As temperatures drop, heating and utility costs can rise, making it challenging for many households to keep up with winter expenses. Fortunately, several programs are available to help protect your services and manage your bills more effectively.
Nyack, NY – The Nyack NAACP invites all to the 41st annual interfaith commemorative service in honor of Martin Luther King, Jr. will be held on Monday, January 20, 2025 at 2pm at Pilgrim Baptist Church, 80 North Franklin Street, Nyack.
The speaker will be Rev. Dr. Tyree Anderson of the First Baptist Church of Ensley in Birmingham, AL.
For more information, call 845-572-1432.
New City, NY – Attorney Nabeela McLeod has officially announced her candidacy for Rockland County Family Court Judge, vowing to bring fairness, compassion, and integrity to the bench. Surrounded by family, friends, and supporters at the Rockland County Courthouse, McLeod highlighted her 18-year legal career and deep commitment to children and families.
McLeod emphasized the role of Family Court in shaping the lives of children and families in Rockland County.
“The role of Family Court Judge is one of the most significant in our judicial system, as it directly impacts the lives of children, families, and our community as a whole,” said Town of Haverstraw Supervisor Howard Phillips. “She understands the weight of the responsibility that comes with making decisions that will shape the futures of those involved. Throughout her career, she has demonstrated a deep understanding of the law and an unwavering commitment to the well-being of families and children.”
McLeod’s experience working closely with law enforcement was also highlighted.
“Nabeela has a deep understanding of the vital role that police officers and detectives play in keeping our community a safe place,” said Rockland County Police Benevolent Association President Larry Ayers. “She has forged strong, collaborative relationships with law enforcement agencies throughout the county, consistently working together to uphold justice and protect the residents of Rockland.”
If elected, McLeod pledged to ensure that all individuals who come before Family Court are treated fairly and respectfully.
“I promise to approach every case with dignity, compassion, and respect,” McLeod said. “Every family, every child, and every individual who comes before me will be treated with fairness and care. I have invited people from across Rockland County—different towns, villages, and political backgrounds—because I am committed to serving each and every resident fairly and equally.”
McLeod is a graduate of Pace University and the Western New England School of Law in Massachusetts. She has spent 18 years in the Rockland County District Attorney’s Office, serving as an Executive Assistant District Attorney before becoming a Court Attorney for Rockland County Judge Djinsad Desir.
McLeod and her husband, Keith, are raising their two daughters in Clarkstown, where they are actively involved in the community.
New City, NY – Rockland County Executive Ed Day and the Arts Council of Rockland (ACOR) have announced Juan Pablo Mobili as the Rockland County Poet Laureate for the 2025-2026 term. As Poet Laureate, Mobili will act as an ambassador for the literary arts, engaging the community through public readings, civic events, and educational activities.
Mobili, who was born in Buenos Aires, Argentina, has lived in New York since 1978 and Rockland County since 1988. Inspired by his parents—his father, a poet and public servant, and his mother, a school principal—he developed a deep appreciation for the power of language.
“Language is the foundation of authentic dialogue, and poetry is one of the most profound uses of language,” Mobili said. “Poetry allows us to express ourselves, connect deeply with others, and explore the beauty and complexity of life. I am honored to serve as Rockland County’s Poet Laureate and look forward to celebrating the power of words with our community.”
Beyond his literary contributions, Mobili has had a distinguished career as a consultant and executive coach, working with global organizations in 38 countries, including The Lego Group, Nike, Disney, and the Pan-American Health Organization. He has also collaborated with executive education programs at Wharton and Harvard Business School, further emphasizing his passion for communication and leadership.
County Executive Ed Day praised Mobili’s selection. He said, “Juan Pablo Mobili’s contributions to the arts and his deep connection to Rockland make him an outstanding choice as our Poet Laureate. Through his work, he will inspire our community to celebrate the arts and culture that make this County such a unique and wonderful place to live.”
Dorothy Atzl, Executive Director of ACOR, said, “We are thrilled to name Juan Pablo Mobili as Rockland County’s Poet Laureate. His poetry, leadership, and community engagement embody the spirit of what this program needs to transform the literary arts community here in our County.”
Rockland residents are invited to Juan Pablo Mobili’s first public reading, titled
“Echoes of the Heart: Life’s Joys & Sorrows,” on February 20th from 6:30 to 8:00 p.m. at the Valley Cottage Library.
By Keith S. Shikowitz
Homelessness remains a pressing issue in the United States, where countless individuals face freezing temperatures each winter without adequate shelter or warmth. In response to this crisis, Kenn Rowell, along with friends and supporters, launched Blankfest in 1997, a grassroots initiative providing blankets and other essentials directly to those in need. Now in its 28th year, Blankfest has become an enduring tradition of compassion and community support.
The idea for Blankfest came to Rowell when he read a brief news report about someone freezing to death on the streets of New York City. Struck by the tragedy, Rowell decided to act.
“I thought, jeez, you know, that person could have used a blanket,” Rowell said. Starting with 18 donated blankets, Rowell and his friends drove through New York City on Christmas Eve, handing out the items to people living on the streets. The impact was profound.
“That first year was such a head rush that we decided we’d do it again,” Rowell said. Over the years, Blankfest has grown into a global movement, with events taking place in New Jersey, Brooklyn, Vancouver, Montreal, Toronto, and even the UK.
Blankfest is powered by a vibrant mix of local and international musicians, poets, and performers, many of whom volunteer their time. Rowell’s wife, Yvonne Sotomayor, a bilingual poet, has been involved since their first month together.
“Anyone who wants to contribute artistically is welcome—whether it’s a poetry reading, comedy routine, or music,” Rowell explained. Performances create an energy-filled atmosphere that brings people together in support of a shared cause.
This year’s event featured 21 acts and brought in more than 300 blankets. Rowell noted that crowds shift throughout the day, ensuring a lively rotation of attendees.
Blankfest’s success relies on the dedication of volunteers. Eugene Armistead, a longtime friend of Rowell, traveled from Georgia to lend a hand. “For me, it’s a little expense that makes a huge difference to someone who literally has nothing,” Armistead said. His role includes moving equipment, setting up sound, and transporting donations.
Chuck De Bruyn, Rowell’s sound technician, has been involved since the beginning. “It’s one of the most grassroots, zero-BS charities on the planet. There’s no money, no sponsorships—just blankets going directly to people who need them,” he said.
Distribution efforts primarily focus on New York City, with stops in the Bronx, Queens, and Manhattan. Donations are also made to shelters and veterans’ organizations. According to Sotomayor, many homeless individuals share stories of how they ended up on the streets, often due to job loss or personal tragedies.
“It’s incredibly easy for any one of us to fall into that,” Sotomayor said. “This could happen to anyone.”
After nearly three decades, Blankfest continues to thrive thanks to Rowell’s vision and the dedication of countless volunteers. Donations come from all over, including music stores, local businesses, and community members.
For Rowell, the mission remains simple: “As long as we have a venue and people in need, we’ll keep going, ” he said.