Commonpoint's Central Queens center at 67-09 108th Street in Forest Hills has three free programs on its calendar over the next two weeks: capoeira pop-up classes for kids on Saturday, Oct. 24, a family volunteer day with brunch on Sunday, Oct. 25, and a free mobility equipment distribution on Wednesday, Nov. 4. A few days later, on Sunday, Nov. 8, the Forest Park Trust hosts a free Fairy and Gnome Day for children at the Metropolitan Avenue edge of Forest Park.

Free Capoeira Pop-Up Classes, Oct. 24

Capoeira is a Brazilian martial art that mixes self-defense, dance, acrobatics and music. Commonpoint is offering free pop-up classes so kids can try it before signing up for a full session. Saturday, Oct. 24, is the second and final pop-up date this fall, after a first round on Oct. 10.

Children ages 6 to 8 meet from 11 to 11:55 a.m., and ages 9 to 12 meet from noon to 12:55 p.m. Registration is through Commonpoint's website, and families with questions can call 718-268-5011, ext. 500, or email hfdesk@commonpoint.org.

Central Queens Volunteer Day, Oct. 25

On Sunday, Oct. 25, starting at 11:30 a.m., Commonpoint invites neighbors of all ages to a hands-on volunteer day at Central Queens. Volunteers will decorate grocery bags for the center's food pantry, put together first aid kits, and make calming jars for neurodivergent children. Brunch is part of the morning.

The event is open to all ages, and registration is requested in advance. Commonpoint also invites participants to pair the day with a donation, though the event page lists no fee to take part. Questions can go to nreidy@commonpoint.org.

Free Mobility Equipment and Home Safety Clinic, Nov. 4

On Wednesday, Nov. 4, beginning at 11:30 a.m., Commonpoint and the organization Afya are giving away mobility devices and accessibility items at no cost to community members who need them. Each visitor can meet with an occupational therapist for a personalized assessment and then take home equipment chosen for them.

Available items include walkers, canes, transport chairs, shower benches, toilet seat risers and diapers. The clinic is aimed at adults and older adults. Pre-registration is required. Questions can go to 732-639-1579 or gfuenteswalker@commonpoint.org.

Fairy and Gnome Day in Forest Park, Nov. 8

The Forest Park Trust is holding a Fairy and Gnome Day on Sunday, Nov. 8, from 1 to 4 p.m. The afternoon includes crafts and a guided trail tour through the woods. Costumes are welcome, and the program is open to children ages 3 to 12.

The event is free and meets at Metropolitan Avenue and Forest Park Drive. NYC Parks lists it on the Forest Park events calendar. The Forest Park Trust can be reached at 718-235-4100.

Earlier that day, from 11 a.m. to 12:30 p.m., Urban Park Rangers lead a free Fall Foliage Tree ID Hike that starts at Myrtle Avenue and Park Lane South, on the southern side of the park, for anyone who wants to make a full day of it.

About Commonpoint Central Queens

Commonpoint is a social services nonprofit with programs for every age, from summer camps and youth sports to food pantries, job training and pool clubs. It operates at more than 90 sites across Queens and beyond. Its Central Queens building in Forest Hills has a heated 25 yard indoor pool, a fitness center, a gymnasium and group exercise classes for members, and it hosts youth sports and dance programs during the week.

The center's fall youth lineup includes ballet, basketball skills clinics, a youth basketball league, and parent and child classes for babies and toddlers. The capoeira pop-ups are an introduction to one more option on that schedule.

How to Get There

Central Queens sits at 67-09 108th Street. The closest subway is the 67th Avenue station on the M and R lines along Queens Boulevard, a short walk away. The Q23 bus runs along 108th Street.

For Fairy and Gnome Day, the meeting point at Metropolitan Avenue and Forest Park Drive is served by the Q54 bus along Metropolitan Avenue.

Plan Your Visit

Capoeira pop-up: Saturday, Oct. 24, 11 a.m. (ages 6 to 8) and noon (ages 9 to 12), free. Volunteer Day: Sunday, Oct. 25, 11:30 a.m., all ages. Mobility equipment clinic: Wednesday, Nov. 4, 11:30 a.m., free with pre-registration. All three are at Commonpoint Central Queens, 67-09 108th Street, Forest Hills, with sign-up at commonpoint.org/events. Fairy and Gnome Day: Sunday, Nov. 8, 1 to 4 p.m., ages 3 to 12, free, at Metropolitan Avenue and Forest Park Drive, with details on the NYC Parks Forest Park events page.

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