Government

Harckham’s $50,000 Grant Helps Stony Point FD Enhance Firefighter Safety

Published

2 months ago

March 15, 2025

New York State Senator Pete Harckham announced today that the Stony Point Fire District has been awarded a $50,000 state grant for the purchase and maintenance of critical firefighter turnout gear, including specialized equipment designed for combating wildfires, all of which will help ensure the safety and effectiveness of the town’s first responders.

Harckham has so far secured a total of $3.1 million in grant funding for the Town of Stony Point, North Rockland schools, libraries and non-profit organizations serving the community since the town became part of the 40th Senate District in 2022.

The grant will enable the Fire District to equip its firefighters with modern, high-quality turnout gear, which includes protective clothing such as jackets, pants, helmets, and boots. A portion of the funding is earmarked specifically for specialized wildfire gear, designed to withstand the intense heat and rugged conditions of wildland firefighting. This investment ensures that firefighters are prepared to respond to a wide range of emergencies, from structure fires to the growing threat of wildfires in the region.

“On behalf of the Stony Point Fire District, we extend our gratitude to Senator Harckham for securing this critical funding,” said Kevin Huslinger, chair of the Stony Point Fire District Board of Commissioners. “This grant will allow us to outfit our firefighters with the latest protective gear, including specialized equipment for wildfires, which is essential as we work to keep our community safe in an ever-changing environment. Senator Harckham’s support strengthens our ability to serve and protect.”

Stony Point Fire Chief Kurt Mulligan added, “With this new gear, our firefighters can face both structure fires and wildfires with the appropriate safety equipment, each of which is designed for the specific nature of those calls. It’s not just about equipment—it’s about bringing our team home safely after every call. We’re incredibly thankful for this investment in our district and fire company members.”

[Attached photo: State Sen. Pete Harckham with Robert Sullivan, vice chair of the Stony Point Fire District Board of Commissioners. Credit: Office of State Sen. Pete Harckham / James Persons]

Government

Rockland County Honors Outstanding Nurses with Distinguished Service Awards

Published

2 days ago

May 7, 2025

Rockland Report Admin

May is traditionally the month when nurses are recognized worldwide, in part because May 12 is the birthday of Florence Nightingale. She professionalized nursing roles for women and is known as the founder of modern nursing.

In celebration of National Nurses Month, Rockland County Legislature Vice Chair Dr. Aney Paul, a longtime nurse herself, presented the Distinguished Service Award— the Legislature’s highest honor— to three exceptional nurses: Glenn Albin, Dr. Gaelle Duvivier, and Mary Laiju Shine Kelanthara. These honorees were recognized for their professional excellence and dedicated community service.

Glenn Albin transitioned from accounting to healthcare, serving as a paramedic and emergency room nurse for over four decades. He mentors new nurses and teaches advanced life support, while actively participating in the Knights of Columbus and South Orangetown Ambulance Corps.
Dr. Gaelle Duvivier, a Certified Nurse Midwife and educator, works with New York Presbyterian and SUNY Rockland. She advocates for women’s health, leads health fairs, and researches ways to improve breastfeeding and reduce health disparities.
Mary Laiju Shine Kelanthara, with 28 years of nursing experience, serves as an Infection Control Nurse at HVDDSO. She’s also a passionate volunteer, fundraiser, church educator, and South Indian TV actress.

Dr. Paul praised the honorees for making “a positive difference every day” in the lives of Rockland County residents.

Government

Free Breast Cancer Screening Montefiore Nyack Hospital May 9th

Published

6 days ago

May 3, 2025

Rockland Report Admin

Montefiore Nyack Hospital is offering free breast cancer screenings on Friday, May 9, 2025, from 8:00 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. at The Breast Center. These screenings are available to uninsured women aged 40 and over who meet eligibility requirements. The event is funded by the Cancer Services Program of the Hudson Valley and Montefiore Nyack Hospital. Spanish-speaking assistance is available.

The Breast Center at Montefiore Nyack Hospital offers 3D digital mammography, which can detect up to 41% more invasive breast cancers. The center has been granted a three-year/full accreditation designation by the National Accreditation Program for Breast Centers (NAPBC) and is designated as a Breast Imaging Center of Excellence by the American College of Radiology (ACR).

For more information about the services provided at The Breast Center at Montefiore Nyack Hospital, To register and check eligibility, call 845-348-8511 or visit montefiorenyack.org/breast-center