This Week in Clarkstown

Working in Parks & Recreation for the past 20 years has given me the opportunity to experience some pretty incredible things. Because our department offers such a wide variety of programs, events, and trips for the community, we often get to enjoy those experiences right alongside our residents while we’re working.

Over the years, I have had the opportunity to work bus trips to professional baseball, basketball, and football games. I’ve worked casino trips, which are always entertaining—although they usually don’t end well for me. My luck at the slot machines has never been very good, and I almost always end up losing money. Thankfully, many of our residents have much better luck than I do, and it’s always fun celebrating their wins.

I’ve also worked trips to zoos, museums, and iconic landmarks like the Statue of Liberty. However, the trips that have surprised me the most have been our theater excursions. If I hadn’t been working in Parks & Recreation, I probably never would have attended so many Broadway productions, performances at Radio City Music Hall, or shows at the Sight & Sound Theatre. Those experiences have introduced me to some incredible productions, and I honestly feel much more cultured because of them.

We have one of those memorable trips coming up through the Town of Clarkstown Parks & Recreation Department, and I highly encourage anyone who is interested to register while space is still available.

On Friday, September 11, we’ll be traveling to Lancaster, Pennsylvania, to see Joshua at the Sight & Sound Theatre. This incredible, faith-based entertainment venue features a 2,000-seat auditorium, a 300-foot wraparound stage, towering 40-foot-tall sets, live animals, and breathtaking musical productions. I’ve had the opportunity to see several shows there over the years, and every single one has been outstanding.

Joshua takes audiences from the banks of the Jordan River to the towering walls of Jericho as they journey alongside the people of Israel through their newfound freedom in the wilderness. As Joshua steps into the leadership role after Moses, this powerful production brings one of the Bible’s most inspiring stories to life in a truly unforgettable way. Whether you’re familiar with the story or experiencing it for the first time, it’s an incredible show for the whole family.

Before the performance, we’ll stop at Kitchen Kettle Village in the heart of Amish Country, where you’ll have time to enjoy lunch and browse the unique shops. The bus departs from the Clarkstown Parks & Recreation Office at 8:00 a.m., arriving in Lancaster for lunch and shopping before the 3:00 p.m. performance.

The cost of the trip is $140 per person and is open to Clarkstown residents. To register, visit www.clarkstown.gov/recreation or call 845-639-6200. I can honestly say this is one trip you won’t regret taking.

We also have two great concerts coming up next week. On Tuesday, August 11, join us at Congers Station Park at 7:00 p.m. for a performance by the Still Wind Band. Then, on Wednesday, August 12, we’ll be at Lake Nanuet Park, also beginning at 7:00 p.m., featuring Joe D’Urso & Stone Caravan. Bring a lawn chair or blanket and enjoy another pair of fun-filled summer evenings with family and friends.

The Town of Clarkstown Parks & Recreation Department will also be transitioning to a new recreation registration platform, Rec Technologies, this September. We’re encouraging residents to create their new accounts now to make future registrations quick and easy. Simply visit www.rec.us/organizations/town-of-clarkstown and click “Sign Up” at the top of the page.

If you need assistance setting up your new account, or if you’d like more information about any of our Parks & Recreation programs or events, please call our office at 845-639-6200.

Have an idea for a future column or a Clarkstown event you’d like to see highlighted? I’d love to hear from you. Feel free to email me at m.veronesi@clarkstown.gov.

Have a great week!