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

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7 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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Events

Rockland County Free Fall Festival Returns to West Nyack Oct. 18

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1 day ago

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October 14, 2026

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The Historical Society of Rockland County will host its 13th Annual Fall Festival on Sunday, October 18, bringing a day of family activities, live entertainment, historic demonstrations and Revolutionary War reenactments to West Nyack.

Presented in partnership with Heritage of West Nyack and the Town of Clarkstown, the free festival will take place from noon to 4 p.m. at 131 Germonds Road, adjacent to Germonds Park.

The event will offer visitors an opportunity to experience local history, explore traditional crafts and enjoy seasonal activities for all ages.

Revolutionary War History Comes to Life

One of the festival’s featured attractions will be an encampment by Heard’s Brigade of the New Jersey Militia, offering a look at military life during the American Revolutionary War.

Visitors can explore 18th-century tents and watch demonstrations of open-fire cooking, militia drills and musket firing. Revolutionary War skirmish reenactments are scheduled for 1:15 p.m. and 2:30 p.m.

The festival will also feature tours of the historic Onderdonk-Tallman-Budke and Vanderbilt-Budke-Traphagen houses, along with a presentation by Clare Sheridan titled “Who Was Naut Kanniff? The Story of the Witch of West Nyack.”

Traditional craft demonstrations will include lacemaking by Mayra Petretti of the Metropolitan Chapter of the International Organization of Lace, Inc., as well as wool and flax spinning demonstrations by Celeste Sherry.

Family Activities and Fall Fun

Families can enjoy a variety of seasonal activities throughout the afternoon, including horse-drawn wagon rides scheduled from 12:30 to 3:30 p.m.

The Horses R Us 4-H Club will offer pumpkin picking, decorating and painting, while Fred DePaul will present sheep-shearing demonstrations at 12:15 p.m., 2:15 p.m. and 3:30 p.m.

Children can also take part in colonial-era games presented by Tom Hunt of Waterside Forge. Balloony Toony Entertainment will provide balloon animals, face painting and glitter tattoos.

Additional attractions will include free mini-golf, raffles, craft vendors and demonstrations. A pen-turning workshop hosted by the Hudson Valley Wood Turners will be available for participants ages 12 and older. Reservations are recommended, and interested participants can contact Len Stambler at Lstambler@gmail.com.

Live Music and Entertainment

Music will be part of the afternoon’s festivities, with balladeer Thaddeus MacGregor performing alongside Wee Jim the Limberjack. Additional musical entertainment will feature Scott Staton, Keith Olsen and Pat Keating.

Organizers invite residents and visitors to enjoy an afternoon celebrating Rockland County’s history, heritage and fall traditions.

Event Information

  • What: 13th Annual Fall Festival
  • When: Sunday, October 18, 2026, noon to 4 p.m.
  • Where: Historical Society of Rockland County, 131 Germonds Road, West Nyack, adjacent to Germonds Park
  • Admission: Free
  • Workshop reservations: Contact Len Stambler at Lstambler@gmail.com for the pen-turning workshop.

With Revolutionary War reenactments, historic house tours, traditional crafts, live music and family-friendly fall activities, the festival will offer visitors a chance to experience local history while celebrating the season.

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Events

Spirit of Sobro Returns October 2 for 5th Annual Celebration

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2 weeks ago

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September 30, 2026

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Celebrating its fifth year, this popular community event is getting bigger, with the festivities expanding to a second block this year.

The event will stretch from Depew to the gas station, creating additional space for vendors and entertainment. Organizers say 45 vendors are expected, along with street performers, circus sideshows, live music, a DJ, drumming and more throughout the event.

One tradition will remain in place: the Tarot salon inside Modern Druid, which will be open throughout the evening.

Organizers are encouraging the community to come out, support local vendors and performers, and help make this year’s celebration the biggest and most fun yet.

Bring your friends, spread the word and come enjoy an evening of music, entertainment, shopping and community.

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