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Rockland Community Foundation Celebrates Spirit of Giving at the 24th Annual Philanthropy Day
Rockland County, NY – On November 7, 2024, Rockland County will come together to celebrate the 24th Annual Rockland Philanthropy Day, an event honoring the spirit of giving in the community. Hosted by the Fostering Philanthropy Fund, a component of the Rockland Community Foundation, the event will take place from 8:30 a.m. to 10:30 a.m. at the Crowne Plaza in Suffern.
The event highlights Rockland’s commitment to philanthropy and features a keynote presentation by Bob Murray, Provost of St. Thomas Aquinas College. A special proclamation from County Executive Ed Day will officially declare November 7 as “Philanthropy Day in Rockland County.”
This year, five individuals and one business will be honored for their exceptional contributions to the community:
- Rena Finkelstein – Outstanding Philanthropist
- Devyn Pupo – Outstanding Youth in Philanthropy
- Esther Schulman – Outstanding Nonprofit or Fundraising Professional
- Howard Goldin and Edward Frank – Outstanding Volunteers
- Veolia – Outstanding Corporate Leadership
Each award recipient, except for the youth honoree, will receive $500 to donate to a Rockland nonprofit of their choice, recognizing their continued support for local causes. The Outstanding Youth in Philanthropy recipient, Devyn Pupo, will receive a $500 award towards educational or philanthropic endeavors.
In addition to these honors, the Rockland County Veterans Service Agency will receive a special grant of $2,500 from the Fostering Philanthropy Fund to provide food support for Rockland County veterans. This gesture reinforces the foundation’s dedication to ensuring a brighter future for all members of the community.
The Philanthropy Day event, organized in partnership with the Rockland Community Foundation Advisory Board and past members of the Rockland Development Council, has long served as a platform to celebrate charitable efforts in Rockland County. Since its inception, it has recognized the vital role of philanthropy in enhancing the quality of life in the region.
Speaking about the event, a spokesperson for the Rockland Community Foundation said, “Philanthropy Day is a unique opportunity to recognize the individuals and businesses that make Rockland a better place. These honorees are leaders in our community, and their commitment to service sets an example for others to follow.”
The Fostering Philanthropy Fund was created to continue the legacy of the Rockland Development Council, which played a pivotal role in advancing philanthropy across the county since 1999. Through its stewardship by the Rockland Community Foundation, the fund ensures that Rockland’s charitable endeavors continue to grow and inspire future generations.
The upcoming Philanthropy Day promises to be a momentous occasion for both the honorees and the community at large, reflecting on the power of giving and how it shapes Rockland County.
To attend the event or learn more about Philanthropy Day, visit rocklandgives.org/philanthropy-day.
Champlain Hudson Power Express Opens Community Office in Village of Haverstraw
Haverstraw, NY – The Champlain Hudson Power Express (CHPE) has opened a new office in Rockland County, providing a dedicated resource for local residents and business owners to learn more about the project. The office, located at 1 Railroad Square in Haverstraw, officially opened its doors on Tuesday, September 17th, and will be open weekdays from 8:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m.
The office was opened to address concerns and dispel any potentials rumors that may have circulated since the project was greenlighted by New York State, and initiated by CHPE. Construction is currently underway in locations such as the intersection of Route 9W and Route 210 in Stony Point.
The new office will serve as the main point of contact for community members who want to ask questions, voice concerns, or get updates on the project’s progress.
Since kicking off construction in Rockland, CHPE’s activities in Rockland County have picked up pace, with the project slated for completion in May 2026. In an effort to expedite the construction process and minimize traffic disruptions, crews will work around the clock, including overnight in certain areas.
In addition to the new Haverstraw office, CHPE added that it maintains a 24-hour toll-free hotline (800-991-CHPE) and an email address (publicoutreach@chpexpress.com) to address any community inquiries.
Huge Project Spans from Quebec to New York City
The CHPE project spans 339 miles, with an underground and underwater transmission line that will bring hydropower from Québec to New York City. The company is promising significant environmental and economic benefits, including reducing climate emissions and air pollutants while lowering electricity generation costs by an estimated $17 billion over the first 25 years of operation.
CHPE is said to also aiming to bring economic advantages to local communities, generating $3.5 billion in economic benefits, 1,400 jobs during the construction phase, and a commitment to using union labor. The project will boost tax revenue across 73 municipalities and 59 school districts in New York, contributing $1.4 billion in incremental funding over the next 25 years.
Pomona Fashion Designer Hope Wade Receives Presidential Lifetime Achievement Award
POMONA, NY – Hope Wade, the acclaimed Jamaican-American fashion designer from Pomona, New York, has been honored with the prestigious Presidential Lifetime Achievement Award. The award ceremony took place at The Mansion in Monroe, NY, recognizing Wade’s extraordinary contributions to her community, amassing over 4,000 hours of service. As part of this honor, Wade received a personalized certificate, an official medallion, and a congratulatory letter from President Joe Biden.
Wade, a graduate of Convent of Mercy ‘Alpha’ Academy in Kingston, Jamaica, and Cooper Union College, expressed her surprise and gratitude upon receiving the award. “When I received the email that I was getting this award, I was honestly surprised and humbled that my body of work and contribution to the community has been recognized on such a prestigious level,” she said.
As a fashion designer and Executive Producer of Rockland Fashion Week, Wade has earned local and international recognition. Through her work, she has created platforms for designers and models, including those with disabilities such as Down syndrome, autism, and blindness, to showcase their talents. Rockland Fashion Week, attended by over 700 people, has become a key cultural event in the area.
Beyond her success in fashion, Wade is also a dedicated mentor to both young girls and older women. She has used her talents to raise funds for nonprofit organizations and has been a vocal advocate for using creative arts, particularly fashion, as a means for students to express themselves. Wade has been actively involved in local schools, where she teaches students about the business of fashion.
Her leadership extends beyond fashion, as Wade serves as president of the Jamaican Civic and Cultural Association of Rockland (JAMCCAR) and the Alpha Academy Tri-State Alumnae Association. She is also on the boards of the Cooper Union College Alumni Association, the Arts Council of Rockland (ACOR), and the Nyack Business Council. Recently, she was appointed to the Advisory Board of Montego Bay Community College in Jamaica.
Wade’s career is decorated with accolades. She received the first Woman of Distinction Award from the New York State Assembly and the Woman of Achievement Award from the Rockland Business Women’s Network (RBWN). Additionally, she was honored with the Woman of Excellence Award by the Alpha Academy Alumnae Association in 2017.
Her designs have graced prominent stages and events. Notably, her red silk flute gown, worn by Rock and Roll icon Darlene Love on “The Late Show with David Letterman,” is featured in the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in Ohio. Miss Jamaica World 2018, Kadeejah Robinson, also wore one of Wade’s gowns during the Miss World competition in China.
Wade owns and operates her couture store in Nyack, where she designs custom dresses for weddings, formal events, and other occasions. She has showcased her work at major fashion events, including Caribbean Fashion Week, London Fashion Week, and New York Fashion Week, receiving rave reviews.
An ordained evangelist, Wade attributes her success to her faith in God. She lives in Pomona with her husband, Paul Wade, Vice President of MUFG Bank, and their daughter Jasper, who recently completed her master’s degree at Syracuse University.
Nearly 10k Attended Haverstraw Eats & Beats Festival, featuring Amish Outlaws
HAVERSTRAW, NY – Approximately 8500 people from Westchester, NYC, Orange, Bergen and Rockland descended on a little village near the Hudson River, to attend this year’s Haverstraw Eats and Beats Food Crawl. Music, food, entertainment and craft beer were plentiful.
While sunshine and 80-degree weather certainly helped with attendance, the festival organizers had been prepping this 10th annual event for any contingencies – rain or shine. Damp and somewhat cold weather last year had reduced last year’s 9th annual festival to only a few thousand loyal attendees, despite an action-packed musical lineup.
This year, with artists including the return of The Amish Outlaws, Briana Night, Kool Dre, and local band Spanky and the Radicals – as well as 20 participating restaurants, a beer garden, professional dancers and activities for the kids – most of the attendees that we interviewed reported good times for all in attendance.
“This is amazing! I’ve seen the Amish Outlaws as often as possible,” said attendee Susan Fazio. “Having them along with everything else there is to experience right here, it’s just an amazing day. I’ll be seeing these guys perform again at Levity Live in November. They’re so much fun!”
Jamie Kreitman of Haverstraw said, “Awesome food and treats, spectacular dance performances from Columbia, the Dominican Republic and Mexico, artisanal distilleries and music that had us all moving and shaking! Haverstraw is a gem on the Hudson and the Eats and Beats Food Crawl was its showcase.”
Andrea Caccuro – Haverstraw Riverwide Arts Board President, took some time to decompress for a few moments at Lucas Candies’ afterparty, where the 100-year establishment offered music and chocolate/craft beer pairings all day. As one of the driving forces of the festival for the past several years, Andrea stated “The Haverstraw River Arts Committee dedicates countless hours volunteering to organize the Eats and Beats event. It is incredibly fulfilling to witness so many thousands of people gathering to savor the finest food in the county and enjoy outstanding local talent. This event was our 10th annual and it was the best one yet.”
Several local board members and volunteers also expressed satisfaction (and relief) that the year-long effort paid off so well. Mari Morrison-Rodriguez, Board member for the North Rockland Chamber of Commerce, stated “It was a pleasure to learn that so many people took the Haverstraw-Ossining Ferry over to attend. We were excited to assist Riverarts with this event, as we strive to support small Business and Community organizations in any way we can.”
Each of the Riverwide Arts Board members received a plaque from the North Rockland Chamber for their 10 year effort and dedication to attacting quality tourism into Rockland County. On stage, Mari Morrison-Rodriguez made the announcement, joined by Chamber Board President, Stephanie Melowsky and Board member Tom Ossa.
“It was great to see Haverstraw filled with people supporting small businesses and the community!” Melowsky said. “We are already looking forward to next year!”
Magda Truchan, another longtime Riverwide Arts Board member – as well as a visionary for local municipal development – said, “I think it was the biggest turnout we ever had. We worked really hard as a volunteer organization. What gives us the biggest thrill, and the reason to continue on this path, are all the people that showed up, and how much they enjoyed everything that we worked on for the past six months. Plus we talked about it for six months beforehand.” The organization also wrote grant requests, one in particular to the Rockland County Department of Economic Development and Tourism.
Craft beer and food establishments in the village also reported high volumes of foot traffic and commerce. Debbie Bertrand from Lucas Candies reported: “Once again the Haverstraw Food Crawl did not disappoint! We loved having new people come and experience our Tavern and Candy shop as well as seeing so many returning customers who enjoyed our Craft beer/wine and chocolate pairings along with live music at our afterparty! It is a great way to have the community come together and have new people experience all the great things the Village has to offer.”
Lucas Candies recently opened its new Tavern as an entertaining supplement to its 100-year family-owner candy store – which during the week is responsible for countless chocolate shipments in locations across the United States. On weekends, they offer chocolate and craft beer pairings, and live music from local artists.
Dave Ludwig, owner of Stony Point Brewing Company (West Haverstraw), was one of the vendors in the craft beer garden, adjacent to the stage. “This was our fourth year participating in this fantastic event. It’s a great way to showcase our diverse local businesses to the people of Rockland, and now with the ferry, Westchester and New York City.” When asked if Stony Point Brewing company did well on this particular day, he smiled and nodded in agreement.
This year’s festival was not without its share of unique challenges. In the week leading up to the event, one of the longtime Riverwide Arts Board members took ill, and was unsure if it would even be possible to attend in time. However – personal willpower, a healthy share of vitamins and a Doctor’s clearance resulted in the Board member seen by stageside, enjoying the music of the Amish Outlaws, vibing to the music in satisfaction…and relief.
Village Mayor Mike Kohut was seen with several public works employees and nearly a dozen youth volunteers, hosting tents for the vendors, coordinating traffic and checking in on the stage setup at the beginning of the day. He stayed until the end, dropping into Lucas Candies for a while to talk with the many volunteers.
Janet Elliott, another Riverwide Arts Board member – who at many a volunteer meeting offered her hands to roll up thousands of guest wristbands, stated. “It was a glorious day and a perfect way for visitors to discover what’s so special about Haverstraw. Happy faces were everywhere!”
Mari Morrison-Rodriguez also added some additional thanks. ““Many thanks to The Village and Town of Haverstraw, the Village of West Haverstraw, the Haverstraw Police, Security, the Department of Public Works, Tim Sanders from Community Center and all the young volunteers, all of the sponsors, Julia and Freddy’s dancers, InnaVillage Productions and a huge Congratulations to Haverstraw Riverwide Arts for their monumental efforts in bringing this event to our community for a decade!”