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

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8 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

Senator Bill Weber Honors Virginia Norfleet as 2025 NYS Senate Woman of Distinction

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3 hours ago

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May 16, 2025

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NANUET, NY: NY State Senator Bill Weber proudly honored Virginia “Ginny” Norfleet as his 2025 New York State Senate Woman of Distinction during a special ceremony held at the State Capitol in Albany on May 13, 2025.

Ms. Norfleet, a lifelong Haverstraw resident, was recognized for her extraordinary commitment to preserving African American history and empowering the Rockland County community. As Founder and Executive Director of the Haverstraw African American Connection (HAAC), she has spent over 15 years educating the public on the vital contributions and legacy of African Americans in Haverstraw and beyond.

The youngest of nine children, Ms. Norfleet overcame economic hardship to become a successful real estate entrepreneur and civil rights leader. Her efforts have led to the creation of the Haverstraw African American Memorial Park, the restoration of community landmarks, and the establishment of local partnerships, including with the Rockland Holocaust Museum and Center for Tolerance and Education, which now features an exhibit on American slavery inspired by her research.

Ms. Norfleet’s advocacy has previously earned her a place in the Rockland County Civil Rights Hall of Fame and special recognition during Black History Month by the Town of Haverstraw.

The New York State Senate Woman of Distinction program honors women across the state who have made significant contributions in their communities and beyond. Each Senator selects one honoree to be recognized during the annual ceremony in Albany. Senator Weber’s previous Woman of Distinction honorees from Rockland County are Ileana Eckert (2023) and Dr. Mary P. Leahy (2024).

“Virginia Norfleet has dedicated her life to lifting up the stories of African American families in Rockland County and building bridges of understanding in our community,” said Senator Weber. “Her tireless leadership and advocacy continue to make a profound impact, and I was proud to recognize her in Albany as this year’s Woman of Distinction representing Rockland County.”

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Government

Rockland County Honors Outstanding Nurses with Distinguished Service Awards

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1 week ago

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May 7, 2025

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May is traditionally the month when nurses are recognized worldwide, in part because May 12 is the birthday of Florence Nightingale. She professionalized nursing roles for women and is known as the founder of modern nursing.

In celebration of National Nurses Month, Rockland County Legislature Vice Chair Dr. Aney Paul, a longtime nurse herself, presented the Distinguished Service Award— the Legislature’s highest honor— to three exceptional nurses: Glenn Albin, Dr. Gaelle Duvivier, and Mary Laiju Shine Kelanthara. These honorees were recognized for their professional excellence and dedicated community service.

  • Glenn Albin transitioned from accounting to healthcare, serving as a paramedic and emergency room nurse for over four decades. He mentors new nurses and teaches advanced life support, while actively participating in the Knights of Columbus and South Orangetown Ambulance Corps.

  • Dr. Gaelle Duvivier, a Certified Nurse Midwife and educator, works with New York Presbyterian and SUNY Rockland. She advocates for women’s health, leads health fairs, and researches ways to improve breastfeeding and reduce health disparities.

  • Mary Laiju Shine Kelanthara, with 28 years of nursing experience, serves as an Infection Control Nurse at HVDDSO. She’s also a passionate volunteer, fundraiser, church educator, and South Indian TV actress.

Dr. Paul praised the honorees for making “a positive difference every day” in the lives of Rockland County residents.

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