After hearing from so many Central Westbury Civic Association (CWCA) members and concerned leaders, the association has decided to revive and keep past president Mannie Sweat's dream alive. Mannie's shoes can never be filled, but CWCA will attempt to follow his model of doing what is best for the beloved community.

On the evening of Tuesday, Oct. 28, CWCA held an exhilarating "open house." Although the weather was very inclement, several elected and appointed officials were in attendance, including New York State Assemblymen Rob Walker and Charles Lavine and North Hempstead Town Councilman Robert Troiano along with Westbury Village Deputy Mayor Joan Boes and Trustees William Wise, Steve Corte and Peter Cavallaro. CWCA member and North Hempstead's First Deputy Town Clerk James Burton was also on hand.

Co-President Emma Wright presided over the meeting and members volunteered to serve on various committees. According to Wright, CWCA's emphasis will be on getting activities accomplished through committees. CWCA members stepped up to the plate to answer the call and the results promise to be innovative and exciting approaches to creatively getting CWCA up and running again. She recalled that Mannie's style was to take on a lot of responsibilities himself but she iterated that those days are behind us. She further explained that the vision of the co-chairs is to spread the work around giving all volunteers an opportunity to contribute. She emphasized team effort as the key ingredient in moving the organization forward and for it to continue to be successful.

Serving with Wright will be co-President Gail Reese, Vice President and Education Liaison Grace Bryant, Recording Secretary Doris Reese, Corresponding Secretary Ann Sweat and Treasurer Vickie Laura. In addition, members volunteered to serve on committees and in various other capacities. On the Membership Committee are France Elliot, Diana Holt and Jim Burton; the Communications Committee includes Thomas Holloway, The Westbury Times, Barbara Krampitz and Ann Sweat; the Legislative Committee will include the Rev. Patricia Sealy; heading Village Affairs will be Diana Holt; and Ann Sweat will head the Fundraising Committee.

"On behalf of a new beginning, we sincerely thank everyone for their input and concern. We anticipate a full schedule of activities during the upcoming year and hopes to carry on Mannie's legacy as he would have wanted us to," said Ann Sweat.