Our Virtual Art Contest was a great success! There were numerous submissions that we decided to have two winners. Congratulations to Claire Zannetti and Cristina Carbone! Thank you to everyone who participated. Our residents are very talented!
(Pomona, New York) March 1, 2022 — Down To Earth Living will be hosting a series of workshops in its Bonsai Shack for those new to the craft of Bonsai and those who have already discovered the joys of this ancient art of growing certain trees and shrubs in small, shallow containers. With careful and precise training and pruning, the plant is slowly shaped and manipulated to give the appearance of an older, mature tree. The word Bonsai literally means “ten thousand years,” and it has long been used in Japan to indicate joy, harmony, peace or a wish for long life.
Bonsai Superstar Sergio Cuan will be leading “Bring Your Own Tree” workshops on the following Saturdays: March 12, April 9, June 4 and October 15. There is a limit of eight people per session; $75 per person. To reserve a spot, call John at 845-304-2183. If you don’t already have a tree, Down to Earth Living has hundreds in stock to choose from. A 10 percent discount will be offered on all trees for participants in each workshop.
The Bonsai Shack will also be the site of the company’s third annual spring gala on April 2 from 9 am to 5 pm. Celebrated Italian Bonsai Master Mauro Stemberger will be there to answer questions and discuss his craft with customers. There will be hundreds of Bonsai trees available for purchase along with the proper pots, tools, soil and other supplies. Barbecue will also be available for guests and visitors.
The Haverstraw Downtown Revitalization Initiative will have a meeting on Thursday, March 3rd from 7 to 9pm.
ROCKLAND COUNTY (February 23, 2022) — Rockland Behavioral Health Response Team (BHRT) has announced that its Administrative Coordinator, Tracie Florida, LMSW, is leaving the organization, effective February 1. Florida, who was a founding member of the BHRT team, will continue to serve as a per diem clinician for the agency.
“Tracie’s devotion to BHRT has been a driving force in helping the agency achieve its mission of providing 24/7 emergency mental health support for the citizens of Rockland County,” said Tim Egan, Executive Director of Rockland Paramedic Services, the parent organization. “We are so thankful for all that she has done to develop the agency from its inception through this point.”
Florida was part of the original staff that founded BHRT in 2015. The agency, which is funded by Rockland County through a grant from the NYS Office of Mental Health, provides mobile behavioral health services and 24-hour-a-day crisis intervention, 365 days a year to individuals, families, schools, and agencies in Rockland County. BHRT’s team of experienced mental health professionals respond immediately to requests for in-person assistance or intervention with behavioral health issues by conducting a basic needs assessment, providing referrals to mental health providers and agencies, or in cases where immediate additional support is needed, arranging for transportation to the most appropriate facility.
During her seven years with BHRT, the agency has gained ground in its role as an essential mental health service for Rockland County. Being able to provide these services to citizens in need has been a hallmark of her career, and Florida noted the pride she has taken in the team and in BHRT’s efforts. “It was exciting to be part of this group as a startup and to watch us evolve and expand,” Florida said. “The BHRT model of embedding mental health professionals in first-response systems was a first for Rockland County, and it has caught on around the country.”
Florida also noted the great diversity of the staff, including five people on the team who speak different languages, and the devotion to the mission as key aspects of her team’s success. “We have very low turnover on our staff, which speaks to how well we work together as a group and with the community,” Florida explained.
Moving forward, she hopes BHRT will be able to secure additional funding in order to decrease response times for calls and to provide greater availability to Rockland residents at all stages of need for mental health services. The new Director of Mental Health Services is Daria Filipovic, LCSW, who assumed the role on February 1, 2022.
The Behavioral Health Response Team provides mobile behavioral health services and crisis intervention 24/7, 365 days a year to individuals, families, and agencies in Rockland County. The Team can come to an individual’s home or place of work if a mental health situation needs immediate intervention.
BHRT has an experienced team of mental Health professionals capable of responding immediately to requests for assistance or intervention with any behavioral health issue. The issues can range from serious emotional crisis to seeking guidance for behavioral health support. The Team will conduct a basic needs assessment, which is an essential part of the outreach process. They provide referrals to mental health providers and agencies to ensure that individuals and families receive the on-going care they need. If immediate additional support is needed the BHRT team members will arrange transportation to the most appropriate facility.
BHRT works collaboratively with all Rockland hospitals, mental health agencies, and first response agencies to ensure the most appropriate care. For more information, visit www.rocklandhelp.org.
Youth Council Advises NYS Policymakers on Key Issues
New City, NY, – The Rockland County Youth Bureau is now accepting applications from adolescents and young adults interested in serving on the New York State Governor’s Youth Council. The Youth Council gives young individuals a platform for their voices to be heard by lawmakers and an opportunity to engage in state government.
“This is an incredible opportunity to represent Rockland County on a statewide level and weigh in on key issues facing young people in New York with the Governor and other policymakers. I urge interested young people to apply and get involved,” said County Executive Ed Day.
Rockland’s representative will provide policy recommendations in various areas including civic engagement, education, violence, juvenile justice, mental health challenges, substance use and prevention, and diversity.
The Youth Council will be comprised of 62 people, ages 13 to 21, who will develop its organizational structure, prioritize key issues, and gain hands-on experience in the democratic process and all council members will serve a one-year term. Once selected, the Youth Council member will participate in virtual youth-led networking and training events about government, civic engagement, and positive youth development, attend regional meetings, work on selecting policy issues to inform local, regional, and/or state changes, and much more!
Interested youth must submit an application that includes an essay and a video demonstrating their interest in one or more of the council’s focus areas. Candidates will be selected based on their character, leadership skills, academic achievement, civic engagement, and community service – but do not have to excel in each area.
Applications can be found at https://nysylc.secure-platform.com/a and the deadline to apply is Tuesday, March 15, 2022. For more information, contact the Rockland County Youth Bureau at 845-364-2929 or email RCYB@co.rockland.ny.us