Nanuet, NY —  The Nanuet Town Centre, in collaboration with the Arts Council of Rockland (ACOR), is inviting the public to attend the Nanuet Summer Arts Fest, a free, two-day celebration of local arts and culture taking place Saturday, August 2 and Sunday, August 3 from 12:00 to 4:30 p.m. each day.

The festival will transform the Nanuet Town Centre into a vibrant community arts hub, featuring a wide range of activities for all ages. Highlights include live painting demonstrations, interactive children’s art stations, face painting, caricatures, balloon art, and live music performed by local musicians.

The event will showcase the talents of numerous Rockland County artists and artisans, offering attendees the opportunity to view and purchase handmade works while also engaging with artists in real-time.

Featured participants include:

• Chris Soria – Live event painting

• Lauren Rudolph – Live portraiture painting

• Creative Arts Workshop – Children’s arts & crafts

• Christina Alamo Westort – Face painting

• Dan Springer – Caricatures

• The Burr Johnson Band and The Peter Furlan Trio – Live musical performances

In addition to entertainment, the Arts Fest will feature an open-air market with artist and artisan vendors selling original artworks, handmade crafts, and unique goods.

Organizers say the event is designed to bring the community together through creativity, while providing visibility and support for local artists.

“This festival is about making art accessible to everyone,” said a representative from the Arts Council of Rockland. “Whether you’re picking up a brush, listening to jazz, or watching a mural come to life—it’s about experiencing the creative spirit of Rockland County.”

The Nanuet Summer Arts Fest is free and open to the public. Families, art lovers, and community members of all ages are encouraged to attend.

In Loving Memory of Lance Corporal Ryan James Barnard, 
February 9, 2003 – July 2, 2025.  

It is with profound sadness that we announce the passing of Lance Corporal Ryan James Barnard, United States Marine Corps, who died on July 2, 2025, at the age of 22. A proud resident of Valley Cottage, NY, Ryan was serving his country with honor and dedication at Kaneohe Bay, Hawaii, as a member of the Third Littoral Combat Team, Second Platoon, Ares Company.

Ryan was the beloved son of John and Christina Barnard, cherished brother of Trevor, Matthew, and Caroline, and a treasured member of a large and loving extended family.

From a young age, Ryan was drawn to a life of service. He embodied the values of Duty, Honor, and Country, and lived by the Marine Corps motto: Semper Fidelis — Always Faithful. Serving in uniform was his dream, and he fulfilled it with unwavering pride, commitment, and courage.

An athlete and teammate, Ryan played little league baseball and was a passionate hockey player, skating for the Army West Point Junior Black Knights, the Palisades Predators, and Nyack High School. His competitive spirit, quiet determination, and strong sense of camaraderie left a lasting mark on everyone who played alongside him.

Services
A wake will be held on Friday, July 18, 2025, from 4:00 PM to 8:00 PM at St. Ann’s Church in Nyack, NY.
A Funeral Mass will take place on Saturday, July 19, 2025, at 10:00 AM at St. Paul’s Church in Congers, NY.

In Honor of Ryan
A GoFundMe campaign was created to bring Ryan’s fellow Marines to New York for his burial. Thanks to an anonymous donor, their journey will now be possible. Due to the overwhelming outpouring of support, all future donations will go toward establishing a special tribute to Ryan: the West Point Junior Black Knight Scholarship, ensuring his legacy inspires others to follow his path of service and sportsmanship.

Ryan’s courage, character, and ultimate sacrifice will never be forgotten. He leaves behind a legacy of honor, love, and service — a young man who gave his all for the country he deeply loved.

To support the scholarship or learn more:
👉 GoFundMe: Help Marines Attend and Honor LCpl Ryan Barnard

Semper Fidelis.