A list of verified fundraising organizations providing aid to the Ukrainian people can be found at https://www.gofundme.com/c/act/donate-to-ukraine-relief
Town of Ramapo Stands With Ukraine
Town of Ramapo
Ramapo Town Hall
237 Route 59
Suffern, NY 10901
845-357-5100
www.ramapo.org
Office of Buildings and Codes Closes Illegal Nightclub
Club Closed; Property Owner Hit With 10 Violations
New City, NY, – The Rockland County Office of Buildings and Codes will be citing 42 Grove Street in Spring Valley for at least 10 hazardous code violations stemming from an unlicensed nightclub. This location operated as Sharp Shirt Printing by day but charged admission for illegal parties by night, which included dancers, alcohol, and hookahs.
The Office received a complaint about this illegal club and inspectors worked with the Spring Valley Police Department to shut it down last Saturday night, February 26, 2022, with about 100 people both in and outside of the club at the time.
The tenant throwing the party is known to authorities and has been cited twice since August 2021 but failed to appear for their court appearances. Due to the ongoing lack of compliance, the Office of Buildings and Codes is in the process of citing the property owner with at least 10 violations including a violation of use and occupancy, operating without a construction permit, and no means of egress due to blocked exits.
“As I’ve said repeatedly, we will be ensuring strict enforcement of New York State Building and Fire Code within the Village of Spring Valley and shutting down this illegal club is a prime example of that. As a former police commander, I remember the arson fire that broke out in the unlicensed Bronx club Happy Land back in 1990, killing 87 people, and will do everything in my power to stop a tragedy of that magnitude from happening here in Rockland County,” said County Executive Ed Day. “We in government will continue to do everything in our power to assist and protect the people we serve.”
As of Monday the new Office of Buildings and Codes has conducted 54 inspections and continues to enforce a 30-day moratorium which ends March 15, 2022, on any new permit applications. The moratorium allows the Office to work through the backlog of outstanding inspections and resolve issues that pose an imminent threat to the life, health, and safety of Rockland County residents.
“We are continuing to tackle the outstanding inspections within Spring Valley as quickly as possible which we have been prioritizing based on safety concerns,” said Office of Buildings and Codes Director Ed Markunas.
The Office requests all interested parties submit complaints by calling 845-364-3700 or emailing BuildingsAndCodes@co.rockland.ny.us.
Down to Earth Living to Host Bonsai Workshops Starting March 12; Spring Gala April 2
(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.
New Co-Chairs Announced for the Mid-Hudson Regional Economic Development Council
February 9, 2022
Dr. Marsha Gordon, President & CEO of The Business Council of Westchester and Dr. Kristine Young, President of SUNY Orange Succeed SUNY New Paltz President Dr. Donald P. Christian
The Mid-Hudson Regional Economic Development Council (MHREDC) today announced that Dr. Marsha Gordon, President & CEO of The Business Council of Westchester (BCW) and Dr. Kristine Young, President of SUNY Orange have been appointed as Co-Chairs of the Council, effective immediately. Dr. Gordon and Dr. Young succeed Dr. Donald P. Christian, President of SUNY New Paltz who has served on the Council since 2016 and as Co-Chair since 2018 and will be retiring this year. The MHREDC works together to grow the economy in the Mid-Hudson region which includes Dutchess, Orange, Putnam, Rockland, Sullivan, Ulster and Westchester counties.
“The Regional Economic Development Councils positioned throughout the state have played an invaluable role in convening local stakeholders who have the knowledge and expertise to effectively spur economic development in their communities. Despite the challenges of the pandemic, these local champions have moved our state forward through their leadership,” said Lieutenant Governor Brian Benjamin. “In particular, the Mid-Hudson REDC has worked tirelessly to transform the region with increased tourism opportunities, new and expanded businesses, and good paying jobs for New Yorkers. As chair of the Regional Councils, I congratulate both Dr. Marsha Gordon and Dr. Kristine Young on their new leadership roles and thank Dr. Christian for his stewardship of the council over the years.”
Former MHREDC Co-Chair and SUNY New Paltz President Donald Christian said, “Having worked closely with Drs. Gordon and Young on the MHREDC, I am thrilled that they are stepping into these leadership roles. I know that these two innovative leaders will bring new ideas to the table and continue to grow the success of the Council in advancing the economy and quality of life in the region. I am grateful for my time on the Council and have been rewarded that this work aligns so well with the College’s role and values as a top-tier public university and major economic engine in the Hudson Valley.”
MHREDC Co-Chair and President & CEO of The Business Council of Westchester, Marsha Gordon said, “I am extremely honored to serve as a co-chair for the Mid-Hudson Regional Economic Development Council. As a long-standing member of the business community, I have seen this model of a bottom-up, regional strategy to economic development transform our region and I look forward to serving with Kristine Young and the rest of the council to continue its many successes. I want to thank Dr. Christian for his leadership and dedication to the council and I wish him health and happiness in his retirement.
MHREDC Co-Chair and SUNY Orange President Dr. Kristine Young said, “The seven counties in the MHREDC comprise one of the most vibrant and attractive areas of New York State. I look forward to partnering with Marsha, as well as other MHREDC team members, to showcase the region’s strengths and advance its growth well into the future. As a fellow educator, I have appreciated Dr. Christian’s exemplary leadership within the higher education sector, as well as his stewardship of the MHREDC and his dedication to growing the region’s economy for the benefit of us all.”
Dr. Marsha Gordon brings more than 25 years of community, commerce and leadership experience to her role. Under her leadership, the Business Council of Westchester (BCW) has tripled its membership, developed programs to meet the needs of the County’s diverse business community and become a lead advocate for business and economic development in the region and New York State. Dr. Gordon has been President and CEO of the BCW since 2001 and was also President of the Greater Southern Dutchess Chamber of Commerce. Additionally, Dr. Gordon served as President of Build the Bridge Now, which helped to fast track the building of a new Tappan Zee Bridge. Dr. Gordon has served on several boards including on the executive committee of the Mid-Hudson Regional Economic Council, the Business Council of New York State and the Westchester-Putnam Workforce Investment Board. Dr. Gordon holds a BA from Brooklyn College, an MBA from Marist College, and a Doctorate in Business Administration from Pace University.
SUNY Orange President Dr. Kristine Young is a visionary leader who is focused on delivering a meaningful “SUNY Orange Experience” for students while simultaneously tackling implementation of the College’s new Strategic Plan 2020-2025, the roadmap by which SUNY Orange will reach its 75th anniversary in 2025. The plan is designed for the College to empower student success, strengthen the region’s economic future, and sustain and invigorate its own institutional future. Previously, Dr. Young spent 17 years at Parkland College in Champaign, Ill. Dr. Young earned her bachelor’s degree in chemistry from Muhlenberg College in Allentown, Pa., in 1996 and her master’s degree in chemistry from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill in 1998. Her doctorate degree is from the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign. She is a member of the Board of Directors of the American Association of Community Colleges, where she shapes the organization’s advocacy for more than 1,200 community colleges nationwide. She served a one-year term on the AACC Executive Committee and was the chair of the AACC Commission on Public Relations Advocacy and Advancement in 2020-21. For 2021-22, she chairs the AACC Commission on Institutional Infrastructure and Transformation. Young is in her fourth year of service on the MHREDC as chair or sitting on several MHREDC committees. She also holds membership on the boards of several local organizations.
The REDC process has transformed New York State government’s approach to economic development, creating a statewide framework for bottom-up, regional economic growth and streamlining the state funding application process. Established in 2011 as a centerpiece of the State’s strategy to jumpstart the economy and create jobs, the Regional Councils replaced the state’s old top-down approach with one that is community-based and performance-driven. Through 10 rounds of the REDC competition, the MHREDC has delivered over $815 million for 1,020 projects.
About the Regional Economic Development Councils
The Regional Economic Development Council initiative (REDC) is a key component of New York State’s transformative approach to State investment and economic development. In 2011, the 10 Regional Councils developed long-term strategic plans for economic growth for their regions. The Councils are public-private partnerships made up of local experts and stakeholders from business, academia, local government, and non-governmental organizations. The Regional Councils have redefined the way New York invests in jobs and economic growth by putting in place a community-based, bottom up approach and establishing a competitive process for State resources.
Since the establishment of the REDCs in 2011 until the most recent round in 2021, which is still in-progress, over $7.5 billion dollars was awarded to more than 9,100 economic and community development projects consistent with each region’s strategic plans. For more information on the Regional Councils, visit www.regionalcouncils.ny.gov.
Positions Available for Rockland County Youth Bureau’s Summer 2022 Conservation Corps Program
A Living Stipend, Educational Award and Career Development Skills Available for
County-Based Environmental Service
New City, NY, – County Executive Ed Day today announced that the Rockland County Youth Bureau is accepting applications for the 2022 Rockland Conservation & Service Corps (RCSC).
Celebrating its’ 22nd year, Rockland Conservation Corps members perform a variety of outdoor, environmental community service projects throughout the Rockland region. Responsibilities include educating the public about water stewardship, ecological conservation and environmental health issues, fieldwork and data collection, building and maintaining nature trails, teaching environmental education, planting gardens, patrolling streams, connecting young adults to their local environment, facilitating clean ups, and implementing food recovery programs, among others. Corps Members will take an active role in beautifying, protecting, and preserving Rockland’s parks, open spaces, and valued resources.
To be considered, students must be at least 18. Members are required to serve 350 hours between May 23rd and mid to late August at local sites that may include the Rockland County Division of Environmental Resources, the Clarkstown Planning Department, the Town of Ramapo, the Rockland County Drainage Agency, Lamont-Doherty Earth Observatory and Cornell Cooperative Extension, among others.
“This is a great opportunity for students to gain work experience, earn money and make a lasting contribution to their community,” said County Executive Ed Day. “This is an experience that goes far beyond the classroom.”
Members are paid a $2,300 living stipend for the summer. After successful completion of 350 hours, Corps Members earn an additional $1,342.86 educational award provided by AmeriCorps and The Corps Network.
Fifty hours of training are included in the 350-hour time commitment where members are trained in areas including environmental education, trail building, conservation, curriculum development, leadership, team building, safety as well as a variety of other pertinent topics. Members will also earn valuable work and service experience, network professionally and socially, potentially earn college credit and make improvements in the community.
“It’s a terrific way to build a resume, get work experience, be outdoors all summer, network and meet new friends,” said Kathy Galione, Youth Bureau Program Coordinator.
This is a full-time, 35-40 hours per week, opportunity over the summer that is considered community service not a job. Candidates that are selected for the program will have a summer schedule that will permit the completion of the 350-hour time commitment.
Applications are due Friday, April 8, 2022. The program begins on May 23, 2022, with most of the service taking place late May through August. Candidates can request an application by phone (845) 364-2937/2932 or by e-mail rcsc@co.rockland.ny.us. Candidates are encouraged to apply as early as possible.