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Rockland Community College Receives National Award for Excellence in Diversity

Published

5 years ago

September 25, 2021

SUFFERN, NY – Rockland Community College has been selected as a 2021 Higher Education Excellence in Diversity (HEED) Award winner from INSIGHT Into Diversity magazine, the nation’s oldest and largest diversity-focused publication in higher education. This national honor recognizes US colleges and universities that demonstrate an outstanding commitment to diversity and inclusion. RCC will be featured, along with 100 other recipients, in the November 2021 issue of INSIGHT Into Diversity magazine. This is the first time RCC has been named as a HEED Award recipient.

“Diversity reflects an appreciation and respect for the unique gifts and talents in all of us,” said RCC President Dr. Michael A. Baston. “To close equity gaps, community colleges must first offer a safe and welcoming environment. Then we can create strategic partnerships between the college and the community and take advantage of our organizational resources and collaborative leadership to ensure equitable opportunities and outcomes for all our students.”

“Last year RCC started developing an actionable plan by establishing a working group to review the legacy of diversity efforts led by the College’s former Diversity Council and to build on their outcomes to reflect current realities. We are now developing a new college-wide plan that incorporates those recommendations with recommendations from all areas of the College. The new plan will include specific outcomes that are measurable using key performance indicators to be reported on an equity
scorecard,” stated Melissa L. Roy, Chief Diversity Officer for RCC.

“The HEED Award process consists of a comprehensive and rigorous application that includes questions relating to the recruitment and retention of students and employees — and best practices for both — continued leadership support for diversity, and other aspects of campus diversity and inclusion,” said Lenore Pearlstein, publisher of INSIGHT Into Diversity magazine. “We take a detailed approach to reviewing each application in deciding who will be named a HEED Award recipient. Our standards are high, and we look for institutions where diversity and inclusion are woven into the work being done
every day across their campus.”

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Update: Rockland County YouthFest Returns March 29 at RCC

Published

4 weeks ago

March 28, 2026

Rockland Report Admin

Rockland County will host its annual YouthFest on Sunday, March 29, 2026, from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. at Rockland Community College.

The free, family-friendly event is one of the largest community gatherings in the county, bringing together more than 150 local agencies, organizations, and service providers focused on youth and family programs.

YouthFest offers a wide range of activities, including interactive exhibits, live demonstrations, performances, and hands-on experiences for children and teens. Families can also enjoy entertainment, games, and attractions throughout the day while learning about resources available across Rockland County.

The event is held in conjunction with Rockland County Government Day, giving residents an opportunity to connect with county departments and learn more about public services and programs.

Organized by the Rockland County Youth Bureau, YouthFest draws thousands of attendees each year and serves as a one-stop destination for families seeking information, support services, and recreational opportunities.

Admission is free and open to the public.

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Frozen Toilet During Extreme Cold? What Homeowners Should and Shouldn’t Do

Published

3 months ago

January 29, 2026

Rockland Report Admin

With freezing temperatures expected across Rockland County, Fire and Emergency Services is reminding residents to take steps to prevent frozen and burst pipes, which can cause significant property damage and even lead to fires.

Officials recommend allowing faucets to drip slightly, especially overnight, to keep water moving through pipes. Residents should also open cabinet doors to allow warm air to circulate around plumbing, particularly in kitchens and bathrooms.

Fire and Emergency Services advises keeping homes heated to at least 55 degrees, even when away, and insulating exposed pipes in basements, crawl spaces, and garages. Residents are warned never to use open flames or unsafe heating devices to thaw frozen pipes.

If a pipe does freeze, officials recommend using a hair dryer or warm air to thaw it safely. Torches or other open-flame methods should never be used. A frozen toilet is inconvenient, but rushing the fix can turn a minor problem into major damage. Slow, careful warming is the safest solution, and professional help should be sought if the issue persists.

In the event of a burst pipe or water emergency, residents are urged to shut off the water immediately and contact emergency services or a licensed professional if needed.

Officials remind residents to stay warm, stay safe, and take preventative steps to protect their homes during extreme cold weather.