WEST NYACK, NY – BRIDGES, a not-for-profit organization dedicated to advocacy and leadership on behalf of people with disabilities, announced they recently had their new offices in the Palisades Mall treated with an innovative product called BioProtect which will provide protection for up to three months.
Atlantic, Tomorrow’s Office, an office technology company based in New York City, recently partnered with ViaClean Technologies to offer applications of BioProtect. BioProtect is registered with the EPA, and is a safe, water-based coating that can be applied to all types of surfaces for continuous antimicrobial protection for up to 90 days.
“We are very much attuned to the health of our clients and our staff and this technology offered an ideal solution for us,” says BRIDGES Executive Director Carlos Martinez. “Instead of sanitizing each time a surface is touched, according to research, BioProtect keeps working for weeks and even months at a time. This technology, in addition to our other safety measures, adds to the peace of mind of staff and all those we serve.”
BioProtect is applied via an electrostatic sprayer and forms a durable and consistent bond with both non-porous and porous surfaces, creating an effective antimicrobial coating. It essentially becomes part of the surface, creating a field of nanospikes that mechanically kill bacteria, mold, viruses, or other microbes that come into contact with the surfaces by piercing and rupturing their cell membrane. This method prevents the microbes from mutating and adapting into “superbugs” that are difficult to manage. It is colorless and odorless and does not contain Triclosan, heavy metals, arsenic, titanium, phenols or poisons. It is so safe that it has been approved by the EPA and FDA as a food contact surface preservative. In addition to BRIDGES, the City of New Rochelle has contracted with Atlantic, Tomorrow’s Office to have its entire public-school system protected with BioProtect.
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“We applaud BRIDGES not only for its exceptional work on behalf of people with disabilities, but also for its demonstrated commitment to the health and safety of its constituents and staff; understanding that health and safety are paramount today. We also commend BRIDGES for having the vision to embrace BioProtect’s revolutionary safe and effective proactive protection. We partnered with ViaClean because we see BioProtect’s vast potential to help organizations safely resume operations in a post-COVID world while giving their constituents invaluable peace of mind,” stated Jason Weiss, Executive Vice President of Atlantic, Tomorrow’s Office.
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!
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.