RVC Unites for Annual 'Kidsfest'

Rockville Centre resources were in full display last Saturday at the annual Kidsfest at the John A. Anderson Recreation Center, as organizations from around the village gathered to show locals what RVC has to offer.

The Nassau County Police Department, National Guard, Game 7, and the Rockville Centre St. Patrick's Day Parade were among two dozen organizations who set up booths at the event, looking to spread the word and let locals know how they could benefit them.

Mayor Mary Bossart was on hand and was glad there was such a great turnout for local families.

"This is a wonderful way to show off what organizations in the village are available," she said. "It's an opportunity for young families to learn of the multitude of organizations we have and it gives them ways to become more involved in the Village."

It was a doubly important day for civil servants in the area, who were commemorating the ninth anniversary of the September 11 attacks on the World Trade Center.

Detective Mike Norwood spoke of the importance to all of the Nassau County police officers.

"This is just a wonderful day in Rockville Centre, bringing the whole community together," he said. "It has a special meaning for us today, because it's 9/11 when so many citizens lost their lives."

But at the end of the day, it belonged to the families of RVC, who were treated to several shows, including the Nassau County Police Department taking off in a helicopter, and a series of Irish step dances from a local dance academy.

Michael Caffrey, of the Rockville Centre Youth Council, said he knows how important this yearly event is for the people of the village.

"It's important to see what's out there for the kids and the people, and its nice for the civic and service organizations to help get some memberships," he said. "It really is a fun thing for the town itself.  In a village like ours, you have to feel and be like a small family."