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Rockland’s Pfizer-U.S. Government Reach $1.95B Deal to Provide Americans with Free COVID-19 Vaccine

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5 years ago

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PEARL RIVER, NY – Pfizer Inc. and BioNTech SE today announced the execution of an agreement with the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services and the Department of Defense to meet the U.S. government’s Operation Warp Speed program goal to begin delivering 300 million doses of a vaccine for COVID-19 in 2021.

Under the agreement, the U.S. government will receive 100 million doses of BNT162, the COVID-19 vaccine candidate jointly developed by Pfizer and BioNTech, after Pfizer successfully manufactures and obtains approval or emergency use authorization from U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA).

 

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The U.S. government will pay the companies $1.95 billion upon the receipt of the first 100 million doses, following FDA authorization or approval. The U.S. government also can acquire up to an additional 500 million doses.

Americans will receive the vaccine for free consistent with U.S. government’s commitment for free access for COVID-19 vaccines.

“We’ve been committed to making the impossible possible by working tirelessly to develop and produce in record time a safe and effective vaccine to help bring an end to this global health crisis,” said Dr. Albert Bourla, Pfizer Chairman and CEO. “We made the early decision to begin clinical work and large-scale manufacturing at our own risk to ensure that product would be available immediately if our clinical trials prove successful and an Emergency Use Authorization is granted. We are honored to be a part of this effort to provide Americans access to protection from this deadly virus.”

“Expanding Operation Warp Speed’s diverse portfolio by adding a vaccine from Pfizer and BioNTech increases the odds that we will have a safe, effective vaccine as soon as the end of this year,” said HHS Secretary Alex Azar. “Depending on success in clinical trials, today’s agreement will enable the delivery of approximately 100 million doses of this vaccine to the American people.”

Rockland County Executive Ed Day commented on the news – “It is right here in Pearl River where the majority of Pfizer’s R&D efforts to support this vaccine are taking place. Thank you to everyone at Pfizer’s Pearl River site for their hard work developing a possible vaccine.”

More information:

  • U.S. government placed an initial order of 100 million doses for $1.95 billion and can acquire up to 500 million additional doses
  • Americans to receive the vaccine for free consistent with U.S. government’s commitment for free access for COVID-19 vaccines
  • Pfizer and BioNTech remain on track to begin an anticipated Phase 2b/3 safety and efficacy trial later this month, seek regulatory review as early as October 2020, and manufacture globally up to 100 million doses by the end of 2020 and potentially more than 1.3 billion doses by the end of 2021

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Down to Earth Living Is Offering Free Workshops To Get Your Garden Ready For Spring

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7 hours ago

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April 1, 2025

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This April, Down to Earth Living in Pomona (1040 Route 45) is offering a series of free, hands-on workshops designed to help you get your garden and outdoor spaces ready for the season. Whether you’re an experienced gardener or just starting out, there’s something for everyone—covering topics like pruning, landscape design, veggie gardening, and even a special visit from the Hudson Valley Humane Society. All workshops begin at 1 PM, and no registration is needed—just come by, learn something new, and get inspired! Additional workshops for May will be announced soon, so stay tuned for more spring gardening opportunities.

Workshop Schedule:

  • Saturday, April 5 – Pruning with Mike
    Wondering how or when to prune your plants? Mike will demonstrate the best pruning techniques for trees, shrubs, and flowering plants, showing you how to keep them healthy and looking great.

  • Sunday, April 6 – Landscape Planning with Stuart
    If you’re planning a new garden or reworking your outdoor space, join Stuart as he discusses how to choose the right garden size, select plants that fit your sun/shade conditions, and blend colors, shapes, and textures for a beautiful yard. He’ll also share tips on using materials to bring your vision to life.

  • Saturday, April 26 – Hudson Valley Humane Society Visit
    This isn’t a workshop, but a chance to meet adoptable pets from the Humane Society. Come support a good cause, learn more about pet adoption and care, and maybe even find a new furry friend. This event is great for families and animal lovers.

  • Sunday, April 27 – Starting a Veggie Garden with Mary
    Mary will guide you through the basics of starting your own veggie garden, covering everything from picking the best spot and preparing your soil to choosing what to plant and maintaining your garden throughout the season.

About Down to Earth Living: Down to Earth Living is a garden center on 12.5 acres in Rockland County, offering a variety of perennials, flowers, shrubs, and trees, with new arrivals every week. Their 10,000-square-foot showroom features a unique selection of contemporary, classic, traditional, and transitional outdoor furniture. The center is open daily from 9 AM to 5 PM and is located near Bergen County at 1040 Route 45 in Pomona. For more information, visit www.dteliving.com or call 845-354-8500.

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Down To Earth Living The Many Benefits of Indoor Plants for Health, Productivity, and Aesthetics

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3 weeks ago

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March 14, 2025

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Indoor plants have become a popular addition to both homes and workplaces, offering much more than just aesthetic value. They provide numerous benefits, ranging from improving air quality to enhancing mental health. Here’s an overview of the positive effects indoor plants can have, backed by scientific research:

  1. Better Air Quality: Indoor plants are well-known for their ability to purify the air. Through photosynthesis, they absorb carbon dioxide and release oxygen, which refreshes indoor spaces. Research from NASA’s Clean Air Study highlights how plants like spider plants, peace lilies, and snake plants can remove harmful pollutants such as benzene, formaldehyde, and trichloroethylene, which are commonly found in household items like furniture and cleaning products.

  2. Improved Mental Health and Productivity: Indoor plants positively influence mental well-being. A study in the Journal of Physiological Anthropology showed that interacting with plants, like watering or trimming them, can lower stress and promote relaxation. Even in indoor environments, this connection with nature helps create a calming atmosphere that boosts overall well-being. In work settings, plants are linked to a 15% increase in employee productivity, as found in a study published in Environmental Psychology. The presence of greenery helps with focus and job satisfaction, making workplaces more stimulating and motivating.

  3. Aesthetic Value: Indoor plants can transform a room, making it more lively and inviting. They soften architectural features, fill empty spaces, and add a natural element to modern interior designs. A survey by the National Gardening Association revealed that many people choose to incorporate indoor plants into their homes or offices mainly for their aesthetic appeal.

  4. Health Benefits: Indoor plants can also support physical health by helping maintain optimal humidity levels, reducing issues caused by dry air, such as dry skin, sore throats, and coughs. Additionally, plants can absorb sound and reduce noise, making them especially beneficial in busy homes or open office spaces.

  5. Low Maintenance and Easy Accessibility: Many indoor plants are low-maintenance, making them ideal for people with little gardening experience. Plants like pothos, zz plants, and succulents are easy to care for and thrive in various lighting conditions, allowing anyone to enjoy the benefits of indoor plants without needing expert knowledge.

Incorporating indoor plants into your space is a simple yet effective way to enhance both the environment and your well-being. Not only do they purify the air and promote mental and physical health, but they also make your space more aesthetically pleasing. As research continues to confirm their many advantages, it’s clear that indoor plants are a worthwhile addition to any home or office.

Down to Earth, now celebrating its 53rd year, offers a wide range of indoor plants and is expanding its offerings for 2025. Their indoor plant showroom will open on March 13th for the spring season. Located in Pomona, Rockland County, the Down to Earth Living Garden Center spans 12.5 acres and offers a variety of perennials, flowers, shrubs, and trees, with new arrivals every week. Their 10,000-square-foot showroom also features a diverse selection of furniture made from teak, aluminum, and all-weather materials. The center is open daily from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. and can be found at 1040 Route 45, Pomona. For more information, visit www.dteliving.com or call 845-354-8500.

Sources:

  • Wolverton, B. C., NASA Clean Air Study.
  • Journal of Physiological Anthropology, Effects of Indoor Plants on Stress Levels.
  • Environmental Psychology, Office Plants and Productivity.
  • Royal Horticultural Society, Benefits of Indoor Plants.
  • National Gardening Association, Indoor Plant Trends Survey.

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