'Food Raiser' For Veterans, Ribbon Cuttings: Farmingdale Happenings

FARMINGDALE, NY — Fall has arrived! Farmingdale Village has recently welcomed new businesses and held some events, with more upcoming.

Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 516 is having a Veterans "Food Raiser" for the Veterans Market. Supplies are low and non-perishable donations are needed, said Farmingdale Mayor Ralph Ekstrand.

The Vet Mart assists Nassau County veteran families at no cost to them. Food donations can be dropped off on Oct. 11 and 25, from 8 to 10 p.m. at VFW Post 516, 635 Main St., Farmingdale, or call 516-241-1874 to arrange pick-up or drop-off on other dates. Any monetary donations will be used to buy groceries needed and all will be delivered to the Vet Mart.

"Thanks in advance for any donations – organized by Olivia Jungkunst, assisted by VFW Post 516," Ekstrand wrote.

Art in the Park was held on Sept. 18.

"It was a wonderful day with local artists filling the Village Green and everyone enjoyed the magnificent artwork and meeting the artists!" Ekstrand said.

Ekstrand thanked Fran Rotundo, who spearheaded the art in the park event planning, as well as the Cultural Arts Committee.

The winners were:

• 1st Place - Daniela Valez Smith
• 2nd Place - Elaine Faith Thompson
• 3rd Place- Alecia Fuschetto
• Honorable Mention - Carolyn Colombo

The Farmingdale Chamber of Commerce held several grand opening ribbon-cutting celebrations in the village.

"Congratulations and welcome, The High Horse, at 277 Main Street and, The Villager Farmingdale, at 306 Main Street," Ekstrand said. "The owners of Dark Horse Tavern opened The High Horse in former office space above the Dark Horse Tavern overlooking Main Street/Conklin Street. A ribbon-cutting celebration was held on July 27th. The High Horse is open to the general public a lot of the time, ages 25 and up and can accommodate 100 plus people for catering, parties and more. The High Horse features a miniature arcade, craft cocktails, beer and food."

Steve Kent, co-owner, said Dark Horse has taverns in three different villages now.

"The High Horse is something different and we are delighted to be in Farmingdale," Kent said.

Ekstrand congratulated the partners of Kent, Kevin McDermott, Jamie Brennan and Peter Phelan.

The Chamber of Commerce also held a ribbon-cutting grand opening celebration on Sept. 16 at The Villager Farmingdale. The Villager has five sister restaurants and is owned by LFRG, Lily Flanigan's Restaurant Group.

The Villager features food, craft beer, a Biergarten, and does catering and events.

"We are incredibly happy to be part of this community, and it is important for us to bring camaraderie, good feel, essence," said Jim Zeffiro, the general manager. "We are already working with several other area businesses - a cigar dinner on October 6 - with Jim Stogies for the cigars and meat from the Meat Market. We are also working with Flux to make specialty cocktails with their coffee, and plan to work with others."

Ekstrand congratulated Zeffiro and LFRG.

A self-defense class known as "Mind Your Business" is slated for 6 to 7 p.m. on Oct. 11 on the Village Green, at 361 Main Street. The class is by Gregor Bravo (Law Enforcement, Homeland Security training/consulting). Women that are part of the Farmingdale Chamber of Commerce are welcome to participate, Ekstrand said. There is a $10 class fee to participate, and people may enjoy socializing, networking, chips and guacamole at CaraCara Mexican Grill after the class. For more details/to register, click here.

"We look forward to a great fall season, with continued outdoor/indoor community events, check the website for more details," Ekstrand said. "Plus many merchants are planning October Fest Fun and offer other events! Just a reminder to shop and dine local, support the local merchants."