This Week in Clarkstown

Whether it’s sports, social activities or special events, I believe some of the best programs are those that allow people to have fun while making a difference in the lives of others. This week, I want to tell you about an upcoming event that accomplishes all of those things!

On Monday, November 9, Meals on Wheels of Rockland will host its “Thanks for Giving” Pickleball & Canasta Charity Social at the New York Pickleball Club in New City. The event promises to be a fun-filled day of friendly competition, great food, fantastic raffle prizes and, most importantly, an opportunity to support a wonderful organization that does so much for our community.

If you haven’t heard of Meals on Wheels of Rockland, the organization provides essential services that support the health, safety, independence and overall well-being of older adults and their families. Its work helps our senior population maintain their independence while remaining connected to the community by delivering nutritious meals directly to the homes of older adults and people with disabilities who cannot prepare food or shop for themselves.

As someone who oversees recreation programs for residents of all ages, including our nine senior clubs here in Clarkstown, I understand just how important these services are.

Now, let’s talk about the fun!

The day kicks off at 10 a.m. with pickleball, one of the fastest-growing sports in the country. Whether you’re a competitive player or just enjoy getting out on the court with friends, this is a great opportunity to play for a good cause.

From noon until 1:15 p.m., participants will enjoy lunch, dessert, raffle drawings and the announcement of the 50/50 winners. Then, beginning at 1:15 p.m., the Canasta players take over for an afternoon of cards, competition and additional prizes.

And here’s the best part: You don’t have to choose between pickleball and Canasta. You can do both!

The cost is just $40 to participate in either pickleball or Canasta, which includes lunch and dessert. For those of you who can’t decide whether you’re better with a paddle or a deck of cards, $60 gets you into both activities, along with lunch.

Throughout the day, there will be plenty of opportunities to win prizes, including raffles featuring more than $3,000 in prizes, a 50/50 drawing and additional giveaways. Canasta participants will even have opportunities to win during two separate raffle drawings.

And if your pickleball skills are anything like mine, you might have a better chance of winning something in the raffles than you do on the court!

What makes this event particularly special is that generous sponsors have covered all of the event’s expenses. That means every dollar contributed goes directly to Meals on Wheels of Rockland to help support its important mission.

It’s always rewarding to see local businesses, organizations and residents come together for such a worthwhile cause.

The event will take place on Monday, November 9, at the New York Pickleball Club in New City. Space is limited, so I encourage anyone interested to register early. You can sign up by visiting **http://weblink.donorperfect.com/t4g2026**⁠. For additional information or sponsorship opportunities, contact event organizer Joe Chironno by emailing joemets69@gmail.com.

Whether you’re a pickleball enthusiast, a Canasta player or simply someone who enjoys supporting a great cause, this event has something for everyone.

So grab your paddle, shuffle your cards and come out for a great day of fun while supporting Meals on Wheels of Rockland.

And remember, whether you win or lose on the court or at the card table, everyone who participates will be helping our seniors. That’s what I call a winning hand!

Join the Town of Clarkstown 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!