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RCC Marketing Students Win Second Place in Global Solutions Sustainability Challenge

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5 years ago

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SUFFERN, NY – Rockland Community College honors class won second place in the Global Solutions Sustainability Challenge where twenty-seven international teams from institutions in the U.S., Iraq and Jordan competed in a competition focused on technology and sustainability.

The Global Solutions Sustainability Challenge is funded by the Stevens Initiative, which is sponsored by the U.S. Department of State with funding provided by the U.S. Government and is administered by the Aspen Institute. It is also supported by the Bezos Family Foundation and the governments of Morocco and the United Arab Emirates. The program is implemented by IREX, a global development and education nonprofit organization dedicated to building a more just, prosperous, and inclusive world.

The RCC team was awarded second place in the competition, along with an award of $1,500 to be used to further develop their project on creating a smart technology-based agricultural solution to help farmers around the globe optimize their utilization of water for irrigation.

“Jordan relies on one primary water source for all of their needs, and proper water management is essential for their future. Through our prototype, named MIST, we saw a reduction in water use by 50%. An advancement in this system could potentially save a standard commercial farm over a million dollars a year on their water cost,” says Samuel Erard, A.S. Business Administration Honors Track.

The RCC team was selected as one of six finalists to progress to the Virtual Business Expo. At this event, a student representative from Rockland Community College and from Middle East University presented a 3-minute Shark Tank style pitch to an audience of over 100 people and panel of 6 judges.

“Today’s students are global citizens and will have to work together to devise solutions to shared global issues,” says Catherine Roche, RCC Professor of Business and RCC’s team facilitator. “This project-based experiential learning experience enabled students to develop cross-cultural awareness as well as workplace skills such as teamwork, problem solving, critical thinking, decision making, and empathy. I was impressed with students’ commitment to the project and am very proud of the professional work they collectively produced.”

The prize money will go towards launching the technology that was pitched during the competition to help farmers – not only in Jordan but throughout the world – to save water and improve harvests.

“Working with an entirely different culture was a great learning experience,” says Michelle Meilhon, A.S. Business Administration Honors Track. “I was proud to be part of the team – we worked really hard and it truly paid off.”

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Lafayette Theatre Packs October With Movies, Halloween Events and Local Premiere

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3 weeks ago

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September 26, 2026

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October will be a busy month at the Lafayette Theatre, with the historic Suffern movie house offering a lineup that ranges from highly anticipated new films and local filmmaking to family Halloween favorites and cult classics.

And with tickets priced at $10 or less, the theater is making it possible for moviegoers to take in several of the month’s events without breaking the bank.

Among the highlights is the October 8 homecoming premiere of Concessions, a film shot at the Lafayette Theatre with the participation of local Rockland County extras. The premiere will feature a live question-and-answer session with the film’s director and cast. Additional screenings are planned for October 16–18.

The October schedule also includes Verity, based on Colleen Hoover’s bestselling novel and starring Anne Hathaway, Dakota Johnson and Josh Hartnett. The mystery-thriller centers on a writer who discovers a series of disturbing secrets while working on an unfinished manuscript.

Moviegoers can also see Digger, starring Tom Cruise, a film that has already attracted attention as awards season approaches.

Halloween will bring several special screenings to the Lafayette.

The Addams Family will screen October 31 and November 1, giving families a chance to celebrate the holiday with the famously creepy and kooky Addams clan.

Horror fans can also experience A Nightmare on Elm Street on the big screen. The 1984 classic helped establish Freddy Krueger as one of horror’s most recognizable villains.

For those looking for a more interactive Halloween experience, The Rocky Horror Picture Show returns October 31. Doors open at 8 p.m., with the film beginning at 9 p.m.

The Apoca-Lips Shadow Cast will return for the screening, featuring a preshow, audience participation and costumes. Prop bags will also be available.

With a combination of new releases, classic films, local talent and Halloween traditions, the October schedule offers something for movie fans of all ages — while continuing the Lafayette Theatre’s role as a gathering place for the local community.

Tickets are on sale now.

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In Plain Sight World Premiere at Penguin Rep Theatre | Sept. 25–Oct. 18, 2026

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3 weeks ago

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September 25, 2026

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Penguin Rep Theatre in Stony Point, New York, has announced the complete cast for the world premiere of In Plain Sight, a new play by acclaimed playwright Michael McKeever (Daniel’s Husband, Mr. Parker). Directed by Penguin founding Artistic Director Joe Brancato, the production runs September 25 through October 18, 2026, concluding Penguin Rep’s 2026 season.

The play follows Elliot and Alan, a couple preparing to marry after 11 years together, as buried secrets and difficult choices from the past threaten their future. The play explores love, identity, family, and the consequences of choices made long ago.

The cast includes Stephen Dexter, Remidy Dixon, Lana Gordon, Russell Saylor, and Derek Smith. Smith, a Tony nominee and winner of multiple theatre awards, previously collaborated with McKeever and Brancato on Mr. Parker.

McKeever’s plays have been produced throughout the United States, Canada, and Europe. His work Daniel’s Husband was first produced by Penguin Rep before transferring to New York City, as did Penguin productions of After and Mr. Parker.

Performances take place at Penguin Rep Theatre, 7 Crickettown Road, Stony Point, an intimate, air-conditioned converted barn with comfortable seating and free parking.

For ticket information visit https://www.penguinrep.org/ or call 845-786-2873.

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