Greater Westbury since 1956.

Councilwoman Russell Announces Restriction Against Commercial Vehicle Parking on Prospect Avenue

New Cassel, NY - North Hempstead Councilwoman Viviana Russell announced that commercial vehicles will no longer be able to park along Prospect Avenue, following the unanimous passage of a new ordinance by the Town Board.  Dozens of "No Parking Commercial Vehicles Except Local Delivery" signs will be put up along Prospect Avenue over the coming months by the Town's Highway Department.

"After many years of complaints regarding commercial vehicles obstructing the line of site coming out of the side streets and blocking the bicycle lane, I am pleased that the Town Council unanimously passed this ordinance, solving a long-standing problem along Prospect Avenue," said Councilwoman Viviana Russell. "The roadway will now be safer for pedestrians, cyclists and motorists while making parking more convenient for residents and visitors."

In addition, more than 100 posts and parking signs along Prospect Avenue will be replaced and updated to accurately comply with current parking restrictions along the road. The ongoing Prospect Avenue renovation project has altered the road and traffic configurations since the original traffic ordinance was created in 2003, causing many of the current signs to no longer comply with the original ordinance.

This ordinance was passed unanimously at the May 13^th meeting of the North Hempstead Town Board.

North Hempstead “Yes We Can” Community Center to Host Popular Incrediflix Filmmaking Program

North Hempstead, NY – North Hempstead Town Supervisor Judi Bosworth and the Town Board are proud to welcome the Incrediflix movie and animation program to the “Yes We Can” Community Center in New Cassel from July 28^th to August 1^st.  This incredibly popular program which started in California and has recently made its way to the east coast, is divided up into two separate camps:  Filmmaking Flix and Lego Flix. 

Filmmaking Flix is from 9am to 12pm each day, and gives students all the tutelage and resources necessary to film their own motion picture.  Kids will location scout, act, film and learn filmmaking strategies.  The Lego Flix program is from 1pm to 4pm and will teach students how to make a Lego stop-motion animated film by creating backgrounds, characters, and doing voice-overs.   At the end of the week, students will take home their very own completed movie.

“The Incrediflix program emphasizes teamwork, creativity and imagination, which are such important tools for children,” Supervisor Bosworth said.  “And what could be more exciting than walking away with your very own movie that you made?”

“We are so proud to host this nationally-renowned camp at our very own ‘Yes We Can’ Community Center,” Councilwoman Viviana Russell said.  “This is such a wonderful opportunity for the children in our community to learn from filmmaking professionals.”

Camps are for children ages 7-13.  The cost of each camp is $170, with a $30 production fee.  Sign up for both camps and only pay one production fee and lunch supervision will be provided at no cost.

Supervisor Bosworth Celebrates 180^th Anniversary of Westbury African Methodist Episcopal Zion Church

Westbury, NY – Supervisor Judi Bosworth presented a proclamation to Reverend Gregory Miles and the congregation of Westbury A.M.E. Zion Church, in recognition of their 180^th Anniversary at a ceremony on June 14^th.  The church was organized in 1834, originating on Glen Cove Road.  The church was moved to Westbury in 1867 and was later rebuilt there during the 1920s. “The story of this church sounds much like the telling of a person’s life.  We often have to rebuild ourselves using stronger materials in order to weather the storms.  But if we are built in our place of worship and our lives on a sturdy foundation then we will withstand the toughest of times” Supervisor Bosworth said.  “Blessings to you and everyone who comes together under this roof.  Congratulations!”  

Councilwoman Viviana Russell Attends the “For Colored Girls” Reading

Westbury, NY – Councilwoman Viviana Russell attended the “For Colored Girls” reading which was performed at The Town of North Hempstead “Yes We Can” community center in Westbury on June 16^th.  “For Colored Girls” was a choreopoem written by Ntozake Shangethat was a major Broadway play. A reading was performed by the eight actors from the play with a follow up discussion.

Town of North Hempstead Takes Down Grand Street School to Make Way for Affordable Senior Townhouses

Many former students attend farewell ceremony and demolition of elementary school built in 1926

North Hempstead, NY– Grand Street School, built 88 years ago in New Cassel, has lived many lives. First as a neighborhood elementary school for local children, back when it was called New Cassel School, and then as a community center and day care. But most recently, the school has been a vacant and unused building in the New Cassel Community. The school was torn down today, but not before North Hempstead Supervisor Judi Bosworth, Councilwoman Viviana Russell, Town officials and the school’s former students gathered to say farewell.

The property, approximately three acres, will be the future site of affordable senior housing, according to Town Officials. Last year the Town received a$200,000 grant from the EPA to clean up the abandoned the school, which was found to contain some contaminants. The Town will transfer the title to the land to the North Hempstead Housing Authority, which will then issue an RFP for a developer to build townhouses for residents who are 55 or older. It will take approximately 30-45 days to take down the building at a cost of about $700,000.

“While it certainly is bittersweet to see Grand Street School be demolished, it has become an unsightly and dangerous structure in this community,” said Bosworth. “I am glad that we all had the opportunity to come together to remember its wonderful past and say good-bye. Now it is time to embrace the future and I look forward to seeing new development on this site that will enhance the New Cassel community.”

"As newcomers to the New Cassel community with young children 15 years ago, we were happy that we were able to send our daughter to (Trail Blazers) Grand Street School for day care,” said Councilwoman Russell.  “If you ask anyone about the Grand Street School you will hear an array of stories, but there is one common thread that resonates with most--it was a place that brings back joyous childhood and adult memories. It has meant a lot of different things to different people and I am glad to see that while the building will no longer be here, the site itself will continue to be a symbol of progress in this community."

“Taking down a vacant building that has become a dangerous eyesore to the community and replacing it with affordable senior housing is called progress,” said Assemblyman Charles Lavine. “The New Cassel community will benefit from both the demolition and the development and I am extremely pleased at the prospect of continued growth.”

"Demolishing the Grand Street School makes way for rebirth, so today we celebrate with New Cassel as this property begins a new era of service to the community.  Although we celebrate the good times and great memories this school has given the community over the years, we also look forward to the new good times and memories that will come when this property is rebuilt, reborn, and re-purposed," said Senator Jack M. Martins.

“This is a great next step in revitalizing our community,” said Nassau County Legislator Siela A. Bynoe. “It’s poignant that this property that was once educating young minds, then left empty without purpose will be brought back to service and house our seniors.  I’m thankful that Supervisor Bosworth and the Town looked to restore this great property more in line with its original grandeur – servicing our youth and seniors of the our community.”

Constructed in 1926, Grand Street School was expanded in 1958. In 1978 the Town acquired title to the school by purchasing it from the Westbury School District. The building was then transferred to a non-profit foundationand it became a community center. In the years that followed the foundation ceased operations and the County took over the property. In 2012 theCounty granted the Town the deed to the property.

North Hempstead NY, - Councilwoman Russell attended Career day at Powells Lane Elementary School on March 23^rd to talk to the students about being Councilwoman. There were other career day presenters like Rodney Caines who is a mechanical engineer, demonstrated what his job entails. Career days are an annual event for the Westbury School district and there are always a great number of participants from leaders in the community taking the time out to come and talk to the students in the school, it is a very insightful and exciting day for the children and the participants.

Presenter Rodney A. Caines, Mechanical Engineer and Westbury School Bd. Trustee shows a thermal Sensor Indicator (TSI) to students as Principal Claudia Germain, Asst. Supt. Eudes Budhai, Councilwoman Viviana Russell, and Supt. Mary Lagnado, Ed.D look on.

    Councilwoman Viviana Russell. Students of Powells Lane Elementary school

North Hempstead NY, - On March 26^th Councilwoman Viviana Russell attended the at the May R. Newburger Woman’s Roll Woman of Honor Breakfast.  Among the 19 honorees of the Town of North Hempstead two of those residents belonged to Westbury. The two selected honorees were Betty Hardy and Rose Ryan. This distinguished awarded was giving to these two wonderful women for their work in the community. Betty Hardy is the proud owner of Betty Hardy’s Day Care, a small business in the community that has been recognized many times for its service to children in Westbury. Rose Ryan is a driven advocate for special education. She is currently helping raise her 14 year old grandson, is the block captain and a member of the Carl Place American Legion Post 171.

(Left to Right) Thomas J. Ryan, Rose Ryan, Betty Hardy, Councilwoman Viviana Russell, James Hardy.

North Hempstead NY,- On April 28^th Councilwoman Viviana Russell and other elected officials gathered at town hall to honor the Our Lad of Hope 5^th and 6^th grade basketball team on winning the long island Championship this season. The 5^th grade girls’ basketball team won the division “B” championship this season defeating St. Philips of Northport with a score of 22-18. The 6^th grade girls also won the division “B” championship for two consecutive years in a row; they recently defeated St. Agnes of Rockville Center 39-30 and proudly will get the chance to move up to division “A” next year at the 7^th grade level.

(top left to right) Councilwoman Lee R. Seeman, Councilmen Peter J. Zuckermen, Councilmen Angelo P. Ferrara, Town Supervisor Judi Bosworth, Councilwoman Viviana Russell, Councilwoman Anna M. Kaplan Our Lady of Hope 6^th Grade Basketball team. 

(top left to right) Councilwoman Lee R. Seeman, Councilmen Peter J. Zuckermen, Councilmen Angelo P. Ferrara, Town Supervisor Judi Bosworth, Councilwoman Viviana Russell, Councilwoman Anna M. Kaplan, and  Our Lady of Hope 5^th grade basketball team.

North Hempstead, NY- On May 12 and 13, Councilwoman Viviana Russell, other elected officials and the Department of Community service took the time out to honor 24 members in the community   . The 43^rd Annual Senior Recognition Luncheon was held at the Harbor Links Golf Course in Port Washington. The event honored the 24 seniors for their exceptional service to the community and to various groups throughout the Town of North Hempstead. The crowd was filled with elected officials, media outlets and family and friends of the honorees.  Many senior who attended the luncheon are those who have used Project Independence.

Councilwoman Viviana Russell, Town elected officials and recognized honorees at the 43^rd Annual Senior Recognition Luncheon

North Hempstead NY,-  On May 14^th Councilwoman Viviana Russell, Town Clerk Wayne H. Wink Jr., and the Town of North Hempstead’s Housing Authority executive director Sean Rainey  congregated at the Magnolia Gardens to help the ladies of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority Inc. PiPi Omega Chapter plant flowers at the senior complex. The day was filled with sunshine and flowers, many of the seniors came and participated in the planting.

(left to right) Town Clerk Wayne h. Wink Jr., North Hempstead Houseing Authority Executive Director Sean Rainey, Members of AKA chapter of Westbury, residents of Magnolia Gardens, and Volunteers

Members of the Alpha Kappa Alpha sorority Inc. Westbury Chapter.

North Hempstead NY,- On May 19, 2015 Councilwoman Viviana Russell and Town Clerk Wayne H. Wink Jr. gathered at Westbury High School to inaugurate 19 students into the Peer Mediation Training  Program. The Peer Mediation Training Program teaches students the process of communication and problem solving, which can be applied in helping their peers settle disputes without confrontation and violence. The Ceremony was filled with family of the students, and staff of the high school. Councilwoman Russell gave a speech filled with encouraging thoughts and handed out certificates and Town Clerk Wayne H. Wink Jr. repeated the Mediator Oath with the new peer mediators of Westbury High School.

North Hempstead NY,-Councilwoman Viviana Russell and Town of North Hempstead Supervisor Judi Bosworth hosted students from the Viscardi Center at the Towns 311 call center on May 21^st. The Viscardi Center is a network of non-profit organizations that provide services for children and adults with disabilities. They aim to share and influence policy that will benefit those with disabilities. The students were there to learn more about a call center because the Viscardi Center will be opening a not-for-profit center catering to local businesses in the community and are considering using the Town’s 311 Calling Center as a model . Students who have graduated from the school will get the opportunity to work at the call center.

Town of North Hempstead Supervisor Judi Bosworth, Councilwoman Viviana Russell

North Hempstead NY, - Councilwoman Viviana Russell and members of the North Hempstead Town Board honored a Westbury resident at the 2015 Black History Celebration. Honoree Judith Burgress Abidon has helped preserve Westbury’s history. The Black History Celebration took place at the “Yes We Can.” The celebration commenced with color guard and pledge of allegiance by led by Boy Scouts Troop 233. Members of Westbury High school gospel sang the Negro National Anthem, “Lift Every Voice and Sing” and Park Avenue School students read the Maya Angelou poem “Life Doesn’t Frighten Me.” Drexel Avenue Elementary School’s fifth grade chorus sang “Wade in the Water.” The celebration was a great remembrance of a culture so full of life.

 (Left to right) Councilwoman Lee R. Seeman, Councilmen Peter Zuckermen, Councilwoman Dina M. De Giorgio, Town Clerk Wayne H. Wink Jr., Town Supervisor Judi Bosoworth , Honoree Judith  Burgess Abiodun, Councilwoman Viviana Russell

North Hempstead NY, - Councilwoman Viviana Russell visited Park Avenue school to read to the children of Mrs. Levenson’s 2^nd grade class. Councilwoman read the classic book The Tiny Seed by Eric Carle which explores the cycle of life though a tiny flower seed. She shared the message with the children that no matter what you are in life you can grow up to be something great.

Councilwoman Russell, Students of the 2^nd grade class, Ms. Levenson