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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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Down to Earth Living Is Offering Free Workshops To Get Your Garden Ready For Spring

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This April, Down to Earth Living in Pomona (1040 Route 45) is offering a series of free, hands-on workshops designed to help you get your garden and outdoor spaces ready for the season. Whether you’re an experienced gardener or just starting out, there’s something for everyone—covering topics like pruning, landscape design, veggie gardening, and even a special visit from the Hudson Valley Humane Society. All workshops begin at 1 PM, and no registration is needed—just come by, learn something new, and get inspired! Additional workshops for May will be announced soon, so stay tuned for more spring gardening opportunities.

Workshop Schedule:

  • Saturday, April 5 – Pruning with Mike
    Wondering how or when to prune your plants? Mike will demonstrate the best pruning techniques for trees, shrubs, and flowering plants, showing you how to keep them healthy and looking great.

  • Sunday, April 6 – Landscape Planning with Stuart
    If you’re planning a new garden or reworking your outdoor space, join Stuart as he discusses how to choose the right garden size, select plants that fit your sun/shade conditions, and blend colors, shapes, and textures for a beautiful yard. He’ll also share tips on using materials to bring your vision to life.

  • Saturday, April 26 – Hudson Valley Humane Society Visit
    This isn’t a workshop, but a chance to meet adoptable pets from the Humane Society. Come support a good cause, learn more about pet adoption and care, and maybe even find a new furry friend. This event is great for families and animal lovers.

  • Sunday, April 27 – Starting a Veggie Garden with Mary
    Mary will guide you through the basics of starting your own veggie garden, covering everything from picking the best spot and preparing your soil to choosing what to plant and maintaining your garden throughout the season.

About Down to Earth Living: Down to Earth Living is a garden center on 12.5 acres in Rockland County, offering a variety of perennials, flowers, shrubs, and trees, with new arrivals every week. Their 10,000-square-foot showroom features a unique selection of contemporary, classic, traditional, and transitional outdoor furniture. The center is open daily from 9 AM to 5 PM and is located near Bergen County at 1040 Route 45 in Pomona. For more information, visit www.dteliving.com or call 845-354-8500.

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Child Abuse Awareness Month A Continued Effort for Community Awareness and Support April 2025

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Child abuse is a serious issue requiring continuous attention. The first National Child Abuse Awareness Month was declared in 1979 by President Jimmy Carter, with April officially recognized as Child Abuse Prevention Month by President Ronald Reagan in 1983. These efforts highlight the importance of community involvement in preventing abuse.

Each year, 646,000 children are victims of abuse, with 1,580 fatalities, many of which could be prevented through early intervention and stronger community support. Child Protection Services receives around 4 million referrals annually, demonstrating the widespread nature of the issue.

Abuse can be emotional, physical, or sexual, leading to long-term emotional and relational problems for victims. Substance abuse by parents also increases the risk of neglect and mistreatment. Children affected by abuse often struggle with emotional expression and building healthy relationships. Additionally, child abuse affects both boys and girls at similar rates, meaning that both genders require equal attention and support to ensure their safety and well-being.

Addressing child abuse requires awareness, community support, and preventative measures to ensure the safety and well-being of all children.

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