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

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2 weeks ago

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Senator Bill Weber is honored to announce that Virginia “Ginny” Norfleet has been selected as his 2025 Woman of Distinction in recognition of her dedication to preserving African American history in Haverstraw and empowering the Rockland community.

Ms. Norfleet is the Founder and Executive Director of the Haverstraw African American Connection (HAAC), a 501(c)(3) organization that educates the public about the deep and rich history of African Americans in Haverstraw. Since founding HAAC in 2008, she has worked tirelessly to ensure that African American heritage is acknowledged and celebrated in schools, libraries, colleges, and community groups across Rockland County.

Born the youngest of nine siblings in Haverstraw, New York, Virginia overcame significant economic challenges to become a successful real estate entrepreneur and a civil rights leader. She has used her skills to revitalize her community.

Ms. Norfleet’s research has uncovered the roots of Rockland’s pre-Revolutionary African American families, leading to collaboration with institutions such as the Rockland Holocaust Museum and Center for Tolerance and Education, which now hosts an exhibit on American slavery.

With the help of neighbors and volunteers, Ms. Norfleet transformed a drug-ridden area on Clinton Street into the Haverstraw African American Memorial Park, preserving an important landmark of Haverstraw’s history. Her advocacy has earned her well-deserved recognition, including induction into the Rockland County Civil Rights Hall of Fame in 2019 and recognition from the Town of Haverstraw during Black History Month in 2021.

“Virginia Norfleet has devoted her life to preserving African American history in Rockland County while fostering greater awareness and unity in the community,” said Senator Weber. “Virginia’s contributions to advocacy and education make her the right recipient for this honor.”

Senator Weber will formally honor Ms. Norfleet, alongside his Senate colleagues’ nominees, at a special recognition event in Albany on May 13, 2025.

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Government

Rockland County District Attorney Thomas E. Walsh II A Lifetime of Service and Pride in His Heritage

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2 days ago

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March 20, 2025

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Rockland County Legislator Paul Cleary expressed that if the ancestors of District Attorney Thomas E. Walsh II could see him today, they would be incredibly proud of his dedication and achievements. Born in the Bronx and a graduate of Congers Elementary and Clarkstown High School, Walsh has committed his life to law enforcement. After earning his law degree from St. John’s University School of Law, he became a practicing lawyer in 1976. He was elected Haverstraw Village Justice in 1983 and, over the past 42 years, has served in judicial positions at the Town, County, and State levels.

Walsh takes great pride in his Irish heritage, having traveled extensively in Ireland, including visiting his grandmother Rose Devine Leonard’s cottage in Ballinagh, County Cavan, as well as touring the Irish Supreme Court. In addition to his professional work, he is an active member of the Friendly Sons of Saint Patrick and Division 3 of the Ancient Order of Hibernians, along with several bar associations. He has also been involved with the American Red Cross in Rockland, serving on its Board of Directors.

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Government

Harckham’s $50,000 Grant Helps Stony Point FD Enhance Firefighter Safety

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1 week ago

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March 15, 2025

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New York State Senator Pete Harckham announced today that the Stony Point Fire District has been awarded a $50,000 state grant for the purchase and maintenance of critical firefighter turnout gear, including specialized equipment designed for combating wildfires, all of which will help ensure the safety and effectiveness of the town’s first responders.

Harckham has so far secured a total of $3.1 million in grant funding for the Town of Stony Point, North Rockland schools, libraries and non-profit organizations serving the community since the town became part of the 40th Senate District in 2022.

The grant will enable the Fire District to equip its firefighters with modern, high-quality turnout gear, which includes protective clothing such as jackets, pants, helmets, and boots. A portion of the funding is earmarked specifically for specialized wildfire gear, designed to withstand the intense heat and rugged conditions of wildland firefighting. This investment ensures that firefighters are prepared to respond to a wide range of emergencies, from structure fires to the growing threat of wildfires in the region.

“On behalf of the Stony Point Fire District, we extend our gratitude to Senator Harckham for securing this critical funding,” said Kevin Huslinger, chair of the Stony Point Fire District Board of Commissioners. “This grant will allow us to outfit our firefighters with the latest protective gear, including specialized equipment for wildfires, which is essential as we work to keep our community safe in an ever-changing environment. Senator Harckham’s support strengthens our ability to serve and protect.”

Stony Point Fire Chief Kurt Mulligan added, “With this new gear, our firefighters can face both structure fires and wildfires with the appropriate safety equipment, each of which is designed for the specific nature of those calls. It’s not just about equipment—it’s about bringing our team home safely after every call. We’re incredibly thankful for this investment in our district and fire company members.”

[Attached photo: State Sen. Pete Harckham with Robert Sullivan, vice chair of the Stony Point Fire District Board of Commissioners. Credit: Office of State Sen. Pete Harckham / James Persons]

 

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