Community

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

Published

7 months ago

May 3, 2024

Rockland Report Admin

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.

Community

Rockland Repair Café Residents Can Bring Broken Items To Be Fixed For Free

Published

4 hours ago

November 19, 2024

Rockland Report Admin

This event brings together skilled volunteer Repair Coaches and residents seeking to repair household items. Participants are invited to bring items such as lamps, clothing, small appliances, wooden items, small furniture, toys, and electronics for evaluation and repair.

Items powered by gas engines (e.g., lawn mowers, chainsaws, and other gas-powered landscaping equipment) are not eligible for repair. Additionally, computers and digital devices will not be repaired at this event.

Repair Coaches will evaluate and fix items for free, provided the necessary materials are on hand. These talented volunteers are eager to share their expertise, preserving the art of repair while fostering community connections.

“The ability to fix and repair items is becoming a lost art,” said County Executive Ed Day. “The Repair Café not only celebrates this essential skill but also encourages its transfer to the younger generation, ensuring these talents continue to thrive in Rockland County. Events like this reduce landfill waste, foster sustainability, and strengthen our community ties.”

The Rockland Repair Café is a free, youth-friendly event made possible through the support of Rockland Conservation & Service Corps, a program of the Rockland County Youth Bureau, along with Rockland Green, Pearl River United Methodist Church, and the Pearl River Library. Volunteer Repair Coaches from Woodcraft & Willow and IBEW LU 363 will also participate.

For more information, or to confirm if a Repair Coach can fix your item, please call Kathy Galione at (845) 364-2932, or email [email protected].

When: Saturday, November 23rd, 11:30 AM – 2:30 PM
Where: Pearl River United Methodist Church, 130 Franklin Avenue, Pearl River, NY

Community

The HVHS Had A Herpetology Expert From The Bronx Zoo Assess The Alligator Found

Published

1 day ago

November 18, 2024

Rockland Report Admin

The rescued alligator has captured a great deal of interest from the community so HVHS wanted to provide an update. “The herpetology expert from the Bronx Zoo was kind enough to come by and take a look at our friend to assess his overall health and “HE” is in pretty good shape! Yes … we have a BOY! We have two names going for him one is “Philippe” the other is “Al E. Gator” and we would like help from the community to weigh in on which name is preferred.” The HVHS continue to support him in warming up. The DEC has been a great help too and they are assisting us with placement which, in NYS, requires specific credentials. Stay tuned for more updates. #hvhsny #haverstrawpd #alligator #safeatthehvhsny #bronxzoo #reptileinnewyork #ittakesavillage #garnervilleny #rescued #grateful