Shop For A Cause, Plant A Tree

Each week, we'll give you the info on the best family activities or events for the week.

You're time-pressed enough, so we're happy to do the research and find the best things to do and places to go, both locally and within reasonable striking distance.

Look for the kids' planner each Wednesday, and help us build the planner with your own suggestions and tips — just add them to the comment box. We want to hear from you!

Celebrate Arbor Day!

When/Where: Friday, April 26 from 4 to 6 p.m./New City Library, 220 N Main St, New City
Why Go: The New City Library will be giving away small, bare-root spruce trees. Instructions on planting and care will accompany each tree. These hardy trees are very deer resistant.
Cost/Contact: Free/845-634-4997, ext. 137

Clarkstown Outdoor Shopping Extravaganza

When/Where: Saturday, April 27 from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m./Germonds Park at 185 Germonds Rd, West Nyack
Why Go: Clarkstown South, North and Festa have joined together to hold the second annual "Clarkstown Outdoor Shopping Extravaganza." All proceeds will benefit Make-A-Wish and the extravaganza will feature vendors of all new items, ranging from clothing to jewelry to toys, home goods and food. Ongoing entertainment will feature Alice Leon, South’s Spirit dancers, North's Rampagers and much more. All are invited to shop, eat and be entertained and all for a wonderful cause!

Cost/Contact: Free admission/ssolar@ccsd.edu

Rockland Colleges Care Carnival Against Cancer

When/Where: Friday, April 26 from 4 p.m. to 10 p.m./Dominican College Quad 1 at 470 Western Highway in Orangeburg
Why Go: Join student and faculty volunteers from Rockland Community College, St. Thomas Aquinas College, Dominican College and Nyack College in raising funds and awareness in support of the Ulman Caner Fund for Young Adults. This year’s carnival is dedicated to the memory of former Dominican College student Karl Walker. There will be carnival events, prizes, pizza, snacks, a carnival t-shirt and a DJ.
Cost/Contact: $10 entrance fee. For more information, contact Diana Carey at 845-574-4025 or dcarey@sunyrockland.edu.

St. Anthony's Blessed Mother Sodality's Rummage Sale 

When/Where: Saturday, April 27 from 2 to 6:30 p.m. and Sunday April 28 from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. /Saint Anthony's Church, 36 W Nyack Rd, Nanuet
Why Go: A rummage sale sponsored by the Blessed Mother Sodality of St. Anthony’s Church will be held in the school’s cafeteria. Baked goods will be available.
Cost/Contact: Free admission/623-3939

Dennis P. McHugh Foundation 5K Run, Walk and Family Fair

When/Where: Saturday, April 27. The 5K Run/Walk begins at 9:30 a.m. with the Pee Wee run at 10:30 a.m. and the family fair from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m./Flywheel Park in Piermont.
Why Go: Run or walk the 5K. Children under 10 can run in the Pee-Wee races for free. There will be food, drinks, games, rides and music. Event benefits the Dennis P. McHugh Foundation and will take place rain or shine. Registration for the 5K includes lunch and a t-shirt. Check in between 8 a.m. and 9 a.m. at Flywheel Park.
Cost/Contact: 5K participation costs $20 in advance, $30 on race day. / www.dennispmchugh.org or call Anne at (845) 279-4439.

Teen Girl Clothing Swap

When/Where: Saturday, April 27 from 5 p.m. to 8:30 p.m./ Palisades Community Center at 675 Oak Tree Road in Palisades.
Why Go: Celebrate Earth Day with this clothing swap meet for girls ages 13-17. They can clean out their closets and come ready to trade. Pizza and soft drinks wlll be available for purchase. All clothes left will be donated to People-to-People.
Cost/Contact: Free with registration by April 26. Register by email at  pcc@palisadesny.com. 

Firefighter Recruitment Open House

When/Where: Sunday, April 28 at 10 a.m. to 3 p.m./Nanuet Fire Department, 7 W Prospect St, Nanuet
Why Go: The Nanuet Fire Department will open its doors to area residents, so they can learn about what it takes to be a volunteer firefighter in their community, as part of the third annual Recruit NY statewide initiative and National Volunteer Week. Not only will Recruit NY be an opportunity to highlight the duties and rewards that come with being a volunteer firefighter, it will also raise public awareness about fire safety and the need for a working smoke alarm in every home. Throughout the day, the Nanuet Fire Department will conduct tours of the station, fire apparatus, and fire prevention safety house, plus allow visitors to try on firefighter gear, and provide hands on activities for visitors. The fire department will also discuss the requirements to be a volunteer firefighter, as well as answer questions, and let visitors know how to get involved in the Nanuet Fire Department.
Cost/Contact: Free/www.recruitny.org or www.nanuetfd.org.

Bowling for Autism

When/Where: Sunday, April 28 from 3 p.m. to 5 p.m./ Pearl River Lanes
Why Go: Bowl, eat and support autism awareness. Half of the $20 fee per person goes to Autism Speaks. There will also be raffle prizes.
Cost/Contact: $20 per person includes pizza, soda and two games of bowling. / 914-261-0749 or 914-934-5138.