This Week in Clarkstown

By Matt Veronesi

I sleep with one eye open at night. Why, you ask? Well, my wife, Jenn, is always watching perfect murder documentaries, and I’m starting to worry that she may be doing research!

Whenever I question her about it, she tells me I’m crazy and insists that she simply enjoys trying to figure out whodunit. At least, that’s what she wants me to believe!

In all fairness, I enjoy a good murder mystery myself. In fact, Jenn and I have become quite the crime-solving duo. Together, we have solved numerous murder cases, and I am proud to report that we have a 100% closed case success rate!

Now, you may be wondering how a Superintendent of Parks & Recreation and a grocery store manager solve murders in our spare time?

There are actually murder mystery kits you can purchase that allow you to solve crimes from the comfort of your own home. These kits come complete with evidence, case files, suspect profiles, witness statements, and all sorts of clues. Many are inspired by real-life cases, making the experience even more interesting.

Jenn and I have spent countless hours reviewing evidence, reading witness statements, and trying to piece together exactly what happened. It is a lot of fun, and I must say, we have gotten pretty good at it!

In fact, I have become so confident in our crime-solving abilities that I have offered our services to a few local police departments in case they need assistance solving any cold cases.

We haven’t heard back from any of them yet, but I’m sure it’s only a matter of time before they realize what a valuable resource they have right here in Clarkstown!

If you enjoy a good murder mystery as much as Jenn and I do, then I have the perfect event for join the Town of Clarkstown Parks & Recreation Department for our first-ever Murder Mystery Lunch on Friday, October 23, from noon to 3:00 p.m. at the Street Community Center.

The cost is $35 per person and includes a delicious hot catered lunch and an entertaining murder mystery show. Guests will have the opportunity to put their detective skills to the test as they work to solve the mystery.

Get into the Halloween spirit by dressing in costume for a chance to win a prize for best costume! Enjoy great food, plenty of laughs, and an afternoon of mystery and suspense.

This program is filling up quickly, and space is limited, so be sure to register today.

The Town of Clarkstown Parks & Recreation Department’s Fall Lunchtime Concert Series is winding down, but we still have two wonderful performances remaining!

On Friday, September 25, Larry Stevens will take the stage, followed by Mary Taylor on Friday, October 2, for our final concert of the season.

Both concerts will take place from 12:15 to 1:45 p.m. at Kevin Landau Park in New City.

Pack a lunch, bring a chair, and enjoy some wonderful live music surrounded by the beauty of fall. There is no better way to spend a Friday afternoon than relaxing outdoors, listening to great music, and enjoying the company of friends and neighbors.

Calling all Canasta enthusiasts! Join the Town of Clarkstown and members of our community for a fun-filled day of cards, food, prizes, and friendly competition on Wednesday, October 28, from 11:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. at the Street Community Center.

The $40 registration fee includes coffee, tea, bagels, and muffins in the morning, followed by a delicious hot lunch in the afternoon.

Prizes will be awarded for various achievements throughout the day, and there will also be raffles, including a 50/50 raffle benefiting Meals on Wheels of Rockland County.

Whether you are a seasoned Canasta player or simply enjoy a good card game with friends, this is a wonderful opportunity to spend the day having fun while supporting a great cause.

This program is open to adults ages 21 and older.

It may only be September, but the holiday season will be here before we know it! What better way to get into the Christmas spirit than with a trip to see the world-famous Radio City Christmas Spectacular?

The Town of Clarkstown Parks & Recreation Department will be offering a bus trip to Radio City Music Hall on Sunday, November 15.

The bus will depart from the Parks & Recreation Department at Zukor Park at 10:30 a.m. for the 2:00 p.m. performance.

There will be some free time before the show to grab lunch, do a little shopping, or simply enjoy the sights and sounds of New York City during the holiday season.

The cost is $140 per person and includes admission to the show and round-trip bus transportation.

The Radio City Christmas Spectacular is a holiday tradition that never gets old. From the world-famous Rockettes to the incredible music, costumes, and special effects, it is a wonderful experience for the entire family.

Be sure to purchase your tickets early!

For more information about any of these programs, please call the Parks & Recreation Department at 845-639-6200 or visit clarkstown.gov/recreation.

As always, if you have an idea for a future column, program, event, trip, or something you would like to see offered by Clarkstown Parks & Recreation, I would love to hear from you! Feel free to email me at m.veronesi@clarkstown.gov.

Have a great week!