Community

Artists and Photographers Invited to Enter 2026 New York Arbor Day Contest

Published

8 months ago

September 19, 2025

The New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) has announced the launch of its annual Arbor Day Poster Contest, encouraging photographers and artists of all ages to submit original work celebrating the beauty and importance of trees.

This year’s contest theme is “Trees for the Future,” highlighting the vital role trees play in environmental health, climate resilience, and supporting future generations. The winning submission will be featured on the official 2026 New York State Arbor Day Poster, which is distributed statewide to schools, libraries, conservation organizations, and community events including the New York State Fair.

According to DEC Commissioner Amanda Lefton, the contest is an opportunity to showcase how trees contribute to a healthier environment and stronger communities. Submissions should reflect the theme through original photography or artwork and depict trees growing in New York State.

Contest Guidelines:

Theme: Trees for the Future
Mediums Accepted: Original artwork or photography
Eligibility: Open to all ages; one entry per person
Location Requirement: Trees must be located in New York State
Deadline: November 30, 2025
Submission: Entries must meet resolution requirements and be submitted through the DEC’s online form

The contest is organized by the New York State Arbor Day Committee, which includes the DEC, the Department of Agriculture and Markets, the Empire State Forestry Foundation, the New York State Arborists Association, and Sylvamo North America.

Full contest rules and the online entry form are available on the DEC website. Questions can be directed to arborday@dec.ny.gov.

Community

Brian Burns Hosting NY Giants Celebrity Softball Game at Clover Stadium May 30

Published

22 hours ago

May 18, 2026

Rockland Report Admin

Brian Burns is bringing football fans and families together for a fun-filled charity event this spring as the annual New York Giants Celebrity Softball Game returns to Clover Stadium on Saturday, May 30.

The celebrity softball showdown will feature current and former New York Giants players competing against one another on the baseball diamond. Burns will captain a team made up of current Giants players, while former Giants running back Brandon Jacobs will lead a veteran squad featuring players from the Giants’ Super Bowl XLII and XLVI championship teams.

Fans can expect appearances from several popular NFL stars and former Giants greats, including Jaxson Dart, Cam Skattebo, Isaiah Likely, Arvell Reese, Ahmad Bradshaw, Amani Toomer and Shaun O’Hara, with additional guests expected to participate throughout the evening.

A portion of the event’s proceeds will benefit the Hype 4 Life Foundation, a nonprofit organization founded by Brian Burns and his brother Stanley McClover. The foundation is dedicated to supporting families affected by Autism Spectrum Disorders and raising awareness within communities nationwide.

Longtime Giants superfan Joe Ruback — better known to fans as “License Plate Guy” — shared his excitement about the event’s return.

“Getting this amazing group of athletes together for a high-energy, fun-filled day, all while supporting an incredible cause like Hype 4 Life, never gets old,” Ruback said.

The evening will feature more than just softball. Fans attending the event will also enjoy a dodgeball competition, a home-run derby and opportunities to interact with players throughout the night. Attendees can additionally enter a raffle for a chance to win a custom New York Giants-themed golf cart.

Event Schedule:
• Parking lot opens — 11 a.m.
• Gates open — 2 p.m.
• Dodgeball — 5 p.m.
• Home-run derby — 6 p.m.
• Celebrity softball game — 7 p.m.

Tickets start at $50 and are available through SpidaGame.com, where fans can also find updated rosters and event details.

The Hype 4 Life Foundation is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit inspired by Stanley McClover’s son, “Champ,” who is on the autism spectrum and is also Brian Burns’ nephew. Through fundraising events and outreach efforts, the organization works to support autism awareness initiatives and families navigating ASD challenges.

Ruback, one of the most recognizable Giants fans, is famous for wearing a lanyard of New York Giants license plates around his neck at games and fan events. Outside of football, he also serves as Athletic Director at the Biondi School in Yonkers, New York.

Community

Gran Fondo Bicycle Race Brings Energy and Traffic Delays to Rockland County

Published

1 day ago

May 17, 2026

Rockland Report Admin

With detours and some traffic delays throughout the day, many Rockland residents chose to make the best of the situation and enjoy the atmosphere as the Gran Fondo bicycle race made its way through Rockland County. Families, spectators, and local supporters gathered along the route to cheer on riders, turning the event into a fun and energetic community experience despite the temporary disruptions.