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

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7 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

George Hoehmann Shares Update: West Nyack Road Temporarily Reopened as Project Nears Next Phase

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2 hours ago

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April 26, 2025

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George Hoehmann, Clarkstown Supervisor was pleased to report that West Nyack Road officially reopened at 3:30 PM on Friday afternoon. The contractor has compacted the base and installed temporary barriers and sidewalks to allow for two-way traffic over the next six to eight weeks.

Progress This Week:

  • Continued utility and drainage work

  • Roadway preparation and temporary reopening

Looking Ahead:

  • Subcontractors for various utility companies will be installing wires within the underground conduit

  • Goal: Utility pole removal by May 15th

  • General contractor will continue drainage and infrastructure work near Western Highway

Please exercise caution when driving through the area. The road is temporarily narrower near the Eastern culvert. Once the utility poles are removed, a brief second closure will be necessary to drive the remaining piles and complete the culvert work.

In the meantime, we’re glad to have the road open again for two-way traffic and appreciate everyone’s patience and cooperation.

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Government

Rockland County Offers Free Mosquito Dunks® and Mosquito-Eating Minnows to Residents

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1 week ago

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April 17, 2025

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Protect your home and community from mosquitoes this spring and summer!

The Rockland County Department of Health (RCDOH) is offering free mosquito control products to residents, including Mosquito Dunks® and fathead minnows, to help reduce the mosquito population and prevent mosquito-borne illnesses.

Mosquito Dunks® – Available by Appointment

What they are: Small, floating “donuts” that release safe bacteria to kill mosquito larvae in standing water.

Who can get them: Rockland County residents for use in unused swimming pools, spas, and other water-holding containers.

How to get them:

  • Pick-up location: Robert L. Yeager Health Complex, 50 Sanatorium Road, Building D, Pomona, NY

  • By appointment only – Reserve in advance by calling 845-364-3173 or emailing [email protected]

  • Required: Download and complete the order form from the Mosquito Control Program webpage and bring it with you to your scheduled pickup.

🐟 Fathead Minnows – One-Day Giveaway Event

What they are: Small fish that eat mosquito larvae—up to 200 larvae per day!

Event Date: Wednesday, May 21, 2025, from 4:30 PM to 6:00 PM
Location: Robert L. Yeager Health Complex, Building D, 50 Sanatorium Road, Pomona, NY
Important: Minnows must be released only within Rockland County

How to reserve:

  • Register online via the Mosquito Control Program webpage, or

  • Call 845-364-3173
    Note: The event date and time are subject to change. Signs will be posted to guide attendees to the correct location.

For more information, visit the Rockland County Health Department Mosquito Control Program webpage.

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