Community

New York State Black Excellence and Leadership Ceremony Held at St. Thomas Aquinas College

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(SPARKILL, NY – February 17, 2022) – St. Thomas Aquinas College (STAC) recently hosted the New York State Senate Black Excellence and Leadership Ceremony in its newly renovated Romano Student Alumni Center, where Senator Elijah Reichlin-Melnick recognized the achievements and work of exceptional Black leaders within the local community. 
Black Excellence and Leadership award recipients included Jaclyn Cassagnol, Claudette Clarke, Shirley Crabbe, Calvin Demetrius, Pastor Nate Demosthene, Djinsad Desir, Gabrielle Hamilton, Justin Knowles, Dr. Dana Stilley, Eudson Tyson Francois and Charlene Weaver.

A discussion also revolved around St. Thomas Aquinas College’s firm commitment to inclusion and diversity on campus, as well as providing access to an affordable education.

“At St. Thomas Aquinas College, providing students with access to an affordable education is our top priority,” said STAC President Ken Daly. “We are honored to work together with Senator Elijah Reichlin-Melnick to recognize like-minded leaders in our local communities and help educate the next generation of students. I can think of no better day to celebrate these leaders than on February 12, the birthday of Abraham Lincoln.”

President Daly and STAC’s first-ever Chief Diversity Officer, Samantha Bazile both spoke at the awards ceremony sharing the College’s primary purpose of providing access to affordable education, and its firm commitment to inclusion and diversity on campus and beyond. Current STAC student Karla Zamora Guzman, a Criminal Justice major and Social Justice and Equity Student Ambassador, was also recognized at the ceremony.

During Black History Month in February 2021, STAC launched its Center for Social Justice (CSJ), which has reinforced the College’s commitment to the ideals of justice and equality. The CSJ is composed of the Social Justice and Equity Forum and Justice Studies Institute; both dedicated to the principles of social justice and equity on campus and fosters critical discussions on a range of social issues that promote respect, equity and justice.

Development in Nanuet

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Rockland County’s commercial epicenter is undergoing massive redevelopment. Jerry Tuchband, a longtime resident and president of the Greater Nanuet Chamber of Commerce said: “We don’t want it to become a Route 17 the situation, but I think that what’s going on is just normal improvement to businesses that have been there for many, many years and need sort of a renaissance, but I don’t think it’ll become out of control.”


Under this plan several stores and the following businesses will be renovated:


Gateway Commons: Construction work should begin this spring on a five-story, 123-room Holiday Inn Express and a QuickChek. 

The convenience store and a new drive-thru Dunkin’ Donuts will open by year’s end and the hotel following in 2023. 

Vista Dinettes, Momoyama Sushi House, Tiny Trims Children’s Hair Salon,Huntington Learning Center, and the former Coupe Dance Studio and Chick-fila-A’s building would be demolished. 

Rockland Plaza: Under plans filed by Brixmor Property Group, the Barnes and Noble/Petco building would be expanded. Modell’s in the adjacent building would be demolished.

Read more about the expansion here

Buffalo Soldiers Award Ceremony

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Four Rockland County Veterans Honored

New City, NY, – County Executive Ed Day and Director Susan Branam of the Rockland County Veterans Service Agency recognized four local veterans for their outstanding service during a special ceremony at Rockland Community College on Wednesday, February 16.


The 2021 Buffalo Soldiers Awards were presented to local United States Army veteran Walter Khan and Navy Air Reserve veteran Eugene Fields and the 2022 Buffalo Soldiers Awards were given to United States Navy veteran Nathaniel Harvey Jr. and United States Army veteran Dr. Abigaile Taylor.

A “Buffalo Soldier” is the nickname first given to members of African American cavalry regiments of the U.S. Army who served in the western United States from 1867 to 1896, noted for their courage and discipline. The Buffalo Soldiers Award is presented annually to outstanding African American veterans who reside in Rockland County.

“It takes a certain kind of person to place your own life on hold to put your country first but each one of these awardees did it without hesitation,” said County Executive Ed Day. “There’s no question, the freedoms we enjoy today would not be possible without the men and women who make the brave choice to serve our nation, including these local heroes, and it is my pleasure to recognize their courage.”


Walter Khan was drafted into the U.S. Army during the Vietnam War where he served as a combat medic and telephone technician. He was honorably discharged two years later but he continues to serve his community by organizing veteran events and is a proud member of Nyack American Legion Post 310.

Eugene Fields served in the Navy Air Reserve in 1963 for eight years, completing his duty honorably with the rank of First-Class Petty Officer. Fields is also a member of the Rockland Coalition to End the New Jim Crow.

Nathaniel Harvey grew up in Spring Valley and joined the U.S. Navy in 1988 at the age of 18. In 1989, he was aboard the USS Iowa when an explosion killed 47 of his shipmates. He now spends his free time mentoring Spring Valley’s youth and is a member of the American Legion of Suffern.

Lastly, Dr. Abigaile Taylor served in the U.S. Army beginning as a Human Resources Clerk for about 10 years. She also managed the Yellow Ribbon Program for the 99th Regional Support Command from 2010-2013, ensuring over 5,000 soldiers and their families received top training, education, and employment opportunities.

“We thank these individuals for their bravery and continued commitment to our residents. We are proud to list your name among the proud African American men and women who have been named to the Rockland County Buffalo Soldiers in years past,” concluded County Executive Day.

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