Thursday, October 1, 2026
The Mill Brook Civic Association is expanding its annual summer block party into a larger Community Festival and Health Fair this year, adding free health screenings, safety programs and community resources alongside the family activities residents have come to expect.
The free event, sponsored by Green Acres Mall, is scheduled for Aug. 1 from noon to 5 p.m. on Eastwood Lane.
“As Green Acres’ closest residential neighbor, maintaining a strong relationship with the Mill Brook community is important to us,” Jill Bromberg, marketing and community relations manager at Green Acres, said. “This will be my second year attending the block party, and I genuinely appreciate the opportunity to connect with residents and be part of such a welcoming neighborhood tradition. We’re honored to support an event that celebrates community and brings neighbors together.”
It will feature health, safety and financial resource providers, children’s activities, entertainment and food vendors, with organizers describing the expansion as an effort to better serve the neighborhood while maintaining the event’s traditional community atmosphere.
For nearly three decades, Mill Brook resident Lilianne Badette has called the neighborhood home, and as secretary of the civic association’s board, she said the event has evolved alongside the community itself.
“We realized that we had an opportunity to do so much more,” Badette said. “So, what we wanted to do was transform a fun summer afternoon into a lifeline of resources.”
This year’s event combines the familiar elements of a summer celebration with access to health, safety and financial assistance programs, creating what the association hopes will be a stronger connection between residents and community resources.
Among the featured services will be the Catholic Health Outreach Bus, offering free blood pressure and glucose screenings. The New York State Child Safety Identification Program will provide free photo identification cards for children, while representatives from PSEG Long Island and National Grid will be available to assist residents with utility affordability programs and answer questions.
The event entertainment features a live DJ, bounce house, face painting and a Home Depot Kids Workshop. Representatives from the Henry Waldinger Memorial Library are expected to attend to promote the library’s summer reading program, while the Nassau County Police Department Explorer Program is also scheduled to participate.
Guillermo VanEtten, who has served as president of the civic association for seven years and a resident of the community for 20 years, said the decision to expand the event was driven by a desire to make important services more accessible.
Rather than expecting residents to seek out information or screenings elsewhere, the association wanted to create an opportunity where community members could learn about available resources while attending a neighborhood celebration. He said providing information about health and mental health awareness in a relaxed setting may encourage residents to ask questions they might otherwise postpone.
“You have it right there in front of you at a function, or maybe you could get literature,” VanEtten said. “It’s just bringing it to the people. That’s what we’re trying to do.”
The festival reflects the Mill Brook Civic Association’s broader mission, which serves as a liaison between residents and local government agencies throughout the year.
The organization helps residents navigate issues ranging from sanitation concerns and permit questions to neighborhood infrastructure and public safety. The civic association also works with local police, the volunteer fire department and the Town of Hempstead, while organizing monthly community cleanups and supporting a scholarship program at Valley Stream South High School through annual membership dues.
Planning for the expanded event began in January, with board members dividing responsibilities that included securing permits, contacting businesses for support, coordinating with government agencies and inviting community organizations to participate.
The event also highlights the neighborhood’s diversity by offering activities and food options intended to appeal to a wide range of residents. including halal chicken and rice platters, burgers, hot dogs, sausage and peppers, and French fries. Fully paid Mill Brook Civic Association member households will receive discounted meal tickets. Residents will also be able to join or renew their annual household membership for $25 at the association’s information table during the festival.
“It’s about building a stronger, healthier and more connected Mill Brook, where everybody meets each other, and they know who their neighbors are, which is very important,” Badette said.
As new families continue moving to the area, the festival provides an opportunity for long-term and newer residents to connect, learn about local resources and strengthen community relationships.
Organizers view the expanded festival as an investment in the neighborhood’s future, combining entertainment with practical services while continuing a tradition that brings the Mill Brook community together each summer.
