Government

Mark Woods Named 2024 Rockland County Veteran of the Year

Published

11 months ago

November 26, 2023

Mark is a 20-year veteran of law enforcement with specialized investigatory experience in the NYPD and Federal Law Enforcement. More than 20 years of experience in the U.S. Army, U.S. Army Reserve, and New York Army National Guard.

He currently serves as the Director of Rockland County Joseph P. Dwyer Veteran Peer Support Program. The Dwyer Program is a non-clinical, Veteran peer-to-peer mentoring program with numerous locations across New York State. At risk Veterans are served through outreach, scheduled weekly walks, monthly lunch meetings, book clubs and other recreational activities designed to build relationships between veterans and their families, with a focus on mental health and suicide prevention.

Mark served with the US Army during the Iraq War in Tal Afar, Nineveh Governorate. A U.S. Army Major, imbedded and served as the primary advisor to the Mayor of Tal Afar, Iraq (pop. 200,000) during operation Iraqi Freedom. As the commander of a Civil Affairs Team, developed governance and oversaw the implementation of over 20 million dollars in infrastructure projects to include, schools, medical facilities, water wells, pipelines, utility stations, a public library as well as others.

Government

Rockland County Legislature Honored Four Local Residents During Its 2024 Hispanic Heritage Month Celebration

Published

1 week ago

October 3, 2024

Rockland Report Admin

The Rockland County Legislature honored four local residents during its 2024 Hispanic Heritage Month celebration. Jacquelin Contreras, Sabrina E. Vargas-Greco, Jose Champagne Pedro and Alejandra Silva. All four were awarded the “Distinguished Service Award”.

Jacquelin Contreras grew up in Haverstraw Village, the daughter of Gladys and Bolivar Contreras, who immigrated from the Dominican Republic. She graduated from North Rockland High School and then attended Rockland Community College.

For 19 years, Jacqui has been a dedicated employee of the East Ramapo Central School District. She currently serves as a Senior Clerk Typist and previously spent 14 years as a Discipline Secretary, working with students facing suspensions and other challenges. She believes her work has significantly impacted the lives of at-risk children.

Sabrina E. Vargas-Greco is the daughter of Rafael and Lourdes Vargas, immigrants from the Dominican Republic who made Haverstraw their home. She grew up in Haverstraw Village and graduated from North Rockland High School and St. Thomas Aquinas College.

Sabrina began her public service career while still a senior at STAC, starting as an intern in the State Assembly, then advancing to Legislative Assistant, and finally becoming Chief of Staff in 2001.

In 2004, she was appointed Director of Operations and Constituent Services Assistant for the Town of Clarkstown, serving until 2015. From 2016 to 2022, served as the Confidential Assistant to the Chairman of the Rockland County Legislature. In December of 2022 she was appointed as Commissioner of Jurors for Rockland County by the New York State Unified Court System. She is the first Latina to hold this esteemed position.

Jose Champagne Pedro embodies hard work and resilience, refusing to let his challenging beginnings define him. Born in Caguas, Puerto Rico, as one of nine siblings, Champagne moved frequently as a child, eventually spending some time in the Bronx. His family faced numerous challenges, including separation and foster care.

However, Champagne always believed there was a better path. He eventually settled in Haverstraw, where he has been a presence for the past 24 years, exhibiting his entrepreneurial skills and successfully implementing his business ideas. He has operated several stores in the village and organized events, including Reloaded Videos & Games, Champagne’s Collectibles, Champagne’s 2nd Hand, The Corner Store, and perhaps his most famous venture, Ice Is Nice, Oh Yes It Is.

Alejandra Silva is the daughter of immigrant parents from Colombia and Venezuela. She grew up in Jackson Heights, Queens, and has lived in Rockland since 2012. Alejandra graduated from Vassar College with a B.A. in Sociology and a minor in Hispanic Studies, later earning her Juris Doctor and a Certificate in Law and Public Policy from the University of Connecticut School of Law. She is a member of both the New York and Connecticut bars. In June of this year, she was appointed Town Justice in Ramapo, where she addresses misdemeanor prosecutions, violations, infractions, civil actions, and small claims.

Alejandra is the first Latinx person to serve in this role.

Government

Rabies Clinic For Dogs, Cats & Ferrets Shots Are Free October 6th

Published

3 weeks ago

September 17, 2024

Rockland Report Admin

Appointments are required.

By law, all cats, dogs and ferrets must be vaccinated. Pets must be healthy and at least 4 months old. Dogs must be on a leash. Cats and ferrets must be leashed or in a carrier.

Shots are free! But a $5 donation per animal will help defray our costs. (please bring exact amount of cash or check payable to Commissioner of Finance) rabies shots (vaccinations) for cats, dogs, and ferrets belonging to Rockland residents on October 6, 2024, from 9:00 am – 12:00 pm at 50 Sanatorium Rd (in front of Bldg. A) in Pomona.

For more information, visit: https://www.rocklandcountyny.gov/Home/Components/News/News/469/297

To register for an appointment, visit: http://rcklnd.us/rabiesvax or for assistance with appointments and more information, call 845-364-2656. Please arrive no earlier than 15 minutes before your scheduled appointment time.

Shots are free! But a $5 donation per animal will help defray our costs. (please bring exact amount of cash or check payable to Commissioner of Finance)

Sponsored by the Rockland County Department of Health