By the invitation of Legislator Roger Corbin (D-Westbury), first lady and Senate hopeful Hillary Clinton recently addressed a "standing room only" crowd at the Magnolia Gardens recreation center in New Cassel.

During Corbin's introduction of the first lady, he reminded her how, on one of his visits to Chicago, she promised that she would visit his constituency in New Cassel - a promise that had come true. He also made reference to "It takes a village," an African proverb employed by Clinton, to describe the ways an involved Westbury community played a vital role in his upbringing.

Although the community had short notice, those who attended were long on enthusiasm.Senior residents of the complex, New Cassel and Westbury residents, and village and town officials were all given photo opportunities with Clinton and daughter, Chelsea. Children from the Alice Day Care, under the guidance of Alice Smith, came prepared to welcome Clinton with special cheers.

Community leaders present included: Betty Seigel; Barbara Blum; the Reverend Lionel Harvey, First Baptist Church; Kevin Saunders, executive director of the Community Development Agency (CDA); Neville Mullings, assistant director of the CDA; Darlene Jones-Hardwick, executive director of the North Hempstead Housing Authority; Julia Brown, Health Advisory Board-Westbury; and Tracey Neil, Town of North Hempstead and Unified Civic Association.

Clinton discussed her desire to bring about "quality of life, affordability and livability" in the New Cassel and Westbury communities. She claimed to be an advocate for the community on issues of the economy, Medicare, healthcare, education, hate crimes legislation, choice issues, and gun legislation. "I believe I would be a steady, consistent, reliable voice for the views and values of the people of Long Island," she concluded. She also mentioned repeatedly how impressed she was with the vegetable garden at the Magnolia Gardens complex.

Commissioner Ann Croce provided refreshments and accommodations.