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Rockland County High School Student Creates Initiative To Help Protect The Environment And Shares It Locally And Throughout The World

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11 months ago

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Madeline Abrams, a high school junior at Green Meadow Waldorf School in Chestnut Ridge, has created an initiative to capture rain water using discarded plastic water bottles through an irrigation system she developed for vegetable gardens, farms and landscapes.

During the past year, Madeline has presented her rain harvesting system virtually through Rotary Clubs to 45 communities in the Tri-State area, California, the Southwest and also to countries in Africa including Uganda, Namibia, Lesotho, Angola and South Africa. Through those presentations, she’s adapted her invention to the needs of the local area. Interestingly on one of the calls with a Rotary Club in Lesotho, she learned that porcupines eat plastic bottles which led to an adjustment in her plans for connecting rain barrels to hold the captured water. Her rain harvest system was published in an article in an international Rotary magazine that covers the country of Uganda.

Last month in recognition of Earth Day, Madeline gave a Zoom presentation supported by public libraries in New York, New Jersey, Boston, Hartford, Palo Alto and San Francisco making her Earth Day program available to their patrons. The attendees engaged in a discussion following the presentation regarding ways to bring Madeline’s invention to their communities. 

On a recent call with a college professor who leads service trips to El Salvador, Madeline learned that plastic water bottles are regularly burned with other garbage releasing toxic fumes in the process. Madeline’s invention helps with water conservation and also helps to reduce the negative environmental impact that can occur from burning plastic. 

Madeline’s goal is to share her rain harvest system with as many communities as possible and to help increase awareness about plastic waste, water conservation and a unique way to repurpose plastic water bottles.  

Madeline has created her Harvest Every Drop website (http://harvesteverydrop.com Madeline is an impressive young woman with a strong sense of service and a desire to make an impact in the world.

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

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2 days ago

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April 1, 2025

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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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2 days ago

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April 1, 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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