Glorious autumn weather on Columbus Day weekend graced the Mill Neck Manor School for the Deaf campus, where the annual Fall Harvest Festival (“Apple Fest”) was held. Thousands of visitors, including many who make the festival a yearly family tradition, enjoyed the two-day event. Proceeds benefit the Mill Neck Family of Organizations, dedicated to serving individuals who are deaf, hard of hearing and/or have other special needs.
Ever-popular Honey Crisp was among the New York State apple bounty, along with other treats. Visitors lined up for grilled bratwurst, baked goods, candy apples, strudel and roasted corn.
Take-home items included specialty cheeses, apple cider and seasonal vegetables. Children raced around the inflatables and games, families strolled the grounds around the historic Manor House and dozens relaxed on the sprawling lawn.
The festival hosted many returning craft vendors, information about the latest in deaf technology and a sign language area. Here, visitors met author and American Sign Language (ASL) professor Russ Kane and were invited to learn some ASL signs. Students from the Hofstra North Shore-LIJ School of Medicine provided free health screenings and more than 100 people took advantage of the free hearing screenings offered by Mill Neck Services Center for Hearing Health. Rounding out the weekend was the announcement of the winner of this year’s 50/50 drawing, Robert “Bob” Koenig of Levittown, a long-time festival volunteer.
Much effort goes into producing the festival each year; with that, the Mill Neck Family expresses sincere gratitude to all who make it possible, time after time. This event would simply not happen without its loyal volunteers, students, staff, Mill Neck Manor alumni, vendors, donors, friends, parents and generous supporters.
The 2015 supporters include: Summit Advisors of Long Island, Inc./Stefans Associates; Thrivent Financial for Lutherans (Gala Sponsors); A&Z Pharmaceutical; Bullen Insurance Group; County Fair Air Conditioning; The Honorable Claire R. Kelly and Joseph A. DiBartolo; Maspeth Roofing; Pickney Electric; R.S. Abrams & Co., LLP (Macintosh Sponsors); Old Brookville P.B.A; David P. Pearson (Greening Sponsors). Also, Barbara Conolly; BMW of Oyster Bay; Joseph J. and Ann DiBartolo; Long Island Geese Control; L. Graziose Plumbing and Heating; Ridgewood Savings Bank; Tri-County Plumbing and Heating Installation.
For more information, call 516-922-4100 or visit www.millneck.org. “Like” Mill Neck on Facebook at facebook.com/millneck.
