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Rockland County Legislature Honored Four Local Residents During Its 2024 Hispanic Heritage Month Celebration

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4 months ago

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The Rockland County Legislature honored four local residents during its 2024 Hispanic Heritage Month celebration. Jacquelin Contreras, Sabrina E. Vargas-Greco, Jose Champagne Pedro and Alejandra Silva. All four were awarded the “Distinguished Service Award”.

Jacquelin Contreras grew up in Haverstraw Village, the daughter of Gladys and Bolivar Contreras, who immigrated from the Dominican Republic. She graduated from North Rockland High School and then attended Rockland Community College.
For 19 years, Jacqui has been a dedicated employee of the East Ramapo Central School District. She currently serves as a Senior Clerk Typist and previously spent 14 years as a Discipline Secretary, working with students facing suspensions and other challenges. She believes her work has significantly impacted the lives of at-risk children.
Sabrina E. Vargas-Greco is the daughter of Rafael and Lourdes Vargas, immigrants from the Dominican Republic who made Haverstraw their home. She grew up in Haverstraw Village and graduated from North Rockland High School and St. Thomas Aquinas College.
Sabrina began her public service career while still a senior at STAC, starting as an intern in the State Assembly, then advancing to Legislative Assistant, and finally becoming Chief of Staff in 2001.
In 2004, she was appointed Director of Operations and Constituent Services Assistant for the Town of Clarkstown, serving until 2015. From 2016 to 2022, served as the Confidential Assistant to the Chairman of the Rockland County Legislature. In December of 2022 she was appointed as Commissioner of Jurors for Rockland County by the New York State Unified Court System. She is the first Latina to hold this esteemed position.
Jose Champagne Pedro embodies hard work and resilience, refusing to let his challenging beginnings define him. Born in Caguas, Puerto Rico, as one of nine siblings, Champagne moved frequently as a child, eventually spending some time in the Bronx. His family faced numerous challenges, including separation and foster care.
However, Champagne always believed there was a better path. He eventually settled in Haverstraw, where he has been a presence for the past 24 years, exhibiting his entrepreneurial skills and successfully implementing his business ideas. He has operated several stores in the village and organized events, including Reloaded Videos & Games, Champagne’s Collectibles, Champagne’s 2nd Hand, The Corner Store, and perhaps his most famous venture, Ice Is Nice, Oh Yes It Is.
Alejandra Silva is the daughter of immigrant parents from Colombia and Venezuela. She grew up in Jackson Heights, Queens, and has lived in Rockland since 2012. Alejandra graduated from Vassar College with a B.A. in Sociology and a minor in Hispanic Studies, later earning her Juris Doctor and a Certificate in Law and Public Policy from the University of Connecticut School of Law. She is a member of both the New York and Connecticut bars. In June of this year, she was appointed Town Justice in Ramapo, where she addresses misdemeanor prosecutions, violations, infractions, civil actions, and small claims.
Alejandra is the first Latinx person to serve in this role.

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Government

Rockland Conservation & Service Corps Summer 2025 Applications Are Now Available

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4 days ago

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January 14, 2025

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Join us for an exciting PAID environmental conservation experience right here in Rockland County!
🔨 What You’ll Do: Spend your summer contributing to an environmental conservation project with a local organization. Gain hands-on experience, receive comprehensive training across diverse topics, and discover even more opportunities to make a difference!
Program Details:
📆 Duration: End of May – Mid-August (35-40 hrs/week)
💵 Living Stipend: $3,500
🎓 Education Award: $1,565.08 upon successful completion
📌 Deadline to Apply: Monday, April 7, 2025
Don’t miss this opportunity to gain valuable skills, make an impact, and be part of a dynamic team working to protect and preserve our environment. 🌱
Find the application link in our bio!

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Government

January Is National Stalking Awareness Month

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1 week ago

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January 10, 2025

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An estimated 13.5 million people are stalked in a one-year period in the United States, according to the Stalking Prevention, Awareness, and Resource Center (SPARC)

Stalking can take many forms, including unwanted contact, monitoring, following, and persistent harassment, online or offline. Most individuals are stalked by someone they know. 1 in 3 Women, 1 in 6 men experience stalking in their lifetimes.

Stalkers use many tactics, including:
– Making unwanted phone calls.
– Approaching the victim or showing up in places when the victim does not want them to.
– Following and watching the victim.
– Sending unwanted texts, photos, emails, and messages through social media.
– Sending unwanted gifts.
– Using technology to monitor, track, and/or spy on the victim

If you or someone you know is being stalked, report it to your local law police department. You can also use the contacts below for more information and resources.
– You can report anonymously by using the “Rockland Co DA” app or text “RocklandDA” to 847411
– Victim Connect: 1-855-4VICTIM(1-855-484-2846)
– National Domestic Violence Hotline: 1−800−799−7233 or TTY 1−800−787−3224 En Español
– The National Sexual Assault Hotline: 1-800-656-HOPE (4673) 

Rockland County, New York.

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