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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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1 year 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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Nanuet Summer Arts Fest Returns August 2–3 With Free Family Activities, Live Art, and Music

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3 hours ago

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July 15, 2025

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Nanuet, NY —  The Nanuet Town Centre, in collaboration with the Arts Council of Rockland (ACOR), is inviting the public to attend the Nanuet Summer Arts Fest, a free, two-day celebration of local arts and culture taking place Saturday, August 2 and Sunday, August 3 from 12:00 to 4:30 p.m. each day.

The festival will transform the Nanuet Town Centre into a vibrant community arts hub, featuring a wide range of activities for all ages. Highlights include live painting demonstrations, interactive children’s art stations, face painting, caricatures, balloon art, and live music performed by local musicians.

The event will showcase the talents of numerous Rockland County artists and artisans, offering attendees the opportunity to view and purchase handmade works while also engaging with artists in real-time.

Featured participants include:

  • Chris Soria – Live event painting

  • Lauren Rudolph – Live portraiture painting

  • Creative Arts Workshop – Children’s arts & crafts

  • Christina Alamo Westort – Face painting

  • Dan Springer – Caricatures

  • The Burr Johnson Band and The Peter Furlan Trio – Live musical performances

In addition to entertainment, the Arts Fest will feature an open-air market with artist and artisan vendors selling original artworks, handmade crafts, and unique goods.

Organizers say the event is designed to bring the community together through creativity, while providing visibility and support for local artists.

“This festival is about making art accessible to everyone,” said a representative from the Arts Council of Rockland. “Whether you’re picking up a brush, listening to jazz, or watching a mural come to life—it’s about experiencing the creative spirit of Rockland County.”

The Nanuet Summer Arts Fest is free and open to the public. Families, art lovers, and community members of all ages are encouraged to attend.

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In Loving Memory of Lance Corporal Ryan James Barnard of Rockland County

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July 15, 2025

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In Loving Memory of Lance Corporal Ryan James Barnard, 
February 9, 2003 – July 2, 2025.  

It is with profound sadness that we announce the passing of Lance Corporal Ryan James Barnard, United States Marine Corps, who died on July 2, 2025, at the age of 22. A proud resident of Valley Cottage, NY, Ryan was serving his country with honor and dedication at Kaneohe Bay, Hawaii, as a member of the Third Littoral Combat Team, Second Platoon, Ares Company.

Ryan was the beloved son of John and Christina Barnard, cherished brother of Trevor, Matthew, and Caroline, and a treasured member of a large and loving extended family.

From a young age, Ryan was drawn to a life of service. He embodied the values of Duty, Honor, and Country, and lived by the Marine Corps motto: Semper Fidelis — Always Faithful. Serving in uniform was his dream, and he fulfilled it with unwavering pride, commitment, and courage.

An athlete and teammate, Ryan played little league baseball and was a passionate hockey player, skating for the Army West Point Junior Black Knights, the Palisades Predators, and Nyack High School. His competitive spirit, quiet determination, and strong sense of camaraderie left a lasting mark on everyone who played alongside him.

Services
A wake will be held on Friday, July 18, 2025, from 4:00 PM to 8:00 PM at St. Ann’s Church in Nyack, NY.
A Funeral Mass will take place on Saturday, July 19, 2025, at 10:00 AM at St. Paul’s Church in Congers, NY.

In Honor of Ryan
A GoFundMe campaign was created to bring Ryan’s fellow Marines to New York for his burial. Thanks to an anonymous donor, their journey will now be possible. Due to the overwhelming outpouring of support, all future donations will go toward establishing a special tribute to Ryan: the West Point Junior Black Knight Scholarship, ensuring his legacy inspires others to follow his path of service and sportsmanship.

Ryan’s courage, character, and ultimate sacrifice will never be forgotten. He leaves behind a legacy of honor, love, and service — a young man who gave his all for the country he deeply loved.

To support the scholarship or learn more:
👉 GoFundMe: Help Marines Attend and Honor LCpl Ryan Barnard

Semper Fidelis.

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