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

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1 year ago

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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.

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

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2 weeks ago

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June 20, 2026

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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.”

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La Casa Di Dolce Owner Brings Viral Seven-Layer Pignoli Cookie Exclusively to Rockland County

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1 month ago

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June 2, 2026

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For La Casa Di Dolce owner Jaclyn Ryan-Henry, baking is more than a business—it is a way of preserving family traditions and sharing her Italian heritage with the Rockland County community.

Drawing inspiration from her upbringing in Bensonhurst, Brooklyn, Ryan-Henry has built a loyal following through authentic Italian baked goods crafted from recipes passed down through generations, including treasured family recipes from her Nonna.

Operating from her home bakery, La Casa Di Dolce offers a wide variety of traditional Italian specialties, including Cuccidati (Italian fig cookies), biscotti di casa, crostata, struffoli, bow tie cookies, seven-layer cookies, and seven-layer cakes. Customers can also choose from an assortment of modern dessert favorites, including cupcakes, cake pops, crumb cakes, sugar cookies, cake jars, and custom-designed layer cakes.

In addition to individual orders, Ryan-Henry provides catering services, party trays, and mobile dessert bars complete with dessert table setup and décor for weddings, birthdays, showers, and other special events.

One of the bakery’s most sought-after creations is its signature viral seven-layer pignoli cookie, a unique dessert that combines the flavors of traditional seven-layer cookies and pignoli cookies into one indulgent treat. The oversized cookie features a jam-filled center, almond-rich dough, pine nuts, and a chocolate-dipped finish.

Ryan-Henry is believed to be the first baker in the Tappan area to offer the seven-layer pignoli cookie as a permanent menu item, helping the specialty dessert gain popularity among local customers and Italian pastry enthusiasts.

Due to high demand, customers are encouraged to place orders in advance, particularly for specialty and signature items.

By blending old-world recipes with modern entrepreneurship, Ryan-Henry continues to provide authentic Italian baked goods while creating a gathering place for celebrations, family traditions, and community connections throughout Rockland County.

Contact

Jaclyn Ryan-Henry

Home Processor

Tel: 718.207.9180

Text: 718.207.9180

Email:Lacasadidolce19@gmail.com

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