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Through setbacks and help from the North Rockland Community, Steven Guzman enlists in the Navy

Published

8 years ago

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BY: Steven Guzman, North Rockland HS Class of 2017

So last week I went up to MEPS (Military Entrance Processing Station) in Albany to process into the U.S Navy. I arrived there at around 8 AM to take the ASVAB, which is the exam all new enlistees must take. Since the whole process requires 2 days, I stayed at a hotel overnight. The next day was the medical and physical screening, this was the part that scared me because I hated drawing blood. Little did I know this would be the least of my worries. I was there getting my physical done for what must have been 4-5 hours. Everything went smoothly until the very last exercise that involves me removing my shirt. This is so they can examine my spine while I stretch. The MEPS staff member went down the line and analyzed all of my peers, giving them approval. Until he got to me, he stopped and stood beside me for a good minute. After the exercise, he went and spoke with the doctor privately. I was then separated from the rest of the group and I was taken to the doctor’s office. The doctor asked me for my mother’s number, which made me confused.

At this point I was getting nervous because I thought they discovered something serious on my back. It wasn’t until my mom picked the phone that they explained to her that I had a 10cm linear scar on my lower back. I was in shock, I never knew of this scar nor remember injuring my back. My mom told them that she didn’t know about it and that it was probably an old cut. The MEPS doctor then called my old pediatrician requesting my medical records with my permission. Unfortunately we waited 2 hours for them to fax it but it never came and I had to return home. I was disappointed hearing my peers talking about their new Navy jobs while I went home empty handed. The next day I had some time to think, my recruiter recommended going to a doctor and getting a note regarding the scar. Still I knew I didn’t have health insurance so I had to be strategic about it.

That’s when I got the idea of posting my situation on the North Rockland Community page. Within minutes I was receiving advice, recommendations, and help from the community. The overwhelming support from the community reminded me of why I wanted to join the armed forces. To serve this country and my community, knowing I have all of this support. A couple days pass and I send MEPS a doctor’s note explaining that I have never been treated for a scar and that it’s origin is unknown. A few more days come and go, and I get word from my recruiter telling me that I now need 2 notes from my parents. So I had my parents write a note each explaining that I never surgery. They take this stuff very seriously, history of having surgery is disqualifying. More days come and go and I finally get the news I’ve been waiting for, I was approved! I go up to Albany the very next day and swear into the U.S Navy.

Today I’m happy to say that I will be a hospital corpsman in the Navy and will ship out for boot camp on September 24th. This is all thanks to the help of my community and my awesome recruiter (Perfetto). I can’t wait to get out there and proudly serve this nation!

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Congers Halloween Spooktacular October 31, 2026: Two Scare Experiences

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6 days ago

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October 30, 2026

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Congers Halloween Spooktacular 2026 Announces Halloween Night Hours and Two Scare Experiences

Halloween is getting spooky in Congers! Organizers of the Congers Halloween Spooktacular 2026 have announced the official date and hours for this year’s event, which will take place for one night only on Saturday, October 31.

After days of preparation and setup, organizers confirmed that the popular Halloween display will offer two different experiences, giving families and thrill-seekers an opportunity to enjoy the festivities at their preferred scare level.

Family-Friendly, Scare-Free Hours

Families and visitors looking for Halloween fun without the fright can stop by between 1 p.m. and 6:30 p.m.

During these hours, the attraction will offer a scare-free experience suitable for all ages. Organizers note that crew members may still be working around the property and putting the finishing touches on displays, but there will be no intentional scares during this time.

Full Scare Experience Begins at 6:30 p.m.

Once darkness falls, the full scare experience begins!

Starting at 6:30 p.m., visitors can experience the attraction’s more frightening side. Organizers say the event will continue until the line stops, allowing everyone waiting to have an opportunity to experience the Halloween scares.

Event Details

  • Event: Congers Halloween Spooktacular 2026
  • Date: Saturday, October 31, 2026
  • Scare-Free Hours: 1 p.m. to 6:30 p.m.
  • Full Scare Experience: 6:30 p.m. until the line stops
  • Location: 99 Highway Avenue, Congers, NY

Food Donations Requested

Visitors are also encouraged to bring a non-perishable food donation. All contributions will help support local charities and families in need.

Organizers say countless hours have gone into creating this year’s Halloween experience and are looking forward to welcoming the community.

With two experiences offered throughout the day and evening, the Congers Halloween Spooktacular promises one night of family-friendly Halloween fun and nighttime frights.

                               One night, two experiences, and plenty of scares!

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Nyack Halloween Parade 2026 Returns October 24 With Costumes and Floats

Published

2 weeks ago

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October 23, 2026

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The annual parade invites participants of all ages to march through the village as part of Nyack’s Halloween weekend celebrations.

Halloween festivities are set to take over the streets of Nyack on Saturday, October 24, as the village welcomes residents and visitors to its annual Nyack Halloween Parade.

Known for its creative costumes and festive atmosphere, the parade has been recognized by the Travel Channel as one of the Top 10 Halloween parades in the United States.

Participants are encouraged to put on their most daring, imaginative and spooky costumes and join the procession. Everyone is welcome to march, and those looking to take their Halloween spirit a step further can enter a float or participate in the costume contest for a chance to win prizes.

The parade is part of Halloweekend in Nyack, a broader celebration featuring a variety of Halloween-themed events throughout the village.

Other activities planned for the weekend include a nighttime cemetery tour, a science-fiction horror film festival and additional seasonal attractions.

With its mix of costumes, community participation and Halloween entertainment, Halloweekend offers an opportunity for families, friends and visitors to experience the festive atmosphere of the village.

The Nyack Halloween Parade takes place Saturday, October 24. Residents and visitors are encouraged to join the celebration and take part in one of the village’s signature Halloween traditions.

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