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County Youth Bureau Seeks Handy People for Repair Café April, June, & November Events

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2 years ago

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New City, NY – County Executive Ed Day and the County Youth Bureau are seeking volunteer Repair Coaches for upcoming 2024 Repair Café events. 

Three Repair Cafes are scheduled in April, on April 6th at Valley Cottage Library, April 20th at St Thomas Aquinas College, and April 27th at the New City Street Center. Repair Cafes will also be scheduled in June and November.

Repair Café is a community event where people can bring broken household items to be repaired for free by volunteer Repair Coaches. There will be several repair stations, including electronics, lighting, furniture, toys, small appliances, digital devices, and jewelry. Repair Coaches are social people at least 18 years old with repair skills in trades or crafts such as small appliances, woodworking/carpentry, electrical, electronics, sewing, computers, and costume jewelry. People of all ages are welcome to be a Repair Coach, and no formal or professional experience is necessary. Volunteers are needed for three hours per event. Repair Coaches will collaborate heavily with the public, with other repair people, and with students looking to learn more about trades. 

The event is coordinated by the Rockland Conservation & Service Corps (a program of the Rockland County Youth Bureau and the County of Rockland) and Rockland Green.

The Repair Café mission is to fix rather than dispose of beloved but broken objects, while passing down valuable repair skills, building community, and keeping things in circulation rather than the landfill.

County Executive Day said, “we increasingly are becoming a “throw away” society, one in which so many of our possessions are replaced at the first sign of a glitch. Preserving repair know-how skills by passing them on to the younger generation is critical to Rockland’s shared future. We hope you will bring your expertise and join us.”

Interested in helping? Please contact Kathy Galione, Volunteer Coordinator for Repair Café at 845-364-2932 or by e-mailing rcsc@co.rockland.ny.us.

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Report Litterbugs in Rockland County Through Keep Rockland Beautiful Program

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2 days ago

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May 9, 2026

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Littering is illegal and can result in fines for those who commit the offense. Some litterbugs simply need to be informed and reminded that littering — whether deliberate or unintentional — can end with a personal commitment to stop.

The Keep Rockland Beautiful Report-A-Litterbug Program encourages the public to report people who litter in an effort to help make Rockland County’s roadways cleaner. The program provides every individual with an opportunity to be an active participant in reducing litter.

If you see someone littering from their car, or trash blowing out from the back of a truck, the Rockland County Sheriff’s Office will send the vehicle owner a warning letter based on your report to Keep Rockland Beautiful.

To report a litterbug, visit: Keep Rockland Beautiful Report-A-Litterbug Program

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Government

Senate Approves Bill Expanding SPCA Fingerprinting Access

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4 days ago

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May 7, 2026

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A bipartisan bill sponsored by Pete Harckham aimed at helping SPCAs across New York more effectively investigate and prosecute animal cruelty cases has passed the State Senate unanimously.

The legislation, S.1664, would authorize SPCA officers statewide to access the same live scan fingerprinting system currently used by law enforcement agencies following an arrest. Supporters say the measure would streamline arrest processing, improve officer efficiency, and help prevent suspects from avoiding prosecution.

At present, many SPCA officers in New York must rely on outside law enforcement agencies to process fingerprints after making an arrest, often causing delays.

“SPCA officers must have the tools and resources they need to protect defenseless animals from cruelty and neglect and the public at large from serial abusers,” Harckham said in a statement. “With access to live scan fingerprinting, officers can quickly determine whether a suspect has a history of abuse or is wanted for other crimes.”

Harckham said the legislation was inspired by conversations with officers from the Putnam County SPCA, who reported that delays in fingerprint processing sometimes allowed suspects with outstanding warrants to remain free longer than necessary.

Chief Ken Ross of the Putnam County SPCA praised the bill’s passage, noting the connection between animal cruelty and other violent crimes.

“Animal cruelty crimes are especially disturbing because they target the most vulnerable,” Ross said. “These offenses are often linked to other forms of violence, including child abuse and domestic violence.”

According to supporters of the legislation, animal cruelty cases have increased across New York since the COVID-19 pandemic. SPCAs cite rising living costs, behavioral health challenges, and the expiration of eviction protections as contributing factors.

Data from Humane Society International indicates that 85% of individuals arrested for animal cruelty have prior arrests, many involving felony offenses. The organization also reports significant overlap between domestic violence and animal abuse cases.

If enacted into law, the bill would expand investigative capabilities for SPCAs statewide and strengthen coordination between animal welfare agencies and law enforcement officials.

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