The 23rd annual West End Community Day block party at the Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Community Center was a resounding success. Residents from across Rockville Centre gathered along North Centre Avenue on Saturday afternoon to celebrate unity and togetherness.
Sharon Sheppard, the assistant director of the MLK Community Center, said the event is a cherished tradition in Rockville Centre, which embraces bringing people together, regardless of their ethnicity or background. She said this year’s festivities are all about spreading “good vibes.”
The Community Day festivities are organized each year by Patrick Morris, director of the MLK Community Center, to celebrate all of the people and places in the west end of the village. It also highlights all of the different programs and activities offered at the center throughout the year and serves as a back-to-school celebration for kids, featuring music, dancing, games, activities, food, amusements and more.
“The West End Community Day is always a great way to cap off a fantastic summer program at the Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Community Center,” Deputy Mayor Kathy Baxley said. “Thanks to the hard work of Patrick Morris and Sharon Sheppard, this annual event brings neighbors together for a day full of fun and laughter.”
The annual event also provides an opportunity for residents to connect with various organizations and services in the village, including the police department, school district, fire department, summer camps, and others.
Among the participating organizations is the RVC Friends of MLK, a nonprofit that raises funds to support youth, adult, senior, and community programs at the center.
Since its creation in 2020, the RVC Friends of MLK has focused on supporting children in the community through after-school programs and lessons in science, culinary arts, dance, photography, and art.
The MLK Community Center, located at 150 N. Centre Ave. in Rockville Centre, is open Monday through Friday. For more information about the Friends of MLK or to donate, visit RVCFriendsOfMLK.org. For details on programs and hours of operation, call (516) 678-9236 or visit the village website at RVCNY.gov.