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Rockland County Welcomes New PPE Manufacturer

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5 years ago

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NEW CITY, NY – Rockland County Executive Ed Day and Economic Development Director Jeremy Schulman today congratulated NY Critical Materials LLC, a manufacturer of Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) who was awarded a $750,000 New York State grant, the largest amount in this round of funding, to produce COVID-19 supplies. NY Critical Materials will open a facility at the New York Center for Innovation in Pearl River to produce N95 respirator face masks.

“We are thrilled that NY Critical Materials has chosen Rockland County to produce these lifesaving supplies,” said County Executive Day. “Rockland has all the essential elements conducive for entrepreneurship, production and growth. This project will have a tremendous impact on the county in terms of public health, safety and long-term economic growth.”

NY Critical Materials is a subsidiary of Hudson Holdings Group which is expanding beyond its Piscataway, New Jersey base and was formed in response to the pandemic and the demand for American-made PPE. NY Critical Materials plans to hire 100 new employees and has invested in eight specialized machines that will allow it to manufacture 2 to 3 million face masks per day.

“Our new home in Rockland County is a unique opportunity for us to help solve the PPE shortage crisis, particularly N95 masks,” said Jonathan Ho, CEO and Founder of Hudson Holdings Group. “Our made-in-America mission is squarely in line with supporting in-state needs. Our approach brings mass production of high-quality, low-cost disposable masks to a space dominated by Chinese imports. This partnership will also bring much-needed American jobs to New York at a time when people are still feeling the harsh economic impact of the pandemic. We’re proud to help.”

NY Critical Materials will lease over 50,000 square feet of commercial space in Building 100 at the campus, making it the first manufacturer and largest tenant to occupy the building, which has ample space, power and specialized infrastructure to accommodate future expansion plans and those of other industrial users. The company seeks to take advantage of the Foreign Trade Zone (FTZ)–an economic development tool available to Rockland companies–as an incentive to help them “Make it in Rockland” and remain competitive in global trade.

“The New York Center for Innovation is a perfect fit for NY Critical Materials as a socially-conscious tax ratable that will provide jobs in the local community,” said Economic Development Director Schulman. “The county quickly assisted NY Critical Materials through identification, coordination and facilitation of its site selection search with Empire State Development’s collaboration.”

“How fitting that NY Critical Materials LLC, a manufacturer of Personal Protective Equipment (PPE), is coming to Pearl River and, notably, to the same campus where Pfizer’s successful research for the COVID-19 vaccine took place,” said Town of Orangetown Supervisor Teresa Kenny. “NY Critical Materials will help us to continue our fight against COVID-19 with its production of N95 respirator facemasks. After a difficult financial year for so many, the creation of 100 new jobs right here in Orangetown is welcome news to all of us. We welcome NY Critical Materials to the growing Orangetown business community and look forward to a ribbon cutting ceremony in the near future.”

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La Casa Di Dolce Brings Generations of Italian Baking Traditions to a New Children’s Book

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3 days ago

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October 12, 2026

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A family-inspired bakery and a new children’s book are bringing Italian heritage, cherished recipes, and the joy of baking together to the next generation.

For Jaclyn Ryan-Henry, founder of Made in the Home Kitchen of La Casa Di Dolce, baking is about more than creating delicious treats. It is about preserving family traditions, celebrating Italian heritage, and sharing the memories that connect generations.

Built on recipes and traditions passed down through the family, La Casa Di Dolce is a tribute to the enduring influence of Nonna’s kitchen. Through her bakery, Ryan-Henry hopes to bring a little piece of Italy into every home, one cookie at a time, while creating meaningful connections through food and culture.

Now, Ryan-Henry is expanding that mission with the release of a new children’s book inspired by the adventures of baking with her own children. The book celebrates the experience of passing down family recipes, cultural traditions, and treasured memories from one generation to the next.

Filled with fun, laughter, and a special surprise for families to discover at the end, the story encourages parents and children to embrace the joy of baking together while learning about their heritage. Inspired by recipes handed down through generations, the book highlights how simple moments in the kitchen can become lasting family traditions.

Through both her bakery and her writing, Ryan-Henry hopes to keep these traditions alive for future generations, demonstrating how food and storytelling can preserve cultural identity while bringing families closer together.

Upcoming Book Signing at Barnes & Noble

Readers and families will have an opportunity to connect with Ryan-Henry at an upcoming book signing at Barnes & Noble at Palisades. The event date has not yet been announced and will be shared through the bakery’s social media accounts.

The first 15 attendees will receive special freebies, which may include custom items or baked goods.

Families interested in learning more about the book, discovering La Casa Di Dolce, or following announcements about the signing can find additional information through the bakery’s online platforms.

Where to Find La Casa Di Dolce

Purchase the book on Amazon:
https://amzn.to/4jcpzgA

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Find Made in the Home Kitchen of La Casa Di Dolce on Google

With a mission rooted in family, heritage, and tradition, Jaclyn Ryan-Henry is using both baking and storytelling to help ensure that the recipes, memories, and cultural connections passed down through generations continue to inspire families for years to come.

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Beyond Mums: Best Plants for Fall Garden Color

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4 days ago

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October 11, 2026

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Pumpkins, chrysanthemums, cornstalks and hay bales are familiar signs of autumn, but homeowners looking to add more seasonal color to their landscapes have plenty of options beyond traditional fall decorations.

For residents across the Hudson Valley, Rockland County and Bergen County, a variety of flowers, ornamental grasses and colorful foliage plants can bring fresh interest to gardens and containers as summer fades and temperatures begin to drop.

Down to Earth Living in Pomona recommends several plants that can help homeowners extend the color and texture of their outdoor spaces well into the fall season.

Flowers and Foliage for the Fall Season

Ornamental peppers offer a burst of color, producing decorative fruits in shades of red, orange, yellow and purple. Their vibrant appearance makes them a popular choice for fall containers and garden beds.

Ornamental millet adds height and texture, with upright growth and distinctive flower heads that provide visual interest in seasonal plantings.

For homeowners seeking colorful blooms, pansies and violas are well-suited to cooler weather and can continue flowering as temperatures decline.

Hardy chrysanthemums remain a fall favorite, offering a variety of colors and flower shapes. With appropriate planting and care, some varieties can return in subsequent years.

Ornamental cabbage and kale provide another option for seasonal displays. Grown primarily for their foliage, these cool-weather plants feature shades of green, purple, pink and white that complement traditional autumn decorations.

Perennials and Grasses Extend Seasonal Interest

Several perennials and ornamental grasses can add color and structure to the fall landscape.

Hardy asters produce daisy-like flowers in shades of purple, pink, blue and white. Their late-season blooms also provide a food source for pollinators.

Sedums, including the popular ‘Autumn Joy’ variety, develop deeper pink, red and russet tones as the season progresses, adding color and texture to garden beds.

Ornamental grasses, such as switchgrass and little bluestem, bring height and movement to the landscape. Their seedheads and changing seasonal colors can help maintain visual interest as other plants begin to fade.

Colorful Foliage Offers Another Option

Flowers are not the only way to brighten a fall garden. Plants with distinctive foliage can provide contrast and color throughout the season.

Heucheras are available in a wide range of leaf colors and patterns, making them versatile choices for garden beds and containers. Coleus offers similarly varied foliage, with numerous patterns and shades that work particularly well in container arrangements.

Purple-leaf basil combines dark ornamental foliage with culinary uses, while Swiss chard adds vibrant stems and attractive leaves to both edible and ornamental gardens.

Making the Most of Fall Planting

“Fall offers plenty of opportunities to add color to your garden,” said Stuart Leventhal, owner of Down to Earth Living. “Pansies, asters, ornamental cabbage and kale, and other fall plants can bring new color and interest to the landscape as summer flowers fade.”

With a wide range of seasonal plants available, homeowners can refresh their gardens, window boxes and outdoor containers with new colors, textures and shapes.

By combining flowering plants, colorful foliage and ornamental grasses, gardeners can create displays that celebrate autumn while keeping outdoor spaces visually appealing through the cooler months.

For homeowners in Rockland County, Bergen County and the Hudson Valley, fall offers an opportunity to look beyond traditional mums and discover new ways to keep their landscapes vibrant throughout the season.

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