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Archbishop Timothy Cardinal Dolan to Visit Haverstraw’s Annual Blessing of the Soil Event

HAVERSTRAW, NY – Community members are invited to gather for the Annual Blessing of the Soil at Catholic Charities Community Services of Rockland (CCCSR) on Saturday, May 4, 2024. The event will be graced by the presence of His Eminence, Archbishop Timothy Cardinal Dolan, marking a special highlight of this community tradition.

Since 2011, CCCSR has been organizing this event following the establishment of a sizable garden alongside their building located at 78 Hudson Avenue. This garden plays a vital role in the community by providing fresh vegetables to families and individuals who utilize the local food pantry. Unlike most food pantries that rely on external sources, CCCSR’s garden allows for a sustainable provision of fresh produce directly to those in need.

The event is set to start at 12 PM and will run until 1 PM. Attendees can look forward to a variety of activities, including a special ceremony where Archbishop Dolan will bless the soil, symbolizing hope and nourishment for the coming growing season. Additionally, there will be light refreshments available and a range of fun and engaging activities designed specifically for children.

This annual event is not only a celebration of community and sustainability but also serves as an opportunity for local residents to contribute to CCCSR’s mission. While there is no cost to attend, donations are encouraged and can be made through a dedicated PayPal link provided by the organizers. These contributions are crucial in supporting the ongoing efforts to provide essential services and support to the community.

For more information about the Annual Blessing of the Soil or to learn more about how to support Catholic Charities Community Services of Rockland, please visit www.ccsrockland.org or contact them directly at (845) 942-5791.

This event promises to be a meaningful day for Haverstraw residents, fostering community spirit and dedication to helping those in need through sustainable practices.

Second Major Fire Strikes Surrey Carlton Apartments, Displacing Nearly 50 Families

SPRING VALLEY, NY – Nearly 50 families cannot re-enter their homes right now – after a devastating fire ravaged the Surrey Carlton apartments in Spring Valley late Monday night.

This incident marks the second major fire at the complex within just two months.

The blaze, reported around 9:30 p.m. at 53 Ewing Ave., quickly escalated as heavy flames engulfed a third-floor unit. Spring Valley Fire Chief Ray Canario disclosed that upon arrival, firefighters witnessed intense flames through a living room window. The response included teams from Hillcrest, Spring Valley, and Monsey fire departments, who battled the fire for approximately an hour before extinguishing it.

A dramatic rescue occurred during the chaos as a woman trapped inside became unconscious but was saved by quick-acting neighbors. She later regained consciousness. Additionally, a firefighter sustained minor burns after being struck by falling debris in a stairwell. Both individuals were hospitalized and are reported to be in stable condition as of Tuesday morning.

The fire reignited early Tuesday morning, prompting firefighters to return to the scene around 5:30 a.m. to extinguish remaining embers. Chief Canario confirmed that the cause of the fire remains under investigation, with more than 20 apartments suffering extensive smoke and water damage, leading to widespread displacement.

This recent fire continues a troubling pattern at the Surrey Carlton apartments, following a February blaze that displaced 86 residents. Concerns have been raised about the complex’s fire safety measures, notably that the fire alarm system is not directly connected to the fire department’s dispatch system, necessitating emergency calls through 911.

Authorities are currently probing all angles to determine the cause of the fire and assess safety protocols at the apartment complex. The community rallies to support the affected families as they face the aftermath of this recurrent tragedy.

This story is developing, and will be updated.

This story was generated with AI, edited by local humans. Image generated with AI. For more information, visit our Disclaimers page.

Rockland Community College Prepares for 2024 Commencement Ceremony

ROCKLAND COUNTY, NY — Rockland Community College (RCC) has announced its plans for the 2024 Commencement Ceremony, which will honor the achievements of its Spring 2024 graduates and those who completed their studies in Summer and Fall 2023. The ceremony is scheduled for May 20, 2024, at 11:00 AM and will take place at Clover Stadium in Pomona, New York.

This year, the graduates will be addressed by Dr. Alfredo Medina, Jr., Vice President for Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion at Bennington College in Vermont. With over three decades of experience in strategic leadership within the not-for-profit and higher education sectors, Dr. Medina has made significant contributions to fostering an institutional culture of equity and anti-racism at Bennington. His initiatives include recruiting diverse faculty and student bodies, aligning with his expertise in educational policy and leadership.

During the ceremony, RCC will also honor the recipients of the SUNY Chancellor’s Award for Student Excellence (CASE), celebrating the outstanding achievements of Ilyssa Shapiro and Sundari Ruth. Shapiro, who is graduating with an associate degree in Natural and Physical Sciences, has been an active member of the Sam Draper Honors Program and is looking forward to pursuing a bachelor’s degree in biology. Ruth, earning her degree in Humanities, has notably contributed to the RCC community through her roles as Student Government Association President and as an active member of various campus organizations.

The commencement will be a significant event not only as a celebration of academic accomplishments but also as a platform for Dr. Medina to share insights that may inspire the graduates as they transition to the next stages of their professional and educational journeys.

For those unable to attend in person, a livestream of the ceremony will be available, ensuring that all family members, friends, and community members can participate in celebrating the graduates’ milestones. More information about RCC and the commencement can be found on their website or through their various social media platforms.

RCC continues to be a pivotal institution in the community, providing educational opportunities that are supportive, affordable, and accessible, thereby enabling individuals to positively transform their lives and their communities.

Rockland County Youth Bureau Annual Report Highlights Community Impact

Rockland County, NY – The Rockland County Youth Bureau has released its 2023 Annual Report, detailing significant achievements in supporting the region’s young population through various programs and initiatives. County Executive Ed Day and Youth Bureau Executive Director Gabriella Marano-Holahan highlighted the substantial growth and positive outcomes of these initiatives over the past year.

In 2023, the Youth Bureau saw a 17% increase in funding compared to the previous year, thanks to state and federal sources. This boost allowed the bureau to expand its direct service offerings and increase support for community organizations, with 64 partner organizations involved, a 23% rise from 2022. The Youth Bureau successfully engaged nearly 5,000 young individuals through these efforts.

Key programs such as the Rockland County Youth Employment Program (YEP), including T.E.E.N. Works, and the Rockland Conservation & Service Corps, were instrumental in reaching out to the youth. These programs are designed to provide employment opportunities, develop essential life skills, and promote environmental stewardship among young people.

The report also outlines the demographic engagement of the programs, which have successfully reached a diverse group of young people across various age groups and ethnic backgrounds. This reflects the bureau’s commitment to fostering inclusive environments that support the development of all youth in the community.

As Rockland County moves towards the celebration of the Youth Bureau’s 50th anniversary, the report underscores a continued commitment to enhancing the lives of young residents through supportive services and opportunities for growth and development.

For more details on the Youth Bureau’s programs and their impact, the full 2023 Annual Report is available through the Rockland County Youth Bureau’s website or by contacting their office directly.

Poll: Rockland County Residents and Officials Strongly Oppose Manhattan’s New Congestion Toll

Rockland County, NY – A recent statewide poll indicates a strong opposition among New York voters against the proposed $15 congestion toll for entering Midtown Manhattan, with particular resistance noted in suburban areas like Rockland County.

According to a Siena College survey, 63% of voters statewide disapprove of the toll, while only 25% are in favor. The toll, promoted by Governor Kathy Hochul and the Metropolitan Transportation Authority (MTA), aims to alleviate congestion and generate funds for mass transit, nearly $1 billion annually. This, despite no representation on the MTA Board for Rockland.

In Rockland County, the disapproval is palpable. Here, the congestion pricing plan, which targets drivers entering Manhattan below 60th Street, faces legal challenges, including a lawsuit filed by the county. The Rockland County Legislature, under Minority Leader Lon Hofstein, unanimously passed a bill last month seeking compensation for local commuters who will be affected by the toll.

County Executive Ed Day, a vocal opponent of the plan, has also taken legal action, marking his lawsuit as the sixth federal case against the tolls. Notably, Rockland’s representation on the MTA board has been vacant since last June, further complicating matters. Despite Governor Hochul receiving three nominations from Day to fill the position, a selection has yet to be made, leaving Rockland without a voice in the decision-making process.

This lack of representation is a critical issue for Rockland residents, as the county, along with Dutchess, Putnam, and Orange counties, shares a single vote on the MTA board. The absence of a Rockland board member at a crucial time underscores a significant gap in advocacy and representation for the county’s interests.

The proposal, part of a broader state law passed in 2019 to implement congestion pricing, has seen widespread opposition across various demographics, including 72% of suburban voters who are more likely to drive into Manhattan. The opposition unites a broad spectrum of New Yorkers, from various racial groups to political affiliations, reflecting a common concern over the new toll’s impact.

For Rockland County, the toll represents not just a financial burden but also a political challenge, as officials continue to seek fair representation and consideration in policies that directly affect their constituents. As the plan moves forward, with potential implementation as early as June, the county’s leaders remain engaged in a fight for equity and voice in a decision that could significantly alter commuting patterns and economic interactions with Manhattan.