NYS Senator Bill Weber Launches Pothole Repair Campaign for Rockland County 

Nanuet, NY – New York State Senator Bill Weber has initiated a pothole repair campaign in Rockland County, aiming to address the recurrent issue of road damage that poses a risk to both motorists and pedestrians.

The campaign includes the introduction of an online platform where residents can report potholes. This measure seeks to streamline the communication process between the community and the relevant authorities, ensuring that complaints are addressed swiftly. Residents can access the reporting tool at https://www.nysenate.gov/questionnaires/bill-weber/there-massive-pothole-problem-rockland.

Senator Weber stressed the importance of community involvement in tackling the problem. “We can no longer ignore the hazards posed by potholes on our roads,” he stated. The senator emphasized that the initiative is about enhancing safety and not about assigning blame.

For more details on this campaign or to report a pothole, residents are encouraged to visit Senator Weber’s official website at weber.nysenate.gov.

Upper Nyack Commemorates Arbor Day with Cultural Celebrations and Environmental Awareness at River Hook

Upper Nyack, NY – April 5, 2024 – Upper Nyack invites the community to the 4th Annual Arbor Day Celebration at River Hook on Saturday, April 27, from 11:00 AM to 1:00 PM. This event, nestled in the heart of the village, is more than just a celebration of trees—it’s a blend of culture, history, and environmental appreciation, providing a unique and enriching experience for all ages.

This year’s Arbor Day event will unveil the New River Hook Multi-Use Trailway, a project that promises enhanced recreational opportunities for hikers, cyclists, and outdoor enthusiasts. Alongside the trailway, attendees can enjoy a scenic Poetry Walk in the Sheep Meadow, designed to marry the beauty of nature with the art of language.

Highlighting the day’s cultural offerings, visitors will have the opportunity to explore the Haring House through guided tours, showcasing original artworks by Hester Haring. In a moving tribute, a Memorial Tree will be planted in honor of Jannene Cason, commemorating her contributions to the community.

Adding to the festivities, acclaimed poet Anupama Amaran will perform a poetry reading, and Jody Redhage Ferber will enchant the audience with a cello performance. The day will also see the reinstallation of Lisa Levart’s poignant photographic series, “Still Here: Women of the Ramapough Lenape Nation,” which pays homage to the indigenous heritage of the region.

A delightful surprise for attendees will be the presence of the Summit School Goats, who are sure to add a playful touch to the event.

The Arbor Day celebration at River Hook is free and open to the public, offering a perfect family outing that educates and entertains, reinforcing Upper Nyack’s commitment to environmental stewardship and community engagement. For more details, visit the Upper Nyack official website or contact the event organizers directly.

Join the community as it plants roots for the future and celebrates the rich tapestry of its past and present. Whether you’re a nature lover, art enthusiast, or history buff, Upper Nyack’s Arbor Day event promises something for everyone.

Historic Achievement: Tayejon Lynch Earns NJCAA All-American Honors

Suffern, NY – April 17, 2024 – In a remarkable display of skill and perseverance, Tayejon Lynch of the Rockland Community College (RCC) Hawks men’s basketball team has been distinguished as an NJCAA All-American. This momentous achievement marks only the third instance in the college’s history that an athlete has received such an honor, and the first for men’s basketball since 2013.

Lynch’s exceptional performance throughout the season has not only placed him among the elite junior college athletes nationwide but has also brought great pride to RCC. His recognition as an All-American is a testament to his dedication, hard work, and the high caliber of the RCC basketball program.

“I’m honored to be named an NJCAA All-American. This achievement reflects the hard work of my teammates, coaches, and the RCC community,” said Tayejon Lynch. He continued to express gratitude towards his coaches and the college for their ongoing support and belief in his potential.

RCC’s robust athletic facilities, including a state-of-the-art 90,000+ square-foot Fieldhouse, underscore the college’s commitment to fostering top-tier athletic and academic opportunities for its student-athletes. These facilities are designed to support the Hawks’ competitive spirit and aid in their development as both athletes and scholars.

Dr. Lester Rápalo, President of RCC, stated, “Tayejon’s distinction as an NJCAA All-American isn’t just a personal triumph; it’s a testament to RCC’s unwavering dedication to nurturing excellence and upholding the highest standards in collegiate athletics.”

The college continues to support its athletes in their endeavors, not only on the court but also academically, aiming to equip them with the necessary skills and education to succeed beyond junior college.

For further details on RCC’s athletic programs and updates on their student-athletes, visit their official athletics website at rcchawks.com or follow their social media pages at sunyrockland.edu/socialmedia.

Nanuet Library Hosts Pina Colada Rupert Holmes for Homecoming Performance

NANUET, NY – Nanuet’s own Rupert Holmes, famed for his 1979 chart-topper “Escape” (widely recognized as “The Piña Colada Song”), returned to his roots with a heartfelt performance at the Nanuet Library on April 13, 2024. This special event not only showcased his enduring talent but also highlighted his deep connection to his hometown.

Holmes, born in 1947 in Cheshire, England, was introduced to music at an early age, receiving a clarinet for Christmas at age 8. His profound musical journey was influenced significantly by his parents, especially his father, a Julliard graduate and World War II bandleader who taught in six Rockland County schools. Holmes’ early exposure to The Beatles ignited his passion for music, leading him to form his first rock band, The Nomads, and later, The Court Jesters, largely comprised of Spring Valley locals.

His breakthrough came unexpectedly when Barbara Streisand expressed interest in his 1974 album “Widescreen,” leading to numerous collaborations with music legends like Dolly Parton, Dionne Warwick, and Barry Manilow. Holmes credits these experiences with catapulting him to success, yet it was always his return to Nanuet that kept him grounded amidst his Hollywood adventures.

The path to fame wasn’t straightforward. Holmes shared that his iconic hit “Escape” was almost different; the chorus initially included a nod to Humphrey Bogart before a last-minute change to the more vibrant and fitting “piña colada.” This serendipitous decision helped cement the song in the annals of pop music history.

Despite his global fame, including prestigious accolades like the Tony Awards for “The Mystery of Edwin Drood” and authoring a New York Times bestseller, Holmes finds returning to Nanuet deeply fulfilling. His recent performance at the Nanuet Library—where he once worked—was not just a professional highlight but a profoundly personal one.

Holmes’ advice to aspiring artists in Rockland is resolute: embrace every opportunity with enthusiasm and dedication, regardless of immediate rewards. His career, marked by persistence and passion, serves as a testament to the power of saying “yes” to possibilities, a philosophy that has guided him from Nanuet to Broadway and beyond.

As Holmes continues to inspire both old fans and new, his story remains a beacon for those dreaming of their artistic journey in Rockland County. His return to Nanuet not only celebrated his musical legacy but also reinforced his bond with the community that shaped his remarkable life and career.

New York State Legislators Rally for Retiree Healthcare Protections

In a significant display of support for retired state and municipal employees, New York State Senator Pete Harckham and Assemblymember Ken Zebrowski, alongside over 200 retirees and union leaders, convened at the State Capitol in Albany to advocate for the Health Equity for Retirees Act. This new legislation, identified as S.8388 / A.7866, aims to safeguard the healthcare benefits of public service retirees against any reduction in quality or employer contributions.

The rally featured prominent figures including Marianne Pizzitola, president of the NYC Organization of Public Service Retirees; Edward Farrell, executive director of the Retired Public Employees Association of New York State; Lloyd Archer, president of the TWU Local 100 Retirees; and Bob Valentino, president of the NYC Retired Transit Police Officers Association. They were joined by State Senators Mario R. Mattera, Steven D. Rhoads, Robert Rollison, and Assemblymember Edward P. Ra.

Senator Harckham emphasized the legislation’s fundamental goal of fairness, recognizing the retirees’ lifelong contributions to the state and their expectations for secure healthcare post-retirement. Senator Harckham stated that it is patently unfair for municipalities to consider switching to a lower quality of healthcare.

Assemblymember Zebrowski reiterated the moral obligation to uphold the promises made to these public servants. Assemblymember Zebrowski expressed that this rally is about sending a clear message that the contributions of state and local government retirees are valued, and there is a commitment to safeguard the benefits they have rightfully earned.

The legislation comes in response to some localities considering transferring public employee retirees to health insurance programs with diminished benefits, which could compromise their access to healthcare and exacerbate the strain on New York’s healthcare system. These changes could force retirees to rely more on urgent care facilities and emergency rooms, especially if they face lengthy pre-authorization procedures or need to switch from their long-term healthcare providers.

The Health Equity for Retirees Act stands as a protective measure to ensure that retired public employees and their families are not shifted into inferior health care programs, thereby honoring the state’s commitment to its former workers.

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