The Central Westbury Civic Association (CWCA) and community residents who attended the CWCA membership meeting held at the Westbury Community Center on March 25 were in for a breathtaking meeting. Corey Alleyne, retired Nassau County detective and former Narcotic Squad detective, gave an extremely informative presentation pertaining to gangs. The over 70 people in attendance held on to every word and even after the meeting was over, clamored for more.

Mr. Alleyne included in his presentation what a gang is composed of and who belonged to one. He said gangs were composed of black, white, Latinos, Asians and other ethnic groups. He went on to say the ages of the gang members varied from very young, somewhere in the neighborhood of 15 to 25, to grandmothers and grandfathers. Mr. Alleyne showed several videos in an effort to show the audience how extensively gangs are involved. The videos included middle class, work place, military, sports, professional athletes and other entities.

Mr. Alleyne covered a great deal of information, but emphasized that gangs are evil. He also emphasized the importance of the public being aware of gang presence. There are unique colors, sign language and graffiti the public should be aware of. He stressed the importance of how as a community we should work together, come together as one to address this pressing issue. He said one of the reasons people join gangs is to belong, come together. Mr. Alleyne brought informational pamphlets to distribute.

Mr. Sweat, CWCA president, said that he would be bringing Mr. Alleyne back as the audience displayed so much interest in gang activities. Mr. Sweat said that the follow-up meeting would include allotted time for question and answer session.

The cross-section of those in attendance included all the trustees of the Village of Westbury, the deputy mayor, village clerk and treasurer, as well as the water commissioner, representatives from the police department, Neighborhood House officials and many members of other organizations. Mr. Sweat expressed appreciation for the above officials who attended as well as all the community residents who made this presentation, "Are There Gangs in Our Community?" by Mr. Alleyne so successful. All will be notified of the follow-up meeting and we will look forward to seeing you.

The CWCA membership meeting for April 22 will be held at Hicks Nursery, Jericho Turnpike, at 7:30 p.m. All are invited to attend to receive important information pertaining to your lawns, flowers, plants and shrubbery.

Please plan to attend this year's John Burnett's Scholarship Fund Raiser on June 14 at the International Buffet, located at 1100 Stewart Avenue in Garden City. The tribute this year is for Ann E. Sweat. This is your time to meet old and new friends and enjoy a banquet. For tickets and raffle tickets, contact Mannie Sweat, president, at 333-1290; Lois Cobb, vice president, at 333-2009; or Emma Wright, chairperson, at 922-6414.