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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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2 years 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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Truck Overturns on NYS Thruway Near Tappan Zee Bridge, Causing Delays

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2 days ago

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August 10, 2026

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A traffic incident is causing significant delays on the southbound New York State Thruway near mile marker 16.4, just before the Tappan Zee Bridge.

According to an initial traffic alert, a large truck struck an overpass and overturned across several lanes of the highway. Only the two left lanes are currently getting by.

The incident occurred at approximately 12:15 p.m. and remains ongoing.

Motorists traveling southbound toward Westchester should expect significant delays and consider seeking an alternate route if possible.

Drivers in the area are urged to slow down, use caution and follow directions from emergency personnel.

Photo courtesy: Rockland Fires

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Italy Named World’s Top Olive Oil Producer at 2026 NYIOOC

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4 days ago

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August 8, 2026

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Italy has been named the world’s leading olive oil-producing country at the 2026 NYIOOC World Olive Oil Competition, earning 166 awards, more than any other country represented in the competition.

Producers from 29 countries submitted a total of 1,021 olive oils for blind judging. Judges awarded 464 Gold Awards and 234 Silver Awards across the competition.

Italy’s strong showing comes despite a challenging season for olive growers. Extreme weather conditions and rising production costs have placed additional pressure on producers throughout the country.

From the rolling hills of Tuscany and Umbria to the olive-growing regions of Puglia and Sicily, Italian producers continue to showcase the country’s long-standing tradition of olive oil craftsmanship.

The results highlight the diversity and consistency of Italian extra virgin olive oil, with producers from across the country earning recognition on the international stage.

For many Italian households and food lovers around the world, extra virgin olive oil remains a kitchen staple — used for everything from dipping and dressing to cooking and finishing traditional dishes.

Do you always keep authentic Italian extra virgin olive oil in your kitchen?

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