The Town of Clarkstown was issued a temporary restraining order by Supreme Court Justice Zugibe for the use and occupancy of property 295 New Hempstead Rd., New City, which was housing over 30 migrants.
Thank you to the Town’s Code Enforcement Team for their swift code enforcement action that gathered enough evidence to first obtain a search warrant, and then to have a Supreme Court Judge order the house be vacated and only operate as a single-family home. The Town will have another court hearing next week on this matter. Clarkstown will continue to enforce its codes and laws for the safety of its residents and first responders.
If you suspect a house is being used improperly, please report it here or contact Supervisor Hoehmann at 845-639-2050 or the Building Department at 845-639-2100.
Rockland Creatives Shine Bright at the RoCA Faculty Showcase
Rockland County, NY — Art enthusiasts have a unique opportunity to explore the vibrant world of Contemporary Rockland Artists at the RoCA Faculty Exhibit, which commenced on September 7 and will run until September 30, 2023. Although the grand Opening Artists Reception took place on Saturday, Sept. 9, from 1:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m., the exhibit continues to captivate visitors. The best part? It remains open to the public, and admission is free.
This ongoing exhibition celebrates the exceptional teaching artists of RoCA, who have served as wellsprings of inspiration for students of all ages and skill levels. These accomplished faculty members not only share their knowledge but also actively contribute to the artistic landscape, showcasing their work throughout the Hudson Valley and across all fifty states.
Prominent educators featured in this exhibition include:
- Kate Poland Hetman: With expertise in functional pottery, Hetman crafts plates, platters, boxes, and pitchers that engage the senses. Her unique approach treats clay as a canvas, resulting in layered, dimensional surfaces. With over two decades of experience in ceramics, she currently serves as a full-time visual arts teacher at Fort Lee High School.
- Tjok Gde Arsa Artha: In high demand, Artha returns to teach a series of classes following a well-received watercolor and ink drawing workshop earlier this year. His work draws inspiration from the spiritual-based mythology of his Balinese homeland, seamlessly blending Western color schemes and perspectives. Artha’s richly saturated artworks often feature figures set amidst dense, detailed foliage. Beyond his artistry, he’s a grant recipient of the Pollock-Krasner Foundation, a professor at Bard College, a member of the Giri Mekar, a community gamelan orchestra in the Hudson Valley, and currently serves as the Director of The Pomona Cultural Center in Rockland.
- Poramit Thantapalit: Hailing from Thailand, Thantapalit excels in mixed media, recycled arts, photography, and cyanotype. His artistic process transforms images of nature into captivating art pieces, employing color, harmony, spacing, and recycled objects painted by sunlight to create unique blue art compositions. With over 15 years of experience as a graphic designer, artist, and photographer in global marketing organizations, his installations and artworks have graced prestigious venues worldwide.
- Kanitra Perrault: A skilled instructor in cartooning, Manga, Anime, and Claymation, Perrault introduces the world of stop-motion animation to her students. Her educational journey included studies at Cooper Union and Pratt Institute, majoring in film/animation. Over the past decade, she has dedicated herself to multicultural arts education at the Martin Luther King Center in Spring Valley, NY. Her passion for film and animation led her to develop a media arts program that currently offers video/animation and claymation production opportunities for students of all ages.
The ongoing exhibition welcomes the public to explore the extraordinary artistic talents of Rockland until September 30. Although the grand Opening Artists Reception already took place on September 9th, visitors can continue to enjoy this cultural celebration.
The venue for this exhibition is the Rockland Center for the Arts (RoCA), located at 27 S Greenbush Rd., West Nyack, NY 10994. For further details, visit the RoCA website at rocklandartcenter.org or contact the RoCA team at 845-358-0877.
RoCA extends its heartfelt appreciation to all supporters, whose contributions make these programs possible. The event enjoys support from various sponsors and funding sources, underscoring the significance of the arts within the community.
Funding for this exhibition is facilitated, in part, by the New York State Council on the Arts, with the support of Governor Kathy Hochul and the New York State Legislature, as well as the County of Rockland. It stands as a testament to the enduring commitment to the arts in Rockland County and the vibrant artistic community it nurtures.
Journey Through History: Courage at Spencer’s Regiment Encampment
Stony Point, NY — History enthusiasts and curious visitors alike have a unique opportunity to step back in time as Stony Point Battlefield State Historic Site hosts the Spencer’s Regiment Encampment on Saturday, Sept. 23, 2023. The event, which runs from 11:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m., promises an immersive experience that brings to life Colonel Oliver Spencer’s Continental Regiment, one of the units that guarded Stony Point during the American Revolution in 1780.
This captivating historical reenactment provides a glimpse into the daily lives, drills, and activities of the brave soldiers who played a pivotal role in shaping America’s history.
What makes this event even more remarkable? It’s entirely FREE, making it an ideal outing for families, history enthusiasts, and anyone eager to explore America’s past.
For additional information, please contact (845) 786-2521 or visit the Stony Point Battlefield and LighthouseFacebook page. Don’t miss this opportunity to connect with Stony Point heritage and relive a crucial chapter in the American Revolution!
Navigating the Complexities of Medicare
Guest blog post by B. Kern
Medicare, the federal health insurance program for people aged 65 and older, can often seem like a maze of options and choices. With various parts and plans, understanding Medicare can be daunting. Here, we’ll break down the basics of Medicare to help you navigate its intricacies.
Medicare Choices
MEDICARE PART A
Medicare Part A primarily covers hospital expenses, including hospital stays, skilled nursing care, hospice, and home health-care services. While you may encounter various deductibles, coinsurance, and copayments, you typically earn Part A by paying Medicare taxes for 10 years (or 40 quarters) during your working years. If you haven’t earned Part A, a premium will be required.
MEDICARE PART B
Medicare Part B encompasses services that treat illnesses or conditions. This includes doctor’s office visits, lab work, x-rays, outpatient surgeries, and preventive services like cancer screenings and flu shots. Additionally, Part B covers medically necessary durable medical equipment, such as wheelchairs and walkers. Most individuals pay a premium for Part B. It’s worth noting that even if you’re enrolled in a Medicare Advantage plan that offers both Part A and Part B benefits, the Part B premium remains applicable.
MEDICARE PART D: Prescription Drug Plans
Original Medicare doesn’t extend its coverage to prescription drugs. However, Medicare Part D, which is optional, can be invaluable if you require medications. If you don’t enroll in Medicare Part D when first eligible, you may face a late-enrollment penalty. This coverage can be obtained either through an independent Prescription Drug Plan (PDP) or a Medicare Advantage Plan that includes prescription drug coverage.
Medicare Supplement Insurance Plans
Often mistaken for Advantage Plans, Medicare Supplement Insurance Plans work in tandem with original Medicare. Any caregiver that accepts Medicare will also accept a Supplement. Typically, Medicare covers 80% of the benefits, and the Supplement covers the remaining 20%. It’s crucial to understand that Supplements do not include Prescription Drug Coverage (Part D, PDP). Failing to get a PDP when first eligible can result in penalties, although exceptions exist. While the cost of Supplements may increase over time, the coverage remains consistent.
Medicare Advantage Plans
Also known as “Part C” or “MA Plans,” Medicare Advantage Plans are an alternative to Original Medicare, offered by private companies approved by Medicare. Enrolling in a Medicare Advantage Plan means you still have Medicare. These bundled plans usually encompass Medicare Part A, Part B, and often Part D.
Medicare Prescription Drug Plans (Part D)
These plans, sometimes referred to as “PDPs,” add drug coverage to Original Medicare and some other Medicare plans. Each plan has a unique list of covered drugs, known as a formulary. Many plans categorize drugs into “tiers,” each with a different cost. Generally, drugs in lower tiers are less expensive than those in higher tiers. If a required drug is in a higher tier, you or your prescriber can request an exception for a reduced copayment.
Conclusion
Understanding Medicare’s various parts and plans is essential for making informed decisions about your healthcare. While this overview provides a foundational understanding, the intricacies of Medicare can still be challenging to navigate.
Bruce Kern, along with Marcia Kern, run Premier Benefit Services, an independent insurance agency specializing in Medicare and other insurance services. With a mission to build lasting client relationships based on trust, wise counsel, and clear communication, Bruce and his team are dedicated to helping clients navigate these uncharted waters. For more information about Premier Benefit Services, visit https://premierbenefitservices.com/, or call Bruce and Marcia at 973-628-0694.
Edward Hopper House Museum Fall Arts Education Fundraiser to be Held at Historic Snedens Landing Mansion, Sunday Afternoon, October 1
The Edward Hopper House Museum and Study Center will hold its 8th Annual Fall Arts Education
Fundraiser at a stunning, historic Hudson River-front mansion, in the celebrated Snedens Landing
community in Palisades, New York. The event takes place on Sunday, October 1 from 3 to 6 p.m., and
enables the Hopper House’s mission to educate, engage and empower young people through the arts.
The fundraiser is sponsored and hosted by Ellis Sotheby’s International Realty, as it has done
for the past eight years.
Tickets are $225 for Edward Hopper House members and $250 for the general public. The ticket includes music, wine cocktails and light fare from Mimi’s plate. Valerie Balint, Director of the Historic Artists Homes and Studios, a program of the National Trust for Historic Preservation, will be the special guest speaker. There will be live and cause auctions with Eric Shiner, President of Powerhouse Arts, Brooklyn, NY.
The benefit location is a waterfront jewel, “Moon River.” The 5-bedroom home with a private beach on the Hudson River was built by artist and local matriarch Mary Lawrence Tonetti. It was designed by renowned architect Eric Gugler, who received commissions across America and Europe, and was hired by FDR to redesign the Oval Office in the 1930s, the same time he designed “Moon River.”
“We give special thanks to the private owner for graciously opening up this historic home and studio for our event, and to Ellis Sotheby’s International Realty for hosting this annual event and supporting
Edward Hopper House Museum’s art education programs,” said Cynthia Branca, who chairs the Edward
Hopper House Museum’s Board of Trustees.
“Please come out on Sunday, October 1 from 3:00-6:00pm and support the Edward Hopper House’s Arts
Education Programs, which play a key role in providing local students with leadership experiences and
outlets for expression and growth,” said Kathleen Motes Bennewitz, the museum’s Executive Director.
More information and online tickets, visit the Edward Hopper House website.
To become a Museum Member or renew your membership visit the Edward Hopper House website.
If you cannot attend, a donation can be made in support of arts education programs, using this link.