Rockland Review Features

WEST NYACK – The Clarkstown Capitals Hockey Club has earned three berths in the New York State Hockey Finals on the Squirt, Pee Wee and Bantam Levels.

The Mite and Squirt “B” teams have also qualified for the Hudson Valley League championships.

The Capitals Squirt team is coached by Dave Robins and is in Palaski March 5, 6 and 7 for the finals. Pee Wees coach Rodney Zodda takes his team to Syracuse as coach Ed Varmon takes his Bantam team to Cortland.

Clarkstown has teams with players ranging in ages from 4 to 8 all the way up to under-16 squads. The teams skate at the rink on the fourth floor of Palisades Center mall in West Nyack.

The club is getting set for upcoming tryouts and clinics to take place in April for the upcoming 2011 season. For more information about the club and its teams, call 845-639-0855 or check out clarkstowncapitals.com on the Web.

SUFFERN - A couple of weeks ago I did a column about an Olympic Hopeful from Rockland County. Today is a story of a Rockland athlete who made it into the Pros.

This is a young lady who graduated from Suffern High School in 2004 and was First Team Pitcher, All County, for years 2002, 2003, and 2004, and also player of the year in 2004. The young lady is Samantha Yodowitz.

Upon graduating from Suffern, Samantha went off to C. W. Post University in Brookville, N.Y., where she was starting pitcher for four years of college and made Second Team All American in 2007 and 2008 and All Conference Player of the year in 2008. During those latter 2 years she won 31 and 30 games. Her team played in the Division II World Series both of those seasons. Her senior season, she was also an academic All American.

After graduating from C. W. Post in 2008, she began her Master’s in Health Education at Hofstra University and will be graduating in May 2010. During these two years, she has also been the assistant softball coach at C. W. Post.

Last season, she played in the National Professional Fastpitch League (NPF) for the Philadelphia Force. This fulfilled dreams of being a professional ballplayer and playing on the same field as Olympians such as Jennie Finch. Although she is looking forward to next season, the team might fold due to financial reasons.

An exciting part of last summer was when she was cast in a movie with Reese Witherspoon and Jack Nicholson, which will be released December 2010. Reese Witherspoon plays a member of the USA National Team and Samantha plays her teammate. Samantha appears in several scenes and has a speaking part, which entitled her to join the Screen Actors Guild. Samantha says that making the movie was lots of fun. She shot for two weeks in Philadelphia and one week in California.

She recently started up a summer softball travel program called the Long Island All Americans. She is also a staff writer for a new publication called Baseball Player Magazine, where she contributes articles regarding softball. But she still has time to conduct softball clinics and give private pitching and hitting lessons. She impresses upon her players the mental part of the game and the need to work hard. An avid reader of books by the legendary UCLA basketball coach, John Wooden, she often refers to his writings such as his most famous quote, “failing to prepare is preparing to fail.”

Debut of Tappan Zee Bridge documentary at Lafayette Theatre in Suffern
Feb. 16^th screening is free to public; details construction of bridge

SUFFERN - Rockland County Executive C. Scott Vanderhoef and The Rockland County Historical Society will host the premier screening of a documentary entitled, “The Tappan Zee Bridge: Transforming Rockland County,” at 12:30 p.m. on Tuesday, February 16, 2010 at the Lafayette Theatre, 97 Lafayette Ave. in Suffern. The 30-minute film, which is part of the Preserve America program, describes Rockland County’s history and legacy that was greatly influenced by the building of the Tappan Zee Bridge. The screening is open to the public and is free of charge.

Accompanying the film will be an introduction of the new book on the subject, “The Tappan Zee Bridge and the Forging of the Rockland Suburb,” by Roger Panetta, Ph.D. A brief question and answer session will take place after the film with panelists who collaborated on the Tappan Zee Legacy Project.

The two educational projects take a retrospective look at Rockland before and after the construction of the Tappan Zee Bridge in 1955, resulting in a life-changing impact upon both Rockland County and the Hudson Valley Region. The Tappan Zee Bridge greatly enhanced interstate transportation, increased opportunities for economic growth, and allowed Rockland residents to become a part of -- and grow into-- a modern day thriving suburban county.

“The construction of the Tappan Zee Bridge not only affected Rockland, but the entire Hudson Valley region,” said Vanderhoef. “Viewers will learn from bridge workers and those who witnessed the construction first-hand just how great an impact one bridge had on our once rural County.”

Rockland County was designated as a Preserve America community through the Preserve America Program in 2007. The book and DVD were funded through a grant from the National Park Service, awarded in March 2008. The County Executive’s Office partnered with the Rockland County Historical Society and secured the maximum grant award of $150,000.

Light refreshments will be available. Advanced RSVP is encouraged by contacting the Rockland County Department of Tourism at 845-708-7300 or 1-800-295-5723 or by e-mail at tourism@rockland.org.

Supporters and organizers of the Penguin Plunge gather at Nyack’s Memorial Park as they make preparations for the Feb. 28 fundraising event to benefit two Rockland children battling illness. Gathered with organizer Barbara Noyes are Nicole Armaniaco of Blauvelt, Karen Seeman of Tenafly, N.J., Christine Viguie and her son Lorenzo Viguie –Ramos, and Stacy Mariano and her daughter Ashley Gankiewicz, 8, who was the inspiration for the 2009 Penguin Plunge.

NYACK — The waters of the Hudson River just off Memorial Park in Nyack don’t look like a very welcoming site for a fundraiser this time of year – especially with huge chunks of jagged ice clinging to the shoreline.

But despite the frigid obstacles, Rocklanders are planning to gather at the river’s edge at Memorial Park on Feb. 28 at noon to take part in the Third Annual Penguin Plunge to benefit two local boys, Sean DePatto of Stony Point and Mickey Reeves of Tappan, who are each battling life-threatening illnesses.

South Nyack-Grand View Police Officer Barbara Noyes, one of the founders and organizers of this winter fundraising event, has been participating in “Polar Bear” swims for 15 years and hoped a winter plunge would be a great fundraiser.

“We raised over $26,000 the first two years,” Noyes said, “and we are hoping that the generosity of past years will continue this year so that we can help these two wonderful boys.”

Among the prizes being offered this year are a football signed by Ray Rice, a jersey signed by Mike Richter, a DVD signed by Mariano Rivera and a pair of tickets to the Broadway play, “In the Heights.” Commemorative t-shirts will be available while supplies last for a donation of $20.

Admission to the event is free. For more information about the Penguin Plunge and the children for whom funds are being raised or how you can be a sponsor, a penguin, or be part of the festivities, visit the penquinplungeny.com.

Last year, the Penquin Plunge was organized to benefit Ashley Gankiewicz, now 8 years old. At just 3 months old, the Gankiewicz family learned that daughter Ashley had a disorder known as Neurofibromatosis Type 1. At age 2, Ashley was diagnosed with an inoperable brain tumor on the optic nerve and in the chiasm area of the brain attached to her pituitary and hypothalamus glands. Ashley underwent 60 weeks of chemotherapy treatment to stabilize her tumor and the treatment was successful.

Although Ashley’s tumor is stable she still battles a range of various medical issues.

In addition to the Penguin Plunge, on Wednesday, Feb. 24 from 4:30 to 7:30 p.m., the Amanda Michaels Salon, The Town Plaza, 195 S. Main St., New City, 845-638-9393, has a special haircut-a-thon to benefit Sean and Mickey. Across the street, Doyle and Dunney’s restaurant is also having a special event the same day, with proceeds from the restaurant going to benefit the boys.

GARNERVILLE – The Arts Council of Rockland has awarded 19 Community Arts Grants to 18 Rockland County organizations as part of the 2010 Decentralization Re-grant Program of the New York State Council on the Arts.

The recipients, local non-profit organizations offering cultural and artistic programs or sponsoring local individual artists, will be awarded a total of $24,050. In addition, ACOR awarded two grants of $2,500 each to professional artists Lisa Levart and George Potanovic Jr. as part of the Individual Artist Grant program, also funded by NYSCA.

A panel of professional artists and community leaders recruited by the Arts Council reviewed the requests. Priority for funding was given to applicants offering high quality artistic programs that would reach artistically under-served populations within the County. The Individual Artist Grants will actively engage the community in the creation of new works of art.

Chiku Awali African Dance Company - for three projects: Obibini Asafo Orchestra ($766), a program that teaches African drumming, Atenteben (African flute), Gyle (African xylophone) and other indigenous instruments; Rudo & Jumoke ($1,149) an African dance drama set to the classic tale of Shakespeare’s Romeo and Juliet; and Sunsum Tsoobi ($500), a series of African mask making workshops.

Dowling Housing Corp - Music Where You Live ($1,723) - a classical music concert/lecture series for underserved audiences.

Filipino Association of Rockland - Busilak ng Lani ($500) - a festival of Filipino folk songs and dance.

Friends of Harmony Hall- Highlands Bluegrass Festival ($1,436) - a festival of bluegrass music that will also feature photo and video exhibitions about bluegrass music.

Friends of the Nyacks - Mostly Music Concert Series ($1,915) - a series of eight outdoor summer concerts featuring an array of ethnically diverse performances.

Garnerville Arts Project - 2010 Exhibitions ($1,915) - a series of five professional art exhibitions featuring the work of both Rockland and nationally-known visual artists.

Jamaican Civic & Cultural Association of Rockland, Inc. - Steelband and Carnival Jamboree ($958) - a concert featuring the Ekklipse Steel Band during Caribbean-American Heritage Month.

Keep Rockland Beautiful – Artful Receptacles ($1,915) a continuation of a successful public art program where trash cans are painted by both professional and amateur artists and installed throughout the County. Painting workshops are led by professional artists.

Nyack Center - Children’s Clay Classes ($958) - a series of clay workshops for underserved youth culminating in an exhibition of the work created in the workshops.

Nyack Library - Art of the Written Word ($1,244) - a series of poetry workshops that will explore the work of African-American poets of note and a public celebration for National Poetry month.

Palisades Parks Conservancy - Trailside Summer Concert Series ($1,915) - a series of five concerts by local musicians featuring Klezmer and traditional Hasidic, Latin, Appalachian and African-American themed music.

Piermont Public Library - Here and There ($671) - two concerts featuring African drumming and vocals with a contemporary influence and traditional Indian music meeting American jazz.

Rivertown Film Society - Rockland Filmmakers Series ($1,436) - Six screenings of works by 9 of Rockland’s emerging filmmakers followed by discussions with the filmmakers.

Rockland Youth Dance Ensemble - Dance Performances in North Rockland ($500) - performances featuring ballet, tap, modern and jazz for underserved audiences.

Suffern Civic Association - Haverstraw: A Documentary Film ($719) - editing and public screening of a documentary film about the history of the Village of Haverstraw.

Suffern Free Library - Migracion ($1,915) - a dance performance featuring Anna de la Paz that will demonstrate how Spanish dance has evolved and its impact on different geographical areas throughout the world.

Tops for Tots - Multi-cultural Percussion and Dance Classes ($1,915) - a year-long series of classes teaching underserved youth the art of African drumming and dance.

Lisa Levart – Women of Rockland ($2,500) – an exhibit of photographic banners featuring portraits of five ethnically diverse Rockland women capturing contemporary interpretations of known and little known myths from each woman’s individual culture.

George Potanovic Jr. – Following in Their Footsteps ($2,500) – an exhibition of photographic images of scenes within the towns and villages of Rockland County as compared to how these exact places appeared in photographs and postcards taken by photographers up to 100 years earlier.

RAMAPO Assemblywoman Ellen Jaffee, D-Suffern, joins with the Attorney General's Charities Bureau to host a forum at the Rockland Community College main campus on Friday, Feb. 26.

The Charities Bureau is responsible for supervising charitable organizations to protect donors and beneficiaries of those charities from dishonest practices in the solicitation and management of charitable assets. The Charities Bureau also supervises the activity of foundations and other charities to ensure that their funds and other property devoted to charitable purposes are properly used, and protects the public interest in charitable gifts and bequests contained in wills and trust agreements.

The forum, from 10 a.m. to noon in the Cultural Arts Center, will provide helpful information for non-profits, religious institutions, and community organizations that solicit donations and funding. It will be open to the public and anyone that is interested in charitable organizations is encouraged to attend. Space is limited, so register by calling 845-624-4601.

HAVERSTRAW - Anthony Raju is one of the latest young Rocklanders to reach the rank of Eagle Scout – the highest achievement among Boy Scouts.

Raju, a 2007 North Rockland High School graduate, was recently honored for his achievement by fellow scouts at Troop 19 of Haverstraw, friends and family members and local officials.

Raju joined the Boy Scouts of Troop 19 under Scoutmaster Ronald O'lori in September 2000. During his time in the troop, he was the Senior Patrol Leader from September 2006 to July 2007. Working with his troop and volunteers from the church, Raju led and organized the fundraising needed for his Eagle Scout project, which was the renovation of the basement of the Stony Point Presbyterian Church along with landscaping and beautification around the church grounds.
At North Rockland High School, Raju was a member of the Business Honor Society and the Men's Track Team. During his senior year he earned the Most Timely Athlete Award from the track team. He also is a recipient of the Rockland Negro Scholarship Award.
He now currently attends SUNY Oswego as a member of its Honors Program, is studying accounting and is looking to graduate in the spring of 2011.
In honor of his achievements, Raju had his Eagle Scout Court of Honor on Sunday, Jan. 17, at St Peter's Church Parish Hall, Haverstraw. St. Peter’s sponsors Troop 19.

RAMAPO – Actors, dancers, musicians and a playwright will present Irish Culture in a series of free events at Rockland Community College.

Starting on Thursday, Feb. 25 at 7 p.m., demonstrations, exhibits and performance focus on "CrossRoads Ceili" at the RCC Cultural Arts Center.

Lisa Buteux of Stony Point, a local fiber artist, will demonstrate different aspects of fiber preparation, including carding, combing, and spinning wool into yarn on a spinning wheel. Accompanying music will be played by Lisa’s husband Chris, and her two daughters, Lindsay and Sarah. Also, the Danu Gallery of Pearl River will display contemporary classics from admired Celtic artisans. And, Girsa, (gaelic for girls), an Irish traditional band made up of young women from the Pearl River area, will perform lively and traditional Irish songs.

Kiera McGeever is a harpist in the group “Strings of Tara” founded by Eily Paterson.

The O’ Flynn and O’ Sullivan family, from West Cork, Ireland, will dance an eight-person jig and hornpipe called the Borlin set, which is a dance indigenous to the Borlin valley in Co. Cork, where the family grew up. In olden times, neighbors would walk to the crossroads and dance on a makeshift wooden platform—their main form of entertainment until the mid 60’s.

In the RCC Technology Center, Room 8180, features renowned Belfast playwright Brenda Winter discussing the genesis and development of her play "Just Shiels." If not for the plays of Shiels, the Abbey Theatre would have died in its infancy and never become a world renowned theatrical center. RCC will host Winter’s play on March 13, 8 p.m., at the Cultural Arts Center.

Celebrate Irish culture with the American premier of playwright Brenda Winter’s new two-act play, "Just Shiels" performed by RCC students and faculty. Meet this important Belfast playwright and co-founder of the legendary Charabanc Theatre in Belfast at a reception following.

“When Shiels Met Liberace” and “Just Shiels” are part of RCC’s year-long 50^th Anniversary celebration. See 50^th events at: http://www.sunyrockland.edu/go/50

For more information about the events, contact Patty Maloney-Titland, Professor, Performing Arts, at (845) 574 – 4380, ptitland@sunyrockland.edu, or Maire Liberace, Professor, Philosophy and Speech, at (845) 574 – 4276, mliberac@sunyrockland.edu.

NYACK- Elmwood Playhouse, in association with Israel Horovitz, The Barefoot Theatre Company, and Pear Productions, is getting set to present the American premier of Horovitz’s radio play, Man in Snow.

Originally produced for BBC Radio, this Sony Radio Academy Award winning drama is part of the 70/70 Project, a year- long festival celebrating Horovitz’s 70th birthday with productions of 70 of his plays. Ongoing since opening on March 31, 2009, this worldwide event is being organized and produced by the Barefoot Theatre Company in New York City.

More than 50 theater companies are participating, with readings, staged readings, and full staged productions occurring in France, Italy, Greece, Czech Republic, Scandinavia, Saudi Arabia, Japan, Korea, Romania, Australia, Argentina, Brazil, Israel and the United States of America.

Man in Snow, directed by Bernie Garzia, is being presented as a radio play on stage. Performances are Friday, Feb. 12 at 8 p.m., Saturday, Feb. 13 at 8 p.m., and Sunday, Feb. 14 at 7 p.m. All proceeds from the shows will benefit Elmwood Playhouse, a source for affordable theater since 1947.

Tickets are available by phone at 845-353-1313, online at elmwoodplayhouse.com, or at the Elmwood Playhouse box office, 10 Park St., Nyack. The box office is open Tuesday – Friday, 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. and Saturday 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.

WEST NYACK – The Rockland Center For the Arts’ School for the Arts has a variety of studio art classes for adults and children beginning mid January.

Courses include fine arts, ceramics, woodworking at GAGA, jewelry classes in Nyack, painting for beginners, creative writing and glass bead making. Workshops include Precious Metal Clay, Dichroic Glass Pendants and Shadow Boxes. Classes for children and teens include photography, sewing, ceramics, fine arts, portfolio preparation, Anime & Manga, Art from Around the World and preschool art.

For more information and a free catalog, call 845-358-0877 or view the catalog and register online at rocklandcenter.org.

ELMSFORD - Share this fabulously romantic show with someone you love It is perfect fare for a Valentine’s celebration At WBT! Love is in the air with this romantic musical, featuring 100 well known love songs woven into a fast paced show. This pastiche is a witty homage to familiar 20th century songs about love and romance, selected from the American songbook and spotlighting Broadway shows, movies and popular music. The show covers tunes ranging from Irving Berlin's 1923 "What'll I Do" through 1970s hits like Billy Joel's "Just the Way You Are" and several by Stephen Sondheim. In between, they gallop through refrains from much-loved songs written by George and Ira Gershwin, Jule Styne, Jerome Kern, Cole Porter, and Richard Rodgers and Oscar Hammerstein II., Elton John, Burt Bacharach & many more!

The multi-talented cast features: Stacia Fernandez, Gia McGlone, Christine Hope, Travis Taber, Kevin Greene and Ken Lundie.

Produced by Eric Krebs, Christopher Scott will direct and choreograph the fast-paced production with musical direction by Ken Lundie. Nancy Friday conceived the show, saying that she was inspired by youthful recollections of belting out love songs while riding her bicycle to school. This musical is a lot of fun, reminding the audience that "Love is a Many-Splendored Thing."

Thursday 2/11. Matinee: Lunch: 11:15 AM Show: 1:00 PM. $62.00 per person plus tax

Thursday 2/11, Friday 2/12 & Saturday 2/13 Evening: Dinner 6:15 PM. Show: 8:00 PM. $75.00 per person plus tax

Sunday 2/14 Matinee: Lunch: 11:45 AM Show: 1:30 PM. $75.00 per person plus tax

Sunday 2/14 Evening: Dinner: 5:15 PM. Show: 7:00 PM. $75.00 per person plus tax

NYACK – The Friends of the Nyacks, now in its 36^th year, recently named a new steering committee of officers for the organization.

Danielle Watson is the chairwoman, with Duncan Lee as vice chairman, Paulette Ross as vice chairman, Charlie Cross as recording secretary and Jerry Carroll as treasurer.

The group expressed its thanks to Deborah Darbonne for her efforts throughout her tenure as chairwoman. She is remaining active with the group’s Steering Committee.

In 2009, the Friends of the Nyacks lead Nyack’s Hudson River Quadricentennial celebration, hosting the Clearwater Sloop in cooperation with Nyack Boat Club, and won the County Executive Arts Award. The group also had it fourth annual Art Walk, and for a 19^th year produced the Mostly Music Concerts in Nyack’s Memorial Park.

The organization also hosted a virtual and live Candidates’ Forums. At the year’s end, The Friends agreed to serve as the sponsor for Arts Rock, the newly formed organization producing arts and entertainment throughout Rockland County.

Friends of the Nyacks, a non-profit organization established in 1974, is dedicated to maintaining and improving the quality of life in the Nyacks.

HAVERSTRAW – The final showing of “Moving Bricks on the Hudson,” an exhibit at the Haverstraw Brick Museum in conjunction with the Hudson Fulton-Champlain Quadricentenial 400^th Anniversary of Henry Hudson’s Discovery of the Hudson River, is set for Sunday, Jan. 31.

.The “Moving Bricks on the Hudson” exhibit tells maritime stories of an era when Haverstraw and the Hudson Valley was the “Brick making Capital of the World” and most of the bricks were delivered by boat. Visitors will learn of the sailing sloops and schooners, and of the sturdy tugs and barges that carried up to 1 billion bricks annually.

Visitors will also discover the stories of the captains, crews, and boat builders that were the life blood of the brickyard “Navy.” Photos, paintings, models, and equipment are used to introduce the public to this historic and unique maritime heritage.

Curator T. Robins Brown, who assembled the exhibit, will lead gallery tours at 2 and 3 p.m. on Jan. 31, the closing day of the exhibit. Until then, visitors to the museum can also see the show during the museum’s regular hours, Wednesday, Saturday and Sunday, 1-4 p.m.

Children are welcome to the exhibit. A gallery guide for children encourages them to find fascinating items in the exhibit and they can also build a “tow” with model boats.

The mission of the Haverstraw Brick Museum, 12 Main St., Haverstraw, is to collect, preserve, research and exhibit materials and cultures of the brick making industry within the Hudson River Valley

NEW CITY - United Hospice of Rockland’s Youth For Hospice has its second annual “Hair-Cut-A-Thon for UHR” at Amanda Michaels Salon, 195 S. Main St., Town Plaza Mall, in New City, from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Sunday, Jan. 24.

Last year, the event raised more than $1,200. Participants will get half-price cuts and blowouts and a discount on their next cut. The salon’s stylists are donating their time and all of the funds raised will benefit UHR.

Call 845-638-9393 for an appointment and mention Youth for Hospice Cut-a-thon. Walk-ins are also welcome.
In addition, Things I Love, 191 S. Main St., also located in the Town Plaza Mall, will donate 10 percent of sales during the YFH event. For more information, contact ldenburg@hospiceofrockland.org or call 845 634-4974.
Youth For Hospice, founded by several Clarkstown High School North students when they were sophomores, is a group of teens who first met to plan a Dance-A-Thon to benefit UHR. After that success, the YFH teens have become involved in working with hospice in both fund-raising and non-fundraising activities.

Founded in 1988, United Hospice of Rockland serves as a resource for palliative care, bereavement support, and information about end of life issues. United Hospice of Rockland, based in New City, is accredited by the Joint Commission on Accreditation of Healthcare Organizations and meets the Standards for Charity Accountability of the Better Business Bureau, Inc. UHR's mission is to enable patients with advanced illnesses to live in comfort, with dignity, and surrounded by those they love. When time matters most, UHR provides care, comfort and improved quality of life to individuals and their families and offers compassionate support to members of the community who have experienced the loss of a loved one.

A home buyer tax credit Web site is now available to the public – www.homebuyertaxcredit.com – that provides buyers with extensive information and analysis of the tax credit, as well as an eligibility test to help buyers determine if they qualify.

“We get a lot of questions about the home buyer tax credit,” said Joseph Rand, managing partner of Better Homes and Gardens Rand Realty and founder of the Web site. “We decided to create the Web site because we feel the program is such a tremendous opportunity and incentive for home buyers across the country, and we want to provide them with a thorough explanation of the tax credit and how they can use it to their advantage. This site explains virtually anything and everything that a buyer needs to know about the program, and has the country’s best resources on the tax credit.”

The centerpiece of the HomeBuyerTaxCredit.com site is the Eligibility Test, the only home buyer tax credit qualification test available anywhere in the country. The Eligibility Test allows consumers to answer about a dozen questions in just minutes to find out if they are eligible for a tax credit, what type of tax credit, and even how much. The Eligibility Test even considers whether the user is single, married, or buying with someone else, and can tell you whether you’re entitled to a full or partial tax credit. Although the Eligibility Test is easy to use, it is extremely comprehensive, with almost 100 potential outcomes depending on how the user answers the questions.

In addition to the Eligibility Test, the innovative site provides a host of resources on the Home Buyer Tax Credit: an overview, a frequently asked questions section, analysis of individual taxpayer scenarios, a blog, and a video site. Consumers can also request the site’s Special Report: Understanding the Home Buyer Tax Credit, a 40-page analysis of the tax credit that provides the most comprehensive review available in the country but is very user-friendly, putting details in laymen’s terms so that everyone can understand.

Rand urges anyone who is considering buying a home and who may qualify for the credit to visit the site as soon as possible, as the hard deadline for the program is fast approaching.

“The home buyer tax credit provides an enormous benefit to home buyers – up to an $8,000 tax credit for first-time home buyers and a $6,500 tax credit for long-time homeowners; however, the deadline will be here before you know it,” said Rand. “To obtain the credit, buyers must be in contract by April 30 of this year. The June 30 deadline is to get the transaction closed, not to get into contract. If buyers want to get the credit they need to start looking now and be prepared to move quickly once they find the home they want. The tax credit will not be extended again. This is it.”

About Better Homes and Gardens Rand Realty: Better Homes and Gardens Real Estate - Rand Realty, founded in 1984, is the No. 1 real estate brokerage in the Greater Hudson Valley with 22 offices serving Orange, Ulster, Sullivan, Rockland, Westchester, Putnam and Dutchess counties. Based on market share, Rand is the No. 1 company in Orange, No. 1 in Rockland and No. 3 in Westchester. Rand has more than 800 sales associates, as well as a commercial real estate company (Rand Commercial Services), mortgage company (Rand Mortgage), title company (Hudson Abstract Services) and insurance agency (The Hudson Group Insurance Agency). The company’s Web sites are: www.randrealty.com, www.randcommercial.com, www.randmortgage.com and www.hudsonabstract.com.

ORANGEBURG – KeyBank’s Fran Reinstein, vice president, Hudson Valley/Metro New York District, recently presented a $2,500 check to Dominican College’s Sister Mary Eileen O'Brien, O.P., Ph.D, the college's president, and Sister Kathleen Sullivan, O.P., the college’s chancellor for External Affairs, as a donation toward undergraduate scholarships.

“This generous donation from KeyBank will support scholarships for students and provide affordable educational opportunities for people who might not otherwise have the means to attend college.,” said Sister Mary Eileen O’Brien in accepting the check from KeyBank.

She noted that as personal finances are tighter than ever, scholarships are necessary to ensure access to education - one of the most powerful tools to change lives.

“Key believes that a well-educated, highly skilled and inclusive workforce is essential for continued business growth and economic development,” said Mike Orsino, president, Hudson Valley/Metro NY District, KeyBank. “That is why Key proudly supports academic programs and initiatives at institutions of higher learning that drive upward mobility by creating opportunities for our region’s students.”

KeyBank, a subsidiary of KeyCorp, is one of New York’s largest financial services companies, has one of the largest statewide networks of branches and ATMs and is a leader in community involvement. Following Key’s completion of the acquisition, the nine-county Hudson Valley/Metro NY District will have 62 branches, approximately 84 ATMs, and 420 employees.

NEW CITY - The Clarkstown Town Board recently honored the memory of 32-year-old Valley Cottage resident Jamie Erlich by thanking the individuals involved in the investigation surrounding her murder. Clarkstown Supervisor Alex Gromack and Police Chief Peter Noonan recognized Caryn Snyder, a New City resident, who contacted the Clarkstown Police Department to report a suspicious person, which led to the capture of the suspect, Eric Lau, in the Erlich’s death. Snyder’s daughters helped her receive the town honors. A Rockland grand jury has indicted Lau on charges of killing Erlich, his neighbor at the Lake Road Condominiums on Nov. 29. Clarkstown police arrested Lau after a two-day search. Lau has pleaded not guilty to second-degree murder and first-degree burglary.

Celebrate Valentine’s Day with “Dancing with the Stars” Performers
Don’t miss your opportunity to dance with Latin ballroom dynamos Jaryd Farcon and Cara Abaya-Campos during Rockland Country Day School’s Valentine’s Ballroom Dance Benefit to be held Feb. 6th at Casa Mia Manor House in Blauvelt.
The young couple, who performed last May on ABC’s “Dancing with the Stars", is scheduled to appear at the event along with Eastern United States champions John Gaylan and Alexandra Gutkovich, and Empire State Latin and Standard champions Sasha Tchernossitov and Regina Maziarz. United States Champions Stanley and Jennifer McCalla are hosting the event.
The event includes an auction, with the highest bidder getting the opportunity to boogie with one of the professional dancers.
Proceeds will benefit Rockland Country Day School, located in Congers. The event is open to the public (including children 10 years and older). For more information and to purchase tickets call 845-268-6802, ext. 202 or visit www.rocklandcds.org. Tickets cost from $150.

The Rockland County Department of Health announces that the Consumer Product Safety Commission and their manufacturers are recalling children’s toys due to lead poisoning.

The recalled product(s) contain high levels of lead and should be taken away from children. “Lead is toxic and a health risk to young children who have a tendency to put things in their mouths,” said Rockland County Commissioner of Health Dr. Joan Facelle. “As an overall prevention strategy to protect children from lead poisoning, children should have their blood lead levels checked by their pediatricians at ages one and two.”

Hazard: A red plastic dot sewn in the book contains high levels of lead. Lead is toxic if ingested by young children and can cause adverse health effects.

Description: This recall involves “Big Rex and Friends” cloth books. The book has a black and white striped border with a red dinosaur on the cover. The words “Big Rex and Friends” are printed on the cover. ISBN 031249260X or 9780312492601 is printed on the back of the book.

Sold at: Barnes & Noble, Toys “R” Us, Amazon, Borders and other bookstores and retailers nationwide from May 2004 through October 2009 for about $9.

Remedy: Consumers should immediately take the recalled book away from children and contact St. Martin’s Press for instructions on returning the book for a full refund.

Consumer Contact: For additional information, contact St. Martin’s Press at (800) 347-9411 or visit the firm’s Web site at www.priddybooks.com/recall

For more information about how to protect children from lead hazards in their homes, contact the Department of Health at 845-364-3839.

Individuals are invited to make nominations for the 2010 County Executive Arts Awards. This, the 24^th County Executive Arts Awards, is a collaboration of the Rockland County Executive and the Arts Council of Rockland (ACOR). Its goal is to celebrate the role that art plays in the life of Rockland County and to acknowledge the individuals and organizations dedicated to bringing art into our daily lives. Orange and Rockland Utilities is the Primary Corporate Sponsor of the County Executive Arts Awards.

Individuals must submit nominations to ACOR via email. ACOR staff will prepare a ballot that includes the names of all nominees and relevant biographical information. The ballot will be posted on the ACOR web site. All current ACOR members will be eligible to vote. The candidate receiving the most votes in each category will be the winner of the 2010 Award. Winners will be announced on Thursday, May 6, 2010 at a ceremony taking place at the Cultural Arts Theater of Rockland Community College.

Nomination forms and further information can be downloaded at www.artscouncilofrockland.org.

Awards will be presented in the following categories:

Performing Artist - Nominee must be a performing artist (including but not limited to the following disciplines: actors, vocalists, instrumentalists, dancers, storytellers, etc.).

Literary Artist - Nominee must be a literary artist (including but not limited to the following disciplines: journalists, memoirists, novelists, poets, playwrights, etc.).

Visual Artist - Nominee must be a visual artist (including but not limited to the following disciplines of: painters, sculptors, photographers, film-makers, videographers, etc.).

Arts Education - Nominee must be an art, music, dance, theater or English department of a Rockland County school or a Rockland County school or school district which has made a significant contribution to artistic education.

Arts Educator - Nominee must be an art teacher living and teaching in Rockland County who has made a significant contribution to artistic education.

Arts Organization - Nominee must be a Rockland-based non-profit organization whose primary mission is artistic and/or cultural which has made a significant contribution to the artistic and/or cultural life of Rockland County.

Supporter of the Arts - Nominee must be a Rockland-based individual, couple, group, club, business (for-profit or non-profit) which has made a significant contribution to the artistic and/or cultural life of Rockland County.

All individual nominees must be living and residents of Rockland County. Nominations must be submitted electronically to info@artscouncilofrockland.org. Deadline for receipt of nomination forms is Monday, Feb. 1, 2010.

“Grannie Annie” Singer, who met a friendly dog along her marathon route in Fargo, N.D., became inspired to run marathons in the Personal Fitness course offered at Rockland Community College.

RAMAPO – Although Ann Singer of Suffern, a 66-year-old “returning adult” graduate of Rockland Community College, recently reached her goal of running a marathon in all 50 states, she still made a 2010 New Year’s resolution: "Not to act my age.”

Singer, a grandmother who ran her first marathon at the age of 50, will never be accused of “acting her age.” In 2008, at the age of 65, Singer crossed the finish line in Hawaii, having run 26.2 miles in 95 degree heat within the required 6.5 hours to complete her 50th marathon in all 50 states — making her what is known as a “50 Stater.”

Singer credits Joe Famellette, RCC Professor of Physical Education, with inspiring her 50-state dream.

“When I was in my 40s, I decided to attend RCC to earn a degree,” Singer said. “I needed gym credits, so I enrolled in Joe Famellette’s 'Fitness for Life' program. When we ran laps in the gym, he would let us 'older ladies' leave the course to use the ladies’ room if necessary. None of the younger students were allowed this privilege. He made us feel so comfortable, that we felt like, ‘Hey, we can really do this!’”

Singer has completed 70 marathons since turning 50, her most recent being the New York Marathon in November. She faithfully walks four to seven miles a day, regardless of how cold it gets. She also trains with her four-year-old granddaughter, Emma, pushing her in a stroller up and down the streets of Suffern, proudly calling herself “Grannie Annie.” In her most recent race, the 5K “Santa Claus Run” in the Town of Orangetown, Singer ran with bells on her sneakers.

Any high school graduate can enroll in Famellette’s 1-credit course, Personal Fitness (PED 118). The next course is offered Spring Semester, with the first class beginning Jan. 25. Spring Semester runs from Jan. 23 - May 14 (registration deadline: is Jan. 29). Credit courses are open to those requiring credits or those interested in personal enrichment.

For more information, call or visit RCC Admissions at 845-574-4224, Technology Center, main campus off College Road in Ramapo or visit: www.sunyrockland.edu

NANUET - Camp Venture, Inc. was one of four organizations honored by the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation as 2009 Environmental Excellence Award winners.

The award was presented by New York State DEC Commissioner Peter Grannis at an Albany ceremony. The award was created six years ago to honor organizations and individuals that have demonstrated outstanding leadership in solving environmental challenges by using innovative and environmentally sustainable partnerships or creative practices.

Camp Venture was recognized for its greening practices as well as the installation of photovoltaic systems (solar power) on two community residences and an adult day program all of which are located in Nanuet. According to the New York State Office of Mental Retardation and Developmental Disabilities the Venture group homes are the first out of 5,995 statewide that utilize solar.

“We are delighted with this designation which recognizes our commitment to operating in a manner that is both environmentally sustainable and cost effective. We are committed to continuing to find savings and reducing our impact on the environment” Venture Chief Operating officer George Hoehmann said while receiving the award on behalf of the agency.

Venture Executive Director Dan Lukens said that “the ongoing commitment to innovation and renewable energy will help us reduce costs while also being responsible to our environment. Our staff and consumers realize that we can all do more to help the environment and also save money it is a win, win for everyone.”

The Department of Environmental Conservation created the Environmental Excellence Awards in 2004 to recognize leadership and outstanding achievements and designates winners in December of every year. According to NYS DEC Commissioner Peter Grannis, a statewide committee composed of 20 staff and volunteers review submissions in various categories from all over the state and recommended the winners. Camp Venture was the only not-for-profit recognized along with three municipalities including the Town of North Hempstead, Long Island, the Town of Islip, Suffolk County and Monroe County.

“The pioneering projects selected for today’s recognition are outstanding examples of how local governments, private businesses and communities can come together to work through some of today’s toughest environmental challenges,” Grannis said. “Each of today’s winners has had a positive impact on the environment and made significant contributions to the protection and stewardship of our natural resources.”

POMONA - The Hudson Valley Humane Society has established a Pet Food Pantry for pet owners needing temporary assistance during these challenging economic times.

The pantry is stocked entirely with donated food. Those eligible will be required to meet certain criteria - unemployed, on Social Security, section H, living in a family shelter, etc. Photo I.D. will be required to redeem a two-week’s supply of pet food.

Currently, the pantry is stocked with canine and feline food products. The pantry is accessible every Saturday g from 9:30 to 10:30 a.m.

“The HVHS receives heartbreaking calls from owners looking to surrender their pet simply due to the economy – they struggle to feed them,” said Ray Mundy, president HVHS. “We thought a pantry may be able to keep the family whole and prevent the surrender of a beloved pet and at the same time give the owners time to get back on their feet.”

Donations of unopened dry and canned food suitable for canines and felines can be made to the HVHS at 200 Quaker Road, Pomona, seven days a week. Those interested in donating may do also so every Saturday and Sunday at Petco on Route 59 in Nanuet at the onsite HVHS Adoption Center.

NYACK – Win Perry, a lifelong Upper Nyack resident and that village’s historian, will tell
the story of the neighborhood that grew up in the nineteenth century around the Hudson River landing and boatyard at the foot of Van Houten Street and that has maintained its unique character until the
present in a presentation on Monday, Jan. 11 in Nyack Library’s new meeting room.

The 7:30 p.m. presentation will include photographs from Perry’s own collection and that of the Nyack Library Local History Room, clips from interviews with oldtimers, and historical documents that will help recreate the look and feel of the riverfront community through its long history.
You will meet shipbuilders, captains, sailors, carpenters, fishermen, a baker, winemakers, artists, professionals, and others who have lived “under the hill.” Perry will also trace the history of business at the
landing through the construction of sloops, schooners, steamboats, great yachts, cabin cruisers and military boats up to the repair and storage business of Petersen's Boatyard today.

He will bring us up-to-the-minute on the perilous status of the boatyard as the owners seek to sell it for development.

Chamber music virtuosos Katherine Fink (flute), Laura McGinnis (violin), and Christopher Oldfather (piano) live in Rockland County but perform mostly in New York City and around the country or abroad. But on Sunday, January 17, at 4 p.m., Rocklanders will be able to hear their rich harmonies as they perform unusual works by Russian composers at Grace Church, Nyack.

Fredrica Wyman, artistic director of GraceMusic said: “These performers are all great musicians who are highly respected and sought after by world-class organizations and venues in New York City and the nation. GraceMusic wanted to give Rocklanders an opportunity to enjoy their wonderful musicianship right here at a very reasonable cost and without the hassles of going into the city. It’s always been part of GraceMusic’s mission to provide a place where great Rockland musicians can be heard and become better known in the county.”

Katherine Fink is a member of the nationally acclaimed Borealis Wind Quintet, the first wind quintet to receive a Grammy nomination for Best Chamber Music Recording (www.Borealiswindquintet.com). She is also principal flute of the Brooklyn Philharmonic and the New York Pops, and has subbed at the Metropolitan Opera since 1981. She has been featured at the Newport Music Festival and in recital at the New York Flute Club, New Jersey City University, and the Mostly Mozart pre-concert recitals.
Ms. Fink is also active in commercial recording and popular music as a member of the orchestra for the recent Broadway production of Ragtime and for the fourteen-year run of Disney's Broadway production of Beauty and the Beast. She is also active in the commercial recording field.

One of New York’s most gifted, trusted, respected, and often-requested pianists, Christopher Oldfather has devoted himself to performing twentieth-century music for more than thirty years. He has participated in innumerable world-premiere performances, in every possible combination of instruments, in cities all over America and beyond. His recording of Elliott Carter's violin-piano Duo with Robert Mann was nominated for two Grammy Awards in 1990. Oldfather's eclectic career on all keyboard instruments has taken him as far afield as Moscow and Tokyo. The New York Philharmonic, the San Francisco Symphony, and Ensemble Moderne in Germany have all presented him as soloist, and he is a longtime member of Boston's acclaimed Collage New Music ensemble.

Laura McGinnis has been a member of the Metropolitan Opera Orchestra since 1989. She is a graduate of the Oberlin Conservatory of Music and Juilliard. Ms. McGinnis has performed on many movie scores, TV and radio commercials.

“Everyone loves Tchaikovsky and Prokofiev,” said Katherine Fink, “but we’ve also put together some great surprises by less familiar composers: Yury Obyedov, Otar Taktakishvili, and Edison Denisov – pronouncing them may be a challenge, but all the pieces are excellent and the music is fabulous and listenable.”

The program introduces some great music that isn’t often performed, but also seeks to explore the influence of politics on Russian composers. “César Cui, a composer and music critic, was also a military man – which may have to do with his nationalistic music and inclusion in the famous ‘Russian Five,’” said Katherine Fink. “Denisov’s early works – like the Sonatine that we’ll play – are in standard sonata form and in a tonal and melodic style, but his later works were written outside the influence of government restrictions and so are very different in style. Taktakishvili was a real Party man and served in the Georgian Ministry of Culture – like Cui his work has obvious roots in nationalistic folk music. Obyedov is modern – but his solo flute piece is tonal and melodic. Prokofiev was one of the great composers of the 20th century, and quite an experimenter and modernist, but he was able to accommodate his art to Soviet musical policies and even wrote great scores for Eisenstein’s nationalistic films Aleksander Nevski and Ivan the Terrible. So the program presents a good range of the kind of music written under and outside the influence of the Communist Party and its cultural dictates.”

HVTDC Offers Free “Green 101” Interactive Course

FISHKILL - The Hudson Valley Technology Development Center is offering a free course entitled “Green 101 – A Practical Approach to Green for Business Professionals.”

This four-day training module is sponsored by the Hudson Valley Green Talent Pipeline Partnership, a collaboration of the Workforce Investment Boards (WIBs), from Dutchess, Orange , Rockland , Sullivan , Ulster and Westchester Counties in addition to the City of Yonkers . This collaboration is funded under a grant through the NYS Department of Labor.

The course will take place on Feb. 5, 11, 18 and 25. Each session runs from 8:30 a.m. until 3:30 p.m. and will be held at the Holiday Inn, Fishkill. The four day course must be attended in its entirety.

For more information or to register, contact Phyllis Levine at 845-896-6934 X3001 or at phyllis.levine@hvtdc.org.

HVTDC conducted two of these courses during 2009 and is bringing it back “with a twist” for 2010. In addition to being offered to individuals currently employed and looking to take back information to their workplace, the course content has been revised to also benefit displaced individuals seeking to broaden their expertise and knowledge of “Green” thus attracting them to potential employers.

The primary objective is to educate participants in the use of Green assessments and productivity/environmental principles focused on energy, pollution and waste stream reductions. In addition, there will be some new information in the curriculum that will highlight what students can do to make their homes greener and more efficient in terms of energy use and reducing wasteful expenditures.

A comprehensive review of available resources and outreach programs geared towards the transformation to energy efficiency, sustainability, reduction of toxic chemical use, air emissions and waste generation will be provided.

Speakers scheduled for this course include Mr. Tracey Hall, Director of Buildings and Grounds for Sullivan Community College, Ms. Patrice Courtney-Strong of Patrice Courtney Strong Consulting and Mr. Les Neumann, Managing Director of the HV Center for Innovation.

For more information or to register, please contact Phyllis Levine, HVTDC’s Manager of Marketing and Administration at 845-896-6934 X3001 or via e-mail at phyllis.levine@hvtdc.org.

WEST HAVERSTRAW - Belleayre Mountain in Highmount, N.Y., Helen Hayes Hospital are hosting a series of Adaptive Skiing Workshops open to individuals with disabilities.

The workshops are being held in conjunction with Helen Hayes Hospital’s Adapted Sports and Recreation Program and are free of charge. Adaptive Skiing Workshops are scheduled for: Jan. 10, 17 and 31; Feb. 7, 21 and 28; and, March 7 and 21. Two sessions will be offered on each day, from 8:45 a.m. to noon, and 1 to 4 p.m.

Instructors specializing in adaptive skiing will offer beginner, intermediate and advanced lessons. First time students will receive an overview of the equipment and fittings prior to getting out on the snow. Adaptive equipment will be available for skiers with disabilities. Participants should come attired in appropriate in winter/snow clothing.

Helen Hayes Hospital, which specializes in physical rehabilitation services, says it is committed to enabling individuals of all abilities to pursue competitive and recreational sports and activities. These activities speed the recovery process, improve and maintain health and conditioning and foster socialization and camaraderie. The Adapted Sports and Recreation Program makes activities such as kayaking, yoga, sailing, softball, basketball and gardening available to individuals of all abilities.

The workshops are free of charge but pre-registration is required. For additional information on the Adapted Sports and Recreation Program or the downhill skiing programs at Belleayre Mountain, or to register for one or more of the workshops, contact Matthew Castelluccio, Adapted Sports Coordinator, 845-786-4950 or castellucciom@helenhayeshosp.org

SPARKILL - The Hudson Valley Chorale has rescheduled its season-opening concert, which was originally set for Jan. 10-11, due to scheduling conflicts.

The new dates are: Saturday, Feb. 20, 7:30 p.m. at Dominican Convent Chapel, 175 Route 340, Sparkill; and, Sunday, Feb. 21, 3 p.m. at Zion Lutheran Church, 155 Second Ave., Westwood, N.J.

The chorale’s repertoire will remain the same with selections of sacred chant of the Renaissance,

variations of the English Madrigal, as illustrated by the title piece “Sing We and Chant

The featured works are by Renaissance era composers William Byrd, Giovanni da Palestrina, and Tomas Luis de Victoria, English Madrigal era composer Thomas Morley, and Romantic era composer, Anton Bruckner.

Works by composers of the modern era influenced by sacred chant are also included in the repertoire. These selections include the meditative “Requiem” of Maurice Duruflé, commissioned in 1947, and Franz Biebl’s, “Ave Maria,” written in 1965.

The Hudson Valley Chorale performs under the direction of Dr. Jason Thoms, the director of Choral Activities at Concordia College, Bronxville. Steven Vosatka accompanies the chorale on piano. Vosatka is the organist at

Tickets may be purchased in advance for $15 by calling 845-729-1783, and will be available at the door the day of performance for $20.

NYACK - Indigo Paradise Gallery presents “Keeping it Realism,” a show of recent oil paintings by Eileen Murphy and Anna Weber.

The two women have a common fascination with oil paint and creating environments on surfaces that appear nearly photographic. The dialogue between the two artists work evokes similar concepts but through entirely different subject matter.

Murphy's work in this show focuses on industrial interiors, where she lovingly depicts the decaying nature of things we pass by everyday. The objects, though inanimate, become full of life, filled with a past, present and future, and the viewer is challenged to contemplate the beauty of a dirty sink or an aging stairwell as if they have a beating heart. Weber's sensibilities on the other hand, direct her to fill canvases with opulence- depicting classically beautiful interiors and characters seemingly from another era. Narrative and symbolism play lead roles in her physically and psychologically complex compositions.

Both artists cite European art of the 18th and 19th centuries as inspiration, posing the question, "Does realism have a place in the world we live in today?" Seeing the work conveys a resounding "Yes."

Just as all the "back to earth" movements in fields as diverse as organic food to alternative fuels, realistic oil painting is a move toward a slower-paced, conscientious style of living. The paintings take a long time to paint and there is a lot of nuance to contemplate, encouraging the viewer to "stop and smell the flowers."

Where our fast-paced, disposable society has taken away our time to reflect, the quiet, enduring quality of these works by Eileen Murphy and Anna Weber remind one of the charm, dignity and complexity of being human.

Indigo Paradise, 168 Main St., opens Keeping it Realism on Jan. 14, 6 to 9 p.m., with the show running through Feb. 17.

RAMAPO —Forty-six graduating students of the Rockland Community College Nursing Program proclaimed the Nightingale Pledge and received their school pins at the Nurses Pinning Ceremony on Jan. 5.

Forty-two graduates of the May ‘09 Nursing Program took the NCLEX licensing exam and all 42 passed. These graduates are now Registered Nurses (RNs). This 100% pass rate is extraordinary. The overall pass rate for the last quarter is 98%, significantly higher than the New York State average.

In 1963, RCC graduated the first 24 from the College’s Nursing program. In total, more than 3,000 students have graduated from the Nursing program.

For more information, contact Dorothea Lever, Professor and Chair of the Nursing Department, at (845) 574-4222, (845) 574-4223 or dlever@sunyrockland.edu

PEARL RIVER - Orange and Rockland Utilities, Inc.’s Vice President of Operations James Tarpey has been elected chairman of the Northeast Gas Association (NGA).

NGA is a regional trade association that focuses on education and training, technology research and development, operations, planning and increasing public awareness of natural gas in the northeast United States. NGA represents natural gas distribution companies, transmission companies, liquefied natural gas importers and associate member companies. These companies provide natural gas to over 9.5 million customers in eight states, including New York, New Jersey and Connecticut.

Tarpey assumes the NGA chairmanship in addition to his primary responsibilities in leading O&R’s electric and gas divisions, which represent the largest single organization in the company.

O&R President and Chief Executive Officer Bill Longhi said, “Jim Tarpey’s managerial skills, broad operating experience and familiarity with so many aspects of the natural gas business make him a terrific choice to lead NGA.”

Tarpey joined O&R as an assistant electrical engineer in 1972. He subsequently held positions of increasing responsibility in Engineering and Operations. He assumed his current position in September 2001.

A registered professional engineer in New York and New Jersey, Tarpey earned his BS in Electrical Engineering at Worcester Polytechnic Institute and MS in Electrical Engineering at New Jersey Institute of Technology.

He is a Senior Member of the Institute of Electrical and Electronic Engineers (IEEE), an international non-profit professional organization for the advancement of technology related to electricity, and has authored and presented technical and business papers. In the past two years as the Chief Volunteer Officer of the Middletown YMCA, he has led the expansion of the Y’s services into Sullivan County and to the soon-to-open Y branch in Monroe. He also is a member of the Rockland Community College Foundation’s Board of Directors.

He and his wife, Stephanie, live in Goshen, N.Y. and are the parents of two children.

Orange and Rockland Utilities, Inc. (O&R), a wholly owned subsidiary of Consolidated Edison, Inc., one of the nation’s largest investor-owned energy companies, is a regulated utility. It provides electric service to approximately 298,000 customers in southeastern New York State (where its franchise name is Orange & Rockland), northern New Jersey (where it’s Rockland Electric Company) and northeastern Pennsylvania (where it’s Pike County Light & Power Company) and natural gas service to approximately 127,000 customers in New York and Pennsylvania.

NEW CITY – The Rockland County Youth Bureau is seeking employers from the private sector, local government and not-for-profit agencies to participate in the 2010 Youth Employment Program.

Rockland County employers willing to hire young people through the program will receive benefits including hiring enthusiastic, hard-working employees and being reimbursed 50 percent of their salaries, according to county officials.

County Executive C. Scott Vanderhoef has appropriated $230,000 in the Youth Bureau’s 2010 budget for a year-round Youth Employment Program, which prepares eligible young people between the ages of 14 and 18 for the world of work. In its 17^th year, the program offers pre-employment job training, work-based learning experiences and job placement.

Applicants are highly motivated young people from the community who take a mandatory four-day pre-employment training series developed and conducted by the Youth Bureau in conjunction with Rockland Community College.

“The Youth Employment Program offers a wonderful opportunity for Rockland employers, especially during summer months when staff is minimal,” said Vanderhoef. “Businesses, municipalities and not-for-profit organizations have the opportunity to increase work staff at a fraction of the usual cost, and the young people in our community gain knowledge and experience for a successful future.”

All youth participants are paid the minimum wage rate of $7.25 per hour. Organizations wishing to participate will be reimbursed 50 percent of the minimum wage rate for up to a maximum of 10 hours per week during the winter, spring and fall program. Summer program reimbursement will be 50 percent of the minimum wage rate for up to a maximum of 25 hours per week.

In addition, the Rockland County Youth Bureau is also seeking potential youth employees to participate in the program. In order to be eligible for employment, you must be a Rockland County resident between the ages of 14 and 18, whose family meets eligibility requirements. All young people are required to complete a minimum of 10 community service hours and participate in all four days of mandatory pre-employment training to introduce and review basic job skills.

Applications for the 2010 program are available at the Rockland County Youth Bureau.

If you are a young person that would like to be considered for spring employment (April 18 – July 3), your application and all required paperwork must be returned to the Rockland County Youth Bureau by Thursday, Feb. 25. If you would like to be considered for summer employment (July 4 – Aug. 28) the application and all required paperwork must be received by Thursday, May 20, 2010.

For new youth applicants, part-time employment, up to 10 hours per week will begin on April 18, and run through July 3 (spring program). Full-time employment, up to 25 hours per week, will begin on July 4, and run through August 28, (summer program). The program will then shift back to part-time employment from Aug. 29, through Dec. 31 (fall program).

For applicants that participated in last year’s 2009 program and are not currently working, you may submit a “carryover application.” The deadline for submitting a spring carryover application is Thursday, March 18. The deadline for submitting a summer carryover application is Thursday, June 10.

For more information about becoming an employer through this program or if you are a young person interested in an application for employment, call Marianne McCarney-Haesche or Pete Montanez at 845-638-5166.

WEST NYACK - United Hospice of Rockland’s 19th annual Tree of Life benefit throughout the month of December at the Palisades Center mall collected more than 2,000 stars and lights to adorn seven trees – raising more than $92,000.

Presented, for the second year, by the Wireless Zone Foundation for Giving, the benefit provided an opportunity for members of the community to pay tribute to special people in their lives. Proceeds from the event enable UHR to continue to provide compassionate care, comfort and support to people with serious illnesses and their families. Additional contributions and purchases of stars can be made by contacting Connie Grunfeld at 845-634-4974
The Trees, provided by Jim Johansen of Triumph Trees, were illuminated by longtime UHR board member, volunteer, and family member Judith Pachter on Wednesday, Dec. 16 during a special ceremony.

“Serving on the UHR board, I know that there are many services that are not covered by any reimbursement stream and that this fundraiser certainly helps with those services,” Pachter said. “I am honored to have been asked to light these trees. I do so in the memory of my father who first inspired me to get involved with hospice over twenty years ago, in honor of the many who have been served by hospice, and, most especially, in memory of my husband Harvey who was a patient on this program. Yes, I too am a hospice family member and know how it feels to lose a loved one. I know how it feels to be able to care for a loved one so they can die with dignity. And it is a blessing to have the wonderful staff and volunteers of this organization be there during that most difficult time. I light these trees in the memory of those who are gone and to honor those who remain.”

Musical entertainment was provided by the Clarkstown High School North Chamber Choir, directed by Vincent Reina.

The event was supported by Palisades Center, which hosted the event for the eleventh year, and by sponsors and patrons including: David Schwartz; A Friend; The Rockland County Clerk’s Office; Jeffrey David Walerstein Foundation; Dr. Edward and Raselle Fisher; Donna Sherman in memory of Natalie Sherman; K&M Newspaper Services; Inc., Kevin Stokes Excavating; Solveig Bergstol; John Grant; Robyn and Scott Haber.

More than 160 volunteers set-up and took-down the display of trees, put names on stars, and staffed the UHR table throughout the month of December. In-kind donors provided refreshments and/or donations. They included: Abbey Ice & Spring Water, Inc.; Anna’s Bakery; A Taste of Distinction; Carousel Cakes; The Chocolatier; Costco; Karen Damiani; Dorval Trading Co., Inc.; Beverly Kaplan; Mountainview Deli; Rockland Bakery; Tandem Graphics and Treeclassics.com

“This is our favorite event of the year,” said United Hospice Executive Director Amy Stern. “It enables us to reconnect with the many families we have met over the years. It allows individuals to take some time out from the busy holiday season to remember loved ones who are no longer here as well as to honor those who are still here with us. The stars on the trees symbolize the memories of loved ones that burn brightly in our hearts and minds. We are so appreciative of the generosity of all those who have supported this event. “

The names of honorees appeared on stars adorning the Trees of Life and were also inscribed in the UHR Tree of Life Honor Roll Book which is viewable on-line at www.hospiceofrockland.org

RAMAPO —The Center for Personal & Professional Development at Rockland Community College is offering those looking for a career change a chance to enter the home inspection industry.

“Recent news reports indicate that the housing market is improving, which should create a demand for home inspectors,” said Rich Syrek, dean, Center for Personal & Professional Development (CPPD).

The home inspector program meets the licensing requirements for home inspectors in New York State and is approved by the New York Department of State. A five modules can be taken at once for $3,000 or one at a time for a total of $3,600.

The program, taught by Bart M. Rodi, president of Rodi Building Inspections, Inc., consists of:

Module 1: 25 hours, Structural exterior and roofing; Mon. & Thurs., Jan. 11 – 28, 6 – 9:45 p.m. Fee: $600

Module 2: 25 hours, Interior insulation, ventilation and electrical; Mon. & Thurs., Feb. 1 – 18, 6 – 9:45 p.m. Fee $600.

Module 3: 25 hours, Heating, cooling and plumbing systems; Mon. & Thurs., Feb. 22 – Mar. 11, 6 – 9:45 p.m. Fee: $600

Module 4: 25 hours, Overview of professions, NYS license law and report writing; Mon. & Thurs., Mar. 15 – 25, Fri. & Sat., Mar. 26 & 27, 6:00 – 9:45 p.m. Fee: $600

Module 5: 40 hours, Unpaid, supervised field training dates to be determined throughout the program. Sun., Jan. 31 – Mar. 21, 9:00 a.m. – 2:00 p.m. Fee: $1200

Program Discount: Module 1 – 5: Mon., Thurs., Sun., Jan. 11 – Mar. 25. Time: Mon., Thurs., 6 – 9:45 p.m.; Sun., 9 a.m. – 2 p.m. Fee: $3,000; Sessions: 24, plus field training.

The CPPD also partners with business and industry in providing customized training programs. Registration for customized training services and corporate educational programs is available by contacting Syrek at 845-574-4465.

Course registration may be completed 24 hours a day at www.sunyrockland.edu/go/cppd, by fax at 845-574-4163 or toll free by phone at (888) 807-4525, ext. 4151. Registrations may also be completed by mail or in person at RCC Center for Personal & Professional Development, Brucker Hall, Room 6102,145 College Road, Suffern, NY 10901.

POMONA – The Rockland County Department of Health announces that the Consumer Product Safety Commission and their manufacturers are recalling children’s toys due to lead poisoning.

Hazard: The surface paint on the toy contains excessive levels of lead violating the federal lead paint standard.

Description: The mini military toy set is packaged on a blister card and includes a male military figure about four inches in height with various accessories.

Sold by: Dollar Stores and other discount stores from November 2008 to April 2009.

Consumer Contact: For additional information, call Jide Trading toll free at (866) 544-7822 between 8 a.m. and 6 p.m. ET Monday through Friday, or visit the firm’s Web site at www.jidetrading.com

For more information about how to protect children from lead hazards in their homes, contact the Department of Health at 845-364-3839.

ELMSFORD - Love is in the air with the romantic musical “For Lovers Only: Love Songs… Nothing But Love Songs” - perfect faire for a Valentine’s celebration – at the Westchester Broadway Theatre in Elmsford.

The fully staged and choreographed musical features 100 well known love songs woven into a fast paced show with music by Irving Berlin, Rodgers and Hammerstein, Cole Porter, Billy Joel, George & Ira Gershwin, Jerome Kern, Elton John, Burt Bacharach and many more.

The shows are set for Thursday, Feb. 11, with a matinee and evening performance; Friday evening Feb. 12; Saturday evening Feb. 13; and, matinee and evening performances on Sunday, Feb. 14. Tickets: Matinees are $62 per person, plus tax; evening shows are $75 per person, plus tax. Info: www.broadwaytheatre.com

The host of “RCC’s Got Talent,” Joshua Walker of America's Next Great Star Production Company (center), with first place winner, Sexy Heroes band, comprised of Chris Watts, Mike Watts, Rockland Community College student Nicholas Everett (wearing bandana), and Mike Schrew.

RAMAPO — As part of Rockland Community College's 50th Anniversary celebrations, the College held “RCC's Got Talent,” which was hosted by America's Next Great Star Production Company on December 3.

The first place winner of the high school and RCC student talent show competition was the band, Sexy Heroes, which walked away with a $500 gift card and a chance to become “American's Next Great Star.” The Sexy Heroes band is comprised of Chris Watts, Mike Watts, Mike Schrew and RCC student Nicholas Everett.

The America's Next Great Star Production Company came on campus and chose 10 of 35 student acts submitted to compete the night of the show. RCC employees Patty Maloney-Titland, Chair, Performing Arts; Marc Giammarco, Student Development Center, and Sonny Reyes, Bursar Department, chose the three finalists and the audience voted through text messaging.

“Rockland Business Women to Learn How to Develop Strategic Alliances and a Circle of Influence”

“People do business with those that they know, like, and trust”, says Liz Benuscak, Director of Business Development for Strategy Leaders, Inc., a management and business-consulting firm. Learn how to create a strategy to maximize your current circle of influence in order to expand your business by working smarter… not harder, as Benuscak conducts an interactive presentation for the Rockland Business Women’s Network (RBWN) on Wednesday, January 13, from noon to 2:00 pm at the Comfort Inn & Suites, 425 East Rt. 59, Nanuet.

All Rockland and vicinity business women are welcome to join this fun, interactive event. Cost is $25 for members who pre-register by 5:00 pm on Monday, January 11, and $35 for non-members and for members at the door; for more information and to register, 845-357-3312, info@rbwn.org, or www.rbwn.org for on-line registration.

Benuscak has worked over ten years in business development, sales, marketing, and strategic planning. She owned and directed a highly successful full service career marketing firm, specializing in working with executives in transition, and, in 2003, she was named one of Rockland County’s Forty under. Strategy Leaders is dedicated to working hands-on with owners of established, privately-held businesses, focusing on the top five goals of most business owners: profitability, growth, predictability, stability, and peace of mind. Programs include planning, education, coaching, follow-up, and reporting.

The Rockland Business Women’s Network (RBWN) supports and empowers women by providing networking and educational opportunities. This non-profit organization focuses on leadership and professional development, building personal and professional relationships, and community support through scholarships and training. RBWN is dedicated to women helping women.

NEW CITY - The Rockland Family Shelter offers free, daytime and evening women’s support groups for survivors of physical and/or emotional abuse. Groups meet every Wednesday at 10:30 a.m. to noon and 7 to 8:30 p.m. at 9 Johnsons Lane in New City.

Groups conducted in Spanish meet Wednesday mornings in Haverstraw. A group for Orthodox Jewish women meets Wednesday evenings. Call for locations and further information. Child care arrangements may be available if made in advance. Attendance is confidential.

The Shelter’s non-residential offices in New City at 9 Johnsons Lane are open from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. weekdays and until 9 p.m. on Wednesdays.

RFS also offers services at satellite offices in Spring Valley and Haverstraw. Call 634 3391 for hours and locations. Multi-lingual services are available in Spanish, French, Creole, Yiddish and Asian languages. Services are culturally sensitive and available for the LGBTQ friendly.

The Sexual Trauma Division of RFS offers multilingual and culturally sensitive services for survivors of rape, sexual assault, and incest or childhood sexual abuse. For information on sexual abuse support and services, call Kiera Pollock at 845 634 3391.

Domestic abuse affects one in four families. The Rockland Family Shelter offers victims a safe place where they can get information and support. Services are free and confidential. For a complete list of programs, office hours and locations, or any additional information, please call the 24 hour hotline at 845-634-3344 or log onto our website www.rocklandfamilyshelter.org

If you are being battered, there is help. The RFS support group is a safe place to share and get help. If you feel alone and are living in fear, call 845-634-3344, 24 hours a day, seven days a week. Confidential services are available at no cost.

NEW CITY – Saint Augstine School in New City takes a world view in its educational programs with two special events in January.

On Wednesday, Jan. 13, Holocaust survivor Marian Blumenthal Lazan will speak to the students from all the Catholic schools, grades 5 to 8 in the county. The students have been reading her book, Four Perfect Pebbles, in preparation for her visit.

On Saturday, Jan. 31, Saint Augustine School is hosting its 2^nd annual International Day Event from 1 to 5 p.m. in the school gymnasium. Visitors can join in a day filled with international food, song, dance and cultural displays in the school at 114 S. Main St.

YORKTOWN HEIGHTS, N.Y. - The Taghkanic Chorale invites men and women of all ages to sing with them in their Spring season starting Jan. 5.

Learn from acclaimed music director Steven Fox and associate director James Blachly as the Chorale rehearses classic works of Russian masters, including Sergei Rachmaninoff, for its April 24 and 25 concerts.

New singers are invited to try out the Chorale with no obligation during the month of January. No RSVP is necessary and formal auditions are not required.

The Chorale rehearses on Tuesday nights from 7:30 to 10 p.m. at the Yorktown Church of the Nazarene, White Hill Road, Yorktown Heights, located near the Route 202 Exit off the Taconic Parkway.

The Taghkanic Chorale, an established cultural organization in the Hudson Valley, is a non-profit, non-sectarian organization It serves enthusiastic singers and concertgoers from Westchester, Putnam, Dutchess, Rockland, Orange and the mid-Hudson Valley who appreciate the friendliness of the group, the high caliber of its musical direction and the professionalism of the Chorale’s performances.

Further information for singers and concertgoers may be found at http://taghkannicchorale.ontimeonline.com or by calling 914.737.6707.

RAMAPO — An orientation for new students planning to attend Rockland Community College in Spring 2010 is set for Tuesday, Jan. 19, 5:30 to 7:30 p.m.

The session, with check in at 5:15 p.m., is at the RCC Cultural Arts Theater on the main campus in Ramapo. Register for the session at: www.sunyrockland/edu/go/nso

Students and their families can take a campus tour, learn of the many academic programs and co-curricular activities available, visit the bookstore and enjoy refreshments. They will meet administrators, faculty and staff, and representatives of student clubs and organizations in a fair-like setting. Students will also get their IDs, activate their e-mail accounts and purchase books.

For more information, contact the Office of Student Involvement, Student Union, Room 3208, at 845-574-4373.

ROCKLAND LAKE – Dozens of Rockland-area companies have stepped up to lend financial support to the 2010 Knickerbocker Ice Festival at Rockland Lake State Park, which is aiming to break the attendance record set at the 2009 event.

Financial contributions and donations of goods and services have poured in to help make 2010’s festival bigger and better than 2009’s record-setting event, according to event organizers.

The Knickerbocker Ice Festival, celebrating the 19^th century Hudson Valley ice industry, takes place at Rockland Lake State Park Jan. 23 and 24.

The 2009 festival was attended by roughly 15,000 from New York, New Jersey and Connecticut. To meet the objectives of the 2010 Festival, the group says it still needs more help.

“To help us reach our goal of doubling attendance at the 2010 festival, we still need more help,” said Maria Rodd, managing director, Knickerbocker Ice Festival, Inc. “Any company or organization that would like to donate their services or financial support is welcome.”

“We sponsored the 2009 festival and wholeheartedly support the 2010 event,” said Gregory Parseghian, general manager of the Best Western Nyack. “It was a remarkable experience—educational, entertaining and cultural. Best Western is once again proud to be a part of it.”

Other activities include an ice carving competition, a Kidz Ice Park - which features an outdoor bowling alley, courtesy of Lucky Strike of West Nyack - bonfires, an historic ice gallery, Artists In the Parks, Cool Crafts for sale, Knick’s Canteen food court and the Cold Rock Café, educational demonstrations by the Historical Society of Rockland County and Friends of Rockland Lake and Hook Mountain, live dancing with visitor participation, history and shopping tours, and more.

In the 19^th century, the Knickerbocker Ice Company harvested ice throughout the Hudson Valley. The ice from Rockland Lake was considered the purest, attracting business from as close as New York City and as far as Asia. Knickerbocker Ice Festival Inc (KIFI) is a non-profit organization incorporated for the purpose of implementing the Festival in cooperation with the Palisades Interstate Park Commission. For more info: www.knickerbockericefestival.com.

Stony Point resident joins direct food seller
STONY POINT - Charlene DiPisa of Stony Point has become an independent consultant with Tastefully Simple Inc., a national direct sales company featuring more than 60 delicious, easy-to-prepare foods.
As an independent business owner, DiPisa offers delicious food samples at home taste-testing parties, along with easy ideas for everyday meals, recipes, serving suggestions and fun. All of Tastefully Simple's products
are open-and-enjoy or can be prepared by adding only one or two ingredients.
"In today's world, 'staying in' has become the new 'going out!' You don't have to leave home to enjoy wonderful food, fun and laughter with your family and friends," says Jill Blashack Strahan, Tastefully Simple Inc. founder and CEO. "That's why we're proud to offer great experiences, easy-to-prepare products and an exciting business opportunity for people who are looking for something more."
For more information about Tastefully Simple products, taste-testing parties or starting your own Tastefully Simple business, contact Charlene DiPisa at boopooh07@optonline.net.
About Tastefully Simple
Tastefully Simple is the original national home taste-testing company
featuring easy-to-prepare foods and gifts. The company's unique,
high-quality products are offered through independent consultants across
the United States. For more information about Tastefully Simple, visit
tastefullysimple.com.

NANUET – Empire State College, of the State University of New York, has public information sessions about its associate and bachelor’s degree programs at its Nanuet location, 150 East Route 59, Nanuet on Tuesday, Jan. 12, at 6 p.m. and Tuesday, Jan. 19, at noon.

To reserve a space for an upcoming information session, go to www.esc.edu or call 845 517-1294.

Empire State College offers adult learners the opportunity to earn associate, bachelor’s and master’s degrees from the State University of New York. Students learn through independent studies, seminars, residencies and online courses. They also may earn credit for prior college-level learning from work and life experience. The college serves more than 19,000 students worldwide with multiple locations in New York State and online.

PEARL RIVER - The 13^th season of The Challenge kicks off with all-star student scholars from Pearl River High School and Croton-Harmon High School competing against each other in round one of this award-winning high school quiz show. This first round match-up will air Wednesday, Jan. 20, at 6:30 p.m. on MSG Varsity (Cablevision’s iO TV – Channel 14). MSG Varsity, Cablevision’s recently launched 24/7 television network dedicated to everything high school, will feature new episodes of The Challenge every Sunday through Friday at 6:30 PM. The Challenge will also repeat on News 12 Westchester on Saturday and Sunday evenings at 6:30 PM and 9:30 PM.

New this season is Jared Cotter, former FUSE TV host and a popular semi-finalist from American Idol. Cotter serves as moderator, quizzing competing high school teams on their knowledge of history, arts and literature, current events, math and science.

“The Challenge just keeps getting better,” notes Theresa Chillianis, MSG Varsity’s General Manager. “The teams really enjoy the new host, Jared Cotter, and family and friends can now tune-in six nights a week on MSG Varsity. For those who never watched before, get set for some exciting competitions each week as teams try to move on to the Tri-State Challenge Championship next spring.”

Representing Pearl River High School will be Elena Churakova, Dan Gorman (team alternate), Danielle Johns, Noreen Jordan and Kathy Wang (team captain). The academic advisor is Tim McNerney.

The Challenge began as a Long Island effort 13 years ago and now includes the entire tri-state area — Long Island (with Nassau and Suffolk as two distinct regions), the Bronx, Brooklyn, Westchester/Lower Hudson Valley, New Jersey and Connecticut. This season, 184 high schools will be participating with the goal of becoming the Tri-State Challenge Champion and winning $10,000 for their school and $500 for each team member competing in that final round.

Fans of the show can also visit a dedicated page on Facebook that provides a behind-the-scenes look at the actual studio tapings and offers visitors a chance to sound off, share their experiences and cheer on their high school team.

The Challenge is produced in partnership with Cablevision’s education initiative, Power to Learn – the company’s ongoing commitment to the development and learning of students in the tri-state area. The show has received a Beacon Award – the industry’s highest award for public affairs excellence – as well as a New England Cable & Telecommunications (NECTA) Award for Public Service and Excellence in Cable Television.

RAMAPO —Local artist Elizabeth Sayles, illustrator of more than 20 books and Rockland Community College faculty member, has illustrated the soon-to-be released children’s chapter book, "The Very Little Princess" (Random House, February 2010).

A resident of Valley Cottage, Elizabeth Sayles, adjunct faculty, Art, has many illustration credits including the bestselling children’s story, "I Already Know I Love You," written by actor Billy Crystal, and has illustrated projects for several clients including American Girl and National Geographic. Sayles is also the author of the children’s book, "The Goldfish Yawned," published by Henry Holt.

Sayles will be teaching the 2-credit class, Illustration & Cartooning (ART 215), at RCC this spring. The class meets on Wednesdays, 3 - 5:40 p.m., with the first class beginning on Jan. 27. Tuition is $142/credit for New York State residents.

This summer, Sayles will also be teaching a non-credit Portfolio Development Workshop for high school students, college students and others, that will begin July 1, 2010, and run twice a week for six weeks.

Online and credit-bearing courses offered in the Spring 2010 semester run from January 23 - May 14 (registration deadline: January 29). Credit courses are open to those requiring credits or those interested in personal enrichment. For more information about credit-bearing courses, call or visit Admissions at 845-574-4224, Technology Center, Suffern campus, on Mon, Thurs, 8 a.m. – 7 p.m.; Tue, Wed, Fri, 8 a.m. – 5 p.m.

To learn about the non-credit courses offered through the Center for Personal & Professional Development (CPPD), contact CPPD at (845)574-4151 or conted@sunyrockland.edu. For a full CPPD course listing, visit www.sunyrockland.edu/go/cppd

RAMAPO – After announcing the first of its 2010 Sports Hall of Fame Inductees, Rockland Community College has revealed the full list of honorees.

The community is invited to the Sports Hall of Fame Induction Ceremony and Dinner on Saturday, Jan. 23, 7 p.m., at the Italian American Social Club, 35 Cosgrove Ave, West Haverstraw. The $50 admission includes hors d'ouvres, cocktails, prime rib dinner, coffee, dessert and dancing.

As already announced, Joe Famellette of Hartsdale, Professor of Physical Education and former coach, will be the first coach inducted into the RCC Hall of Fame. From 1960-1982, Famellette coached various sports including soccer, wrestling, bowling, golf, tennis, and women’s basketball. He coached the Men’s Tennis team for 16 years and compiled a 103-33-3 record. In 1979 he started the Women’s Tennis program and guided the team to an undefeated season in 1981. He earned a B.S. and M.S. from Springfield College, M.A.

Mike Landau of Pomona, a Spring Valley High School graduate, earned NJCAA All-American status for his performance on the soccer field in 1966. He was also named to the All-Mid Hudson Conference team the same year. Upon completing his studies at RCC, he enlisted in the United States Army and served during the Vietnam conflict. Landau was recognized on the All-County soccer squad while playing at Spring Valley High School.

Pete Carey of Stony Point, a graduate of North Rockland High School, was drafted in the fifth round of the 1984 Major League Baseball Draft after batting .419 with eight home runs and 45 RBI in his freshman year. Carey was named the 1984 Mid Hudson Conference “Player-of-the-Year.” After the 1985 season, he was drafted again in the second round, and reported to the Kansas City Royals’ Northwest League affiliate in Eugene, Oregon.

Chuck Todd of Warwick, a North Rockland High School graduate, was a power-hitting catcher. He was a member of the 1984 Mid Hudson Conference Championship team and was drafted by the Cleveland Indians in 1985. Todd batted .409 with 36 RBI in 37 games in 1984. In 1985, he was named to the Mid Hudson Conference “Player-of-the-Year.” Todd returned to RCC as an assistant coach for five years. Most recently, he was appointed head baseball coach at SUNY Ulster County Community College.

Peter D’Auria ’93, of Emerson, N.J., a Tappan Zee High School graduate, ruled the golf course while at RCC. He competed on two National Tournament teams for the Hawks. Most notably, he finished 22^nd at the 1993 National Tournament in St. Simon’s Island, Georgia. He transferred to Brown University in Providence R.I., graduating in 1995. He earned a degree in 1998 from the Tulane School of Law in New Orleans, L.A. He then served in the United States Navy and received the Navy and Marine Corps Commendation Medal. He is now a trial attorney for the U.S. Trustee Program, Department of Justice.

Myrcee Cullen of Suffern, a Tuxedo High School graduate, was named to the All-Tournament team at both the Becker College and Sullivan County Community College Tournaments during the 1994-95 basketball season. After graduating from William Patterson University in Wayne, N.J., she became a Physical Education teacher and coach at Manchester Regional High School in Passaic County, N. J., where she pioneered the women’s basketball team to their first victory in nearly six years. In 2006 and 2009, she led the varsity volleyball team to appearances in the New Jersey State Tournament.

For reservations to the Sports Hall of Fame Induction Ceremony and Dinner, contact Patti Castro, RCC Foundation, at 574-4576 or pcastro@sunyrockland.edu

WEST NYACK – The HELP trucks that have become a welcome sight to see on the New York State Thruway and the Palisades Interstate Parkway just got a new friend – State Farm Insurance.

State Department of Transportation Acting Commissioner Stanley Gee says State Farm will sponsor the Highway Emergency Local Patrol (HELP) traveler assistance service beginning Jan. 1. The sponsorship agreement will bring up to $10.8 million to the state over the next five years.

“I am pleased that we have been able to work collaboratively with State Farm Insurance to come up with such a unique private-public agreement to allow sponsorship of New York’s HELP program,” said Gov. David Paterson. “In light of the current economic hardship New York is facing we need to continue devising creative new revenue streams such as this one.”

The two-year commitment includes an option to renew for up to three additional years, for approximately $2 million per year. In addition to decaling 87 existing HELP trucks with State Farm logos, branded signage will be installed along the patrolled highways to inform motorists of the service.

State Farm Vice President of Operations Mehler said the company’s support of this program underscores its commitment to auto and highway safety.
“The HELP program aligns with our good neighbor philosophy to make our communities stronger,” he said.

A total of 99 HELP trucks serviced stranded motorists in Buffalo, Rochester and the Capital Region, as well as on Long Island, in the lower Hudson Valley and in New York City. Trucks that operate in New York City are not included in the State Farm sponsorship agreement. The HELP truck program costs about $10 million per year to operate. Service is provided free to the traveling public and includes changing tires, jump starting batteries, providing gasoline and other minor repairs. By clearing minor incidents from roadsides quickly, the HELP program helps relieve congestion and restore mobility to the state’s busy highways during peak travel times. Additionally, HELP patrols are available to support the management and clearance of major incidents, such as roadway closures due to traffic accidents, and drivers are certified in CPR.

Since June 2006, the Thruway Authority and the DOT have partnered to provide HELP service trucks within the Albany Division of the Thruway, from Interchange 23 (Albany/I-787) to Interchange 25 (Schenectady/I-890), and on I-890, from Thruway Interchange 25 to Highbridge Road, to assist motorists with minor car problems free of charge or call for a tow truck if the HELP truck can not assist in the situation.

Between the hours of 6:30 a.m. and 9:30 a.m., and 3 p.m. and 7 p.m., Monday through Friday, HELP trucks assist disabled vehicles. If the HELP truck worker is unable to get the motorist underway within 15 minutes, direct communication is made between the HELP trucks and the Authority’s Thruway Communications Center so that disabled vehicles are taken care of in an efficient manner. Expedient response time is in line with the Authority’s mission to report and clear incidents and accidents in a safe and efficient manner in order to have the least impact possible on the heavy traffic flow.

Thruway Authority Executive Director Fleischer said, “Since 2006, the Authority has been partnering with NYSDOT to make the HELP truck program available on portions of the Thruway in an effort to provide additional assistance for motorists experiencing car troubles. Providing quicker, more efficient response times to incidents on the roadway helps to reduce congestion on the System and thereby reduce the likelihood of secondary accidents, which helps in preserving the Thruway’s excellent safety record.”

NYSDOT’s HELP program, established in 1994, has grown into one of the nation’s largest and most successful roadway service patrol programs, aiding more than 85,000 motorists each year statewide. The program significantly decreases motorist delay and increases motorist safety by providing emergency roadside service to disabled vehicles on select high-volume, limited-access roadways during morning and evening rush hours.
To obtain video footage of HELP trucks in action, visit http://www.biglerproductions. com/demo/NYS_DOT_HELP.html.

Region 8 – Hudson Valley encompasses the counties of Columbia, Ulster, Dutchess, Orange, Putnam, Rockland and Westchester.

Below are some statistics pertaining to the program here in the valley, for the period Dec. 1, 2008 to Dec. 1, 2009:

There are 50 trucks in the Region (38 working at any time; remaining 12 are spares)

At this time, Beat 6 has only two trucks but has not been in service a full year yet

The HELP trucks have responded to calls ranging from disabled vehicles to accidents to obstructions in the travel lane to calls to 911. Over the course of a single year, our drivers have responded to more than 32,800 calls for assistance.

For example, 5106 motorists reached out to the HELP truck program for assistance with towing, while 4537 travelers sought help with changing a tire. In addition, during that time period, the program helped 565 people get help with directions and our HELP truck drivers came to the aid of 1965 motorists who needed fuel to continue on their journeys.

State Farm insures more cars and homes than any other insurer in the U.S., is the leading insurer of watercraft and is also a leading insurer in Canada. State Farm's 17,700 agents and 68,600 employees serve 81 million policies and accounts - more than 78.7 million auto, fire, life and health policies in the United States and Canada, and more than 1.9 million bank accounts. State Farm Mutual Automobile Insurance Company is the parent of the State Farm family of companies. State Farm is ranked No. 31 on the Fortune 500 list of largest companies. For more information, please visit www.statefarm.com or in Canada www.statefarm.ca.

NEW CITY – Rockland County Legislator Jacques Michel invited the members of the East Ramapo Marching Band to the Legislature recently to recognize them for being named Music Arts Conference (MAC) Division I 2009 Champions.

The band, which includes students who attend middle and high schools in the East Ramapo School District, competed in the MAC Marching Band Championships held on November 14th in Connecticut.

The band competed with more than 20 bands from the tri-state region and won awards for Best Music, Best Overall Effect, and Best Drum Major. Earlier in November, the band was invited to the Battle of the Bands at the University of Pennsylvania and was named the Best New York State High School Marching Band.

Legislature Chairwoman Harriet Cornell and Ramapo Legislators Ilan Schoenberger, William Darden, Philip Soskin and Alden H. Wolfe joined Michel to honor the band and its director, Michael Smith and to present them with Certificates of Appreciation.

“I compliment the members, past and present, and Mr. Smith for the time and energy put forth, not just for developing musical and performing skills, but for their role in setting an example for all youth,” Michel said. “At this young age, they have learned the importance of commitment, perseverance, teamwork and sacrifice – in return for all that, they have experienced the thrill of reward. They are a source of pride for their families, the school district, the town and county. This activity is a wonderful foundation for their future and I know they will all use it well.”

THIELLS - North Rockland High School will host an Advanced Placement Information evening for parents and students at North Rockland High School on Thursday, Jan. 14.
The evening’s presentation is a must for students who are considering taking an advanced placement course in the fall. School district coordinators will provide answers to questions such as: What is expected of the student taking advanced placement courses? What are the course requirements? How do I apply? And, what are the deadlines for applying to take these courses?

An application/criteria booklet will be available that evening. All students should be accompanied by a parent/guardian.
The presentation will begin at 6:30 p.m. in the high school auditorium.

NYACK – At their Annual Holiday Luncheon gathering, The Nyack Hospital Auxiliary presented the Hospital with a donation of $25,000.

In 2009, the auxiliary raised over $100,000 for Nyack Hospital through the Gift Shop, Thrift Shop, Cafeteria Sales, Membership dues, and other events held throughout the year.

The auxiliary is made up of volunteers who are dedicated to raising funds to support Nyack Hospital programs and services. They run and manage the very busy Gift Shop located in the main lobby of the Hospital and Thrift Shop on Main Street in Nyack. They are also very involved in the planning and executing of some of the hospital’s biggest fundraising events throughout the year.

The auxiliary is always looking for motivated and energetic volunteers to bring new ideas and excitement to fundraising efforts for Nyack Hospital. Community connections, career skills, and unique background can be a great asset to The Auxiliary, as well as the community Nyack Hospital serves.

For more information about becoming part of The Auxiliary at Nyack Hospital, call 845-348-2772.

KeyBank Presents Check to Nyack Hospital in Support of its Award-Winning Emergency Department

NYACK - At a celebratory gathering at Nyack Hospital, KeyBank presented a donation of $20,000 in support of the Hospital’s award-winning Emergency Department.

The donation recognized the role of Nyack Hospital’s Emergency Department in providing outstanding emergency care to the community. Representing KeyBank at this event were Robert Cerminaro, senior VP, Commercial Banking and Fran Reinstein, VP community relations.

The gathering was at the hospital’s newly renovated ExpressCare Unit, located on the first floor of the hospital. ExpressCare was developed to treat patients with minor injuries and illnesses and is open 7 days a week from 9 a.m. to 1 a.m.

“At Key, we understand that financial well being is only one part of having a high quality of life,” said Mike Orsino, president, Hudson Valley/Metro NY District, KeyBank. “That is why we are so proud to support Nyack Hospital’s award-winning Emergency Department. The quality of care they provide to patients throughout the area, and the manner in which they deliver that care, makes our region a better and safer place to live.”

Nyack Hospital plans to direct these funds towards the continued expansion of the Emergency Department. The Department recently added 6 additional beds, bringing the total number of emergency beds to 38.

According to Nyack Hospital President & CEO David Freed, who accepted the donation, “There is no more important project in our community than the expansion of the Nyack Hospital Emergency Department. It was originally designed to service 25,000 patients per year yet it just treated our 50,000^th patient on Sunday, December 13^th.

Nyack Hospital recently won the NewYork-Presbyterian Quality Symposium Award for the second year in a row. The Hospital’s submission, "Change in Triage Process Using Lean Methodology," described the use of LEAN tools to significantly reduce waiting time and improve patient satisfaction in the Hospital’s Emergency Department. By deviating from the traditional triage model, and utilizing LEAN Six Sigma, the Hospital implemented a bedside triage model which successfully improved patient quality, safety and satisfaction.

WEST POINT - The West Point Concert Band’s first concert performance of 2010, under the direction of Lt. Col. Timothy J. Holtan, will be its annual John Philip Sousa Concert at Eisenhower Hall Theatre at West Point on Sunday, Jan. 10 at 3:00 p.m.

The performance will feature compositions and arrangements written by the “March King” himself, John Philip Sousa, as well as light classical works by a number of well-known composers. This performance is free and open to the public.

The concert will provide an opportunity for a number of West Point Band personnel to perform as soloists, and will feature a special guest conductor. The first solo performance is Staff Sergeant Curtis Starr, trombonist, performing Arthur Pryor’s Thoughts of Love. Perennial favorite Sergeant First Class MaryKay Messenger will perform several vocal selections with the band, including Alexander’s Ragtime Band and Un bel di vedremo from Madame Butterfly. Staff Sergeant Yalin Chi will bring her formidable talent to Maurice Ravel’s Concerto in G Major for piano. The Elephant and the Fly will feature the unlikely duo of Staff Sergeant Scott Beaver on tuba and Staff Sergeant Diana Powers on piccolo.

As a special treat, Brig. Gen. Patrick Finnegan, dean of the Academic Board of West Point, will appear as an honorary conductor for Sousa’s own
Washington Post March.

For concert information, cancellations and updates, call the Academy Band’s 24-hour hotline at (845) 938-2617; or visit www.westpoint.edu/band.

RAMAPO — Jene Nickford of Tappan, widow of Juan Nickford (1925-2001), donated his metal sculpture, “Nana,” to SUNY Rockland Community College through the Rockland Community College Foundation.

Juan Nickford was a faculty member at the College in the Department of Art. Married to Juan for 49 years, Jene said, “I’m not young any more so I want to make sure all of Juan’s pieces have good homes. He had a very good teaching experience at RCC.”

Placed on a pedestal in the reception area of the Office of the President, “Nana” is made of brass and nickel silver and stands 44” high. The line of her torso is reminiscent of the bustle worn by women in the 19^th Century.

Jene attended the Academic Convocation celebrating RCC’s 50^th Anniversary and is glad that her donation is coinciding with the College’s year-long celebration.

Juan’s work includes commissions from Ford Aerospace and Communications Corporation, several buildings in New York City and a cruise line. His work can also be found in major museums and galleries throughout the U.S. Though diagnosed with Parkinson’s disease in 1983, he was able to complete his “farewell” piece, a large relief sculpture for the Robert Yeager Health Center in Pomona in 1998.

Jaun taught at several colleges including Vassar and RCC and ended his teaching career as a full professor at City College of the City University of New York, where he was made Professor Emeritus.

For further information, contact Don Cairns, Executive Director of the Foundation, at (845) 574 - 4576. For more information about the Rockland Community College Foundation, visit www.sunyrockland.edu/go/rccfoundation

NYACK - The Helen Hayes Hospital Foundation hosted a very successful “Pretty
Penny Social” on Sunday, Dec. 6 at “Pretty Penny,” the Hudson River estate of the famed First Lady of the American Theater, Helen Hayes MacArthur, who resided in the house for 60 years.

The event was a fundraiser for Helen Hayes Hospital in West Haverstraw, the region’s largest specialty physical rehabilitation hospital serving individuals with catastrophic injuries and debilitating illnesses.
Guests were treated to an elegant cocktail and dessert reception by noted Rockland chef Peter X. Kelly, along with entertainment and tours of the landmark home, generously opened by the current owner, W. Graham Arader, III.

An art and antique sale by Arader Galleries of New York City featured a special collection of historic maps and city views and botanical, bird and animal prints. Guests enjoyed bidding at the auction that featured dinners, spa treatments and merchandise from some of the Hudson Valley’s leading purveyors. Winners of the Grand Raffle won a trip for two to Las Vegas or San Francisco and a large flat screen television.
In 1944, Helen Hayes was appointed to the hospital’s Board, which she served on until she passed away in 1993. In recognition of her service, the hospital was renamed in her honor in 1980. This Tony, Grammy and Oscar winning actress once stated, “I’ve seen my name in lights on theater marquees and in letters 20 feet tall on Broadway billboards, but nothing has ever given me greater sense of pride and satisfaction than my 49 year association with this unique hospital.”
As a not-for-profit organization, the Helen Hayes Hospital Foundation relies upon charitable contributions to address the needs of the hospital that are not met by traditional funding sources. This includes special equipment, seed money for research, support groups, patient equipment loans, adaptive sports and other items/services that promote physical rehabilitation medicine.

NEW CITY – The Historical Society of Rockland is hosting workshops that will teach participants methods of preserving their valuable and treasured family documents and photos.

The workshop identifying different types of photographs, daguerreotypes, postcards, stereoscopic views, cabinet cards, etc and discussion the basics of cataloging and copying. They also discuss archival materials and storage techniques.

The workshops provide examples of materials as well as storage techniques from the museum’s collections. A round table discussion with participants will focus on the photographs or documents they brought with them.

Admission: $10, which includes admission to the Miniature and Dollhouse Show: A Serendiptiy! Reservations required: 845-634-9629 or www.rocklandhistory.org.

Taking The Challenge. The academic team from Ramapo High School will face the team from Iona Preparatory School in the first round competition of MSG Varsity’s The Challenge, airing December 30 at 6:30 PM exclusively on MSG Varsity on Cablevision’s iO Channel 14. Pictured during a break in taping are Tricia McNab (academic advisor), Charles Lieberman (academic advisor), Jordan Del Fierro, Michael Quach (team captain), host Jared Cotter, Rashawn Dye, Afua Adjei-Brenyah and Adanna Uwazurike (team alternate).

The 13^th season of The Challenge kicks off with all-star student scholars from Ramapo High School and Iona Preparatory School competing against each other in round one of this award-winning high school quiz show. This first round match-up will air Wednesday, December 30, at 6:30 p.m. on MSG Varsity (Cablevision’s iO TV – Channel 14). MSG Varsity, Cablevision’s recently launched 24/7 television network dedicated to everything high school, will feature new episodes of The Challenge every Sunday through Friday at 6:30 PM. The Challenge will also repeat on News 12 Westchester on Saturday and Sunday evenings at 6:30 p.m. and 9:30 p.m.

Representing Ramapo High School will be Afua Adjei-Brenyah, Jordan Del Fierro, Rashawn Dye, Michael Quach (team captain) and Adanna Uwazurike (team alternate). The academic advisors are Charles Lieberman and Tricia McNab.

WEST NYACK – As the staff photographer for the Lincoln Center Festival since its inception in 1996, Stephanie Berger of Piermont has captured the eclectic array of productions that the festival has brought to the stages, tents, parks, and opera houses of New York over the years. Stage Life brings Berger’s stunning images to the Rockland Center for the Arts Jan. 17 through March 7.

“Through my lens, I have tried to capture all the Festival’s beauty, drama, grace, and theatrical spectacle… I hope to have captured the depth and momentary beauty that we see in the theater in these images that remain frozen in time,” says Berger.

Berger is best known for her work photographing the performing arts, bringing a unique vision in capturing the excitement, beauty, and expressiveness of many of the leading dancers, choreographers, directors, musicians, and actors working today.

Since 1986, she has been photographing music, dance, opera, cultural events and festivals at Lincoln Center for the Performing Arts, the Brooklyn Academy of Music, Carnegie Hall, Museum of Modern Art, the Whitney Museum and many other sites and institutions around the world. She has been the Lincoln Center Festival staff photographer since its inception in 1996.

She is a frequent contributor to many publications, including The New York Times, ArtNews, New York Magazine, and Film Comment, among others. Her work has been commissioned by major orchestras such as the New York Philharmonic and Brooklyn Philharmonic and contemporary dance companies such as Mark Morris Dance Group, Shen Wei Dance Arts, and The Merce Cunningham Dance Company as well as theater directors and companies like Robert Wilson, Chen Shizeng, and Meredith Monk.

Berger lives in Piermont with her husband, Paul King, and twin sons, Jacob and Noah. A reception from 1 to 4 p.m. on Jan. 17 kicks off the exhibition. Lynn Stein is curator for the exhibit at the center, 27 South Greenbush Road, West Nyack.

CONGERS - Despite the dismal economy, holiday giving at the Rockland Country Day School was alive and well this year with a variety of charitable initiatives taking place before the holidays.

Annual Food Drive: The RCDS community, consisting of students in pre-K through 12^th grade, banded together for the School’s annual food drive to benefit People to People, Rockland County’s largest food pantry that provides food and other services to local families. In true RCDS fashion, students collected an impressive 187 pounds of canned food and other needed items during the month of November. To continue to give to People to People, visit its website at: http://www.peopletopeopleinc.org.

Heifer International Donation: In November, the Middle School Government held a bake sale and raised $120, which was used to purchase “a flock of chicks” and a “trio of rabbits” to benefit Heifer International (www.heifer.org/gift). Heifer works toward ending world hunger by donating livestock and providing agricultural training to impoverished communities all over the globe. Participating students included: Greg Boyer, Kyla Brathwaite, Maliah Buxton, Alaina Goggin, and Amalia Rubino.

RCDS Coat Drive: The RCDS community collected over 60 clean and gently used coats and jackets as part of the One Warm Coat community service project held at the School in December. All donated coats and jackets were given to the Nyack Homeless Project for distribution to local people in need.

POMONA - The Knickerbocker Ice Festival is adding some green to the wintertime event with ecological and earth-friendly products, services and educational events to demonstrate how anyone can be more earth-friendly.

The Knickerbocker Ice Festival, celebrating the Hudson Valley’s 19^th century ice industry, runs Jan. 23 and 24 at Rockland Lake State Park in Congers.

The park’s been designated a priority site for sustainability initiatives within The Palisades Interstate Park Commission’s (PIPC) 28 parks and historic sites. Rockland Lake will work with the Ice Festival to set the standard for the greening of special events in other parks within New York State.

At the Ice Festival, people will learn what they can do to help decrease their footprint on the planet. Hydrogen-powered SUVs from General Motors will help shuttle people around the event, LED (light-emitting diode) lights will illuminate the ice carvings, pathways and ice gallery, and the food court will exclusively feature biodegradable cutlery, cups, plates and bowls made entirely of organic material, but look and feel like plastic.

- Solar-powered signs provided by the NYS Department of Transportation on area roadways will direct passers-by to the event. Everything in the park will be recycled, composted, and disposed of properly,” said Maria Rodd, managing director, Knickerbocker Ice Festival, Inc.

- From the firewood for the warming stations to the creation of rustic Knickerbocker Benches, every aspect of the event’s carbon footprint will be analyzed and refined to ensure that the event is an environmental success,” said Timothy Englert, Development Specialist for the Palisades Interstate Park Commission.

The Ice Festival features various activities including an ice sculpturing invitational, a KIDZ Ice Park, Artists In the Parks, “Cool Crafts” craft tent, Knick’s Canteen, the Cold Rock Café, an historic ice gallery, history and shopping tours, and more.

The Knickerbocker Ice Festival (www.knickerbockericefestival.com) celebrates the history of Rockland’s ice industry. In the 19^th century, the Knickerbocker Ice Company harvested ice throughout the Hudson Valley. Knickerbocker Ice Festival Inc (KIFI) is a non-profit organization incorporated for the purpose of implementing the Knickerbocker Ice Festival in cooperation with the Palisades Interstate Park Commission.

ALL SEASONS CHAMBER PLAYERS RETURN TO ST. ELIZABETH’S MEMORIAL CHAPEL IN TUXEDO ON JAN. 3

The congregation of Saint Elizabeth’s Memorial Chapel in Tuxedo, NY, will present the All Seasons Chamber Players in a free public concert on Sunday afternoon, Jan. 3 at 3:00 P.M. All are welcome. This will be the 16^th year that the ensemble has been performing at Saint Elizabeth’s Chapel. Free will contributions will be accepted. The chapel, located on Eagle Valley Road in Tuxedo, NY, will be decorated with poinsettias and greens for the holidays and offers glorious acoustics and a historic setting for chamber music. A Meet-The-Artists Reception for all will follow the concert. For further information or directions call (201) 327-3710 or (201) 768-1331.

Saint Elizabeth’s Memorial Chapel has a remarkable history. It was built as a family chapel on the estate of the descendants of J. Pierpont Morgan and Alexander Hamilton, the first Secretary of the Treasury. The lovely stone chapel was named after Elizabeth Schuyler Hamilton who died at the age of 11 in the influenza epidemic following World War I. It is an architectural duplicate of many small houses of worship that dot the English countryside which combine elements of 16^th and 17^th century design. The chapel has a long tradition of providing free concerts for the public.

The program, entitled All Seasons Greetings, will include music from countries in the musical vanguard of the Baroque era: Italy, France and Germany. The players will use the ensemble’s beautiful 2-manual Flemish harpsichord in combination with flute and strings. The program will include Arcangelo Corelli’s Trio Sonata in D, two of Padre Antonion Soler’s solo harpsichord sonatas performed by Ron Levy, Frideric Handel’s beloved Sonata in D for Violin and Continuo, J.S. Bach’s Sonata VI in Major for Flute and Continuo, Francois Couperin’s Pieces en Concert for Cello and Harpsichord and Telemann’s Trio Sonata in G Minor. The program will close on a sublime note with the Pastorale from Concerto Grosso in G minor, Op. 6, No. 8 (Christmas Concerto). Robert Lawrence, Co-Director of Programs, will personally introduce each piece to the audience.

All Seasons performers are professional musicians who also perform with major area orchestras, Broadway shows and summer music festivals. They include flutist Brenda Sakofsky of New City, NY; violinist Robert Lawrence of New York City; cellist E. Zoe Hassman of New York City; harpsichordist Jean Strickholm of Demarest; and harpsichordist Ron Levy of Teaneck.

Mr. Levy is well known to many music lovers in Bergen County through his solo performances with various orchestras and choral groups and appearances with the Palisades Virtuosi. He has also concertized widely in Canada and Europe and his recordings are available on the Albany, Centaur, Eroica, Koch, International, MMF and Summit labels. He is an Associate Artist with the All Seasons Chamber Players.

Now in its 29^th season, the All Seasons Chamber Players has performed over 600 concerts throughout the metropolitan area. The ensemble has also been heard on Cablevision’s MetroArts/13 programs and other cable TV stations in New Jersey. Winner of the Award for Artistic Excellence from the Bergen County Division of Cultural and Historic Affairs, the ensemble has received numerous grants from public and private sources. Its full schedule is listed on its web site: www.allseasonschamberplayers.org. A printed schedule may be obtained by calling (201) 768-1331.

WEST NYACK – After a year of building up support to bring the JCC Maccabi Games to Rockland County, JCC Rockland says it has indeed been selected to host the games in 2012.

On the fourth night of Chanukah, several hundred people are expected to gather Monday, Dec. 14, for a candle lighting ceremony to celebrate JCC Rockland’s selection, said Steve Gold, JCC Rockland’s immediate past president, who will be providing latkes for all in attendance.

Special guests will be approximately 50 past and present teen Maccabi athletes. Also on hand to show support will be Sasha and Roman Zaretsky, Israel’s pairs skating champions, who train locally, courtesy of JCC Rockland. JCC Rockland has supported the Zaretsky’s efforts to train here in Rockland because Israel only has one ice skating rink. The next stop for the Zaretskys is Vancouver for the 2010 Olympics.

For the past 27 years, the JCC Maccabi Games, an Olympic-style sporting competition held each August in North America, has been the largest organized sports program for Jewish teenagers in the world. Today, over 6,000 teens, ranging from 12 to 16 years of age, participate in the JCC Maccabi Games each summer.

This past summer, the games were held in San Francisco, Calif, San Antonio, Texas and in Westchester County. Sixty-one Rockland teens participated in Westchester County’s opening ceremony, which took place in Madison Square Garden.

“It’s a huge undertaking, which requires at least two years of planning, over 1,000 volunteers and the housing of 1,800 Jewish teens from around the United States and other countries, including Canada, Mexico, Great Britain, Venezuela, and Israel,” said JCC Rockland CEO David Kirschtel.

The JCC Maccabi Games serve a larger purpose than just athletic competition. They promote community involvement, teamwork, and pride in being Jewish. Since 1982, the games have included the “Day of Caring and Sharing Program,” where each participant takes a day off from competition to participate in a community service project.

The American concept of community service is closely tied to the basic Jewish value of Tikkun Olam (repairing the world), which urges people to make a difference in the lives of others who may be less fortunate than ourselves. “This memorable experience,” said Kirschtel, “allows the athletes to return home with a sense of inspiration and commitment to continue doing community service throughout the year.”

“Based on the success of other host communities throughout the United States, the five day event will bring thousands of visitors to Rockland County filling our hotels, restaurants and shops,” added Kirschtel. “The Games traditionally are a significant boon to the local economy and help build community as thousands of volunteers are required to coordinate the event.”

RAMAPO—Teams of students from Rockland Community College and Rockland County high schools competed on December 4 for $1,000 in a business plan competition. Each team had two or three members. Winners:

Students Andrew Vigotsky and Richard Bunyan won $1,000 for their proposed business plan, Textrade, a Web site with a specifically designed page for the students of each constituent college/university to use for trading textbooks. High school advisor was Mr. Dan Greaven.

Students Ephraim Tauber and Michal Lemel won $1,000 for their proposed business plan, Save A Life, which provides day and evening education in emergency life saving skills primarily to corporations and college students. RCC advisor was Thomas Swift, adjunct faculty, Business.

The New York State Society of Certified Public Accountants, Rockland County Chapter, and the Rockland Community College Business Department co-hosted the competition.

Each winning team received the grand prize of $1,000, which was funded by the New York Society of Certified Public Accountants, Rockland Chapter. Mitchell Gusler, CPA, Senior Partner, Rifkin & Company, and President, New York Society of Certified Public Accountants, Rockland

POMONA – Hi-Tor Animal Care Center has its first holiday Tree Lighting Ceremony at the shelter on Saturday, Dec. 19 at 4 p.m.

Complete with sounds of the season, light refreshments and a festive atmosphere, the ceremony gives pet owners and lovers the opportunity to celebrate their favorite pet with a special ornament on the shelter’s Lights of Love Tree for a $10 donation - which goes toward the welfare of the animals in Hi-Tor’s care.

Hi-Tor is also extending its promotion on cats and dogs that began in October through the New Year in hopes that the lovable pets in its care will get homes for the holidays.

Cats and kittens are two for the fee of one and cats five years and older are half the adoption fee. Dogs five years and older are $75. The shelter is encouraging anyone interested to come by and adopt a new best friend. For those who cannot adopt, spreading the word to people who can is appreciated.

NEW CITY – In tough economic times, Mary Barbera’s office gets some of the most unpopular jobs to do in law enforcement – collection of court-ordered payments for debts, enforcing court orders and carrying out evictions.

And business is booming at her office, the Civil Division of the Rockland County Sheriff’s Department. Barbera, who is chief of the 17-member unit in New City, says her office is responsible for collecting and disbursing about $4 million annually. As a result, Rockland also earns about $400,000 in fees from that process, which go to help the county’s budget.

Rockland Sheriff James Kralik says the Civil Division doesn’t get much publicity or attention from the public, but its work is an essential part of the justice system. To make sure the Civil Division is working efficiently and meeting the needs of the public, Kralik said the unit about two years ago began the process of obtaining a key state certification.

This week, Peter Kehoe, executive director of the New York State Sheriff’s Association, awarded official accreditation to the Rockland Civil Division. Kehoe said Rockland is now among only 15 civil units in the state that have been granted the association’s accreditation.

Rockland County Executive C. Scott Vanderhoef applauded the accreditation as it was given to Kralik and Barbera at a ceremony in the chambers of the Rockland County Legislature. Vanderhoef said the accreditation is proof that the Civil Division continues to be a effective unit, even as its workload has increased over the years.

Kehoe explained that the accreditation not only looks at the internal operations of the Civil Division, but the way its members deal with the public and handle difficult situations. Kralik noted that, in Rockland, officers working in the Civil Division are also certified as peace officers, undergoing training at the Rockland Police Academy.

SPRING VALLEY - For several years, the Spring Valley Rotary has put smiles on thousands of children’s faces with a new toy from Santa. This year the tradition continues as the Rotary Club has arranged for Santa to make an early visit to several Spring Valley child care and afterschool programs.

“To watch children’s faces light up when they see Santa is priceless” said Spring Valley Rotary Club President Ed Frank. “Each year the Spring Valley Rotary works with the Rockland County Marine Corps League through their Toys for Tots program to secure a gift for every child and this year over 415 children will receive a gift.”

The Spring Valley Rotary Club, which has been in existence for more than 75 years, has dedicated members who serve as Santa’s elves during his visit.

Here are a list of dates, times and locations that the Rotary Club has arranged for Santa to visit:

- The Spring Valley Youth Bureau, 9 N. Main St., Spring Valley, Dec. 18, 6:30 p.m.

ORANGEBURG - The 13^th season of The Challenge kicks off with all-star student scholars from Tappan Zee High School and New Rochelle High School competing against each other in round one of this award-winning high school quiz show.

This first round match-up will air Wednesday, Dec. 23, at 6:30 p.m. on MSG Varsity (Cablevision’s iO TV – Channel 14). MSG Varsity, Cablevision’s recently launched 24/7 television network dedicated to everything high school, will feature new episodes of The Challenge every Sunday through Friday at 6:30 p.m.

The Challenge will also repeat on News 12 Westchester on Saturday and Sunday evenings at 6:30 PM and 9:30 PM.

Representing Tappan Zee High School will be Jack Davison (team captain), Min Jeong, Eliana Michaels (team alternate), Evan Noyes and Justin Reiter. The academic advisor is Michael Matulac.

NEW CITY - Assemblyman Kenneth P. Zebrowski says his office is being used as a collection point for this year’s “Toys for Tots” program, which is run by the U.S. Marine Corps Reserve.

The mission of the Toys for Tots Program is to collect new, unwrapped toys and distribute those toys as Christmas gifts to needy children in the community. Toys can be dropped off weekdays from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. at Zebrowski’s office on the second floor of 67 N. Main St., New City (across from Shop Rite.

Additionally, upon request, Zebrowski’s staff will give each donor a written acknowledgement of his or her donation. Zebrowski says that Toys for Tots is a worthwhile program that brightens the holidays for needy children, and he encourages local residents to join him in supporting this cause.

GARNERVILLE - A site-specific installation by Tamara Gayer will be on view at the GAGA Arts Center in Garnerville now through Jan. 10.

The show, Everything’s For Sale, is comprised of ‘Skyline,’ a large scale installation that uses the windows in Gallery B at GAGA as a substrate; and ‘Window,’ a lightbox positioned opposite these windows. ‘Skyline’ plays with the image of the skyline of Manhattan, depicting some of the iconic buildings of this vista and outlining the power and aesthetic history of the City. This piece takes this engagement a stage further by altering some of the specifics, toying with our perception of the generic image of the City. The light box ‘Window’ offers the complementary intimate view of the City.

Gayer’s juxtaposition is not only a conversation about the history of New York but a play on light, color and patterns. Gayer uses our basic predisposition to assemble patterns to create undulating landscapes that evoke movement and promote discovery. In this show she will focus on plays of light and shadow both natural and artificial. This show is a continuation of the conversation Gayer seeks to promote about the spaces in which we live and the ongoing changes to our environment.

Gayer is an artist transfixed by Manhattan. Suspended between the impulses of an image-maker and a builder, she creates work that mutates from drawing to installation to video. Born in NYC, Gayer grew up in Jerusalem and Tel-Aviv. She holds a BA from Sarah Lawrence College and an MFA from Hunter College. In New York, her work has been show at Priska Juschka Fine Art, Foxy Production, and Exit Art among others. She is represented in several prominent collections, including that of the Museum of Modern Art.

Gallery Hours: Fridays, 4 to 8 p.m.; Saturdays, 2 to 6 p.m.; and, Sundays, noon to 4 p.m. The gallery is closed Dec. 25 to 27 and Jan. 1 to 3. GAGA is located at the Garnerville Arts & Industrial Center, 55 Railroad Ave., Garnerville.

Research examines development of new therapeutic approaches to treat paralysis and other movement disorders

Helen Hayes Hospital in West Haverstraw and The Wadsworth Center in Albany are recruiting volunteers to participate in a study of spinal reflex training, The results of this study will help to develop reflex training as a therapeutic treatment for better functional recovery after spinal cord injury or other damage to the nervous system. Both institutions are part of the New York State Department of Health.

After spinal cord injury, stroke or other traumatic events to the nervous system, reflex functions often change. Because reflexes play an important part in movement and behavior, when reflexes are not working well, movements may be disturbed. Researchers have found that people can learn to increase or decrease a reflex response by means of training. Learning to change a reflex response may become an effective approach as a rehabilitation treatment.

Research participants will stand or sit in a chair while wearing a standard clinical EEG cap for monitoring brain activity. Surface electrodes will be placed on the skin over leg muscles for monitoring muscle activity and over a nerve to produce reflex responses. Nerve stimulation may cause a brief mild sensation. The procedure is completely harmless and non-invasive.

Participation in this study requires approximately three sessions per week for two to three months, followed by four to eight sessions over another two to three months. Each session will last approximately 90 minutes. Participants will be paid $15 per session.

Every effort will be made to accommodate the individual schedules of participants, i.e., before work, after work, lunchtime, etc. Participants should be reliable and prompt since the success of the study depends on consistent participation and it may be difficult to make up missed sessions.

Helen Hayes Hospital is one of the nation’s leading physical rehabilitation hospitals, specializing in rehabilitation following spinal cord injury, stroke and other neurological conditions. The hospital is operated by the New York State Department of Health and is a member of the New York-Presbyterian Healthcare System. The Wadsworth Center is the research-intensive public health laboratory of the New York State Department of Health dedicated to science in the pursuit of health.

For additional information on how to join this research study, please contact Aiko Thompson at thompsona@helenhayeshosp.org or Laura Tenteromano at 845-786-4854.

NYACK - The Helen Hayes Hospital Foundation and the Chamber of Commerce of the Nyacks are joining forces for the first annual “First Lady of Nyack Celebration” this weekend, Dec. 4-6, in Nyack.

The weekend activities offer local residents and visitors an opportunity to celebrate the affinity the late actress Helen Hayes had for her hometown of Nyack and her dedication to Helen Hayes Hospital, the state’s physical rehabilitation hospital in West Haverstraw, where she served on the board for 49 years. The “First Lady of Nyack Celebration” is also designed to support holiday festivities and shopping in Nyack.

The Helen Hayes Hospital Foundation is hosting a fundraising event, a “Pretty Penny Social,” on Sunday, Dec. 6, at Helen Hayes’ former home, “Pretty Penny,” now owned by W. Graham Arader III. Tickets are still available for the event, which includes a fine art sale by Arader Galleries, as well as raffle and auction prizes, tours of Pretty Penny and a cocktail and dessert reception by famed Rockland chef Peter X. Kelly.

Helen Hayes, the First Lady of the American Theater, lived at Pretty Penny at 235 North Broadway for 60 years. Nyack Mayor John Shields said the celebration is fitting because of Helen Hayes’ long involvement in the community in Nyack, and her dedication to the rehabilitation hospital.

Many shops and restaurants in Nyack will be holding special sales and featuring special menus over the weekend, in conjunction with the Pretty Penny Social event. Many businesses will be donating a percentage of sales back to the Helen Hayes Hospital Foundation. Nyack is also offering free parking in two downtown lots to make visiting more convenient.

For additional information on the events, contact the Helen Hayes Hospital Foundation at 845-786-4225 or the Chamber of Commerce of the Nyacks at 845-353-2221 or nyackchamber.com

Palisades holiday food, gift drive to help People to People

PALISADES - As winter approaches the food pantry of People to People is in desperate need of replenishing. Last year at this time, 500 families relied on the food pantry. This year over 1,000 families are in need and that number is growing.

On Sunday, Dec. 6, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. at the Palisades Community Center, 675 Oak Tree Road, people can drop off food donations, holiday gifts and winter wear for children and teens.

Canned and non-perishable food items requested are: Cereal, pasta and pasta sauce, peanut butter and jelly, canned soup and stew, tuna, canned fruit, vegetables and beans, macaroni & cheese, tea, coffee and juice drinks. Also, non-perishable pet food and supplies are welcome.

New gifts for the holidays will also be collected for infants, children, teens and adults. This year there is a call out for teenage items for children aged 12-18, who are generally overlooked. Some suggestions are: New toys, jewelry, clothing, hats, gloves and scarves, DVDs, CDs, and gift cards. Gifts should be new items that are unwrapped.

For further information, Carol Baxter at 398-2521 or e-mail: PCC@palisadesny.com

East Ramapo Marching Band: ‘We are the champions’

SPRING VALLEY – The East Ramapo Marching Band is the 2009 Division 1 winner in the Musical Arts Marching Band Championships, coming out on top of a competition that included 20 other bands from the New York, New Jersey and Connecticut area in Bridgeport, Conn.

East Ramapo also won specialty awards for Best Music, Best Overall Effect and Best Drum Major, an award the band has taken for three consecutive years.

The band, led by Band Director Michael Smith, has kept busy during the 2009 season, with 11 competitions, seven football games, pep rallies at Spring Valley High School and Ramapo High School, local parades - Heart Walk at Rockland Community College, Haitian Day Parade in Spring Valley, Halloween Parade in Nyack – the Columbus Day Parade on New York City's Fifth Avenue; and the NAACP Awards Dinner in Norwood, N.J.

The band is also set to perform at seven East Ramapo Schools during the school tour on Nov. 24.

The band has been well known for its precision in drill, the intricate field work, the complexity in their music and the overall visual effects on the field. Band members have appeared on Good Morning America, Good Day New York and at the Apollo Theatre in Harlem.

North Rockland Rotary helps food pantry

STONY POINT - The Rotary Club of North Rockland completed its “November Food Drive” for the Catholic Charities Food Pantry, and delivered the food and groceries on Thursday, Nov. 19.

Club members and guests brought food to the club’s weekly meetings at Noel’s Restaurant in Stony Point throughout November.

Martha Robels, director, at Catholic Charities Food Pantry was very excited to receive the gifts of food. She told North Rockland Rotary Club President Patricia Doebler, “Just for Thanksgiving they have 278 people they will be giving food baskets to.” Catholic Charities, like other Food Pantries are seeing up to triple the amount of needy people this year.

There is still time to donate, and food can be donated at 78 Hudson Ave., Haverstraw, weekdays from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Rotary International is the world’s first service club organization, with more than 1.2 million members in 33,000 clubs worldwide. Rotary club members are volunteers who work locally, regionally, and internationally to combat hunger, improve health and sanitation, provide education and job training, promote peace, and eradicate polio under the motto Service Above Self.

The gift of giving

The students of Holy Family Catholic Academy in Norwood, N.J., were busy recently collecting food items to provide to those in need. Each class was asked to bring in specific items so that every family receiving the food donations would get an entire Thanksgiving meal.

Donations were to be delivered to the Office of Concern, of St. Cecilia’s Church in Englewood, N.J., and also to Mother Theresa’s, Sisters of Charity, who will be preparing meals for those in need.

HFCA is the regional parochial school for the parishes of St Mary’s, Closter, St Joseph’s, Demarest; Our Lady of Victories, Harrington Park; Sacred Heart, Haworth; St Anthony’s, Northvale; Immaculate Conception, Norwood; St. Pius X, Old Tappan.

Artist to showcase his work throughout Haverstraw

HAVERSTRAW - Artist Frank Welles in partnership with the Village of Haverstaw, Haverstraw Businesses, Restaurants, and The Arts Alliance announces he will embrace “The Arts in the Village of Haverstaw.”

From Thanksgiving through January 2010, Welles will take a unique approach to exhibit and to sell his art. Spanning over 50 years, his pieces including paintings, drawings, and prints will be displayed at many of the downtown area businesses and restaurants throughout the Village of Haverstraw (New Main Street, Main Street & Broadway).

“Utilizing the horizon line, I like to think of my paintings as interior landscapes, often using skeleton-like forms and other anatomical details from insects and various natural organisms. These metamorphic-like forms are surrounded in both limited (bounded) spaces as in a closed room, and unlimited (free) space, as in infinity. This visual impact lies somewhere between the contemporary English painter Francis Bacon and the Flemish painter Hieronymus Bosh” said Welles.

Welles, graduated from Duke University and studied at the Art Students League of New York in the 1960s. Over the past 50 years, Welles has created contemporary artwork that encompasses many different styles and mediums. Always painting an emotional snapshot from the moments of world events, he attempts to find peace within brutality.

In the mid 1960s, Welles also found a passion for woodworking and “discovered” wood. He began a self-education process that was to make him one of the country’s experts on wood finishing as an art form. By 1969, he had established a unique flooring and wood finishing business, which has continued through the present.

Presently, invigorated and inspired, Welles continues to paint and to invite viewers to actively experience his pieces. He works primarily out of his studio and gallery in Garnerville. For more information and a taste of his work, visit www.frankwelles.com.

In addition, students from The Art Alliance and local schools will be painting a few holiday scenes on store front windows.

Lions’s grant helps Vacation Camp for the Blind

NEW HEMPSTEAD - The New York State and Bermuda Lions Foundation awarded a $5,000 grant to Vision Center for Blindness, formerly know as Vacation Camp for the Blind, to repair the air conditioner in Mannie’s room.

This space is the only large capacity indoor area at the camp and is used continuously during the summer season. It can accommodate approximately 175 people at a time and is used regularly by all the 600 visual impaired and blind individuals that VCB serves every summer. The $5,000 grant from the foundation was matched by $10,000 that VCB raised with help from Lions club and individual Lions throughout the state.

The grant was presented to Lion Khaled Musa, VCB Program Director by the Trustees that represented district 20 R-1 (Rockland, Putnam and parts of Westchester) at the District Convention at Terrace on the Hudson on Nov. 15.

Started in Westchester County and now located in Rockland County, VCB has grown to be one of the largest and most comprehensive residential rehabilitation and training centers serving people of all ages who are blind throughout New York State and Bermuda.

During the five summer sessions and weekends from October to May, VCB hosts people of all ages who are blind including independent adults, adults with developmental disabilities, elders, teens and families with children or parents who are blind. MD-20 Lions have been actively involved with VCB since 1951 when the Spring Valley Lions Club (20-R1) became the first Lions Club to sponsor blind participants and help maintain the facility.

Currently, there are about 150 Lions Clubs throughout New York State who are active financial donors raising approximately $90,000 each year to help offset the $1,000,000 annual camp expenses. Over 200 Lions from MD-20 visit the camp each year, volunteering at two or more work days to help maintain the facility, assisting in weekend and summer programs and attending Lions recognition ceremonies at VCB Lions Family Day in August.

Beth Am Temple welcomes newly ‘invested’ cantor

PEARL RIVER – In Beth Am Temple's 46 year history, close to 20 men and women have served in the position of Cantor ^_ Marcy Kadin is the first to be “invested,” which is similar to ordination for a Rabbi.

Investiture involves a five year graduate course of study at the Hebrew Union College-Jewish Institute of Religion, the seminary for the Reform Movement, located in New York City. All candidates must first spend a year living and studying in Jerusalem and then four more years of intense study in New York City.

As an invested Cantor, Kadin is able to officiate at all ceremonies for Jewish life cycle events including weddings, baby namings and funerals.

Kadin, who began work at the Pearl River Reform temple in August, spent her early childhood in Philadelphia and now resides in Short Hills, N.J. She earned a Bachelor’s Degree in Vocal Performance from the Hartt College of Music and completed her graduate studies at the College Conservatory of Music at the University of Cincinnati.

Prior to attending Hebrew Union College-Jewish Institute of Religion, she was a soloist in oratorios, opera, and chamber music organizations. She was honored to serve as the student cantor in Spring, Texas, at the Community Jewish Center North, and at the Jewish Center of Northwest Jersey in Washington, N.J. Kadin is also a member and soloist, performing with the Zamir Chorale under the direction of Matthew Lazar in New York City.

Kadin received a Masters Degree in Sacred Music as part of her five-year journey to the cantorate in May of 2008, and was invested as a Cantor in May of 2009. She will be celebrating her 35th wedding anniversary with her husband Paul in June, and has two grown sons, Andy and Michael.

"I am so excited to serve as Cantor at Beth Am; it is such a warm environment that I instantly felt like part of the family. My goal as Cantor is to use music, teaching, and pastoral counseling, to enable the Beth Am community to experience all that Judaism has to offer," stated Cantor Marcy, as she is known by the Religious School students.

As Cantor, Kadin's responsibilities include preparing all students for their Bar and Bat Mitzvah day by teaching them Haftarah trope (the notations that indicate how to chant specific portions of the Biblical Prophetic reading or Haftarah), teaching music to grades K-7, preparing and working with the Temple choir and organist, and Cantor Kadin hopes to start a youth choir in the coming months.

"Marcy has been an incredible addition to the Beth Am Community. We were blessed to have Cantor Geri Zeller serve our congregation for 18 years and she is now Cantor Emerita and assists periodically in the leading of services. Cantor Kadin's warm style has enabled her to smoothly transition into Beth Am's community without missing a beat! It feels as though she has been here for years," stated Rabbi Dan Pernick, who is celebrating his 25th year as Rabbi of Beth Am.

At a recent service led by the seventh grade students, Cantor Marcy encouraged them to feel the music and be themselves; the result was a lively rendition of the song Hinei Ma Tov, Psalm 133 "Behold How Good It Is To Gather Together," with the students dancing on the Bimah, playing musical instruments and truly enjoying their religious experience.

For more information about Beth Am Temple, see www.BethAmTemple.org.

Beth Am Temple, a Reform Jewish temple, considered itself is a welcoming environment for Jewish and interfaith singles, couples, and families from Rockland and Bergen counties. Beth Am offers K-12 religious school, Tot Shabbat, Hebrew School for children with special needs, adult Torah study, senior programs, youth groups, monthly Family Services, and much more. For more information, call 845-735-5858. Beth Am Temple is located at 60 E. Madison Ave., just a few blocks east of Route 304.

Volunteers Needed: Hudson Valley Humane Society & Petco Partner For Animal Adoption Center in Nanuet

POMONA - The Hudson Valley Humane Society has been invited by Petco’s Nanuet store to partner and host an onsite animal adoption center. Volunteers are needed to fill weekend shifts from 11am to 4pm both Saturday and Sunday at the conveniently located Petco on Rt. 59, Nanuet in the Rockland Plaza across from the Nanuet Mall. The HVHS is Rockland’s oldest animal welfare organization and is entirely staffed with volunteers.

Volunteers will be fully trained and are expected to care for small animals that are suitable in this environment such as: kittens, cats, bunnies, guinea pigs, gerbils, birds, etc. The invitation to volunteer is open to the general public; applications are available for download at www.hvhumane.org or at Petco’s Nanuet store or by calling 917-701-3870.

“Petco is proud to have the HVHS on site. We have been working together on weekend adoption events to help place animals in wonderful homes and it has been a tremendous success” commented store manager, Maria Scaglione. She continued, “To provide floor space for an adoption viewing center in our store is just exciting and extremely rewarding.”

“The ability to be at Petco in Nanuet expands the HVHS’s ability to find great homes for animals in a happy environment where people can come and meet their new best friend and get the support of experts in the store; the HVHS could not be more proud than to affiliate with Petco,” stated Ann Marie Gaudio, HVHS Trustee. Adoptions at the HVHS headquarters in Pomona continue daily on an appointment basis.

Easter Seals board chair and West Nyack resident featured in national campaign

WEST NYACK – VolunteerMatch recently introduced Inner Beauty, a new print and online awareness campaign featuring Easter Seals Board Chair and West Nyack resident Gerard “Jerry” Mattimore as one of America’s top volunteers.

Mattimore represents Easter Seals in the campaign alongside VolunteerMatch‘s three Preferred Partners, including National Multiple Sclerosis Society’s board chair Weyman Johnson, the American Red Cross’ national chair of volunteers Pam Farr and Girl Scouts of the USA’s national president Connie Lindsey. VolunteerMatch works with national nonprofits to coordinate their volunteer recruitment and engagement at their local chapter levels. To learn more and view the PSAs visit www.volunteermatch .org/Jerry or www.easterseals.com.

“It’s a remarkable moment for volunteering in this country,” said Greg Baldwin, president of VolunteerMatch. “We’re honored to shine the spotlight on just a handful of these amazing men and women.”

Mattimore knows Easter Seals clients and their families and is deeply committed to improving their lives through his personal support and through engaging his corporate contacts; prior to his experience at Easter Seals, Mattimore was an executive at Bayer Healthcare, a current corporate partner of Easter Seals. A volunteer leader with Easter Seals for more than 30 years Mattimore, first served as a board member and chair at the local affiliate in his home state of New York and for the past 12 years as a board member for the organization at the national level.

“I am proud to be a volunteer, to be a part of Easter Seals,” said Mattimore. “As volunteers today, I believe we are charged with shaping the many organizations that will move and thrive into the next century – to serve millions more. We're on our way."

VolunteerMatch makes it easy for good people and good causes to connect by providing a variety of online services to support a community of non-profit, volunteer and business leaders who are committed to civic engagement. The popular site welcomes millions of visitors a year and has become the preferred Internet recruiting tool for more than 72,000 nonprofit organizations including Easter Seals. Visit http://www.volunteermatch.org for Jerry’s story. You can also look for Jerry in the upcoming November 12^th edition of The Chronicle of Philanthropy.

Easter Seals is the leading non-profit provider of services for individuals with autism, developmental disabilities, physical disabilities and other special needs. For 90 years, we have been offering help and hope to children and adults living with disabilities, and to the families who love them. Through therapy, training, education and support services, Easter Seals creates life-changing solutions so that people with disabilities can live, learn, work and play. Support children and adults with disabilities at www.easterseals.com.

Michael Amante, world-renowned recording artist, will appear in Elmsford's Westchester Broadway Theatre for One night only on December 14th. This concert will be a Holiday themed performance, capturing in song, the heart and soul of pure romance and will include a collection of music of the Holiday Season, along with his extensive repertoire of romantic, classical, contemporary and Broadway songs.

Amante took the world by storm with his self-titled debut album. It has become one of the best-selling recordings of its kind, placing him #1 on Billboard Magazine's 2002 Year-End Top Classical Midline chart. Michael Amante’s PBS special received a regional Emmy Award Nomination.

Amante has been hailed as “The Fourth Tenor,” by entertainer, Regis Philbin and “The next Mario Lanza” by artist Tony Bennett. The New York Times declared that this “swashbuckling Italian tenor exhibits both the voice and charisma of a cross over star.” The New York Post dubbed Amante as “the golden-voiced tenor.” He has given performances for countless dignitaries and U.S. Presidents, appeared on numerous national television shows, and has performed at many sporting and other large arenas. He is also known as the “Voice of the New York Mets” for singing the National Anthem at many of their games.

Amante’s latest album “Ready For More” includes some of Amante’s dearest romantic tunes, including a few original tunes by song writers the late Ron Miller along with his daughter Lisa Miller, Bill Fayne and Michael’s Music Director and song writer Herb Bernstein. Also featured on this album is a special duet, “It’s Impossible”, with the late great Sergio Franchi, who has been called “One of the greatest Romantic, Popular Tenors of the 20^th Century.

Amante is considered one of the most versatile and gifted performers able to sing in variety of languages including, Italian, Spanish, Polish, French, German and Latin. He also regularly records and performs in a vast array of styles including Classical, Italian Art, Pop/Rock, Gospel and Broadway with a flair, finesse and finely crafted artistry that puts this virtuoso vocalist firmly in his own class.

Michael's latest project "Amante Salutes America" is focused on the production of a patriotic album, which will provide financial support to organizations benefiting United States Disabled Veterans. The project's mission is to raise funds to benefit Our Nation's disabled Veterans, those members of our armed forces who have sacrificed to protect the freedom we enjoy as Americans

Michael was born and grew up in Syracuse, New York where he was one of five children. As a boy, he marveled at how his father could always sweep his mother off her feet simply by singing to her in a lilting light tenor voice. “I wanted to do that,” he says, “to make people feel that good.” He now lives in Queens, New York with his wife Seema, daughters, Giana and Grace, and son, Luca.

Amante relaxes by using his gourmet chef talents for friends. His recipes have been published in Pasta Magazine. Amante is a talented and accomplished fine artist creating artwork for music recordings and works of literature. Painting, illustrating, sculpting, and carpentry round out the extended creative gifts of this most renowned artist.

On Sunday, December 13^th at 3:00 PM the Rockland County Catholic Choir will present Musical selections for Advent and THE Christmas season at The Marian Shrine Don Bosco Retreat Center in the Shrine Chapel, 174 Filors Lane, Stony Point, NY.

The forty voice choral group is led by Artistic Director/ Pianist George Bryant and Conductor Vincent Green. They have assembled an eclectic group of songs and carols by David Clydesdale, Lee Dengler, Tomas Luis de Victoria, Robert Sterling, Handel’s Hallelujah Chorus and others.

Traditional Christmas Carols with audience participation will conclude the afternoon. Light refreshments will follow.

Admission is FREE. For further information please call Janet Bassalo of Marian Shrine at 947-2200 ext. 307 or Caz Drygas, RCCC, 268-7021

Barbara Kohlhausen, President & CEO of Meals on Wheels Programs & Services of Rockland, says her group has accepted a $10,000 contribution from Entergy. The funds, directed to the Homebound Meal Delivery Program, will be used to remove Rockland County seniors off the waiting list for home delivered meals.

RAMAPO — Dr. Cliff L. Wood, president of Rockland Community College, has received the 2009 Northeast Regional Chief Executive Officer Award from the Association of Community College Trustees (ACCT).

The award was presented during the recent ACCT Annual Community College Leadership Congress in San Francisco, Calif.

Wood’s experience in community colleges spans more than three decades and five institutions, where he held senior level administrative positions. Wood has served as president of RCC since 2004. Prior to that, he held the position of vce president of Academic Affairs at County College of Morris in Randolph, N.J., where he remained for 18 years.

Wood’s civic activities include volunteer leadership with numerous organizations, including Big Brothers Big Sisters, Rockland 21C Collaborative for Children & Youth, the Holocaust Museum & Study Center, Leadership Rockland, Rockland Economic Development Corporation and more. He is Chair of the Board of Directors for Good Samaritan Hospital; Director/Treasurer of the National Association of Community College Teacher Education Programs; President of NYCCAP (the New York Community Colleges Association of Presidents); a member of the Board Of Directors of the Institute for Community College Development, Cornell University; and a member of the Executive Leadership Team for the American Heart Association Tri County Heart Walk for 2008-2009.

RAMAPO —Writers of all genres are invited to read their work for up to five minutes at the “Open Mike Night” hosted by the Center for Personal & Professional Development (CPPD) at Rockland Community College.

Tuesday, December 8, 7 – 9 p.m. (sign-in begins at 6:30 p.m.)

The first 20 writers to sign-in that evening can read their work for up to five minutes. All genres are welcome including memoirs, fiction, essays, poetry, screenplays, etc. Authors are permitted to make their books available for sale at the end of the evening.

To learn about writing, publishing, illustrating, and all other non-credit courses offered through the Center for Personal & Professional Development, contact CPPD at (845) 574-4151 or conted@sunyrockland.edu. For a full CPPD course listing, visit www.sunyrockland.edu/go/cppd

Hi-Tor shows off local pets on 2010 calendar

The Hi-Tor Pet of the Year – whose owner, Heather Vokes, raised the most money for the shelter – is Dushi-Aruba, a five-and-a-half year old male Arubian Cunucu Dog that was rescued from Aruba four years ago.

POMONA – Rockland County’s most popular pets grace the cover and inside pages of Hi-Tor Animal Care Center’s 2010 Pet Calendar, now available for purchase at Hi-Tor and at Pet Nutrition Center in Nanuet.

Calendars are $20 each, and all proceeds go toward the benefit of the shelter and the welfare of the many animals in its care. The posing pets featured in the calendar – including a bird, bunny, horses, cats and dogs – are the winners of the shelter’s second annual Pet Calendar Contest that kicked-off in July. Winners were selected last month, and were determined by the amount in donations raised by each pet owner.

The Pet of the Year – whose owner, Heather Vokes, raised the most money for the shelter – is Dushi-Aruba, a five-and-a-half year old male Arubian Cunucu Dog that was rescued from Aruba four years ago.

“Pets hold a very special place in their owners’ hearts, and that is evident by the number of participants we had in this year’s contest, despite rather difficult economic times,” said Roberta Bangs, President of Hi-Tor Animal Care Center’s Board of Directors. “So far, the contest has raised approximately $3,000 for the animals in our care, and we are very grateful to the participants for their enthusiasm and continued support.”

Arts Council of Rockland Hosts the 4^th Annual Dog Tag Art Exhibition Featuring Works by Rockland Vets

The Arts Council of Rockland (ACOR), in collaboration with the Rockland County Veterans Office, is hosting the 4^th Annual Dog Tag Art Exhibition featuring artwork by veterans of the armed forces of the United States. The exhibit will be on display at the Arts Council of Rockland (55 W. Railroad Avenue, Bldg. 24, Room A, Garnerville) from Saturday, November 14, through Thursday, December 10.

The Opening Reception will be held at the Arts Council on Saturday, November 14, 2009, beginning at 7:30 p.m. A program featuring performances by the following veterans will begin at 8:00:

Assemblyman Kenneth Zebrowski, who secured a grant to support the Exhibit, will speak.

15 exhibitors include Ed Brophy, Sean Clifford, Sam Cohen, Mike Goscinsky, Robert Huntoon, Karl Knoecklein, Bruce Lacher, Louis Mazzucca, Harold Nash, Gerry Phelan, George Rosato, Murray Schwimmer, Olga Steward, Dennis Vassilatos and Bruce Wichtendahl.

“Lots of images come up when we think of veterans,” said ACOR’s Executive Director Mark Judelson. “The veteran as artist is probably not at the top of most peoples list. But we’ve seen that there are veterans who happen to be artists and we’re honored to work with them. The mission of the Arts Council of Rockland is to encourage the arts and create a climate where creative expression flourishes and is experienced by everyone in Rockland County. These good men and women are helping us to do our job."

PROJECT CHERNOBYL AND ASSEMBLYWOMAN JAFFEE OFFER FREE THYROID CANCER TESTS TO RAISE AWARNESS OF ROCKLAND’S HIGH RATE OF THE DISEASE

Rockland County has highest rates of thyroid cancer in New York State according to the New York State Department of Health. In order to raise awareness of the urgency of timely detection, Project Chernobyl, a not-for-profit specializing in diagnosis and treatment of thyroid cancer and Assemblywoman Jaffee will offer free tests on November 18^th from 8:30 AM to 6:30 PM at Rockland Community College in Suffern.

Assemblywoman Ellen Jaffee (D) Suffern said, “By agreeing to come to Rockland, Project Chernobyl is providing an opportunity to raise awareness about Rockland’s high incidence of thyroid cancer. If caught in time, thyroid cancer has an exceptionally high cure rate. The screenings are a preliminary step in what I hope becomes an ongoing investigation of the possible causes for Rockland’s high rate of this cancer.”

Project Chernobyl physician, Dr. Daniel Branovan said, “Thyroid cancer is on the rise in the United States and has tripled in just the past 20 years. Certain groups are high risk, such as those exposed to radiation, whether from nuclear plant accidents, or from medical treatment. Chernobyl accident survivors fall into this group, which prompted the initiation of the project.”

Dr. Branovan continued, “Project Chernobyl offers patient evaluation using state-of-the-art ultrasound equipment, and close patient follow-up via specialized database monitoring. Our services are expanding beyond the Russian immigrant population to other communities at risk, such as Rockland County.” He added “Thyroid cancer has an extremely high cure rate when identified early. I encourage patients with a history of radiation exposure to attend.”

Screenings by appointment only. Call Jaffee’s office: 624-4601 or email jaffeee@assembly.state.ny.us to arrange an appointment. Room location at RCC’s College Road campus will be given at that time. Each screening takes about 10 minutes.

A Deepa Mehta Film followed by a conversation between Award winning Director Deepa Mehta & Award winning Actor/Author Ellen Burstyn

On Friday, November 20^th, award winning director Deepa Mehta will come to Rockland County for a one time screening of her most recent film: “A Heaven on Earth”. The film will be followed by a conversation between award winning actor/author Ellen Burstyn and Deepa Mehta, offering the audience a rare opportunity to gain first-hand insight into this provocative filmmaker’s work. A dessert reception will follow.

The event will be held at the Ramapo Cultural Arts Center at 64 Main Street in Spring Valley. Doors open at 6:00pm and the film will start at 7:00pm. Premium seating tickets are $50 in advance or $55 at the door; General admission tickets are $15 in advance or $20 at the door. All are invited to the dessert reception following the program.

“A Heaven on Earth” is about immigration, isolation and the power of imagination. Starring Preity Zinta, who was awarded a Silver Hugo for Best Actress, it received a Best Screenplay award at the Dubai International Film Festival and the Youth Jury award at the Film Festival in Verona, Italy.

This program is being presented by the Asian Women’s Alliance for Kinship and Equality (AWAKE) and the Rockland Family Shelter, in collaboration with the Indian Cultural Society of Rockland, the Rivertown Film Society and the STOP F.E.A.R. Coalition.

Tickets can be purchased online at www.rocklandfamilyshelter.org, or by calling Jan Deegan at: (845) 634-3391. Please note: this film is not appropriate for children.

Left to right, David Samberg, Verizon Wireless, Carolyn Fish, Executive Director Rockland Family Shelter, James Young, Director of Education Rockland Family Shelter, John Butler, Verizon Foundation

NEW CITY - Rockland Family Shelter Executive Director Carolyn Fish said the agency has been awarded $5,500 by the Verizon Foundation and Verizon Wireless to support the Teen Dating Violence Prevention Program offered free to all high schools in Rockland County.

Verizon has supported domestic violence prevention and awareness through its HopeLine phone recycling program and through the Verizon Foundation, the philanthropic arm of the company. One of the Foundation’s main Safety and Health Initiatives focuses on raising public awareness of the “quiet” epidemic (domestic violence) and works in partnership with nonprofits to help prevent domestic violence and assist those victimized.

Verizon Wireless’ HopeLine collects no-longer-used wireless phones, batteries and accessories and puts them to work in the community by turning them into support for domestic violence survivors. Phones collected through HopeLine® recycling drives are refurbished, recycled or sold and the proceeds are donated to domestic violence advocacy groups in the form of cash grants and prepaid wireless phones for survivors. Phones that cannot be refurbished are disposed of in an environmentally sound manner.

The Rockland Family Shelter TDVP Program is an initiative that offers free, in-school programs and peer counselor training for students, school administrators, teachers, and counselors on issues relating to teen dating violence, sexual abuse and domestic violence and healthy relationships. Dating violence is a pattern of controlling behavior that one partner or ex partner uses against the other. Statistics show that one in three teenagers have experienced or will experience some form of abuse in their relationship. Approximately one in five female high school students reports being physically and/or sexually abused by a partner. Forty percent of girls ages 14 to 17 reports knowing someone their age who has been hit or beaten by a boyfriend

Recognizing the prevalence of dating violence, Verizon Wireless last year expanded its HopeLine recycling program by creating UHopeLine®, designed to increase awareness of teen dating violence and encourage college students to help the environment by recycling wireless devices.

RFS has been conducting prevention education workshops in schools since 1984. In 1999 the agency developed the TDVPP, a series of 3 to 5 workshops in which students can participate, discuss and question issues of healthy dating with RFS staff members. The goal of all RFS youth based education is to cultivate and support positive social change.

The TDVP Program has been funded by contributions from the Rockland County Department of Social Services and the United Way of Rockland County. However, the agency needed additional funding to continue the work. “We are extremely grateful to the Verizon Corporation for their ongoing support of our Programs and Services”, Executive Director Carolyn Fish said in accepting the award from John Butler of the Verizon Foundation and David Samberg of Verizon Wireless. “It is so important that we continue to support opportunities for student development in critical thinking and understanding the importance of social activism.

In these difficult financial times non profits are in greater need than ever for corporate and foundation support. We want to thank Verizon for their recognition of the need for this work”.

Rockland Family Shelter wants to remind the community that if you or someone you know is experiencing abuse or has suffered a crime, you are not alone, call the Rockland Family Shelter 24 hour hotline, 845 634 3344.

Verizon Wireless accepts donations of no-longer-used wireless phones, batteries and accessories in any condition and from any carrier at all Verizon Wireless Communication Stores in Rockland County and throughout the New York Metro area. For store locations and additional information, visit www.verizonwireless.com/hopeline

The Verizon Foundation, the philanthropic arm of Verizon Communications, supports the advancement of literacy and K-12 education through its free educational Web site, Thinkfinity.org, and fosters awareness and prevention of domestic violence. In 2008, the Verizon Foundation awarded more than $68 million in grants to nonprofit agencies in the U.S. and abroad. It also matched the charitable donations of Verizon employees and retirees, resulting in an additional $26 million in combined contributions to nonprofits. Through Verizon Volunteers, one of the nation’s largest employee volunteer programs, Verizon employees and retirees have volunteered more than 3 million hours of community service since 2000. For more information on the foundation, visit www.verizonfoundation.org.

Fidelis Care's Spring Valley Office Announces Health Insurance Recertification Open House Nov. 20

SUFFERN – Fidelis Care announces a convenient
opportunity at its Spring Valley office to help local residents apply or
recertify for free or low-cost health coverage.

Fidelis Care will conduct a health insurance recertification open house
Friday, Nov. 20, from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m., at its storefront office, 175-11
Route 59, Spring Valley, located in the International Foodmart Plaza.
Fidelis Care representatives will answer questions and help eligible local
residents apply and recertify for free or low-cost health insurance. The
event includes giveaways and a WBLS 107.5 FM live remote.

Fidelis Care offers free or low-cost health insurance through New York
State's Child Health Plus, Family Health Plus, and Medicaid Managed Care
programs. Child Health Plus is for uninsured children in New York State
under age 19. Coverage may cost very little or nothing at all. Adults ages
19 to 64 may qualify for low-cost health coverage through Family Health
Plus, based on their household size and gross monthly income. Medicaid
Managed Care is for children and adults who meet certain income, resource,
age, or disability requirements. Members are covered for regular checkups,
preventive care, hospital and emergency care, eye exams, dental care, and
more.

To apply for Child Health Plus, Family Health Plus or Medicaid Managed Care
with Fidelis Care, please bring proof of age, income, and address.

Fidelis Care is the largest government programs-based health insurance
company in New York State. With more than 532,000 members in 46 counties
statewide, Fidelis Care was founded on the belief that all New Yorkers
should have access to affordable, quality health insurance. Fidelis Care
also offers Fidelis Medicare Advantage in 22 counties and Fidelis Dual
Advantage for residents eligible for Medicaid and Medicare in 17 counties.
Fidelis Care at Home, a managed long-term care program for adults, is
available in Orange and Rockland counties. Fidelis Medicaid Advantage Plus,
a full-risk, managed long-term care program for individuals 18 years of age
or older with Medicare and Medicaid coverage, is available in nine
counties.

Fidelis Care members have access to a provider network of more than 35,000
health care professionals statewide. Regional offices are located in Rego
Park (Queens), Amherst, Syracuse, and Albany, with satellite offices in
Rochester, Poughkeepsie, and Suffern.

Individuals seeking affordable health insurance coverage should contact
Fidelis Care toll-free at 1-888-FIDELIS (1-888-343-3547) or visit
www.fideliscare.org.

NEW CITY – November is National Hospice Month and throughout the month United Hospice of Rockland "Hugs for Hospice" signature cards will be available at various local businesses throughout Rockland.

Local businesses collect donations for the benefit of UHR in exchange for a hug. For a small donation, supporters may write the name of their friend or loved one a bear postcard and post it at that location. Proceeds support the care and services that UHR provides for the seriously ill individuals and their loved ones.
Ambassador of Hugs for Hospice is Dr. Ed Fisher. Participating locations include: Haverstraw Elks; Premier Fitness; Drug World; Dr. Ramaswamy; Hilltop Deli; Bart Silverman, DMD; Goldberg's Bagels, New City; Maria Luisa; Koblin's Pharmacy; Dr. Zatz; Orangetown Town Clerk; The Bleshman School; Dr. Mark Greenberg, Dr. Kirk Flynn & Dr. Jennifer P. Flynn; Schweizer Florist; River Waves Beauty Salon; Provident Bank; Dr. Kevin Boyle; Dr's. Michael and Christine Kelly; Dr. Ed Fisher and Dr. V. Reddy; Rockland County Clerk's Office; Nyack Pediatrics; Haverstraw Carwash; Advanced Orthopedics; Dan Kraushaar; Askenas Chiropractic; Gary & Company; and, Dr. Larry Suchoff
Founded in 1988, United Hospice of Rockland (UHR) serves as a resource for palliative care, bereavement support, and information about end of life issues. United Hospice of Rockland is accredited by the Joint Commission on Accreditation of Healthcare Organizations and meets the Standards for Charity Accountability of the Better Business Bureau, Inc. UHR's mission is to enable patients with advanced illnesses to live in comfort, with dignity, and surrounded by those they love. When time matters most, UHR provides care, comfort and improved quality of life to individuals and their families and offers compassionate support to members of the community who have experienced the loss of a loved one.
For further information, contact United Hospice of Rockland, 11 Stokum Lane, New City, NY 10956. Call 845 634-4974 or visit www.hospiceofrockland.org.

Gathered at the IBM Executive Conference Center in Palisades to celebrate Rockland County’s 2009 Forty Under 40 Program are Hon. Harriet D. Cornell, left, Chairwoman, Rockland County Legislature and Dr. Cliff L. Wood, right, President, SUNY Rockland Community College, with this year’s Honorees.

PALISADES — At a recent gala event, sponsored by Provident Bank and Rockland Economic Development Corporation (REDC), more than 225 people gathered at the IBM Executive Conference Center in Palisades to celebrate the 8^th Annual Forty Under 40 Program to honor Rockland County’s Rising Stars ― the leaders of today and tomorrow.

Chosen from a pool of 70 nominees, oHoHothe event honored 40 individuals who are under the age of 40 for their commitment to growth, development, professional excellence, and more importantly, community involvement. The winners were selected by an 11-member committee, co-chaired by Sr. Mary Eileen O’Brien, O.P., president of Dominican College, and Dr. Cliff L. Wood, president of Rockland Community College.

From the corporate world to the classroom, from successful entrepreneurs to individuals who ply their talents in healthcare, professional services, and non-profits, the selection committee said the Class of 2009 features very commendable people that all have one thing in common: They’re concerned about the future of our community, personally and professionally, and serve to make Rockland County a better place to live and work.

Jason Alcin, 26, Driver, Capasso Carting, co-owner, Trendsetters Fashion Boutique; Sonia L. Alvarez, 38

Team Leader, Day Habilitation Program, ARC of Rockland; Scott Baird, 38, Licensed Real Estate Salesperson

Rand Commercial Services; Kwan Bellhouse, 33, Chef/Operating Owner, Kwan Thai Restaurant; Matt Blecker, 30, President, Eastern Planning; Delana Brundage, 25, Analytical Chemist II, Avon Products Inc.; Kimberly Campbell, 36, Manger-Public Affairs, Orange & Rockland Utilities, Inc.; Lesia Christen, 38, Assistant Coordinator, Residential Services, YAI/Rockland County Association for the Learning Disabled.

Jennifer Compuesto, 38, Assistant Vice President-Human Resources Generalist Provident Bank; Yojana Costello, 38, President, AWAY Environmental Inc.; Maria T. Coupe, 27, Assistant Director, Human Resources

St. Thomas Aquinas College; Cathlene Cruz, 37, Director, Liberty Partnerships Program (LPP) at SUNY Rockland; Deanna D’Auria, 29, Publications & Data Management Coordinator, Child Care Resources of Rockland, Inc.; Joanna Dickey, 26, Artist/Outdoor Educator, Strawtown Art & Garden Studio.

Janella Eccleston, 36, Principal/Creative Director, OpenGate Marketing Communications;

Anthony F. Fasano, 31, Civil Engineer/Career Development Coach, Maser Consulting P.A.; Elyse A. G. Fuller, 31, Assistant Professor of Science, RCC; Jennifer Gould, 28, Assistant Director of Prevocational Services

ARC of Rockland; Kevin Hanlon, 32, Assistant to the Director, Athletics & Arena Management, RCC;

Patrick Holt, 39, Assistant Dean, Fordham University, Owner, Holt Entertainment; Bijal M. Jani, 38, Attorney,

Law Office of Bijal M. Jani; Abiba Kindo, 39, Assistant Director of the ICF’s, ARC of Rockland; Maureen Kloek, 39, Community Outreach Liaison/Executive Administrative Assistant, Pfizer Inc.; Michael P. Lagana, 39, Vice President, US Information Systems, Inc.; Michael Maturo, 25, Councilman, Town of Orangetown;

Govind Nagubandi, 22, COO/Manager, HireCube Inc.; James Needham, 35, Owner, Rockland Auto Repair, Inc.; Dan Rifkin, CPA, 38, Managing Partner, Rifkin & Company, LLP; Colleen E. Rogers, 28, Coordinator of Children and Teen Recreation, ARC of Rockland; Tammy Rosen, 39, Owner, Designer & Diamond Specialist

The Jewelry Gallery; Toniann Rubin, BSN, RN, CRRN, 33, Rehab RN II, Helen Hayes Hospital;

Ruth Samuel, 30, Data Manager, Cancer Services, American Cancer Society; Salvatrice Scerbo, 35

Michael Irwin Schwartz, 39, President, Prana Telecom, Inc.; Peter F. Skae, 38, Managing Member/Founder

Skae Power Solutions LLC; Ken Sullivan, 35, Project Manager, Orange and Rockland Utilities, Inc.;

Patricia Sullivan-McGuinness, 33, Senior Credit Analyst, Assistant Vice President, Provident Bank; David Warren, 38, Partner/Matrimonial & Family Law Department, Montalbano, Condon & Frank, P.C.;

Andrew R. Yarmus, P.E., 37, President, Yarmus Engineering, P.C. and ABL Inspections; Laura Yassky, 39

Rachel Francavillo, Bob Bromberg and Emma Seuffert

RIDGEWOOD, N.J. - The Ridgewood Gilbert & Sullivan Opera Company has been delighting local audiences with two complete G&S operas per year since their founding in 1937. In keeping with its tradition of presenting fully staged productions with orchestra, they will be performing The Mikado, one of the most popular and well known G&S operas, in November.

James Biddlecome of Teaneck is the music director with Susanna Organek of New York City the stage director for the opera.

Principal roles will be sung by Fred Bernardi of Wyckoff, Eric Blank of Ridgewood, Elizabeth Anne Cantu of Montvale, Carol Ciancia of Oakland, Arthur Eves of Haworth, John Holmboe of Pearl River, Eileen Karlson of Teaneck, William Ramey of Tenafly, Phil Sternenberg of Bergenfield, Kerstin Stewart-Maiullo of Wyckoff and Gillian Terminiello of Saddle Brook. They are joined by a chorus women and men.

Show times are Saturday, Nov. 14, at 7:30 p.m. and Sunday, Nov. 15 at 2:30 p.m. at the Ben Franklin Middle School Auditorium, corner of Glen and Van Dien Avenues (just north of Valley Hospital) in Ridgewood.

Admission: Adults $22, senior and students $19; under 12, free. Tickets may be purchased at the door prior to each performance or in advance at Harding or Town & Country pharmacies in Ridgewood. Tickets may also be purchased by mail by sending a stamped self-addressed envelope and check to The Ridgewood Gilbert & Sullivan Opera Company,14 Springdale Avenue, Clifton, NJ 07013. There is a $2 discount for all advance sales. Discounts for groups of 10 or more are also available.

For further information about the show or tickets call 973-423-0300 or visit the company Web site at www.ridgewoodGandS.com.

Funding has been made possible in part by the New Jersey State Council on the Arts through grant funds administered by the Bergen County Department of Parks, Division of Cultural and Historical Affairs.

Rotarian Tom Brizzolara, O&R’s director of public affairs, and third graders Anthony Garcia, Jack Meehan (seated) and Michele Gallagher at Tappan Zee Elementary School in Piermont.

PIERMONT - The South Orangetown Rotary and Orange and Rockland Utilities have presented dictionaries to nearly 300 third graders at the Tappan Zee Elementary School.

The presentation was part of the Rotary’s ongoing effort to support educational projects in the community. O&R donated $500 to help make the project a success.

“Every third grader in the district gets his or her own dictionary as part of the South Orangetown Rotary Club’s Literacy Project,” said the Club’s Dicitonary Project Coordinator Bruce Woolley.

He added, “This is the fourth year we have distributed dictionaries here, and we are pleased to partner with O&R on this project.”

O&R’s Public Affairs Director Tom Brizzolara, a member of the South Orangetown Rotary, said, “We hope that these books will help impart a strong sense of, and appreciation for, words: their meaning, their importance and their power. Words are the keys to every day life, knowledge and success. Those keys can help open up the whole world for these students.”

HAVERSTRAW- Haverstraw Middle School PTA has received a $750.00 grant from the Exxon/Mobil Educational Alliance Program to support the school’s PTA program, reports Avis Shelby, principal.

Mr. Raafat Mohamed, manager of the Mobil Courtesy, Mart Inc. of Garnerville, located at 109 West Ramapo Road in Garnerville, along with a member of the Haverstraw Middle School PTA, secured the grant. This grant is one of 2,400 available to schools across the country served by Exxon or Mobil stations. The grants were made possible by funding from the ExxonMobil Corporation.

“The Haverstraw Middle School community, assistant principal Edward Garcia and I would like to thank Mr. Mohamed and our PTA for working to secure this grant for our school,” stated Mrs. Shelby.

GARNERVILLE - Cajun fiddle player Frank Urbanovitch will present workshops on Cajun Fiddling and its History to the orchestra students at James A. Farley and Willow Grove Middle Schools on Tuesday, Nov. 10, reports Kris Felicello, James A. Farley Middle School principal.

The fifth, sixth and seventh grade orchestra students of Ms. Mary Ellen Holden at James A. Farley Middle School and Ms. Ellen Pancerev at Willow Grove Middle School will participate in the Cajun Fiddling workshops presented by Frank Urbanovitch. Mr. Urbanovitch has played all over the United States and abroad from the bayous of Louisiana to Carnegie Hall, Lincoln Center to Farm Aid and the Grand Ole Opry. He has appeared on The Nashville Network (TNN), Good Morning America and the Regis Philbin Show.

Frank Urbanovitch started fiddling at age six at a club in Lake Charles, Louisiana, with his grandfather’s Cajun band, The Daigle Brothers. The band played Cajun, country and western swing music and it was during this time that Frank honed his craft. In addition to performing at Farm Aid with The Allman Brothers Band, Frank has also recorded several albums and made several appearances with Willie Nelson and a host of other stars. He studied with such greats as Cajun stars Dewey Balfa, Sady Courville, Dennis Magee and Wade Fruge. Frank also studied with Cajun great Rufus Thibodeaux. He’s played the Grand Ole Opry with Jimmy C. Newman & Cajun Country and along side another boyhood hero, The Ragin’ Cajun, Doug Kershaw.

For the past 27 years, Mr. Urbanovitch has made a home performing with 18 time Grammy winner, Jimmy Sturr and his Orchestra. Violinist and orchestra teacher at James A. Farley Middle School, Mary Ellen Holden also tours with Jimmy Sturr each year on his Christmas Show tour in December. Ms. Holden will also be recording along with Frank Urbanovitch on Jimmy Sturr’s next CD, which is due to be released in the spring of 2010.

“Frank loves teaching children about his experiences as a Cajun fiddler and is very much looking forward to sharing his heritage and working with the students at James A. Farley and Willow Grove Middle Schools,” stated Ms. Holden.

NEW CITY – When you head to the New City Library, watch out for the construction that’s on-going to renovate the entrance to the building.

The steps and upper landing are being replaced, with construction is expected to continue through the middle of November. At all times during this process, there will be wheelchair access.

Look for signs directing customers to alternate building access. For further information call 634-4997, ext. 125.

NORWOOD, N.J. – U.S. Air Force Airman Luke P. Rice has graduated from basic military training at Lackland Air Force Base, San Antonio, Texas.
     The airman completed an intensive, eight-week program that included training in military discipline and studies, Air Force core values, physical fitness, and basic warfare principles and skills.
       He is the son of Bonnie Rice of Belden Place, Norwood, N.J., and James Rice of Walnut Ave., Bogota, N.J.
     Rice is a 2007 graduate of Bergen Catholic High School, Oradell, N.J.

Positions still available for Literacy Corps members; bilingual candidates needed

NEW CITY- Rockland County AmeriCorps (RCA), a program of the Rockland County Youth Bureau, is seeking mature and experienced people for a part-time paid opportunity with its Literacy Corps.

Literacy Corps members receive a $2,949 living stipend and a $1,250 educational award for dedicating 450 hours of service (over approximately 10 months to one year) to in-home and Family Resource Center based literacy projects in schools.

Potential candidates will have a part-time schedule with hours primarily during weekdays. Other qualifications are, but are not limited to, a love of children and books, a commitment to the program and its completion, flexibility, excellent time management skills, patience, creative thinking and problem-solving skills. Interest in social work and/or education a plus.

Literacy Corps Members are required to devote 400 hours to home visiting and/or literacy initiatives, and will also receive an additional 50 hours of training. For their service they earn a $2,949 living allowance, which is delivered in bi-weekly paychecks. At the completion of service and training hours, Literacy Corps Members receive an educational award of $1,250 that can be used to pay towards college tuition or a qualified student loan.

Literacy projects include, but are not limited to, homework help for struggling readers, interactive playgroups where fundamental reading skills are emphasized, implementation of community-based literacy activities, bilingual support and outreach for families and home visiting for the Parent-Child Home Program.

Home Visitors with the Parent-Child Home Program visit families with two- and three- year-old children twice a week for approximately one year. In play sessions with the parent and child, the Home Visitor models verbal interaction and learning through reading, conversation and play, using carefully chosen books and toys, which are the Program’s gifts to the family.

Participation in this program is an excellent way to explore career interests, bolster your resume, network within the literacy/education field, or donate one’s time, goodwill and expertise to a program that has a longstanding positive community impact. This is a wonderful opportunity for active retirees, college and graduate students, who are at least 21 years old.

For more information, or to request an application, contact Kathy at 845-708-7307 or e-mail rcamericorps@co.rockland.ny.us.

RIDGEWOOD, N.J. - The All Seasons Chamber Players, one of New Jersey’s most popular and
active chamber music ensembles, returns to Emmanuel Baptist Church of Ridgewood on Sunday, Nov. 15, for a 3 p.m. concert, its fourth concert at the church.
The program is entitled “New-Found Treasure and Timeless Classics.” The “New-Found Treasure” will be a recently found work by Felix Mendelssohn – his Violin Sonata in D Minor. Mendelssohn’s music was
banned by the Nazis in 1936 and his supporters sent crates of his works abroad for safekeeping during World War II. About 270 works, many never performed in Mendelssohn’s lifetime, have been tracked down by The
Mendelssohn Project, Inc. of New York City which is making this violin sonata available to the All Seasons Chamber Players.
The “Timeless Classics” on the program will include Mozart’s delightful Piano Trio in G Major, K. 564; Michael Webster’s entertaining Carmen Rhapsody Based on Themes From Bizet’s Carmen; and Johannes
Brahms’ Trio No. 2 in C Major, Op. 87 - one of the glories of the chamber music repertoire. Robert Lawrence, Co-Director for Programs, will introduce each piece to the audience with entertaining spoken program notes.
Now in its 29th season, the All Seasons Chamber Players has performed more than 590 live concerts in the metropolitan area. Admission to the concert is free and there is ample parking. The church is accessible to the physically challenged. For information or directions call Emmanuel Baptist Church at (201) 444-7300.
The audience will be invited to make a free will offering to the Social Service Association of Ridgewood and Vicinity and the Interreligious Fellowship for the Homeless and the audience is invited to stay for a
Meet-The-Artists Reception after the concert in the Peace Lounge.

This concert is one of 15 free, public Community Concerts for Bergen County supported by Bank of America and the New Jersey State Council on the Arts with grant funds administered by the Bergen County Division of
Cultural and Historic Affairs. Additional support is provided by the Bergen Foundation, Puffin Foundation, Verizon Foundation, Columbia Bank, Lillian P. Schenck Fund, Target, Shop Rite of Hackensack and Friends of All Seasons.
For further information about the ensemble’s programs and players visit www.allseasonschamberplayers.org or call (201) 768-1331 for a

Nanuet High School will host a six-week Spring Training 2010 baseball program for players in grades 1 through 12 from January 23 to March 6. Nanuet High School head coach Phil Carbone will direct the program in conjunction with U.S. Baseball Academy. Sessions are offered in advanced hitting, pitching and catching at a cost as low as $99 for six weeks. Space is limited. Registration is now under way. For more information, visit www.USBaseballAcademy.com, or call toll-free 866-622-4487.

BLAUVELT - For those who enjoy dark comedy, it's hard to see how anything could be funnier than "Arsenic and Old Lace". It is a madcap comedy, with hilarious roles for the characters of Jonathan Brewster and Dr. Einstein, with two adorable old ladies who have a very dark secret, plus half-a-dozen other eccentric characters, all involved in a complicated and unpredictable plot, a comic masterpiece.

The show will be put on by the St. Catharine’s Theater Group at the attached school auditorium, attached to the church, on Western Highway in Blauvelt between Erie Street and Orangeburg Road on Nov. 6 (Friday) and Nov. 7 at 8 p.m. and Nov 8 at 2:30 pm. Public tickets are $10 with seniors and children under 10 getting in for $7. For tickets and info call Joan Pandolfi at 845-623-4521.

The crazy story gives every character some great moments. There is plenty of witty dialogue, lots of funny slapstick and physical humor, and quite a few wild plot developments. None of it is meant to be plausible, but it is all hugely entertaining, and done in such a way that it is easy to suspend disbelief.

If you enjoy morbid humor, "Arsenic and Old Lace" is a must-see. I have to admire the charitable hearts of these people in the production because there is overlap between this group and the charitable Blauvelt Lions Club. There are just some people in the world bound to do good.

GARNERVILLE – A panel of five judges is ready to review homes in the Town of Haverstraw that have been decorated for Halloween.

Judges will be heading out on Oct. 26 and 27 as part of the town’s 3^rd Annual Halloween House decorating contest. Prizes include gift cards ranging from $100 to $150.

Judges will be looking for the most creative decorations. To become part of the contest, call Town Hall by Monday, Oct. 26, at 845-429-2200 with an address judges should look at.

Winners will be notified by town Supervisor Howard T. Phillips. Prizes for the contest have been donated by Tilcon, New York.

THIELLS - The North Rockland High School Drama Society is getting set to present Much Ado About Nothing on Friday, Nov. 6 at 7:30 p.m. and Saturday, Nov. 7 at 3 and 8 p.m., according to Joan Bankey, North Rockland Central School District music coordinator.

Much Ado About Nothing is generally considered one of Shakespeare’s best comedies, because it combines elements of robust hilarity with more serious mediations on honor, shame and court policies. Shakespeare’s original romantic comedy is set in Messina, Sicily and concerns a pair of lovers named Claudio and Hero who are due to be married in a week.

North Rockland High School’s production of Much Ado About Nothing is set in Post World War II New England. The story begins at Leonato’s home where he has just welcomed home some soldiers from the war, including Claudio. Although the young lovers Hero and Claudio provide the main impetus for the plot, the courtship between the older, wiser lovers Benedick and Beatrice is what makes Much Ado About Nothing so memorable. Benedick and Beatrice argue with delightful wit and Shakespeare develops their journey from antagonism to sincere love and affection with a rich sense of humor and compassion.

North Rockland’s production of Much Ado About Nothing is being directed by James Huppert and assisted by student directors Jessica Kempton and Vinny Perruna. Joan Bankey is the producer and she will be assisted by student producer Danielle Piperato.

tech crew,” Bankey said. “I would like to commend our student performers, director and producers for their hard work and commitment to this production. I would like to invite everyone in the community to come out and enjoy a performance of this remarkable rendition of Much Ado About Nothing.”

Ticket are $7 for adults and $5 for students and senior citizens. Tickets for Saturday’s matinee are “two for one” for senior citizens and students. Tickets can be purchased by calling 942-3300 ext. 4954 or 942-3352, at the Photo Shoppe in Haverstraw, 942-1103 or at the door prior to the performances.

NYACK - The American Red Cross in Greater New York urges families to follow simple safety tips to keep their homes, children and neighborhoods protected while having fun this Halloween.

For more tips on how to keep your readers safe this Halloween and throughout the fall season visit www.nyredcross.org.

PEARL RIVER - The Northern New Jersey and Rockland County Chapter of the Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation presents its 21st Annual Walk to Cure Diabetes "Wild For A Cure" on Sunday, Oct. 25.

The day's events include entertainment, games, and lunch and refreshments along with the main event, the 5K walk. More than 300 people are expected to join together this year as they take part in one of three walks hosted by the chapter in their efforts to raise over $1.1 million. More than 3 million Americans live with type 1 diabetes. The walks raise funds to benefit JDRF and the more than 45,000 people living with juvenile diabetes in New Jersey.

The Rockland County Walk takes place Sunday, rain or shine, with registration starting at 9 a.m., with the walk kicking off at 10 a.m. at Wyeth Pharmaceuticals, 401 N. Middletown Road, Pearl River.

POMONA - Too often animals arrive at Hi-Tor Animal Care Center’s doorstep due to irresponsible pet ownership. Some of the animals that come to the shelter are very sick or injured, severely neglected or abused, untrained or unsocialized and in need of serious medical care and major TLC.

Hi-Tor works hard to get these animals the care they need, groom them and get them ready for adoption.

Over the last several months, the shelter has been inundated with dogs (as well as cats and kittens) in need of forever homes. This month is National Adopt A Shelter Dog month and Hi-Tor is celebrating by reducing the adoption fee for dogs five years of age and older to $75. This promotion will be extended until the end of November, which is Support Your Local Animal Shelter Month.

Additionally, due to overpopulation, Hi-Tor has extended its cat promotion until the end of November. All cats and kittens are two for the fee of one. Cats five years and older are half the adoption fee.

Hi-Tor hopes to find loving forever homes for all of the cats and dogs in its care. To see photos of the more than 40 dogs and 50 cats available for adoption check out www.hitor.org/pages/adopt or visit the shelter on Firemen’s Memorial Drive, just off Route 45 and Pomona Road, in Pomona.

The Blood Drive is set for Tuesday, Nov. 10, 9 a.m. to 2:30 p.m., in the Student Union, Room 3214, 145 College Road, Suffern.

Each semester, the RCC Student Government Association in collaboration with Good Samaritan Hospital sponsor the Blood Drive. Last spring, 109 people, mostly students, turned out to donate blood. There were 71 units of blood donated and 38 deferrals.

For more information, contact Debra Balestra, Director of Student Involvement, at (845) 574 4394 or dbalestr@sunyrockland.edu

LATHAM, N.Y. -- Maj. Gen. Joseph J. Taluto, the Adjutant General for the State of New York, recently announced the promotion of members of the New York Army National Guard in recognition of their capabilities for additional responsibility and leadership.

Michael Stern from Suffern, serving with Company B, 101st Signal Battalion, promoted to the rank of Private 1st Class.

Jonathan Fisher from Tomkins Cove, serving with Headquarters and Headquarters Company, 1-69th Infantry, promoted to the rank of Private 1st Class.

Matthew Usefof from Valley Cottage, serving with Company C, 1-69th Infantry, promoted to the rank of Private 1st Class.

Danoel Rivera from Orangeburg, serving with Company A, 101st Signal Battalion, promoted to the rank of Private.

Rockland Community College nursing students Tanya Sterling, Christine Hirsch, Kathryn Nath, and Ed DuBee design postcards to send to caregivers of HIV/AIDS and Cholera patients in Tat'Zaneen, South Africa. The program is in collaboration with United Hospice of Rockland.

RAMAPO — The Student Nurses Association of Rockland Community College has created personalized postcards with United Hospice of Rockland to support caregivers in South Africa.

The nursing students wanted to express their appreciation for caregivers of HIV/AIDS and Cholera patients in Tat'Zaneen, South Africa. United Hospice of Rockland and Choice Trust have formed a partnership through FHSSA (Foundation of Hospices in Sub-Saharan Africa). The goal of the partnership is to help Choice Trust develop their palliative care program while learning new things about working cross-culturally.

The next event to be held by the RCC Student Nurses Association, “Test Taking Strategies,” is open to all college students in the area interested in nursing and Allied Health on Thursday, Oct. 15, 4:30 - 6:30 p.m., Technology Center, Room 8180 (Ellipse).

The workshop will cover tips on note taking and test-taking skills in order to develop strategies to better prepare nursing students for the type of questions they will encounter on nursing exams. There will be food, raffles, and prizes.
For more information, contact Wendy Greenspan, MSN, RN, CCRN, Instructor, Nursing, at 845-574-4313, wgreensp@sunyrockland.edu or visit www.sunyrockland.edu

STONY POINT - The Hudson Lyric Opera will present The Magic Flute by Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart on Friday November 6 and 13, at 8 PM and Sunday, November 8 and 15, 2009 at 3PM at Trinity United Methodist Church, 47 East Main Street in Stony Point.

The opera will be performed in English, with costumes, sets and orchestra. The Magic Flute is an opera in two acts that includes both singing and dialogue. It is a story about a dragon, a prince, a young maiden, a queen, spirits and magical instruments. Adults and children alike will be enchanted by the whimsical humor of Mozart's timeless fairy tale.

The Hudson Lyric Opera, now in its third season, is comprised of many talented artists who live or work here in Rockland County.

Artistic Director, Rosalinda Perez's purpose in founding this opera company was to provide local musicians and artists the opportunity to showcase their talents while providing the local community with a more convenient access to this art form.

Tickets are $15 for Adults, $12 for Students/Seniors. For information call (845) 709-2273 or email us at

RAMAPO — High school and Rockland Community College students are invited to submit acts for the RCC talent show competition held in honor of the college’s 50^th Anniversary.

First place winners will receive gift cards and all participants will receive a certificate of participation. Submission Deadline: Thursday, Nov. 19

“RCC’s Got Talent!” is set for Dec. 3, 7 to 10 p.m., with the talent show featuring bands (rock, jazz, orchestras, etc.); vocalists (solo artists, a cappella vocalists, choirs, etc.) ; dancers (hip hop, step, ballet, etc.); comedy acts; poetry (spoken word, reciting poetry, etc.); and, performing arts (miming, skits from plays, etc.).

Interested high school students must notify their teacher, who will submit the student act online by Nov. 19.

RCC students can submit their own acts online or by completing the application available at the Office of Student Involvement by Nov. 19.

All online submissions: http://www.sunyrockland.edu/about/the-college/50th-anniversary/events/got-talent/ “RCC’s Got Talent!” will take place in RCC’s Cultural Arts Theater. Admission is free.

For more information, contact Debra Balestra, Director, Student Involvement, at 845-574-4394, dbalestra@sunyrockland.edu or visit: http://www.sunyrockland.edu/go/50

PIERMONT - The Piermont Public Library will present “Bird Studies from Piermont to Patagonia,” featuring François Vuilleumier, curator emeritus and former chairman of the Department of Ornithology at the American Museum of Natural History and Editor-in-chief of their beautiful new book Birds of North America on Sunday, Oct. 18 at 2 p.m. at the library.

Vuilleumier will regale the audience with stories from his decades-long study of birds. His talk will be illustrated with slides, field sketches, and drawings of birds, as well as bird specimens from the collection of the museum and some of the tools used in his work, and he will discuss why and how his extensive research in the field of ornithology was carried out – basically describing, for many of us who don’t really know, what an ornithologist actually does.

This is a chance for young and old alike to learn from one of the experts behind what you see when you visit the American Museum of Natural History. Copies of the new book will be available and in conjunction with this program, Vuilleumier will exhibit original field sketches and drawings of birds in our gallery space now until Oct. 31.

To celebrate the exhibit, he will host a reception following this presentation. Refreshments will be served and all are invited to attend. The Piermont Public Library is located at 25 Flywheel Park West. For more information, call 359-4595.

NEW CITY – The Historical Society of Rockland County hosts the first History Smack Down on Saturday, Oct. 10 at 3 p.m. with a battle of Rockland Historians Robert Goldberg and Robert Knight, who will smack down their facts and opinions about the history of Rockland County before, during and after the Tappan Zee Bridge.

The Historical Society is currently hosting an exhibition about the bridge, The Tappan Zee Bridge: Transforming Rockland County.

Admission: $7; $5 for Historical Society members; $3 children under 12. Price includes admission to the lecture and the exhibition and a tour of the 1832 Jacob Blauvelt House.

NYACK – “A Man of No Importance” is the next show set for the Elmwood Playhouse, 10 Park St., Nyack, running Nov. 13 to Dec. 12.

The show is based on the book of the same name by Terrence McNally, with music and lyrics by Lynn Ahrens and Stephen Flaherty, composers of “Ragtime” and “My Favorite Year.” It’s the story of a Dublin man (“Alfie”) who is an Oscar Wilde devotee in charge of a local theatre troupe. Alfie faces the upset of his community for being who he is in this touching story filled with humor and beautiful songs that speak of love, truth, and, ultimately, acceptance.

TAPPAN - The national Daughters of the American Revolution award and medal will be presented to Robert Norden and the '76 House of Tappan for Historic Preservation on Saturday, Oct. 17, according to the DAR’s Shatemuc Chapter.

Awards and Founders Day will take place at the ’76 House, the historic tavern where British Major John Andre, accomplice of Benedict Arnold, was held prisoner until his execution for the plot to capture West Point during the Revolutionary War.

The annual Shatemuc Community Service Award recipient is MariEllyn Dykstra T. Donnellan for her civic and patriotic contributions in many areas of service in Rockland County. Mildred Eckerson Concklin Walczuk, of Lecanto, Fla., has earned the golden anniversary certificate for 50 years of service. Her award will be received by her son, Kenneth Concklin, and grand-daughter, Kathleen Concklin Breen, of Hillburn.

Other awards being presented, announced at the New York Daughters of the American Revolution conference in Corning, last weekend, are: Barbara de Mare, Englewood, NJ - membership; Jacqueline P. Donovan, Tappan - artistic, for her watercolor: Flag Raising on Iwo Jima, honoring her Marine Corps father; Martha Erickson, Monsey - Outstanding State Chairman and Chapter Newsletter; Nina J.J. Kwiecinski, Stony Point - Women's Issues essay; Marilyn Ryan, New City - outstanding DAR genealogy preservation; Adrienne Serra, Stony Point - 100% Yearbook.

The Shatemuc Chapter received awards in conservation, historic preservation, commemorative events, chapter achievement, outstanding support of youth and outstanding service in Project Patriot, supplying needs for the fighting forces and Landstuhl Medical Center, recovery area for wounded soldiers in Germany.

For information or to make reservations for the honors luncheon contact Linda James at 201-327-9535 or Chapter Regent Martha Erickson at 845-356-7429. Deadline for reservations is Oct. 10.

Alzheimer’s Association Memory Walk to raise funds for Alzheimer’s care, support, research

NEW CITY – The Alzheimer’s Association is inviting Hudson Valley residents to become Champions in the fight against Alzheimer’s by participating in the annual Alzheimer’s Association Memory Walk.

The Ancient Order of Hibernians Division 3 in Pearl River will be the site for Memory Walk on Sunday, Oct. 18, at 9 a.m. Registration and walk kickoff will be at the 28 Railroad Ave. location.

Alzheimer’s disease is a growing epidemic that is now the seventh leading cause of death in the United States. It is estimated that someone in America develops Alzheimer's disease every 70 seconds. By mid-century someone will develop Alzheimer’s disease every 33 seconds.

“There has never been a greater need for the people of Westchester County to join in the fight against Alzheimer’s disease by participating in Memory Walk,” said Michele Muir, spokesperson from the Alzheimer’s Association – Hudson Valley/Rockland/Westchester Chapter. “As many as 5.3 million Americans are living with Alzheimer’s disease, and more than 22,000 live in Westchester. Funds raised will provide support services to residents in every town and city in Westchester living with Alzheimer’s, while also contributing to critically needed research.”

In addition to the walk, participants will enjoy food, music, entertainment and raffles.

The Alzheimer’s Association Memory Walk is nationally presented by Genworth Financial. Local sponsors include Majestic Insurance, Mix 97.7 FM, Health Quest, WPDH-FM, A&J Home Care, Classic Residence at Hyatt, Edna L. Roker Social Adult Day Center, Morningside House, Northeast Radiology, Ridgefield Crossings, The Seabury and Fieldhome, The Wartburg Adult Care Community, Wolf 94.3FM, WRRV-FM and WKNY-FM.

NEW CITY - The Rockland Center for the Arts Gala 2009 “a Celebration of Creative Couples” is set for Sunday, Oct. 11, at 5 p.m. at Dellwood Country Club, 60 Zukor Rd., New City.

RoCA will honor 3 of Rockland’s own creative couple – Didi Conn (actress) and David Shire (composer), Lisa de Ribere (ballerina, teacher, choreographer and RoCA board member) along with her husband, Jay Larkin (actor, TV producer and author) and modern dance, multi-media artist duo, Art Bridgman and Myrna Packer.

All of the honorees will be performing along with Mistress of Ceremonies, Korliss Uecker and her husband, Jerry Grossman, principle cellist with the Met.

All proceeds benefit the Rockland Center for the Arts’ educational and cultural programs. The event is $125 per person. For more information visit www.rocklandartcenter.org or call RoCA at 845-358-0877.

Lisa de Ribére & Jay Larkin

This charming RoCA couple made their mark both in front of audiences and behind the scenes. Lisa danced in the corps de ballet of The New York City Ballet, and as a soloist with the American Ballet Theater, partnered with Alexander Godunov for concert tours. Now a choreographer, her work has entered the repertoire of major dance companies. As Executive Producer and Senior VP of ShowTime, Jay contributed major innovations to cable-televised Boxing from Vegas, and produced numerous live blockbuster music and comedy events for cable TV. Also a trained thespian and singer, he now puts his skills to work as a writer.

Didi Conn & David Shire

Playing the adorable Frenchy, Didi was part of the unforgettable cast that made the movie musical Grease an instant classic. A film, TV, and Broadway veteran, she has been featured in numerous commercials and children's programs including eight years on the PBS series, Shining Time Station. She is currently the celebrity spokesperson for AUTISM SPEAKS. David Shire, Academy Award winner, two time Grammy winner, Tony and Emmy nominee, has written the film scores for Norma Rae, The Conversation, All The President's Men and Zodiac among hundreds of other movie, TV and theatrical scores such as Closer Than Ever and Baby. As a couple, they have just completed the pilot for Didi Lightful, an animated preschool musical TV series.

Art Bridgman & Myrna Packer
Art Bridgman and Myrna Packer's innovative choreography, which integrates live performance with video technology, has been acclaimed for transforming the duet form into a magically populated stage where image and reality collide. In recognition of their collaborative work, the talented pair has received honors and awards including a 2008 Guggenheim Fellowship in Choreography. As Bridgman/Packer Dance, they have toured throughout the United States, Europe, Asia, and Central America performing in major theaters and festivals.

RAMAPO - The Rockland Opera Society, which has brought professional opera to the Lower Hudson Valley for 23 years, has decided to cease production and disband.

The decision was made by the Society’s Board of Directors at a meeting Wednesday, Sept. 23.

Dr. Irwin C. Elkins, president, said, “Economic conditions dictated this sad choice. Our finances, diminishing in recent years, are now such that we cannot stage the operatic productions that meet the professional standards we demand.”

Over the years, Rockland Opera has presented a wide variety of productions including most of the masterpieces from the standard repertoire as well as lesser known gems, and small scale productions of a biographical nature.

Elkins said the group’s goal has been to present opera productions of the highest artistic quality in the belief that excellence will be appreciated at all levels of expertise and sophistication. Many, for whom opera was inaccessible because of cost or geography, have been able to take advantage of Rockland Opera’s moderately priced, professional productions, he said.

Performance took place as venues such as the theater at Rockland Community College in Ramapo.

NYACK – The Rockland Community Foundation, the premier nonprofit, non-governmental organization that serves as an umbrella agency for philanthropic giving in the county, has appointed Frank Borelli, Larry Codispoti and Jeffrey Keahon as members of its Board of Directors.

Board President Dennis Fleming and Executive Director John Eccleston welcomed the three and said they are pleased to have available their high caliber of expertise and experience to help the foundation develop and grow.

“Frank, Jeffrey and Larry are members of the ‘who’s-who’ in philanthropic service in Rockland County and we are very fortunate that they have the time and commitment to serve the Rockland Community Foundation,” said Fleming.

The mission of the donor-driven Rockland Community Foundation is to serve the community in the broadest sense but with a focus on issues of critical importance to all of Rockland County. The Foundation manages a number of private, family, group and municipal-related funds, ranging from scholarships and education, to the arts, environment, parks and recreation, social justice, youth, girls/women and human and social issues.

New City resident Frank Borelli, 46, is a Clarkstown Councilman and partner of the Ducey Insurance Agency in Stony Point. He is past-chairman of Leadership Rockland; past president of New City Rotary, past board member and vice chairman of the Rockland County Industrial Development Agency.

Borelli’s philanthropic positions include chairman of the Police Chiefs Foundation of Rockland County; board member of the St. Thomas Aquinas College Presidents Council; board member of the JCC of Rockland; board member of United Way of Rockland; and past member of the Board of the March of Dimes of Rockland County.

Lawrence (Larry) A. Codispoti, 48, is a resident of Airmont, and partner of the Valley Cottage law firm Mandel, Katz & Brosnan LLP, where he heads the firm’s wealth management practice. Codispoti is a member and treasurer of the Board of Directors of the Rockland County Bar Association; member of the Good Samaritan Hospital Foundation’s Planned Giving Committee; and member of the Estate Planning Council of Rockland, Inc. His philanthropic activities include past president and current board member of Historical Society of Rockland County, and past president of the Ramapo Valley Rotary Club.

Pearl River resident Jeffrey Keahon, 65, is the retired treasurer of Keahon Brothers, Inc. He is a full-time philanthropist and the Past District Governor of Rotary Internationals Hudson Valley District 7210. Keahon is actively involved with many community organizations and is presently on the Boards of Cornell Cooperative Extension, Jawonio Inc., Hi-Tor Animal Care Center and Nami-Familya. He is past chair of the Nyack Hospital Foundation and is presently a trustee of the Rockland YMCA.

Other Rockland Community Foundation Board members include: Dr. Willie L. Bryant, treasurer, private practitioner; Rhea Vogel, secretary, business owner; Patrick Byrne, vice president, retired senior vice president of Verizon; Simona Chazen, L.C.S.W. and philanthropist; Jefferson Crowther, SVP, Hudson Valley Bank, Sr. Trustee, The Wells Remy Crowther Charitable Trust; Lanie Etkind, development director, United Hospice of Rockland; Michael Rundle, CFP, Hudson Valley Investment Advisors LLC, and Debra J. Thomas, Ph.D., executive director of the Rockland Teachers’ Institute.

More information about the Rockland Community Foundation is available by visiting www.rocklandgives.org, 675-7814, or writing Rockland Community Foundation, 169 Burd Street, Nyack, NY 10960.

PEARL RIVER —Glorious Sun Robert Martin, LLC
says it has completed approximately $1 million in improvements and renovations at Blue Hill Plaza, its Class A office complex in Pearl River.
The recently completed renovations enhanced the complex’s main lobby and concourse, including the installation of full-height mahogany wall panels and satin aluminum reveals, as well as acoustical tile ceilings with architectural, energy-efficient pendant lighting.
Additionally, new 32-inch touch screen directories and digital LCD screens have been installed in the complex, featuring The Wall Street Journal Office Network with up-to-the-minute news, market indexes, weather and other information.
Glorious Sun Robert Martin, LLC says it has invested an average of $1 million annually for the past several years toward upgrades at the complex, and is committed to continuing to enhance the property along these historical lines. Renovation of the complex’s second lobby and additional improvements are scheduled to begin this fall.
“Current economic conditions have created a flight to quality in the
marketplace, and tenants today are seeking office space that affords a
modern, technologically advanced environment to support and improve
their business operations,” said Timothy M. Jones, managing director/
partner of Robert Martin Company. “Our ongoing improvement program at Blue Hill Plaza furthers our goal of providing the many companies that occupy space here with a corporate address that enhances their brand reputation.
“Additionally, these renovations will further solidify Blue Hill Plaza’s position at the forefront of the marketplace and its desirability among the many prospective tenants seeking to relocate into the region’s premier Class A office complex,” Jones added.
Blue Hill Plaza consists of two Class A office buildings totaling 1.1 million square feet. The ownership represents a partnership of Westchester County-based Robert Martin Company and a Hong Kong- and Manhattan-based real estate company, Glorious Sun.

Currently, there is 90,000 square feet of space available for lease at Blue Hill Plaza, including suites ranging from 150 to 500 square feet. Mack-Cali is responsible for leasing and managing the complex.

“Ownership’s commitment to continuously improving Blue Hill Plaza has
created strong interest in the complex’s available space,” stated
Michael Grossman, executive vice president at Mack-Cali. “Additionally, the complex’s existing tenants appreciate the attention-to-detail paid by ownership, as well as the benefits of having attentive, on-site management, which has resulted in phenomenal tenant retention at the property.”
Blue Hill Plaza provides tenants direct access to numerous on-site
amenities such as retail establishments, a childcare center, fitness
club, cafe and ample parking. The office complex is located off Veterans Memorial Drive in Pearl River.

Glorious Sun (New York) Inc., established in 1993 by Tony Yeung,
is a subsidiary of The Glorious Sun Group formed to manage The Group’s
commercial and residential portfolio in the New York Metropolitan
area. Charles Yeung founded the Glorious Sun Group in 1974.

Headquartered in Hong Kong, the group is a multinational enterprise,
with its business widely covering China, South East Asia, North
America and Australia, and employing more than 30,000 professionals
globally. Its apparel business was listed in the Hong Kong
Stock Exchange in 1996 and was named one of the world’s 300 Best Small
Companies by Forbes in 1999.

The group owns a worldwide real estate portfolio in excess of six million square feet, with holdings in New York including, 505 Park Avenue and luxury condominiums in Manhattan and White Plains.

About Robert Martin Company
Robert Martin Co. is a leading real estate development and investment firm founded in 1957. The Company, along with its distinguished partners, has developed and acquired more than 20 million square feet of property, with present holdings that include more than two million square feet of office space and 300 acres of developable land. A leader in office park development and mixed-use urban renewal projects, Robert Martin Co. is active throughout the New York metropolitan region, California and Florida.

About Mack-Cali Realty Corporation
Mack-Cali Realty Corporation is a fully integrated, self-administered,
self-managed real estate investment trust (REIT) providing management,
leasing, development, construction and other tenant-related services
for its class A real estate portfolio. Mack-Cali owns or has interests
in 288 properties, primarily office and office/flex buildings located
in the Northeast, totaling approximately 33.1 million square feet. The
properties enable the Company to provide a full complement of real
estate opportunities to its diverse base of approximately 2,100
tenants. Additional information on Mack-Cali Realty Corporation is
available on the Company’s website at www.mack-cali.com.

Rockland engineering firm’s seal of approval validates Guinness World Record in Times Square event

WEST NYACK – McLaren Engineering Group provided the official surveyor certification for the world’s largest cardboard moving box, constructed Sept. 3 in Times Square in midtown Manhattan.

Lawrence J. O’Connor, a professional engineer and licensed land surveyor with McLaren Engineering Group, performed the measurements and affixed the Land Surveyor’s Embossed Seal to certificates authenticating the record. O’Connor worked with a Guinness World Records (GWR) adjudicator to validate the new standard. GWR guidelines state that the structure must be measured by a qualified surveyor.

The record box measured 42 feet 3 inches long, 15 feet 10 ¾ inches feet wide and 8 feet tall. It was built by workers from ION Television to promote the premiere of the network’s new weekly series, “Durham County.”

“We are gratified to have been chosen to offer our surveying expertise for the world’s largest cardboard moving box,” said Malcolm G. McLaren, founder, president and CEO of McLaren Engineering Group. “Our licensed surveying affiliate, LandMetrics Engineering and Land Surveying, P.C., delivers the most accurate data in the industry, and projects such as this reinforce our reputation and demonstrate the confidence clients have in our surveying proficiency.”

The cardboard box was constructed from materials consistent with those of a standard cardboard box but on a much larger scale. The box’s dimensions represented a 24.7 percent increase in size over the previous record-setting structure. That box, measuring 37 feet 10 inches by 15 feet 1 ½ inches by 7 feet 7 inches, was built by students from Aarhus Business College in Aarhus, Denmark, in October 2007.

The record-breaking box played host to a contest among 20 individuals who waded into 2,800 cubic feet of biodegradable packing peanuts to find the winning key chain that unlocked a door to $100,000 toward defraying home-ownership costs.

RAMAPO - A comedian, actress and a hypnotist will be featured during Free Your Mind Week at SUNY Rockland Community College.

Presentations will run from Tuesday, Oct. 20 to Friday, Oct. 29. All activities are free and open to the public, but tickets are required.

Oct. 20, 12:30 – 1:30 p.m., Comedian-Erik Rivera, Student Union, Room 3214. Erik Rivera has appeared on the Montel Show and is seen nightly on the New York comedy scene. His humor takes audiences on his journey growing up in a Latino family in a "WASPY" neighborhood.

Cultural Arts Theater. Written and performed by Sergia Perez, the one woman show, “I Didn’t Cry,” is based on the life of Perez’s sister who was in an abusive relationship. Her sister eventually contracted AIDS from her abuser and died.

Oct. 28, 11:00 a.m. – 12:30 p.m. Panel Discussion – “Relationships and Men”

Student Union, Room 3214. As a follow-up to the one-woman show, “I Didn’t Cry,” which is the true story of an abusive relationship, the Student Activities Board (SAB) will present the panel discussion, “Relationships and Men.” The Rockland Family Shelter (RSF) has helped prepare this discussion, which will center on a man’s responsibility in an abusive relationship and how men can be the agents that will change this trend.

Cultural Arts Theater. Michael C. Anthony, hypnotist and magician will demonstrate that things aren’t as they appear! You will laugh until it hurts.

Tickets: John Marra, coordinator, Student Activities, 845-574-4302, jmarra@sunyrockland.edu.

Bergen Catholic to honor Murphy at gala

ORADELL, N.J. – Former Bergen Catholic President Br. Lawrence T. Murphy, C.F.C., will be honored when the school hosts its Second Annual Crusader Gala on Friday, Oct. 23, at the Rockleigh Country Club in Rockleigh, NJ.

Br. Lawrence T. Murphy arrived at Bergen Catholic in the fall of 1999 and contributed 10 years of dedicated service as the school’s second President. During his term, the school benefitted from several upgrades to its plant and campus, including the construction of Nicholas G. Saingas Training Center and the extensive renovation of the school cafeteria, later dedicated as Hoehl Hall. The school also introduced its highly-acclaimed Laptop Program during Br. Murphy’s term. Br. Murphy recently accepted the position of Chairman of the Board of Trustees of Edmund Rice Christian Brothers North America.

The event will kick off with an elaborate cocktail hour beginning at 6:30 p.m., followed by dinner, entertainment, dancing, and an awards ceremony. The evening includes live and silent auctions and a 50-50 drawing.

To reserve your seating, place your journal ad or underwriting sponsorships, or for further information, call Marge Millus in the Office of Alumni Relations at (201) 634-4142, or e-mail her at mmillus@bergencatholic.org.

ORANGEBURG - Dominican College is hosting Hironori Tarumi, professor of Public Policy at Hokkai-Gakuen University in Sapporo, Japan, as a visiting scholar in Dominican College’s MBA program for the 2009-2010 school year.

Tarumi will teach “The Global Manager” during the MBA second session beginning Oct. 27.

In addition to his work at Hokkai-Gakuen University, Tarumi has also been a research fellow of the S.C.O.P. (nonprofit organizations and philanthropy studies) Project at the Graduate University for Advanced Studies in Kanagawa and has been a visiting professor-in-residence at the University of Lethbridge in Alberta, Canada.

He is the author of books, articles, and papers on a variety of economic and business topics including management policy, organizational reform, non-profit strategies and management, corporate citizenship, volunteerism, fundraising, and multi-sector collaborations. His professional service outside the University includes serving as the advisor to the City of Eniwa Department of Civil Life, as a Member of the Welfare and Medical Service Agency (Tokyo), as an advisor to the City of Kitami Department of Civil Life, and as an advisor to the City of Sapporo Department of Civil Life.

Tarumi’s other public service includes co-founding and serving on the Board of Directors of the Hokkaido NPO Bank in Sapporo and providing pro-bono consulting to Arte Piazza Bibai (Kan Yasuda Sculpture Park) in Hokkaido.

Hironori Tarumi earned his M.P.A. from the Robert F. Wagner School of Public Service at New York University and his B.A. in Economics from Rikkyo University.

NEW YORK - All Screwed Up, a new teen comedy written and produced by New City filmmaker Bud Rebel, has its world premiere during the first Friars Club Comedy Film Festival, running until September 27 in New York City.

The premiere of the film is Saturday, Sept. 26, at the Paley Center For Media, 25 West 52nd St., at 2:30 p.m. All Screwed Up is directed by Neil Stephens and features emerging actress Chyna Layne (Cadillac Records, the upcoming Precious).

The film was shot three years ago entirely on location in Rockland County, with settings that included Clarkstown North High School in New City, Rebel’s home and a house in Orangetown.

All Screwed Up is a family friendly teen comedy about two high school teenagers- an African American girl (Layne) suffering from Attention Deficit Disorder (ADD) and a Caucasian boy (Jake Waldman), star of the high school basketball team - who mysteriously take on each other’s personalities after a close encounter with an unusual “pet” she orders on the internet.

Living in each other’s shoes - literally- forces the teens to see life from a different perspective, with funny and touching results that will remind everyone of the awkward teen years- and affect audiences of all ages.

According the festival’s website, “The Friars Club introduces The Friars Club Comedy Film Festival to foster the next generation of comedy filmmakers, to offer comedic filmmakers a platform for presenting their work, and to fill a void by paying tribute to a genre that often gets overlooked. FCCFF promises four days of films, networking, parties, and laughter, and offers filmmakers the opportunity to introduce their work to leading executives, comedians, and industry professionals. Films will be presented at the Friars Club clubhouse, supplemented by screenings at nearby theaters within walking distance. A panel of jurors comprised of filmmakers and professionals in the various fields of cinema will award the Festival's Best Feature, Best Documentary, and Best Short distinctions.”

“Budrebel Productions is very honored to have the World Premiere of our film as part of the first ever Friars Club Comedy Film Festival,” says CEO and Executive Producer of All Screwed Up, Bud Rebel.

“We are also eternally grateful to the people of Rockland County for the support and encouragement they offered during the production process. Hopefully other filmmakers will be inspired by the beauty and tranquility of our county as seen in the film, leading to

The first-time filmmaker says that after numerous challenges in the post production process, to see the film now enjoying its World Premiere in an event produced by one of the nation’s most prestigious institutions is “A dream come true.”

Tickets to the screening of All Screwed Up are available on the festival’s website at www.friarsclub.com/filmfestival.

SUFFERN - The seventh annual Big Screen Classics Film Festival starts on Oct. 3 at the Lafayette Theater in Suffern.

To date, more than 20,000 film buffs have attended this unique event sponsored by the Town of Ramapo in conjunction with Nelson Page, the president of Majestic-Star Entertainment and operator of the historic Lafayette Theater. The Lafayette Theater was recently selected as one of the “Top Ten” vintage movie palaces in the United States by USA Today.

All films begin at 11:30 a.m., preceded by an organ concert at 11 a.m. featuring Jeff Barker, playing the depression era Ben Hall Memorial Wurlitzer Pipe Organ. This series has attracted moviegoers from throughout the metropolitan area, who look forward to a trip down memory lane each week.

Ramapo senior citizens receive free admission to all of the films in the series. All other tickets are $7. The Fall 2009 line-up features an array of memorable films.

Oct. 3: Angels with Dirty Faces (1938) – James Cagney, Pat O’Brien, Humphrey Bogart

Oct. 31: Hunchback of Notre Dame (1939) – Charles Laughton, Cedric Hardwick, Thomas Mitchell

Nov. 28: On Her Majesty’s Secret Service (1969) – Diana Rigg, George Lazenby

BEAR MOUNTAIN - The NY-NJ Trail Conference and Palisades Interstate Park Commission are sponsoring the 2nd Annual People for Trails Hike-a-thon 2009 on Saturday, Oct. 3, with check-in between 7:30 and 8:30 a.m. at Bear Mountain State Park. The Hike-a-than supports the building and maintenance of hiking trails in the NY-NJ area and trailside education at Bear Mountain and Harriman State Parks. Registration: Participant $30, Team (two people) $50 online by Sept. 25. Walk-up registration $40, team (two people) $60. Participants pick a hike and obtain a minimum of $200 in pledges to complete their hike.

Loop 1 (Easy ): Hessian Lake to Fort Clinton to Fort Montgomery & back (miles: 3.15 est time: 2 hr 05 mins)

Loop 3 (Strenuous): Timp-Torne to Doodletown & back (miles: 8.2 est time: 5 hrs 20 mins)

Loop 4 (Difficult): Bald Mountain to Jones Point to Timp-Torne & back (miles: 12.20 est time: 8 hrs 20 mins)

For more information, sponsorship forms or to register, check out http://www.nynjtc.org/content/hikeathon-2009

Most of the trails within the region’s major parks are built and maintained by the NY-NJ Trail Conference and its thousands of volunteers, who include individuals and other hiking clubs. In these tough economic times, the Trail Conference says people can find respite out in nature and our area hiking trails for free – a source of exercise and a perfect staycation. However, with park budgets and staff cuts, the Trail Conference is finding it has more work to do and needs help.

WEST NYACK – To celebrate the opening of the new film, "Cloudy with a Chance of Meatballs: An IMAX 3D Experience," The IMAX Theatre at Palisades Center hosts an evening with Flint Lockwood, star of the movie.

Kids will have a chance to meet Flint and take pictures on Saturday, Sept. 26 between 4 and 6 p.m.

Coming up next, there will be a costume pajama party on Oct. 23 in honor of the opening of "Where the Wild Things Are," which comes out Oct. 16.

Info: www.imax.com/palisades.

RAMAPO — In celebration of the Rockland Community College’s 50th Anniversary, the Nursing Department held a reunion dinner for alumni nurses on Sept. 17, with more than 100 RNs attending.

In 1961, Rockland Community College’s first graduating class consisted of 39 students, 22 men and 17 women. In 1963, RCC graduated a total of 115 students, including the first 24 from the College’s Nursing program. In total, more than 3,000 students have graduated from the Nursing program—most proclaiming the Nightingale Pledge and receiving their school pins at a traditional “Pinning Ceremony” witnessed by family and friends.

PIERMONT - For nearly four decades, internationally recognized artist/scholar/writer Cristina Biaggi of Palisades has been creating compelling collages that artistically document her commitment to political, environmental and human rights issues.

Visual Political Statements from 1977–Present: Collages by Cristina Biaggi will be on exhibition Oct. 8–25 at Piermont Flywheel Gallery, 223 Ash St., Piermont. The public is invited to the opening reception Saturday, Oct. 10, 4-6 pm at the gallery.

During the 1970s and 1980s, Biaggi created controversial works that served as passionate statements on the sacredness of the women’s movement and powerful expressions of advocacy for civil rights, the right to vote, abortion rights, and peace and justice. She voiced her protest against apartheid and the nuclear industrial complex in collages filled with the faces of people she met during encampments and rallies where she was inspired by the power of women to enact change.

Biaggi’s works of the early 21st century drew on her strong personal reactions to the terrorist attacks of 9/11 juxtaposed with the death of her partner two months later. We The People is her cry to the administration to not go to war in Iraq. Tsunami depicts the devastating natural disaster in Southeast Asia.

Her recent collages—Breaking the Glass Ceiling, Yes We Can, At Last—have a distinctly celebratory mood and honor the transforming people and events of the past year.

In addition to her collage work, Biaggi is a versatile artist and sculptor of bronze and wood. Her work has been shown in the United States, Europe and Australia. Biaggi is also a scholar, lecturer, and writer/editor on prehistoric cultures, the goddess and the origins, history and impact of patriarchy.

In the Gallery for the month of October: "Birds: Field Sketches and Drawings" by Francois Vuilleumier. Original work by a leading ornithologist. A reception will follow the program described below.

Sunday, October 18, at 2 p.m. The library will continue the new series Piermont: Friends and Neighbors with Francois Vuilleumier, Curator Emeritus and former Chairman of the Department of Ornithology at the American Museum of Natural History and Editor-in-chief of their new book Birds of North America, who will regale the audience with tales of his "Bird Studies from Piermont to Patagonia." The talk will be illustrated with slides, field sketches, and drawings of birds, as well as bird specimens from the collection of the museum and some of the tools used in his work. Vuilleumier will discuss why and how his extensive research in the field of ornithology was carried out - basically describing, for many of us who don't really know, what an ornithologist actually does. This is a not-to-be-missed chance for young and old alike to learn from one of the experts behind what you see when you visit the American Museum of Natural History! He will also have copies of the new book on hand for purchase and signing. This book has been described as "the definitive guide to every North American bird species. Using beautiful close-up color photography to bring more than 650 birds vividly to life, Birds of North America will appeal to serious bird watchers, as well as backyard birders, profiling each bird in detail, including a wealth of information on social behavior, nesting habits, and flight patterns."

Sunday, October 25, at 2 p.m. - Book Talk with Grandview resident Catherine Whitney, author of the new book Soldiers Once. Whitney tells the moving story of her brother, a decorated veteran of the Vietnam War and lifelong soldier who ended his days in poverty and isolation with little support from the country he served. In this program she will talk about writing the book and also discuss the problems facing American war veterans and some efforts being made to help them. Whitney will welcome questions and discussion of these issues after the presentation, books will be available and refreshments will be served.

County legislators support creation of stamp to honor Rockland native James A. Farley

NEW CITY – Four Rockland County legislators have sponsored a resolution to request that the United States Postal Service issue a postage stamp in honor of James A. Farley (1888-1976), a Rockland County native born in Grassy Point, to commemorate Farley’s long and distinguished career in public service.

Farley held many elected and appointed positions in Rockland County and New York State, and served as U.S. Postmaster General under President Franklin D. Roosevelt. The resolution, introduced by Legislature Chairwoman Harriet Cornell and North Rockland Legislators Michael Grant, Jay Hood, Jr. and Douglas Jobson, received the unanimous support of the County Legislature.

Farley began his public service career in Rockland serving as Stony Point town clerk and eventually serving as town supervisor. His state level service included the state Assembly and an appointment as state Boxing Commissioner. In 1933, he was appointed Postmaster General and chairman of the Democratic National Committee by FDR and served in both those capacities until 1940.

As Postmaster General he improved the profitability of the then-struggling postal service and revolutionized airmail service by contracting with Pan American World Airways to provide safe and cost effective trans-continental and trans-Pacific airmail delivery. In 1940, Farley was nominated for the presidency; however, FDR was subsequently nominated and elected for a then-historic third term. Farley remained a prominent figure throughout his life and served as a confidant to many presidents until his death.

The main post office building in New York City was renamed in his honor; and in Rockland County, the James A. Farley Middle School and the James A. Farley Bridge (currently under reconstruction) bear his name.

“James Farley had great impact on American government at all levels,” Cornell said. “He was a man of great ability, integrity and accomplishment. Considering that Farley transformed mail service for decades to come, it is most appropriate that the U.S. Postal Service re-emphasize his accomplishments and remind Americans of this distinguished Postmaster General.”

Jobson, who represents the community of Grassy Point, would like to see a stamp to honor Farley. “He never forgot his roots, he was proud of his hometown and went so far as to place a depiction of Grassy Point on a 1939 stamp to commemorate the 100th anniversary of baseball,” Jobson said. “A stamp issued in Mr. Farley’s honor is appropriate and would reintroduce his place of importance in the history of local and federal government.”

“The career of James Farley is a great lesson in civics,” said Hood. “Here was a man from small humble beginnings, dedicated to his community, who rose to play a pivotal role in our country’s government.” Legislator Michael Grant added, “Rockland County has always revered Mr. Farley and has memorialized his impact on the county in several ways. National recognition on a U.S. Postage stamp is a well-deserved tribute to this great man.”

CHESTNUT RIDGE - A panel of eldercare experts is offering free lectures to help people navigate through the maze of services geared toward aging.

Four healthcare professionals from various backgrounds have teamed together to offer their services so that people can better understand the choices available to them as they age: Sophia Heftler, registered nurse, certified care manager and certified assisted living administrator is the founder of Distinctive Care Geriatric Care Management located in Ridgewood, N.J. Debbie Corwin, certified assisted living administrator, is director of community relations at the Esplanade of Chestnut Ridge, an assisted living community in Chestnut Ridge. Barbara Steinberg, certified financial planner and certified financial gerontologist is the founder and managing member of BLS Eldercare Financial Solutions in Lincoln Park, N.J. Joann Manole, certified assisted living administrator, is the director of marketing for Family of Caring Health Care System with facilities in Paramus, N.J., and Woodcliff Lake, N.J.

With more than 50 years of combined experience in independent living, assisted living, home care, nursing home and sub-acute care in both the public and private sectors, as well as financial planning expertise, they are able to bring the latest information on finding the best and most appropriate resources to plan for the future and to overcome today’s challenges. Their seminars will help answer questions ranging from “How do I know what services are available and how can I access them?” to “What is the difference in housing options for seniors?” to “What are the government benefits available for eldercare?”

This free community service is offered in Bergen and Rockland Counties. Call Eldercare Educators at 888-ECE-7760 to arrange for them to speak to your group or to register for their debut seminar on Wednesday, Sept, 30, 6:30 to 7:30 p.m. at Woodcliff Lake Health and Rehabilitation Center, Woodcliff Lake, N.J.

WEST POINT BAND CHAMBER MUSIC RECITAL SERIES

West Point, NY – Staff Sgt. Tim Sutfin will present a diverse recital of music for clarinet. The program will include the music of Arvo Pärt, Camille Saint-Saëns, George Rochberg and John Williams. He will be joined by Staff Sergeants Yalin Chi on piano and Josh Phillips on French horn. The recital is free and open to all on Sunday, October 4^th at 3:00 p.m. in Egner Hall at 685 Hardee Place, West Point, NY.

This program focuses on the diversity of the clarinet in the 20^th century and into the 21^st century. The performance includes staples of the clarinet repertoire such as the Saint-Saëns Sonata for Clarinet and Piano; lesser known works like the Rochberg Trio for Clarinet, French Horn and Piano; new works like J.M. David’s E-Type Jag and John Williams Viktor’s Tale; as well as new transcriptions for clarinet, as the Pärt was originally written for Violin and Piano. The composers are as diverse as the pieces themselves, with Americans (David, Rochberg and Williams), French (Saint-Saëns) and Estonian (Pärt). E-Type Jag was inspired by the long, clean lines of the XK-E Jaguar, and Viktor’s Tale is music taken from the popular 2004 film The Terminal starring Tom Hanks.

Please allow extra travel time for the 100% vehicle and photo I.D. inspection at Stony Lonesome and Thayer gates. Due to changing security requirements at West Point, call the Academy Band’s hotline at 845-938-2617, or check www.westpoint.edu/special before leaving for the concert.

For concert information, cancellations and updates, call the Academy Band’s 24-hour hotline at (845) 938-2617; or visit us on the Internet at www.westpoint.edu/band.

Anyone who registers to donate whole blood or platelets at one of Community Blood Services’ donor centers or mobile blood drives from Friday, Sept. 25 to Sunday, Sept. 27th will be entered into a raffle to win tickets to a New York Mets baseball game.

One lucky winner will receive four tickets to an evening NY Mets game on Oct. 2 and a second winner will receive four tickets to an afternoon Mets game on Oct. 3. Tickets for both games can be picked up at the Citi Field Will Call window prior to the game.

Donors can donate at the New Windsor center, 575 Hudson Valley Road, Suite 206, on Saturday, Sept. 26 from 8 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. Or they can donate at the Warwick center, 20 Grand Avenue at the Mount Alverno Center near St. Anthony Hospital, on Sunday, Sept. 27 from 9 a.m. to noon.

“Giving our volunteer blood donors Mets’ tickets is our way of saying thank you to them for taking time out of their busy days to donate and give the gift of life,” said Garrett Allen, call center manager at Community Blood Services. He noted Community Blood Services needs all blood types, particularly O positive and O negative, to meet the needs of patients in the hospitals it serves.

Community Blood Services is a not-for-profit organization that provides blood and blood products to more than 30 hospitals in New York and New Jersey.

To make an appointment to donate, or to find out if there is a mobile blood drive near you, call (845) 220-2030. Walk-ins are also welcome. An appointment is needed to donate platelets.

Whole blood donors must be 17-75 years old (16 with parental consent) and weigh at least 110 pounds. Donors also receive complimentary screenings for cholesterol, glucose and blood pressure, along with an iron count.

ENGLEWOOD CLIFFS, N.J. – Rosemarie Monaco of Upper Grandview, president of Group M marketing agency, is being honored by the Greater Hudson Heritage Network at its 24th annual “Awards Towards Excellence” program for her agency’s efforts to market and publicize the Palisades Interstate Parks Commission’s 2009 Knickerbocker Ice Festival at Rockland Lake State Park.

More than likely everyone has read a banned book without knowing it. Banned Books Week is a celebration of the Freedom to Read from Sept. 26 – Oct. 3. Banned Books Week reminds Americans not to take this precious freedom for granted and to thank the librarians, teachers and booksellers across America who defend our First Amendment rights and to draw attention to the danger that exists when restraints are imposed on the availability of information in a free society.

To obtain more information on this topic visit the following web-site www.taplib.org or stop in at the Tappan Library or any of Rockland’s local libraries for further info.

SPECIAL PERFORMANCE BY HONOR SOCIETY TO HIGHLIGHT SECOND ANNUAL LITTLE BIT O’ SOLE 5K WALK FOR LIFE OCT. 4

Fast-rising pop-rock band to perform in support of the Active International Cardiovascular Institute at Good Samaritan Hospital

PEARL RIVER – Honor Society, one of the hottest up-and-coming pop bands in the nation, will make a special appearance at the Little Bit o’ Sole 5K Walk for Life on Oct. 4 at the Blue Hill complex in Pearl River. The primary beneficiary of the event is the Active International Cardiovascular Institute (AICI) at Good Samaritan Hospital in Suffern.

“We’re very excited to have Honor Society performing at the Walk for Life,” said Joe Allen, Senior Vice President of Community Affairs for Active International and co-chair of the Little Bit o’ Sole 5K Walk for Life. “The band is spending the entire summer playing sold-out shows with the Jonas Brothers, one of the most popular bands in the world, and the fact that they will be playing here in Rockland is pretty amazing. I’m sure it will be a lot of fun for everyone.” In addition to opening for the Jonas Brothers, Honor Society is also on its own “Full Moon Crazy” tour.

The band will perform at the conclusion of the walk, shortly after 12:30 p.m. at Blue Hill Plaza. Attendance is restricted to people participating in the Walk for Life. The walk’s registration fee, which includes the band’s performance, is $25. Registration can only be done online at http://www.littlebitosole.dojiggy.com/. Pre-registration is required and will be available for a limited time only (due to space restrictions). All registrants must be on the grounds at Blue Hill Plaza by 10:30AM. There will be no on-site registration and the walk will take place rain or shine, regardless of whether individual elements of the event are curtailed due to weather.

The members of Honor Society, who are also scheduled to perform at the opening of the U.S. Open tennis tournament, wanted to participate in the Little Bit o’ Sole event in part because two of the band’s four members are from Rockland County. Michael Bruno (lead vocals, guitar) and Jason Rosen (keyboards, guitar and background vocals) both grew up in New City. Drummer Alexander Noyes was raised in Midland Park, N.J. and Andrew Lee, bass and vocal, resided in Manhattan. When they were told about the Walk for Life by a colleague and with an opening in their tour itinerary, the band members agreed to return to Rockland to perform in their “back yard.” Recently, they performed to sold-out audiences at the Izod Center, Nassau Coliseum and at venues throughout NY and NJ.

Allen said this is exactly the type of activity needed to make the Walk for Life a fun and successful fundraiser.

“We want the Walk for Life to be a fun way for families, friends, coworkers and members of clubs and civic groups to enjoy a day outside while also raising money for the AICI, which literally saves people’s lives nearly every day,” Allen said. “This year we’re encouraging people to form teams that will participate together, with the groups that have the most members or raise the most money being recognized at the end of the event. Having Honor Society perform as the walk concludes will end the day on a high note. It will be a great time for people regardless of their age.”

The AICI is the area’s only open heart surgical program and has received multiple awards for quality of care including the Cardiac Surgery Excellence Award last year from HealthGrades, the nation’s leading healthcare ratings company. In fact, AICI is ranked in the top 10 percent of all programs nationwide for cardiac surgery.

“Nearly 700 people have had their lives saved and the lives of their families changed by the Active International Cardiovascular Institute since it opened in January 2007,” Allen said. “The funds raised from this event will be used to support the AICI as a center of excellence for cardiovascular health in our community. In addition, we are happy to say a donation will be made to People to People, Rockland’s largest food pantry and to the American Red Cross of Greater New York in support of its efforts to provide disaster preparedness in Rockland’s commercial buildings.”

Attendees are encouraged to bring nonperishable food to the event so that People to People can continue its mission of making sure no one goes hungry in Rockland County.

The Walk for Life brings together walkers, sponsors, wellness experts, vendors, entertainers and volunteers in a day dedicated to promoting physical activity and raising awareness of the risk factors of heart disease and how to reduce them.

Staying completely within the Blue Hill complex, the Walk for Life route will circle the campus three times. The day kicks off with check-in and exhibition booths opening at 9 a.m., and the walk itself steps off with great fanfare at 11 a.m., rain or shine. The event’s festivities include the Wellness and Vendor Expo with dozens of booths, food, prizes, contests, a special Kids Zone chock full of activities for young people, and concludes with a special performance by Honor Society.

Walk participants will be spurred on by the spirited sounds of Rockland high schools marching bands and cheerleading corps, as well as walk-around entertainers, musicians and other encouraging well-wishers.

ABOUT AICI: The Active International Cardiovascular Institute (AICI) at Good Samaritan Hospital is a state-of-the-art surgical center that opened in January 2007. It primarily serves Rockland, Orange, Sullivan and Bergen counties, and is the lower Hudson Valley’s first and only cardiovascular program to offer angioplasty, advanced imaging technology and open heart surgery in one location. In the past year, the AICI received the Health Grades Cardiac Surgery Excellence Award. It is currently ranked among the top 10 percent in the nation for cardiac surgery, is among the top 10 New York hospitals for cardiac surgery and is the best rated facility in lower upstate New York for the treatment of a heart attack. For additional information, visit www.goodsamheart.org.

NYACK – The Chamber of Commerce of the Nyacks annual Halloween Parade is well-known as a fun, family event, but it usually doesn’t actually take place on Halloween. This year is different.

The Nyack Village Board has approved the chamber’s request to have the parade on Saturday, Oct. 31 – Halloween. So, chamber members are anticipating the parade may have one of its biggest turnouts yet.

More than 10,000 spectators and participants are expected to attend, including everything from costumed revelers to marching bands and floats. Prizes will be awarded in several categories for Best Costumes, and once again this year, the parade will feature a $1,000 Grand Prize for Best Float. Float entries are asked to call The Chamber office to register.

Costumed participants can register the day of the parade – which kicks off at 4:30 p.m. - and march along Broadway and Main Streets with parade revelers. Prizes are awarded directly after the parade.

Post-parade activities include live music and festivities at Nyack restaurants and bars. See www.nyackchamber.com for details and discounts.

NEW CITY - Volunteers are needed to help at the display of The AIDS Memorial Quilt, which will be shown at Rockland Community College from Thursday, Oct. 22 to Saturday, Oct. 24.

The internationally celebrated AIDS Memorial Quilt is a 54-ton, handmade tapestry comprising of 40,000 panels that include the names of more than 91,000 people lost to AIDS. The College display will consist of 1,600 panels including the panels of such notables as Arthur Ashe, Perry Ellis, Ricky Wilson, Ryan White and Pedro Zamora. The AIDS Memorial Quilt is the largest piece of ongoing community art in the world.

· Being a greeter, name reader or Quilt monitor any time throughout the three-day display

The goal of the quilt is to provide a creative means for remembrance and healing, to effectively illustrate the enormity of the AIDS pandemic, to increase awareness of HIV and AIDS throughout the general public and to assist others in providing education on the prevention of HIV infection. To date, more than 17 million people have seen The AIDS Memorial Quilt.

The AIDS Memorial Quilt display is being sponsored by RCC and Together Our Unity Can Heal (TOUCH). Volunteers are being coordinated by Rockland County AmeriCorps, a program of the Rockland County Youth Bureau.

For more information or to request a volunteer application, contact AmeriCorps at 845-708-7307 or rcamericorps@co.rockland.ny.us.

WEST NYACK - How would you like to learn to cook from culinary experts in a comfortable and free setting? Lucky fans will get to do just that as they watch and learn as these experts cut, slice, mix, prepare and entertain at a fun filled day of learning and cooking during the Food University Series at Palisades Center.

Food University, created by local resident, Richard Gore, the former president of Food Network Live! and producer of over 200 high-profile celebrity chef events, brings together the top experts from around the country to participate in this exclusive “food enlightenment” experience. Among those participating in the series will be Barbara Selig Brown, cookbook author, culinary educator, and host of the TV show, “Stress Free Cooking”.

The Food University series will visit Palisades Center during on Saturdays at 1 p.m. in the H&M court in the middle of the mall. The series will cover basic topics including “Everything Italian” on Sept. 26, “Easy Healthy Cooking” on Oct. 3 and “Memorable Entertaining” on Oct. 17.

The shows will be hosted by CBS Radio news reporter and former Ms. United States 2007 Sophia Hall. Each unique show will serve up a featured expert as well as local chefs all providing a special opportunity for the beginner and average home cook to take in educational seminars.

“This isn’t your standard cooking school and these aren’t your standard cooking instructors,” said Gore. “How often does one get to interact with experts in such an approachable setting? In addition to our seminars, the chefs will be there to answer any questions or provide specific advice to anyone seeking to elevate their knowledge of food.”

Each event will also showcase live demonstrations featuring young, aspiring chefs from the Chefs2Be program in Nyack.

“Here, at Food University, you don’t have to take an entrance examination or pass a fancy test to start cooking” said Gore. “We want people to feel they can walk away with something useful instead of being wowed with fancy over the top meal creations or intimidated by fancy recipes. Everyone can cook and everyone should be encouraged to raise their level of food and wine expertise.”

Participating sponsors are an integral ingredient to the event concept. For example, the Heinz brand, Classico, will be providing free samples of their varieties of sauces. Additionally, the event will showcase how incorporate a quality sauce as a time saving and clever tool for the home cook to expand on their own menu. “Letting the attendees know why utilizing quality products enhances your cooking and eating experience is part of what these events are all about,” says Gore.

Sponsors also include Family Circle magazine, which currently features a “Food University” column in each monthly edition.

NYACK – Rockland county restaurants have agreed to donate 20 percent of their dinner proceeds to raise funds for The Breast Center at Nyack Hospital through the first Dine Out For the Girls event on Wednesday, Oct. 21.

“The Breast Center at Nyack Hospital is your first line of defense in our community for those impacted by this disease that disrupts the fabric of family life,” said Restaurant X owner Peter Xaviar Kelly, chairman of the event. “Every dollar raised enables The Breast Center to bolster Nyack Hospital’s ability to provide the best, state-of-the-art medical treatment for all types of breast cancer.”

October is National Breast Cancer Awareness Month. This program was started in 1985 to increase awareness about the importance of early detection of breast cancer, followed by prompt treatment, which saves lives.

Restaurants interested in participating in Dine Out For the Girls can call Mary Lichtman, director of Special Events at Nyack Hospital, at 845.348.2771.

Nyack Hospital is a 375-bed community acute care medical and surgical hospital located in Rockland County, NY. Founded in 1895, it is a member of the NewYork-Presbyterian Healthcare System. For additional information, please visit our web site at www.nyackhospital.org.

NYACK - Anonymous 4 will open GraceMusic’s 40th season on Saturday, Oct. 10, at 7:30 p.m. at Grace Church in Nyack.

The internationally known women’s vocal group will sing a new program of selections called “Secret Voices.” Anonymous 4, which includes Nyack resident and founding member Susan Hellauer, has garnered many awards and attracted a large and enthusiastic following with its recordings of the music of Hildegard von Bingen, An English Lady Mass, American spirituals (“American Angels”), and many others. Their sweet and pure, beautifully blended voices have shone to wonderful effect on repertoire ranging from the baroque and early American to contemporary pieces composed for them.

Anonymous 4 has performed in major venues and festivals throughout North America, Europe, and the Far East. The ensemble has appeared on numerous radio and television programs, including Garrison Keillor's "A Prairie Home Companion," "CBS Sunday Morning," A&E's "Breakfast With the Arts," and NPR’s “Weekend Edition.” Anonymous 4's award-winning recordings have attained unprecedented popularity, rising to the top of Billboard's classical chart, and selling almost 1.5 million copies worldwide.

The Oct. 10 concert features the varied repertoire of 13th-century polyphony and sacred Latin song collected in the Spanish Las Huelgas Codex for a convent of aristocratic women. In spite of a rule forbidding women of their order from singing polyphony, these sophisticated ladies sang the most beautiful, advanced, and demanding music from all over Europe.

A4 previewed a previous CD, “Gloryland,” at GraceMusic in 2005. “We like to sing at GraceMusic,” said Susan Hellauer. “For our medieval programs, Grace Church is one of the most inspiring venues -- both visually and acoustically -- that we've ever found. So we're very happy and excited to be back at GraceMusic for its 40th anniversary with ‘Secret Voices.’”

GraceMusic began 40 years ago with the first Messiah Sing and has presented concert programs every fall and spring season since then. GraceMusic’s 40th annual Messiah Sing —Rockland’s only Messiah Sing, and a holiday tradition where professional soloists perform the arias of Handel’s masterpiece and the audience sings the choruses, especially the rousing “Hallelujah”—will be on December 6.

“GraceMusic programs are varied,” said Fredrica Wyman, artistic director of GraceMusic. “We want to give our audiences great music and great performers but we definitely want more than the usual concert fare, so we vary the styles of music – from 13th-century polyphony to modern composers, to unusual or underperformed works by great composers. And we vary the instrumental and vocal groupings: we’ve had percussion ensembles, brass orchestras, cello soloists, jazz musicians, the “downtown” NYC string quartet Ethel, and much more. That makes for programs that are fresh and that open musical horizons. Our 40th year concerts illustrate this well.”

GraceMusic’s spring 2010 season will include ETA3 (a lively and outstanding young chamber group that debuted at Lincoln Center) performing Debussy, Bartok, Sarasaté, and others, and a chamber trio of high-profile NYC professionals who are also Rockland residents (Katherine Fink, Laura McGinnis, Christopher Oldfather) performing music by Russian composers (Prokofiev, César Cui, and others). A special choral music concert will honor Bach’s 325th birthday and feature cantatas and concerti including musical greetings from Vivaldi and Buxtehude performed by the Grace Church Choir and orchestra conducted by Robert Barrows.

Admission to the Anonymous 4 benefit concert is $20. All other GraceMusic programs are on Sundays at 4 p.m. at Grace Church, 130 First Ave., Nyack. Admission to Messiah Sing is $10. Spring 2010 concert admissions are $15, Seniors $10, Students $5. Child care is available and a meet-the-artists reception follows each concert except the Messiah Sing.

People in our area live busy lives and keep up with hectic schedules. For many, maintaining a healthy spiritual life is a major challenge. A local church has recognized the special problem faced by many protestant Christians, and is offering help.

On September 12, Piermont Reformed Church began offering a weekly worship service at 5:00 p.m. on Saturdays. 'The church is responding to an obvious need," said Rev. John VandenOever, the church's pastor. "Saturday masses have long been a fixture in the Catholic church. The fact is, lots of people have other commitments on Sunday mornings, whether it's work, housekeeping, or leisure. We have to adapt to that reality, and believe this will be a benefit to people in our community."

According to Rev. VandenOever, the new service is intentionally subdued in its tone. Even our Saturdays, he says, can be busy days with family activities during the daytime and evenings out on the town. "A service at five o'clock offers a chance to reflect and relax, to catch our breath as evening comes, and collect ourselves for whatever the week brings."

Piermont Reformed Church is located at 361 Ferdon Avenue in Piermont. For more information or directions, go to the church's website, www.piermontchurch.org, or call 845-359-4637.

Hispanic Heritage Month 2009 Events Celebrate 50th Anniversary of SUNY Rockland Community College

RAMAPO —The 22nd annual SUNY Rockland Community College Hispanic Heritage Month features events at the College including music, drama, lectures and the Hispanic Heritage Student Achievement Awards. All events are free and open to the public unless admission is specified.

Hispanic Heritage Month officially began in the U.S. on September 15, the anniversary of independence for five Latin American countries—Costa Rica, El Salvador, Guatemala, Honduras, and Nicaragua. In addition, Mexico declared its independence on September 16, and Chile on September 18.

Dr. Karen McGovern, Associate Professor, English, will highlight salient points of her doctoral dissertation.

Gema Alava was born in Madrid, Spain, in 1973. She studied at the Chelsea College of Art & Design in London, Facultad de Bellas Artes de Madrid, and the San Francisco Art Institute. She moved to New York in 2002, where she currently lives and works. One of her projects “A Dialogue” took place at the Solomon S. Guggenheim Museum in New York, in 2008, thanks to Cai Guo-Qiang’s collaboration.

A PowerPoint presentation by the CASS students shares their journey from their native land to the United States. The will also give a small native dance demonstration.

Born and raised in New York City, Felipe Luciano's commitment to community empowerment, ethnic pride and civil rights was pivotal in changing the color and complexion of politics, culture, and society.. From being the first Puerto Rican news anchor for WNBC and continuing on CBS-TV's Channel 2's The People and Fox-TV's Good Day New York and Street Talk with Ed Koch, Luciano has successfully challenged stereotypes and predicted changing trends. Today, Luciano regularly contributes articles to The New York Times and Essence while continuing his Spoken Word poetry, performing for HBO’s Def Poetry Jam, and Tropijazz and RMM Records.

Students of Hispanic heritage and have earned 24 credits with a grade point average of at least 3.0 are eligible to apply. A selection committee chooses a candidate in each of the following categories: Academic Achievement, Artistic Talent, Athletic Accomplishments, and Personal Accomplishments. More info: Josephine Tarsia, Associate Professor, Foreign Languages, 845-574- 4170, jtarsia@sunyrockland.edu

Admission: $20 General Admission; $15 Penguin subscribers and RCC faculty and staff; $10 Students.

Performed by bilingual actors in English and Spanish, the play chronicles the true story of undocumented youth and their journey through the U.S. system of justice. Performance is in collaboration with the Penguin Repertory Company and the RCC Performing Arts Department. Panel discussion and reception will follow. For more information, contact (845) 574 – 4471.

The Birchwood Center for Yoga & Massage will host a free educational program “New Advances in Breast Cancer Diagnoses and Treatments” on Monday, October 5th at 7:15 pm. Presented by Patricia Joseph, MD, Director, Breast & Women’s Health Prevention Services at Nyack Hospital, this program will educate attendees about the latest medical advancements in the diagnoses and treatments of breast cancer.

In 2009, it is estimated that 13,500 women in New York will be diagnosed with breast cancer; an additional 6,400 New Jersey women will be diagnosed. The Breast Center at Nyack Hospital offers these women vital treatment, educational and support services to fight this disease.

The Birchwood Center is located at 85 South Broadway, Nyack, NY. Please call Mary Lichtman, Director of Special Events at Nyack Hospital to register at 845.348.2771.

The Arts Council of Rockland (ACOR) announces the availability of grant opportunities for in-school programs through the Arts Education Grants. Arts Education Grants are made possible with funds from the Local Capacity Building Initiative of the New York State Council on the Arts and are administered in Rockland County by the Arts Council of Rockland.

Arts Education Grants provide funds for collaborations of Rockland schools with cultural organizations and/or artists to implement projects that use the arts to improve teaching and learning. Projects must take place between January 1, 2010 – June 15, 2010.

Guideline and application seminars will be offered to assist applicants. Applicants are encouraged to attend the application seminars, which are free. For further information, please contact Mark Judelson at (845) 426-3660 or info@artscouncilofrockland.org. Guidelines and Application can be downloaded from www.artscouncilofrockland.org.

The deadline for receipt at the Arts Council of Rockland of complete applications is 1:00 p.m., Wednesday, October 28, 2009.

Amount of Awards

Arts Education Grants provide matching funds that range from $500.00 to $4,000.00.

Eligibility Requirements

Rockland Pre-K – 12 public, private, parochial and/or charter schools collaborating with cultural organizations and/or individual artists are eligible to apply.

· teachers and their cultural partners are planning and implementing the project collaboratively

· participating students will have a minimum of three contact sessions with the cultural partner

· project complies with the New York State Learning Standards in the Arts in artistic and other educational objectives

To request an application and guidelines or for further information, please call Mark Judelson at (845) 426-3660 or info@artscouncilofrockland.org.

The Arts Council of Rockland, a non-profit organization established in 1972, promotes and encourages the arts in our diverse community and strives to create a climate in which creative expression flourishes and is experienced by all. The Arts Council of Rockland facilitates and coordinates programs, support services, publications and forums for the entire community in the interest of enhancing the cultural life in Rockland County. Programs of the Arts Council of Rockland are made possible, in part, with public funds from the New York State Council on the Arts, a state agency and the County of Rockland.

“A Taste At Palisades Center Make A Dish” to benefit the Make-A-Wish Foundation of the Hudson Valley Chapter

WEST NYACK – Palisades Center announced that it will kick off Restaurant month from Thursday, Oct. 1 to Oct. 31. Did you know over 30 children in Rockland County are waiting for an ANGEL! They suffer from life-threatening illnesses and have asked the Make-A-Wish Foundation® to fulfill a wish for them.

During the month of October, participating restaurants will offer lunch & dinner specials. By dining at Bravo! Cucina Italiana, Fire+Ice, Dave & Busters, Lucky Strike Lanes, Stir Crazy, Cold Stone Creamery, Chevys Fresh Mex, a portion of their proceeds will be donated to the Make-A-Wish Hudson Valley Chapter. Our goal is to raise as much money as possible to make a child’s wish come true” said LeeMarie Dell”Accio, Director of Marketing at Palisades Center. Restaurants who participate in the Make-A-Wish Foundation® event will be identified by special signs at their entrance.

For the month of October, we have planned a fun-filled festive month here at Palisades Center. Our special events include: live entertainment from the Cross-Fire band, DJ entertainment, stars from the Toxic Avenger off Broadway Show; face painting and balloon animals for the children and participating restaurants will be having different activities planned throughout the month. The Food University will be holding cooking classes for the public. For more information, see the attached October events calendar.

“We chose the month of October because it gives us a wonderful opportunity to make the most of the time leading up to the holiday season. We would love to help more than one child’s wish come true,” said LeeMarie.

Be an Angel, by visiting participating restaurants at Palisades Center and make a child’s wish come true for the upcoming holiday season.

Debut of Tappan Zee Bridge documentary at Lafayette Theatre in Suffern
Feb. 16^th screening is free to public; details construction of bridge

Awards will be presented in the following categories:

HVTDC Offers Free “Green 101” Interactive Course

Tuesday, December 8, 7 – 9 p.m. (sign-in begins at 6:30 p.m.)

Hi-Tor shows off local pets on 2010 calendar

The Hi-Tor Pet of the Year – whose owner, Heather Vokes, raised the most money for the shelter – is Dushi-Aruba, a five-and-a-half year old male Arubian Cunucu Dog that was rescued from Aruba four years ago.

POMONA – Rockland County’s most popular pets grace the cover and inside pages of Hi-Tor Animal Care Center’s 2010 Pet Calendar, now available for purchase at Hi-Tor and at Pet Nutrition Center in Nanuet.

Rachel Francavillo, Bob Bromberg and Emma Seuffert

Red Cross: Keep kids safe

for Halloween

All proceeds benefit the Rockland Center for the Arts’ educational and cultural programs. The event is $125 per person. For more information visit www.rocklandartcenter.org or call RoCA at 845-358-0877.

Lisa de Ribére & Jay Larkin

Didi Conn & David Shire

Bergen Catholic to honor Murphy at gala

ORADELL, N.J. – Former Bergen Catholic President Br. Lawrence T. Murphy, C.F.C., will be honored when the school hosts its Second Annual Crusader Gala on Friday, Oct. 23, at the Rockleigh Country Club in Rockleigh, NJ.

Info: www.imax.com/palisades.

WEST POINT BAND CHAMBER MUSIC RECITAL SERIES

SPECIAL PERFORMANCE BY HONOR SOCIETY TO HIGHLIGHT SECOND ANNUAL LITTLE BIT O’ SOLE 5K WALK FOR LIFE OCT. 4

Amount of Awards

Eligibility Requirements

Debut of Tappan Zee Bridge documentary at Lafayette Theatre in Suffern Feb. 16th screening is free to public; details construction of bridge

Awards will be presented in the following categories:

HVTDC Offers Free “Green 101” Interactive Course

Tuesday, December 8, 7 – 9 p.m. (sign-in begins at 6:30 p.m.)

Hi-Tor shows off local pets on 2010 calendar

The Hi-Tor Pet of the Year – whose owner, Heather Vokes, raised the most money for the shelter – is Dushi-Aruba, a five-and-a-half year old male Arubian Cunucu Dog that was rescued from Aruba four years ago.

POMONA – Rockland County’s most popular pets grace the cover and inside pages of Hi-Tor Animal Care Center’s 2010 Pet Calendar, now available for purchase at Hi-Tor and at Pet Nutrition Center in Nanuet.

Rachel Francavillo, Bob Bromberg and Emma Seuffert

Red Cross: Keep kids safe

for Halloween

All proceeds benefit the Rockland Center for the Arts’ educational and cultural programs. The event is $125 per person. For more information visit www.rocklandartcenter.org or call RoCA at 845-358-0877.

Lisa de Ribére & Jay Larkin

Didi Conn & David Shire

Bergen Catholic to honor Murphy at gala

ORADELL, N.J. – Former Bergen Catholic President Br. Lawrence T. Murphy, C.F.C., will be honored when the school hosts its Second Annual Crusader Gala on Friday, Oct. 23, at the Rockleigh Country Club in Rockleigh, NJ.

Info: www.imax.com/palisades.

WEST POINT BAND CHAMBER MUSIC RECITAL SERIES

SPECIAL PERFORMANCE BY HONOR SOCIETY TO HIGHLIGHT SECOND ANNUAL LITTLE BIT O’ SOLE 5K WALK FOR LIFE OCT. 4

Amount of Awards

Eligibility Requirements

Debut of Tappan Zee Bridge documentary at Lafayette Theatre in Suffern
Feb. 16^th screening is free to public; details construction of bridge