Business

Veolia urges Rocklanders to reduce water usage during stage 2 drought

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Veolia is urging that its customers in Rockland County reduce their water usage following the Rockland County Department of Health’s stage two drought alert declaration this week. A stage two declaration triggers certain voluntary and required water use restrictions for residents across the county.

Under a stage two drought alert, the following uses of water are prohibited:

  • LAWNS: Lawns may be watered twice a week only on specified days. Properties with odd numbered addresses may water lawns during specific hours only on Mondays and Thursdays. Properties with even numbered addresses may water lawns during specific hours on Tuesdays and Fridays. Watering hours are between 2 a.m. and 6 a.m. for automatic, in-ground irrigation systems. For manual sprinklers or hose fed irrigation the hours are between 5 p.m. and 9 p.m. (NOTE: this schedule supersedes the schedule stated in the Rockland County Sanitary Code section 5.4.2.2)
  • GARDENS and LANDSCAPED AREAS: Flower gardens, vegetable gardens and landscaped areas (trees, shrubs, potted plants or other outdoor plants) can be watered during specified hours every other day of the month according to property address. Properties with odd numbered addresses may water on odd days of the month (1, 3, 5, 7, 9, etc.) and properties with even numbered addresses may water on even days of the month (2, 4, 6, 8, etc.). Watering hours are between 2 a.m. and 6 a.m., for automatic, in-ground irrigation systems. For manual sprinklers or hose fed irrigation the hours are between 5 p.m. and 9 p.m.
  • Nursery facilities and golf courses may exercise a water conservation plan, that is compliant with Article V of the Rockland County Sanitary Code, in lieu of the specified watering restrictions. The conservation plan must reduce average monthly usage by 10%. In addition, all water use at golf courses shall occur between the hours of 9 p.m. and 6 a.m. except for hand-watering of greens.
  • Water may not be used to wash any paved surfaces (public or private) such as streets, sidewalks, driveways, tennis courts, garages, parking areas and patios, except as required for an emergency.  
  • Water cannot be served in restaurants unless the patron requests it. 
  • The use of flow-through (non-recycled) fountains, artificial waterfalls and reflecting pools is not allowed.  
  • Water cannot be used for flushing sewers or hydrants except for emergencies. 
  • All water leaks must be repaired within 48 hours.  
  • No bulk water supply from any source within the county may be exported outside the county.  

Average rainfall over the last three months is nearly 50% below average and the extremely hot, dry weather pattern is expected to continue — placing further stress on groundwater resources. In total, Veolia operates 60 wells in Rockland County including the Ramapo Valley Well Field.

The drought watch also triggers a “drought rate” in Veolia’s operating tariff. This rate will go into effect 30 days after the declaration unless the drought alert is rescinded before that time.  This will result in a 25% increase for any water usage in Veolia’s highest rate block.  The “drought rate” will be applied in the following manner:

  • Residential Customers: will be charged $2.98 per CCF for any usage over 12 CCF or 8,976 gallons of water per month 
  • Multi-Family Unit: will be charged $ 1.62 for any usage over 400 CCF or 299,200 gallons of water per month.
  • Non-Residential: will be charged $ 1.57 for any usage over 900 CCF or  673,200 gallons of water per month. 

The New York Public Service Commission implemented this conservation rate for Veolia customers to encourage high water users to reduce their water consumption during periods of drought.

Customers can monitor their daily water usage by creating an account or logging into their account at mywater.veolia.us.  To learn more about water conservation, customers can visit conserve.veolia.us.

Down to Earth to Host First Annual Bonsai show, extravaganza September 17th

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(Pomona, New York) August 18, 2022 — Down To Earth Living will be hosting its first annual Bonsai Show and Extravaganza on Saturday, September 17 from 10 am to 5 pm. This is a free event and all are welcome to stop by and see beautiful examples of this ancient artform. Visitors are invited to enter their own Bonsai plants into the show regardless of their skill level or experience. Trees will be judged by renowned Bonsai artist Sergio Cuan who will give a critique and overview of why each tree won their award. There will also be hundreds of Bonsai trees available for purchase along with the appropriate pots, tools, soil, and other supplies. Cuan will also sign copies of Michael Hagedorn’s book that he illustrated. 

First prize is a $300 Bonsai Shack gift certificate; second and third places will each win a $150 Bonsai shack gift certificate. Two other trees will win an award and there will be three awards in a novice category. Spectators will also have the opportunity to vote on their favorite tree for the  People’s Choice Award. 

Contestants are encouraged to moss their trees and clean their pots as well as display their tree on a stand with an accent. However, this is not mandatory and all trees are welcome and can be shown in the show. There are 20 spots left for trees to be judged. To register your tree, visit First Annual Bonsai Show; call John at (845) 304 -2183 or email at thebonsaishack845@gmail 

Upcoming Event: On Saturday October 15, Down To Earth Living will host its second annual Bonsai swap meet from 10 to 4.  This free event allows attendees to bring any Bonsai-related items such as trees, tools, pots and soil that they can trade with other Bonsai enthusiast. 

STAC announces launch of NCAA Women’s and Men’s volleyball programs

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(SPARKILL, N.Y. — Wednesday, August 17, 2022) St. Thomas Aquinas College (STAC) is proud to announce the addition of Women’s and Men’s Volleyball programs as their 21st and 22nd NCAA sports. The Spartans anticipate beginning the inaugural Women’s Volleyball season in Fall 2023, with the Men’s team beginning competition in Spring 2024.  

“St. Thomas Aquinas College has a long and proven legacy of providing outstanding athletic opportunities for our student athletes, who excel both in the classroom – with an ECC-high 90% academic success graduation rate – and on the field,” said STAC President Ken Daly. “As highlighted in our strategic plan, we are passionately committed to the holistic development of our students and are proud to be adding these popular athletic offerings for our student athletes.”

With the introduction of these two new programs, St. Thomas Aquinas College leads the East Coast Conference (ECC) in NCAA sport programs. Along with 22 NCAA sports, the college sponsors club sports including Sprint Football (CSFL), Men’s Ice Hockey (MCHC), Esports, and Cheer and Dance, as well as multiple other club and intramural opportunities.

“The ECC is very excited about STAC’s announcement to add the sport of volleyball. The ECC has some of the best women’s volleyball programs in our region and adding STAC will be a major plus to our conference,” stated ECC Commissioner Dr. Robert Dranoff. “We are confident the volleyball program will build on the success of STAC’s other athletic programs.”

St. Thomas Aquinas College will immediately conduct a national search for head coaches to lead these programs. The STAC Women’s Volleyball team will compete in the Division II East Coast Conference while the men’s program will initially play an independent schedule as future conference affiliations are to be determined.

“We are thrilled to add both Men’s and Women’s Volleyball as we continue to expand our athletic offerings. These additions will strengthen our academic and athletic profile while creating new opportunities for our campus and community,” stated STAC Director of Athletics Nicole Ryan.

RCC Hudson Market Reopens with New Partner – Genuine Foods to Run the Operations of the Market

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(ROCKLAND COUNTY, New York) August 12, 2022– Hudson Market on Main at 5 North Broadway in Nyack, had a soft opening on August 10th with Genuine Foods as the new operating partner. Genuine Foods is known for delivering fresh, high-quality, culturally relevant foodservice programs to K-12 schools, higher education, seniors and communities nationwide at competitive prices. The company has an uncompromising focus on delicious, real, scratch-made menus, and uses “the power of food to improve the lives and livelihoods of the communities we serve.” The Market will have a grand opening celebration in October 2022 and details will be posted to the website at www.hudsonmarketonmain.com.

“We’re excited about this new collaboration with Genuine Foods. Their mission aligns with the mission of the Market and with RCC – to be a true community partner to the residents of Rockland County. The Market is also a great opportunity for our students, and a fantastic addition to the Nyack food scene, offering great options for lunch, dinner, and catering right on Main Street,” stated Beth Coyle, Vice President of Operations for Rockland Community College.

As a Taste NY vendor, the Market’s new menu will feature ingredients sourced from Hudson Valley vendors. Taste NY highlights the quality, diversity, and economic impact of food and beverages grown, produced, or processed in New York State. Taste NY aims to create new opportunities for producers through events, retail locations, and partnerships.

The new hours for the Market will be Wednesday through Sunday from 11am to 7pm. Orders can be placed on line here https://www.toasttab.com/hudson-market/v3/.

Hudson Market on Main will offer an extensive salad station with a seasonal selection of soup. Sandwich options will include the following:

  • Le Parma -Shaved Prosciutto with fire-roasted peppers, fresh mozzarella, arugula and sun-dried tomato tapenade on country bread $10.95
  • Ripened on the Vine with house-made fresh mozzarella, tomatoes, basil

Pesto and balsamic glaze on an Italian baguette $9.95

  • Roasted Veggie with sliced roasted zucchini, yellow squash, eggplant, plum

tomato and white bean hummus on a multi grain roll $9.95

  • Grilled Chicken Focaccia with tomatoes, sweet bell peppers, red onions, basil topped with aged provolone and lemon aioli on tomato focaccia $10.95
  • Paisano -Shaved Prosciutto with mortadella, capicola, soppressata, aged provolone and

lemon-parsley pesto on a semolina roll $11.95

  • Crispy Chicken Bruschetta topped with marinated tomatoes and artichoke “caponata” on a ciabatta roll $10.95
  • Pesto Shrimp Salad dressed with creamy pesto on a brioche roll $14.95

A new catering menu includes cold salads, platters and a variety of pastas and vegetables side dishes. Entrees include Chicken Piccata, Francaise, Parmesan and Marsala; Shrimp Scampi; Italian Meatballs in Marinara; Italian Sausage with Peppers and Onions; Pepper Steak; Roast Pork Loin; and Eggplant Parmesan. Macaroni and cheese and chicken fingers are available for kids.

“We are thrilled to grow our footprint in Higher Education with such an esteemed institution as Rockland Community College,” says Jeff Mills, CEO of Genuine Foods. “We look forward to engaging the community at Hudson Market on Main and bringing exceptional and delicious scratch-made meals to residents and students.”

The Hospitality and Culinary Arts Center was created in response to the growth in restaurants and tourism in the Mid-Hudson Valley and the resulting need for more qualified workers. It offers fast-track culinary arts certificate programs, workforce-ready training for veterans and under-served populations and a state-of-the-industry teaching kitchen. Students will continue to work with the Market through the Hospitality and Culinary Arts Center providing food as well as operating a pop up restaurant in the spring each year.

About Genuine Foods

Genuine Foods is a quality-focused food service company that shuns packaged, processed and frozen ‘food’ in favor of scratch-made, wholesome, culturally relevant meals created with fresh, vibrant seasonal ingredients. Genuine Foods services K-12 schools, higher education, senior and hospital facilities and communities. Founded in 2015 by Jeff Mills, the longtime Director of Food & Nutrition Services for Washington D.C. Public Schools, the Genuine Foods team seeks to bring a radical, nationwide change to how foodservice looks — all at a refreshingly competitive price — especially in communities where poverty, obesity and health issues are prevalent.

About Rockland Community College, State University of New York

Rockland Community College offers a safe, supportive learning environment for thousands of students from diverse backgrounds. Many of the programs offered —including culinary arts — are designed to teach specific skills in a concentrated time frame so students can start a new career, earning a good salary, in less than one year. More information can be found at https://sunyrockland.edu/

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