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RCC Holds Ceremony to Award Car to Navy Veteran & Student

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ROCKLAND COUNTY, NY – Rockland Community College hosted a special ceremony to award a rehabilitated car to Michael J. Finlay, a Navy veteran and Engineering Science student at RCC. This event was made possible through the generous donation of the vehicle by the Rockland County Veterans of Foreign Wars (VFW) and the collective effort of several donors who contributed to the restoration of the car.

The Rockland County Veterans Service Agency, in collaboration with the VFW, has had a longstanding program dedicated to rehabilitating donated cars and offering them to Veterans in need. This marks the inaugural ceremony being held at RCC. The fundraiser generated over $3,000 for upgrades to the 2005 Toyota Corolla LE. The car was donated and rehabbed anonymously and the cost for the rehab work was shared by the VFW and funds raised in April 2023.

“We are immensely proud to support Navy veteran and RCC student Michael J. Finlay with a gesture that signifies our gratitude and commitment to his continued success, both academically and personally,” said Dr. Lester Sandres Rápalo, President of Rockland Community College. “We extend our heartfelt thanks to the Rockland County Veterans of Foreign Wars, the donors, RCC Veteran Affairs, and everyone involved in making this possible. It’s more than just a car; it’s a testament to the fact that when we come together, we can make a significant difference in someone’s life.”

Michael John Finlay served in the US Navy from 2007 to 2012 and received an Honorable Discharge with the rank of Machinist Mate 2nd class. He was deployed to the Persian Gulf in support of Operation Enduring Freedom in 2012. Currently enrolled in the RCC General Engineering program, he resides in Fishkill, New York, and is a single father of two children. Finlay is also a member of the RCC chapter of SALUTE, the National Veterans Honor Society.

“After spending many years raising my children as a single father, I am excited to have become part of the RCC community. I hope to pursue a career in the engineering field, and thanks to RCC I have been able to take the first steps toward achieving my goal,” stated Finlay.

Due to his own car failing last fall, his ability to get to and from school was negatively impacted as was his ability to properly care for his children. That’s when Jonathan Barnwell, Assistant Director of Veterans Affairs at RCC and co-organizer of the Car Award Ceremony, stepped in with a grant from the Joseph P. Dwyer Vet2Vet Program, in Dutchess County, which provided funds for a weekly car service so Michael could finish the semester at RCC. Michael continued studying remotely for the Summer as well as Fall 2023 semester.

“I cannot thank the Rockland County VFW, as well as the donors and coordinators enough for this great blessing. I know of no words that can adequately convey my most sincere gratitude and relief that this has brought me,” said Finlay “To all my fellow veterans who are considering pursuing higher education, I would highly recommend doing so. I know firsthand that sometimes life gets in the way of that, and it can seem like there is no chance at success. Succeeding is possible however, and there are kind, decent, and even exceptional people who will aid in that journey, as they have in mine.”

Photos by RCC

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A Message From “Dom Togo” New City No One Should Go Hungry – We’re Here to Help

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At Dom Togo, we know that many individuals and families are facing financial struggles right now. With the rising cost of living, putting a warm meal on the table can be a real challenge—and we want to help in any way we can.

As a locally owned business and followers of Christ, we believe it’s our responsibility to care for one another. That’s why we’re offering to share any leftover trays or extra food we may have at the end of the day with anyone who truly needs it—free of charge.

While we can’t promise a full tray every time, we often have something available. If you’re in need, please don’t hesitate to call us around 6:00 PM (we close at 6:30 PM) and ask if we have any meals left for the day. If we do, it’s yours—no questions asked.

Even as our own food and operating costs continue to rise, we remain committed to doing our part to support the community. Because at Dom Togo, we believe we’re all in this together.

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Clarkstown Rallies for Tommy Ryan – Be Part of the Buzzes 4 Bumpy Movement

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                                  💛 Buzzes 4 Bumpy – Support Tommy Ryan! 💛

Tommy Ryan, a football player at Clarkstown South High School, was recently diagnosed with leukemia. In support of his fight, a fundraiser called “Buzzes 4 Bumpy” will be held:

Location: Clarkstown South High School
Date: Thursday, April 17
Time: 12:00 PM – 4:00 PM

Buzz cuts will be offered for anyone who wants to show support. There will also be food, drinks, and games for all to enjoy. Donations will be accepted to support leukemia research and help Tommy in his battle.

If you’re able, please stop by and show your support. Donate through link below.

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