Business

Down to Earth Living in Pomona Awards Scholarships to Three North Rockland High School Graduates

Published

1 year ago

June 22, 2025

ROCKLAND COUNTY, New York – For the past 35 years, Down to Earth Living in Pomona, New York has been providing scholarships to North Rockland High School graduates. This year’s recipients of the $500 awards are Giuliana Leone, Sarina Neset and Jaden Quezada.

Jaden Quezada
An honors student, Jaden intends to study finance at the University of Florida this fall. He is a three-sport athlete, having played Varsity Volleyball, Basketball, and Baseball. He was also active in VAASA, ASPIRA, Key Club, and Math League, and volunteered with Rockland Cleanup, food drives, and youth basketball clinics.

Sarina Neset
Sarina will attend SUNY Fredonia this fall to study Musical Theatre. At North Rockland, she served as a cast representative for the Drama Society and was active in the Italian Club, Chamber Choir, and Writers Club. Sarina has performed in community theatre for 14 years and volunteers with Smiles for Miles. She was selected as one of 600 students from 10 northeastern states to perform Alto I in the NAfME All-Eastern Treble Choir during the 2024 Eastern Division Conference in Hartford, Connecticut.

Giuliana Leone
Giuliana, Salutatorian of North Rockland’s Class of 2025, will attend Clemson University to major in Mechanical Engineering and minor in Sports Communications. She served as Class Vice President, President of the Women in Engineering Club, and Secretary of the Tech Honor Society. A member of Varsity Athletes Against Substance Abuse and the field hockey team, Giuliana also volunteered at EMT practicals, STEM nights, and youth clinics.

“Down to Earth is delighted to provide three deserving students with an award that will help them continue on their path toward their futures. Helping young people in our community realize their dreams is an important part of the Down to Earth mission,” stated Risa Hoag, spokesperson for the company.

Down to Earth Living staff use five criteria to determine the winners each year. First and foremost is academic performance which is based upon GPA and other available test scores, followed by participation in extracurricular activities, applications and club memberships, and community service. A topical essay is also required to demonstrate the student’s ability to communicate, and the student must also show the specific goal-directed activities taken toward achieving his or her future career. Financial need is also taken into consideration.

Business

Pearl River Farmers Market Returns July 18 with Fresh Summer Produce

Published

1 week ago

July 16, 2026

Rockland Report Admin

The Pearl River Farmers Market returns this Saturday, July 18, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at Central Avenue Field, offering shoppers a wide selection of fresh summer produce, locally made foods, artisan goods, and handcrafted products.

With summer harvests in full swing, visitors can expect to find seasonal favorites including fresh corn, peaches, plums, raspberries, and plenty of locally grown tomatoes.

This week’s market features a diverse lineup of vendors offering everything from baked goods and farm-fresh meats to handcrafted candles, local honey, cheeses, beverages, and specialty foods.

Among the featured vendors are The Orchards of Concklin, Rockland County’s oldest working farm, offering fresh fruits, vegetables, pies, cider, and cider donuts; Crossroads Cattle Ranch with pasture-raised grass-fed beef; Crannog Apiary with local Pearl River honey; and Orlando’s Bakery, featuring breads, pastries, quiche, stromboli, and more.

Visitors can also enjoy dumplings from Grumpy Dumpling Company, Mediterranean specialties from Yalla Fresh, gourmet cheeses from That Cheese Lady, hard cider from Red Barn Cidery, locally brewed beer from Stony Point Brewing Co., European-style soft-serve from JÄÄ Ice Cream, and a variety of baked treats from The Sourdough Sweet Spot.

Artisan vendors including Candle Zen More, Parterre Designs, and Hudson Valley Holistics will also be on hand with handcrafted goods, wellness products, and locally produced eggs.

The weekly market continues to showcase local farmers, food producers, and small businesses while providing the community with fresh, seasonal products throughout the summer.

Business

Down to Earth Living Shares Expert Tips for Growing Healthy Roses in the Hudson Valley

Published

1 month ago

June 20, 2026

Rockland Report Admin

Roses may have a reputation for being difficult to grow, but gardening experts at Down to Earth Living say many modern varieties are easier to maintain and more disease-resistant than ever.

For healthy blooms, roses should be planted in areas that receive at least six hours of direct sunlight and have well-drained soil. Consistent deep watering, regular fertilization during the growing season, and seasonal pruning can help promote vigorous growth and continuous flowering.

Gardeners should also watch for common issues such as aphids, spider mites, black spot, and powdery mildew. Proper spacing between plants and watering at the base can help reduce disease, particularly during the humid summers common in the Hudson Valley.

In addition to growing roses, experts recommend adding pollinator-friendly plants such as bee balm, cardinal flower, honeysuckle, lantana, and salvia to attract hummingbirds, butterflies, and other beneficial pollinators.

“With sunlight, water, nutrients, and care, roses provide months of color and fragrance,” said Stuart Leventhal, owner of Down to Earth Living. “Pairing them with hummingbird-friendly flowers creates a vibrant garden with continuous blooms and thriving wildlife.”