Farmingdale Upcoming Events, School Safety, Grant: Mayor Ekstrand

FARMINGDALE, NY — Farmingdale Mayor Ralph Ekstrand shared upcoming fall events in the village, as well as school-related safety tips, in his latest newsletter.

"As summer winds down, its been great to have so many community events back — Village Pops, Movie Nights, Music On Main, Runners Edge Main Street Mile, Farmers Market, 1/2 Way to St. Patrick’s Day Parade — with many more events coming up!" Ekstrand wrote.

Below are scheduled fall events, according to the mayor:

• Shakespeare on the Green — 2:30 p.m. Oct. 2 and 3. Eastline Theatre Company presents: William Shakespeare’s "Romeo & Juliet" at the gazebo on the Village Green, 361 Main St. Free to attend; bring chairs and blankets for seating. People are encouraged to dine and shop throughout the village. Weather permitting. Sponsored by the Farmingdale Village Cultural Arts Committee.
• Farmingdale Columbus Weekend Fair — Oct. 7 through 11. Planned by the Farmingdale Fire Department. It is set to feature a carnival and games, music, magic shows, street fair, and parade throughout the weekend. Plus, the Farmingdale Breakfast Rotary Doggie Parade, Runway Show and Blessing of the Dogs at 10 a.m. Oct. 9 at 10 a.m.
• Farmingdale Halloween Parade, Family Fun - Pony Rides, Petting Zoo — 2 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 30. Following the parade will be Pony Rides, Petting Zoo, Costume Contest, and Farmingdale Chamber of Commerce members will have candy for the kids. Free event on the Village Green. Scheduled rain date is Oct. 31. Sponsored by the Farmingdale Business Improvement District.
• Long Island Gingerbread House Contest — Saturday, Dec. 11, at The Chocolate Duck, 310 Main St. Start planning your creations: Come see the entries at the event and vote for the People's Choice award. Prizes to be awarded. 2021 Theme: Gingerbread Houses honoring essential workers, such as firehouses, police stations, hospitals, medical facilities, pharmacies, gas stations, grocery stores, eateries, government buildings, etc. For more info, contact Christina: cakegirl70@aol.com or call 516-249-0887. The event was planned with the Farmingdale Village Cultural Arts Committee.
• Farmers Market on the Village Green by Schneider's Farm is held weekly on Sundays through Nov. 21 from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. All outdoor events are weather permitting.
• Start planning your holiday house lights/decorations ... upcoming contests include Halloween House Lights Contest and the Holiday House Lights Decorating Contest. Stay tuned for more details from the village.

The arrival of September means students and teachers are back to school. Ekstrand said the village's No. 1 priority is keeping everyone safe and happy, and he issued a few reminders.

• Please obey all stop signs & crossing instructions.
• Watch your speed and especially be extra careful in school zones.
• Be aware of children running into the street.
• Have the kids connect with friends and try to travel in groups.

New York State Assemblyman Michael Montesano (R—Glen Head), who Ekstrand called a "good friend" of the village, delivered a $100,000 grant to be used for the reconstruction of Farmingdale parking lots.

"Mike has ALWAYS been there to support our Village and we are thrilled to receive this grant!" Ekstrand wrote.

Barbara Kelly, who served as Farmingdale Village’s deputy village clerk and treasurer for the last 10 years, recently retired.

"On behalf of the Board of Trustees, Thank you Barbara for your contribution to the Village," Ekstrand wrote. "We wish you all the best in your retirement!"

Daniel Ruckdeschel assumed the position in August.

"Dan is no stranger to the Village as he and his family live in Farmingdale and love the area," Ekstrand said. "He is a CPA and has great experience having worked as an external auditor for over 18 years."

He worked for auditing firm Satty, Levine & Ciacco and was an auditor for many not-for-profits, school districts, fire districts, water authorities, sewer districts and villages, including Farmingdale, according to Ekstrand.

"I’m thrilled to be part of this team and look forward to working with the residents and businesses of the Village of Farmingdale for many years to come," Ruckdeschel said in a release.

SimpliSmiles Dental, which opened at 297 Main St., was welcomed and congratulated by Ekstrand. Doctors Peter and Tammy Yelizar run the business.

SportsCare Physical and Aquatic Therapy, run by John and Laurie Fox, recently celebrated 21 years in Farmingdale Village, while Farmingdale Adult Day Care celebrated its 25th anniversary.