Community

RCC Holds Ceremony to Award Car to Navy Veteran & Student

Published

3 years ago

February 12, 2024

ROCKLAND COUNTY, NY – Rockland Community College hosted a special ceremony to award a rehabilitated car to Michael J. Finlay, a Navy veteran and Engineering Science student at RCC. This event was made possible through the generous donation of the vehicle by the Rockland County Veterans of Foreign Wars (VFW) and the collective effort of several donors who contributed to the restoration of the car.

The Rockland County Veterans Service Agency, in collaboration with the VFW, has had a longstanding program dedicated to rehabilitating donated cars and offering them to Veterans in need. This marks the inaugural ceremony being held at RCC. The fundraiser generated over $3,000 for upgrades to the 2005 Toyota Corolla LE. The car was donated and rehabbed anonymously and the cost for the rehab work was shared by the VFW and funds raised in April 2023.

“We are immensely proud to support Navy veteran and RCC student Michael J. Finlay with a gesture that signifies our gratitude and commitment to his continued success, both academically and personally,” said Dr. Lester Sandres Rápalo, President of Rockland Community College. “We extend our heartfelt thanks to the Rockland County Veterans of Foreign Wars, the donors, RCC Veteran Affairs, and everyone involved in making this possible. It’s more than just a car; it’s a testament to the fact that when we come together, we can make a significant difference in someone’s life.”

Michael John Finlay served in the US Navy from 2007 to 2012 and received an Honorable Discharge with the rank of Machinist Mate 2nd class. He was deployed to the Persian Gulf in support of Operation Enduring Freedom in 2012. Currently enrolled in the RCC General Engineering program, he resides in Fishkill, New York, and is a single father of two children. Finlay is also a member of the RCC chapter of SALUTE, the National Veterans Honor Society.

“After spending many years raising my children as a single father, I am excited to have become part of the RCC community. I hope to pursue a career in the engineering field, and thanks to RCC I have been able to take the first steps toward achieving my goal,” stated Finlay.

Due to his own car failing last fall, his ability to get to and from school was negatively impacted as was his ability to properly care for his children. That’s when Jonathan Barnwell, Assistant Director of Veterans Affairs at RCC and co-organizer of the Car Award Ceremony, stepped in with a grant from the Joseph P. Dwyer Vet2Vet Program, in Dutchess County, which provided funds for a weekly car service so Michael could finish the semester at RCC. Michael continued studying remotely for the Summer as well as Fall 2023 semester.

“I cannot thank the Rockland County VFW, as well as the donors and coordinators enough for this great blessing. I know of no words that can adequately convey my most sincere gratitude and relief that this has brought me,” said Finlay “To all my fellow veterans who are considering pursuing higher education, I would highly recommend doing so. I know firsthand that sometimes life gets in the way of that, and it can seem like there is no chance at success. Succeeding is possible however, and there are kind, decent, and even exceptional people who will aid in that journey, as they have in mine.”

Photos by RCC

Community

Milla News: Rockland County’s Unofficial Mayor

Published

3 days ago

October 12, 2026

Rockland Report Admin

Milla News has become one of Rockland County’s most recognizable social media personalities, earning a loyal following of more than 40,000 people on Instagram and building a reputation for making local news engaging for audiences of all ages.

Affectionately known as the “unofficial Mayor of Rockland County,” Milla has found a unique way to connect residents with the people, places and stories that shape their community.

Beyond his growing presence on social media, Milla is a co-owner of New York Is a Nationality, a popular clothing brand that celebrates New York identity and culture.

A graduate of Ramapo High School, Milla is also focused on giving back to the community that helped shape him. Through his work with local high school students, he shares insights into building a brand, using social media effectively and developing entrepreneurial skills.

By combining local news, social media and mentorship, Milla is helping inspire the next generation of young entrepreneurs while bringing Rockland County residents together through stories that reflect their community.

Community

Family Emergency Preparedness: Is Your Family Ready?

Published

4 days ago

October 11, 2026

Rockland Report Admin

Emergencies Can Happen Anytime: Is Your Family Prepared?

Emergencies rarely happen when it is convenient. A severe storm, extended power outage, house fire, medical emergency or other unexpected event can quickly disrupt everyday life. Taking a little time now to prepare can make a major difference when something goes wrong.

Here are some simple steps every household should consider.

Build an Emergency Kit

Keep basic supplies in a place that is easy to access. Your kit should include:

Bottled water and several days of nonperishable food
Flashlights and extra batteries
A battery-powered or hand-crank radio
First-aid supplies
Necessary medications and medical supplies
Phone chargers and backup power banks
Blankets and warm clothing
Copies of important documents
Cash in small denominations
Basic tools and household supplies

Remember to check your supplies periodically and replace expired food, batteries and medications.

Have a Plan for Power Outages

Winter storms, high winds and equipment failures can leave homes without electricity for hours or even days. Know where your flashlights are, keep devices charged and have alternative ways to stay warm.

If you use a generator, never operate it inside a home, garage or other enclosed space. Generators must be kept outdoors and away from doors, windows and vents because of the risk of deadly carbon monoxide poisoning.

Know What to Do in a House Fire

Make sure everyone in your household knows two ways to get out of every bedroom and where to meet outside.

Test smoke and carbon monoxide alarms regularly and replace batteries as recommended. If a fire occurs, get outside and stay outside. Do not go back inside for pets or belongings.

Prepare for Severe Weather

Severe thunderstorms, high winds, flooding and winter storms can develop quickly. Keep an eye on weather alerts and know where you would go in your home if you need to shelter.

During a severe storm, bring outdoor furniture and other loose objects inside when possible. Avoid driving through flooded roads — even a relatively small amount of moving water can be dangerous.

Be Ready for a Medical Emergency

Keep a well-stocked first-aid kit at home and learn basic first aid and CPR if you can.

Make sure family members know where important medications are located and have a list of medications, allergies and emergency contacts readily available. For a life-threatening emergency, call 911.

Make a Family Communication Plan

If an emergency separates family members, everyone should know how to reconnect.

Choose an emergency contact outside your immediate area and establish a meeting place. Make sure children know their full name, address and how to call 911.

Don’t Forget Your Pets

Pets need an emergency plan, too. Keep food, water, medications, leashes, carriers and copies of veterinary records with your emergency supplies. Identify pet-friendly shelters or hotels before an emergency occurs.

A Few Minutes of Preparation Can Save Precious Time

You do not have to prepare everything at once. Start with a basic emergency kit, make a family communication plan and learn what emergencies are most likely in your area.

The goal isn’t to expect the worst. It’s to be ready so that, when an emergency does happen, you can focus on keeping yourself and your loved ones safe.