ROSEDALE, LONG ISLAND

A helping hand

Rosedale has no exceptional material assets to commend. A thorough search of the town will not uncover any tangible assets worth special mention. Certainly, Rosedale has all the trappings of a Nassau suburb. But its structures, streets, shops and systems are not different from those of its neighbors. However Rosedale is no ordinary or run-of-the-mill place. It is indeed exceptional and most worthy of emulation. The gem like property of Rosedale lies in the caring hearts of the people who live here. One has to prospect with patience and observe how residents spend their time, and sift between the transactions that take place inside its hearth, to uncover the Rosedale character.

It starts with the Federal Office that has chosen Rosedale as one of its field bases. This is the New York Asylum bureau of the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services. This office decides on immigration visa appeals, naturalization, asylum and related matters. It has the onerous responsibility of securing the homeland against terrorist threats, but it has also to temper its work with mercy, ensuring that people with deserving backgrounds are granted access to the Nation and to provide shelter for the oppressed. The Association on Haitian social workers has an office on Hook Creek Boulevard, in a private extension of the kind of work the Government does in Rosedale.

The St. Peter's Church has services twice during the week apart from Sunday mornings. This is normal and conventional. However what may be considered exceptional is the most commendable programs of distribution of food and warm clothing, walks for charity and religious instruction that occupy the clergy and laity alike. Rosedale's Lutheran Church works in the same vein. It has social activities such as outings and sports for parish families, apart from regular religious services. Religion has a novel social security nuance in Rosedale that is especially valuable for economically depressed families.

The Rosedale Civic Association has served the community for over 50 years. It meets every month to discuss and to disseminate information on matters of public importance and of general interest. It also publishes a newsletter, coordinates the operation of a local civilian patrol and arranges talks by specialists from various walks of life. It is a beacon of hope for those who are not fully informed and for those who seek guidance on key matters that affect their lives. The Rosedale Senior Citizens Club operates from Brookville Boulevard. It runs a Meal Center for people who can no longer cook for themselves. Most recipients are women and chronically disabled. A majority are below the poverty line. No accolades can suffice to describe Rosedale's nobility in looking after the poor and helpless.

Rosedale has adequate schooling infrastructure, especially at the Elementary stage. The Rosedale School is a public institution that runs from Kindergarten to Grade 6. St. Clare is a private school with over 500 boys and girls in Grades pre-kindergarten to 8. Quite a few realtors are based in town and people who wish to settle in Rosedale's gentle and supportive environment have a choice of good value apartments and homes to rent or buy. Fine Colonial homes and ranches within a $ 700 thousand limit are also available.