This Week in Clarkstown

By Matt Veronesi

Sometimes, the simplest issues can cause the biggest panic—like when my father accidentally switched his TV to SAP mode and suddenly his Yankees game was only in Spanish. Thankfully, a quick FaceTime call with me fixed the problem. As Superintendent of Parks & Recreation for Clarkstown, I often think about how important it is to address the diverse and sometimes unexpected needs of our community, a value my incredible team embodies every day.

I am especially proud of three team members—Janeen Valentin Eisler, Izzy Sullivan, and Allyson Delo—who developed Project Prom Magic. They are collecting new or gently used prom dresses to ensure every teen who wants to attend prom, regardless of financial means, has the opportunity to choose the perfect outfit. The collection drive has been successful and continues through May 25th. Donations can be dropped off at the Pascack Community Center (87 New Clarkstown Road, Nanuet, NY 10954). Drop-off hours are Monday through Friday, 10:00 am to 8:45 pm, and Saturdays, 9:00 am to 4:45 pm. Mark your calendars for the dress try-on dates: Thursday, April 30th, 6:00–8:30 pm; Thursday, May 7th, 6:00–8:30 pm; Saturday, May 9th, 12:00–4:30 pm; and Saturday, May 16th, 10:00 am–2:00 pm. For details, call the Pascack Community Center at 845-371-6650.

We are also focused on the well-being of our senior citizens. The Rockland County Department of Health is offering a free, eight-week program for Clarkstown Senior Citizens (aged 60 and over) called A Matter Of Balance: Managing Concerns About Falls. This program helps seniors reduce their fear of falling and safely increase their activity level. It will meet on Fridays from 2:00–4:00 pm at the Street Community Center, running from April 10th through May 29th. 

Finally, there are some unique upcoming youth sports programs in Clarkstown. The Town of Clarkstown Parks & Recreation Department is partnering with the professional instructors from Rise Up Sports to offer two specialized programs:

Youth Track and Field: This six-week program is for ages 6–12. Held on Mondays, April 6th through May 11th, from 5:00–6:00 pm at Kings Park (54 Kings Highway, Congers, NY 10920). Participants will learn Track and Field fundamentals—including sprinting, hurdles, javelin, discus, and shotput—in a safe and fun environment. The program cost is $150 per participant.

Youth Boxing: Also offered by Rise Up Sports, this six-week program is for children ages 7–14. It meets on Saturdays, April 11th through May 16th, from 12:30–1:30 pm at the Street Community Center (31 Zukor Road, New City, NY 10956). The class teaches the basics of boxing, focusing on essential skills like footwork, proper punching technique, and defensive movements, while also building confidence, discipline, and coordination. The program cost is $175 per participant.

Space is still available for the bus trip to Citi Field to see the New York Mets take on the visiting Detroit Tigers on Tuesday May 12th with the bus leaving the Clarkstown Parks & Recreation Department at 4:30pm for the 7:10pm game. The trip is $110 per person and includes the bus ride down and back plus field level seats. You don’t have to be a Mets fan to enjoy this trip as the home stadium for the Mets is beautiful and has so much for the kids to do. I am a big Yankees fan and I actually think Citi Field is nicer than Yankee Stadium and offers much more things to do for the kids. 

For more information or to register for any of the above programs or trip please call the Clarkstown Parks & Recreation Department at 845-639-6200. Space is limited so don’t hesitate sign up today! 

Got an idea for the column or an event in Clarkstown you want me to mention? Shoot me an email at mveronesi@optimum.net. Have a great week!