Giovanni “John” Piccinich, 66, of Harrington Park, NJ, passed away on Friday, March 22, 2024. He is the beloved husband of Susan and the loving father of sons John Charles and Stephen Edward and his fiancé Kala. John is the cherished brother of Mattea with husband Robert and Domenico with wife Mary Jane and step-siblings, Elenore and George with […]
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ROCKLAND COUNTY, NY – In a significant verdict delivered by a Rockland County jury, Rigoberto Lopez Castro, a 26-year-old resident of Spring Valley, New York, has been found guilty of committing a series of violent felonies across two days in 2022. The conviction follows a rigorous two-week trial presided over by the Honorable Kevin J. Russo, shedding light on harrowing events that have deeply impacted the Village of Spring Valley community.
The sequence of crimes began on September 12, 2022, when Lopez Castro forcibly raped a woman who was previously acquainted with him. During the attack, he exerted control and inflicted harm by using a belt to choke the victim and striking her multiple times. The brutality continued the next night, on September 13, when Lopez Castro broke into the victim’s residence and her locked bedroom, where he once again committed rape under threats of violence, including strangulation and repeated physical assaults. These attacks left the victim in significant pain, with multiple bruises and a ligature mark around her neck, necessitating medical treatment at a local hospital.
Lopez Castro’s conviction encompasses three violent felony charges:
Rockland County District Attorney Thomas E. Walsh II, in response to the verdict, reiterated his office’s dedication to prosecuting sexual violence with utmost rigor. He praised the investigative efforts of law enforcement partners and the prosecutorial diligence of Senior Assistant District Attorney Emily McNiff and Executive Assistant District Attorney Tina Guccione. Walsh emphasized the broader message of the conviction: a reaffirmation of the justice system’s commitment to holding perpetrators of sexual violence accountable and the uncompromising stance against sexual abuse and coercion.
Lopez Castro awaits sentencing on June 4, 2024, with the possibility of facing up to 25 years in state prison for each charge. He remains incarcerated at Rockland County Jail, where he has been detained since his initial arraignment on these charges. This case underscores the legal and moral imperative to protect individuals from sexual violence and to ensure that justice is served for victims of such heinous crimes.
West Nyack, NY – In an ambitious move to foster the next generation of water industry professionals, Veolia, together with the National Association of Water Companies (NAWC) – New York Chapter, has announced the offering of eight scholarships, each valued at $3,000, to high school seniors in New York. This initiative aims to support students committed to pursuing careers in sectors critical to the water industry, ensuring the continued growth and innovation in this essential field.
The scholarships are open to students living within Veolia’s New York service area, with applicants required to meet several criteria to be considered. Eligible students must be aiming to enroll as undergraduate students in two- or four-year colleges or universities, or in trade schools working toward a plumbing or electrical certification. Additionally, a minimum GPA of 3.0 on a 4.0 scale is required, alongside enrollment in courses related to water utility industry or associated fields such as natural resource management, environmental sciences, engineering, or environmental law.
Prospective scholars are encouraged to submit their applications by the April 15 deadline through a dedicated Google form. Click here to access the form.
Chris Graziano, Vice President and General Manager of Veolia operations in New York, emphasized the increasing complexity of the water industry and the critical need for a skilled and educated workforce. “These scholarships are aimed at investing in the next generation of employees who will lead our industry,” Graziano stated, highlighting the program’s intention to attract motivated and capable young minds to this vital sector.
The scholarship winners will be celebrated at a dinner event hosted at The Hotel Thayer at West Point in May, marking their achievement and the promise they bring to the future of water management and conservation.
Veolia is a key player in the New York region, providing essential services to over 500,000 people across Rockland, Westchester, Orange, Putnam, and Tioga counties. This scholarship initiative further demonstrates the company’s commitment to community support and the development of the water services industry.
The NAWC, representing private water service companies nationwide, partners in this scholarship effort to promote education and career development in fields that are crucial for the industry’s future sustainability and efficiency.
For more information about the scholarships or to apply, interested parties can contact Sophia Salis, Communications Manager, at sophia.salis@veolia.com or by phone at 914-506-2327.
Veolia North America and Veolia Group continue to lead the way in ecological transformation, offering comprehensive water, waste, and energy management services that contribute significantly to the sustainable development of communities and industries across the globe.
For additional details about Veolia North America and its parent company, Veolia Group, and their services, please visit www.veolia.com.
Company: Meals on Wheels of Rockland
Location: Nanuet, New York
Type of Business: Other
Full/Part Time: Part Time
Salary: $15.00 JOB DESCRIPTION TITLE: STAFF DRIVER (non-exempt position) HOURS: 1-3 ROUTES PER DAY SUPERVISOR: VOLUNTEER COORDINATOR SALARY: $15.00 PER HOUR + $ 6.00 PER ROUTE GAS REIMBURSEMENT SUMMARY STATEMENT OF POSITION:…
ROCKLAND COUNTY, NY – This April, Rockland Community College (RCC) embarks on a vibrant celebration of Asian Pacific Islander Heritage Month, inviting the community to a series of enlightening and engaging events from April 9 through May 2. Under this year’s theme, “Embracing Heritage, Celebrating Cultures,” RCC aims to deepen the community’s understanding of Asian Pacific cultures through a rich tapestry of activities, including virtual documentary films and recordings, all free and open to the public.
“Embracing Heritage, Celebrating Cultures” is not just a theme; it’s a commitment from RCC to bridge cultural gaps and enhance multicultural appreciation among students, faculty, staff, and the wider community. Dr. En-Shu Robin Liao, co-chair of the Asian Pacific Islander Heritage Committee and Program Director of English, Speech/Communication, expresses enthusiasm for the month-long celebration, highlighting the opportunity it presents for communal learning and cultural exchange.
The festivities kick off with a hands-on origami workshop on April 9, where participants can explore the intricate art of paper folding, followed by a unique event on April 11 that delves into the history of the fortune cookie, including a workshop on crafting inspiring fortunes.
A highlight of the month is the book talk on April 16, focusing on Pearl S. Buck’s groundbreaking novel, The Good Earth, which offers insight into the lives of Chinese peasants during the early 20th century. This event promises to spark discussions about Chinese identity and culture’s influence on the global stage.
Another noteworthy event is the ESL and International Student Panel Discussion on April 18, titled “I am Bilingual/Trilingual/Multilingual!” Here, students will share their experiences of navigating cross-cultural and cross-lingual learning environments, showcasing the resilience and diversity within the RCC community.
As the month progresses, RCC offers more interactive experiences, such as learning to play Janggi (Korean Chess) on April 30, and the Pop-Up Asian Treats Stands on May 1 and May 2, providing a taste of various Asian delicacies.
Professor Kris Dougherty, co-chair of the Asian Pacific Islander Heritage Committee, emphasizes the significance of these events in bringing cultures to life and fostering a vibrant community spirit on campus.
Rockland Community College’s Asian Pacific Islander Heritage Month celebration is a testament to the institution’s commitment to cultural diversity and education. Through this series of events, RCC not only honors the rich heritage of Asian Pacific cultures but also strengthens the bonds within its diverse community. For more details on the events and to participate in this cultural journey, visit the RCC website.
In embracing heritage and celebrating cultures, RCC sets a precedent for community engagement and multicultural understanding, making this Asian Pacific Islander Heritage Month a memorable and impactful one for all involved.
