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Two RCC Students Take Home Top Prize at First Online Debate

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6 years ago

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SUFFERN, NY – Two Rockland Community College students recently competed in an inaugural online debating tournament and took home top prizes. The tournament was held virtually on April 18 and included six competitors representing RCC, Columbia University, Dominican College, NY and Swarthmore.

Rachel Bukher won the first place speaker award during the three-round online debating tournament co-hosted by Dominican College. Bukher also won second place for winning two of her three debate rounds. Rivka Mandel of Columbia University, and a graduate of RCC, won the tournament after going undefeated in her three rounds of debate. Mandel also took home the second place speaker award.

RCC debate alumni, Zamir Ben-Dan and Brandon Evans served as judges. Ben-Dan is an attorney at the Legal Aid Society and teaches at CUNY School of Law and Baruch College. Brandon Evans is a senior security engineer at Zoom.com. Both were award-winning debaters at RCC.

“RCC has a history of doing well against four-year colleges and universities but it is always gratifying to see a student like Rachel succeed against students from elite institutions like Swarthmore and New York University,” said Professor Jacobs, the coach of RCC’s team. “And in Rivky’s case,” Jacobs continued, “I don’t mind losing to Columba, since she is one of our own. Hosting an online debate tournament lacks the immediacy of in-person debates, but it does create opportunities. One competitor debated from his home in California. The pandemic has forced us to adapt, and I think online debate is here to stay.”

“I’ve really always loved debating, and the RCCs debate team has just given me the opportunity to learn the skills needed to be a pretty decent debater. It also really helped me in building my confidence with public speaking and presenting. Also, the debate team members are all super competitive and motivated so there’s always a challenge and it never gets boring. I wouldn’t rather spend my free time doing anything else,” stated Bukher.

“I love debating because in addition to it being enjoyable and addictive it is also a challenging and edifying academic practice. It has taught me to evaluate both sides of any argument even if I may lean one way or the other. I particularly enjoy debating members of the RCC Debate Team because I find that they make a higher caliber of opponent due to their rigorous training and coaching,” stated Mandel.

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Flip Circus Returns to Palisades Center October 30–November 9

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7 days ago

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October 29, 2026

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Flip Circus Returns to Palisades Center With Halloween Special and Family Ticket Giveaway

Flip Circus is returning to Palisades Center from October 30 through November 9, bringing big-top entertainment and family-friendly fun to the area.

As part of a special Halloween promotion, children ages 10 and younger can receive free admission when they arrive in costume from October 30 through November 1. Tickets can be redeemed at the box office.

To celebrate the circus’s return, a giveaway will offer 10 lucky winners a Family Pack, with each package including tickets for two adults and two children.

How to Enter the Giveaway

Participants must:

  • Follow the giveaway host on social media.
  • Follow Flip Circus on Instagram.
  • Like the giveaway post.
  • Tag the person or people they would bring to the circus.

Winners will be selected and contacted through direct message. Those selected will then be asked to provide a phone number so Flip Circus staff can contact them to schedule their show date.

The giveaway closes Monday, November 2, at 10 a.m.

Families looking for a festive Halloween outing can catch Flip Circus at Palisades Center during its November 9 run. With a special offer for costumed children and a chance to win a family ticket package, the return promises an opportunity to enjoy the excitement of the big top.

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Lafayette Theatre Packs October With Movies, Halloween Events and Local Premiere

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1 month ago

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September 26, 2026

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October will be a busy month at the Lafayette Theatre, with the historic Suffern movie house offering a lineup that ranges from highly anticipated new films and local filmmaking to family Halloween favorites and cult classics.

And with tickets priced at $10 or less, the theater is making it possible for moviegoers to take in several of the month’s events without breaking the bank.

Among the highlights is the October 8 homecoming premiere of Concessions, a film shot at the Lafayette Theatre with the participation of local Rockland County extras. The premiere will feature a live question-and-answer session with the film’s director and cast. Additional screenings are planned for October 16–18.

The October schedule also includes Verity, based on Colleen Hoover’s bestselling novel and starring Anne Hathaway, Dakota Johnson and Josh Hartnett. The mystery-thriller centers on a writer who discovers a series of disturbing secrets while working on an unfinished manuscript.

Moviegoers can also see Digger, starring Tom Cruise, a film that has already attracted attention as awards season approaches.

Halloween will bring several special screenings to the Lafayette.

The Addams Family will screen October 31 and November 1, giving families a chance to celebrate the holiday with the famously creepy and kooky Addams clan.

Horror fans can also experience A Nightmare on Elm Street on the big screen. The 1984 classic helped establish Freddy Krueger as one of horror’s most recognizable villains.

For those looking for a more interactive Halloween experience, The Rocky Horror Picture Show returns October 31. Doors open at 8 p.m., with the film beginning at 9 p.m.

The Apoca-Lips Shadow Cast will return for the screening, featuring a preshow, audience participation and costumes. Prop bags will also be available.

With a combination of new releases, classic films, local talent and Halloween traditions, the October schedule offers something for movie fans of all ages — while continuing the Lafayette Theatre’s role as a gathering place for the local community.

Tickets are on sale now.

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