Events

Rotary Club of Pearl River awards a record $70,000 in scholarships to 20 students

Published

7 years ago

June 12, 2019

On Tuesday June 4, 2019 the Rotary Club of Pearl River awarded a record $70,000 in scholarships to 20 students.

The total amount of dollars distributed is the most ever for a single year in the club’s history. Each scholarship recipient will receive a check for $3,500 to help with college expenses.

Current high school seniors and student currently enrolled in a college or university, who live within the Pearl River School District boundaries, were eligible. (Regardless of what school they attend.)

The following are the 2019 award winners:

Ed Bouton Memorial Award Presented by Ed Bouton, Jr. Recipient – Manuel Arango

Laura Bouton Memorial Award Presented by Ed Bouton, Jr. Recipient – Katie Owens

Gus Pappas Memorial Award Presented by Chris Kormusis – Past President 2006-‘07, Rotary Club of Pearl River Recipient – Emily Dennis

Heinz Ahlmeyer, Jr Class of 1961 Memorial Award Presented by Jim Trojan – Vice President, Rotary Scholarship Foundation of Pearl River Recipient – Kevin Doorley

Donald and Betsy Brenner Scholarship Award Presented by Don Brenner – Past President 1995-‘96, Rotary Club of Pearl River Recipient – Julia Butterworth

Robert Beckerle Memorial Award Presented by Evelyn Beckerle – Member, Rotary Club of Pearl River Recipient – Sean McCabe

George Bergerman Memorial Award Presented by Nancy Bergerman – Past President 2000-‘01, Rotary Club of Pearl River Recipient – Kathryn Shields

Gene Erickson Memorial Award Presented by Ann Taylor – Member, Rotary Scholarship Committee Recipient – Samantha Oates

Raselle Fisher Memorial Award Presented by Eddie Fisher – Past President 2003-‘04, Rotary Club of Pearl River Recipient – Caitlin Holt

Joan and Michael Fury Memorial Award Presented by Bob Simon – Past President 2010-‘11, Rotary Club of Pearl River Recipient – Olivia Doorley

Jeffrey Keahon Memorial Award Presented by Jim Murphy – Past President 2013-‘14, Rotary Club of Pearl River Recipient – Matthew Heider

Henry and Anna Landgren Memorial Award Presented by Nancy Blasius Recipient – Sarah Hayes

Carol McGrath Memorial Award Presented by Chuck McGrath – Honorary Member, Rotary Club of Pearl River Recipient – Kerry Holt

Past President of the Rotary Club Scholarship Award Presented by Doreen Buonadonna– Past President 2017-‘18, Rotary Club of Pearl River Recipient – Ryan Murray

President of the Rotary Club Scholarship Award Presented by Mike Seidenfrau – President 2019-‘20, Rotary Club of Pearl River Recipient – Ashlyn Davan

PRHS Class of 1962 Scholarship Awards Presented by Bob Bergerman – Treasurer, Rotary Scholarship Foundation of Pearl River Recipient – Patrick Sammon Recipient – John Sullivan

Special Recognition Award in Memory of Joan Schultz Presented by Bob Bergerman – Treasurer, Rotary Scholarship Foundation of Pearl River Recipient – Megan Heffernan

Jo Ripa Memorial Award Presented by Miriam Beckerle – Honorary Member, Rotary Club of Pearl River Recipient – Brandon Kline

Fred Schroeder Memorial Award Presented by Ryan O’Gorman – Chair, Rotary Scholarship Committee Recipient – Jessica McDermott

Candidates submitted a detailed application and winners are selected based on: financial need, academic achievement, community service, extra curricular activities and a written essay.

The club held its annual Scholarship Foundation Awards Ceremony at the Pearl River Public Library on June 4th.

This is the 30th anniversary of the Pearl River Rotary Scholarship Foundation. Over its lifetime, more than 500 students have received over one-million-dollars in scholarships from the this home-town community service

Events

Christopher Vergine Named Businessperson of the Year – Rockland County St. Patrick’s Day Parade

Published

1 month ago

March 11, 2026

Rockland Report Admin

Congratulations to Chris Vergine on being named Businessperson of the Year for the Rockland County St. Patrick’s Day Parade!

Christopher Vergine is a lifelong resident of Pearl River, New York and comes from a family with deep, multigenerational ties to the community. He grew up in Pearl River alongside his brothers, including Larry Vergine and Andrew Vergine, in a household where family, service, and community involvement were central values.

Chris has dedicated much of his life to serving others. Since becoming a volunteer firefighter at just 16 years old, he has taken on numerous leadership roles, including:

Past President of the Excelsior Engine Company of Pearl River
Former Captain of the Pearl River Fire Police
Active member of the Rockland County Fire Police Association

Beyond his fire service, Chris remains deeply involved in local civic organizations, including the Pearl River Elks and the American Legion in Pearl River.

Professionally, Chris is an owner of Wyman-Fisher Funeral Home, where he continues his commitment to helping families in the community during their most difficult times.

This recognition highlights not only Chris’s success in business but also his lifelong dedication to service, volunteerism, and the people of Pearl River. A well-deserved honor—congratulations again!

Events

Rare Six-Planet Parade Visible After Sunset Feb. 28

Published

2 months ago

February 28, 2026

Rockland Report Admin

Skywatchers are in for a treat on February 28, just after sunset, as six planets align in a rare and beautiful celestial parade across the evening sky.

The planetary lineup will include Mercury, Venus, Jupiter, Saturn, Uranus, and Neptune.

When and Where to Look

The best viewing window will be approximately 30 to 60 minutes after sunset. Observers should look toward the western to southwestern horizon for the best chance of spotting the planetary alignment.

Mercury and Venus will appear low near the horizon, glowing in the fading twilight. Jupiter and Saturn will shine brighter and higher in the sky, making them easier to spot with the naked eye. Uranus and Neptune, however, are much fainter and may require binoculars or a small telescope for clear viewing.

A Rare Celestial Event

While planets regularly orbit the Sun along roughly the same plane, seeing six visible at once in the evening sky is relatively uncommon. Events like this offer a striking reminder of the vastness and intricate timing of our solar system.

Weather permitting, this alignment promises to be a memorable sight for astronomy enthusiasts and casual stargazers alike.

Step outside, allow your eyes a few minutes to adjust to the darkness, and enjoy this cosmic show — no special equipment required, though a telescope can enhance the experience.