Connect with us

Government

 “We Applaud Our Heroes” By Rockland County Executive Ed Day

Published

1 year ago

on

Every year during February we present the Buffalo Soldiers Award to outstanding African-American veterans who live in Rockland County. A “Buffalo Soldier” is the nickname first given to members of African-American cavalry regiments of the U.S. Army who served in the western United States from 1867 to 1896, noted for their courage and discipline.

Last week I had the honor and privilege of presenting the 2024 Buffalo Soldiers Award to Army Veteran James Epps while Army Veteran Grady Anderson, Jr was presented with the Buffalo Soldiers Lifetime Achievement Award. 

James Epps joined the Army in 1953 and was later stationed in Germany, where he served as a machine gunner until September of 1956, when he was honorably discharged. James has continued to serve his community delivering meals to senior citizens with the Prince Hall Freemasonry Tappan Zee Lodge No. 79, which he has been a member of since 1975.

Grady Anderson, Jr. joined the army in 1959 and where he served overseas in Germany. Upon his discharge in 1963, he returned to Spring Valley. On top of a fulfilling career as an x-ray technician when he came home, he has been a member and Past Commander of Moscarella Post 199, Member of VVA 333, and Member and past Chef de Gare of the 40&8. He also served as Oratorical Chairperson for Rockland County American Legion for 8 years.

Not only is he a past recipient of our Buffalo Soldier Award in 1993 he was co-founder and historian of Buffalo Soldier Awardees and presents that history every year at the event. 

He has received several honors over the years for his tireless devotion to our community including his 60-year membership with First Baptist Church of Spring Valley, where he is also Deacon.

George Crouch, a WWII & Korean War Veteran, was also presented with an Unsung Hero Award by the Buffalo Soldiers of Rockland County. 

It takes a certain kind of person to put your own life on hold to put your country first, but both awardees did it without hesitation. 

Their sacrifice is why we get to enjoy the freedoms we have today.

For that, we are incredibly proud to add their names to the list of Rockland County Buffalo Soldiers recognized over the past 26 years. On behalf of the people of Rockland I thank them for their service to our country and county. 

I also thank the Buffalo Soldiers of Rockland County for granting myself and our Veterans Service Agency Director Susan Branam with Honorary Membership. We will not stop fighting for the wellbeing of veterans and soldiers, both past & present.

* This is a weekly article by Rockland County Executive Ed Day.

Related Topics:
Continue Reading
Advertisement

Government

Rockland County Health Department Announces Annual Mosquito Control Treatment of Catch Basins and Storm Drains

Published

2 hours ago

on

May 17, 2025

By

NEW CITY, NY — As mosquito season approaches, the Rockland County Department of Health has launched its annual mosquito control initiative aimed at protecting residents from mosquito-borne illnesses such as West Nile Virus and Eastern Equine Encephalitis (EEE). Beginning on or around May 12, 2025, health officials will begin treating approximately 57,000 catch basins and storm drains across the county. The treatment process is expected to be completed by early June.

“Rockland County has about 57,000 catch basins and storm drains, many of which have the potential to breed mosquitoes,” said Amy Isenberg, Environmental Health Specialist and Mosquito Program Coordinator. “We treat these structures annually to help control the mosquito population and protect the community from diseases mosquitoes can carry.”

The treatment will be conducted by Health Department staff using slow-moving County vehicles, frequently stopping to access catch basins and storm drains. The Department urges drivers and pedestrians to be patient and avoid parking over storm drains during this time to ensure workers can easily perform treatments.
Why Mosquito Control Matters

Mosquitoes lay eggs in standing water, where larvae hatch and develop over a period of 7 to 10 days before emerging as adult mosquitoes capable of biting and transmitting dangerous viruses.

To help reduce mosquito breeding, residents are encouraged to eliminate sources of standing water on their property, such as:

Birdbaths, pet bowls, and plant saucers (change water regularly)

Unused toys, buckets, tarps, wading pools, and wheelbarrows (flip or store when not in use)

Free Mosquito Control Resources Available

To support public participation in mosquito control, the Rockland County Department of Health is offering free mosquito prevention tools to residents:

Mosquito Dunks®

Where: Robert L. Yeager Health Complex, 50 Sanatorium Road, Pomona

How: Must be ordered in advance by calling 845-364-3173 or emailing [email protected]

What: Dunks are donut-shaped tablets that float in standing water and release a natural bacterium that kills mosquito larvae. Suitable for unused swimming pools and spas.

Fathead Minnows Giveaway – One Day Only!

When: Wednesday, May 21, from 4:30 PM to 6:00 PM

Where: Robert L. Yeager Health Complex, Pomona

What: These small fish feed on mosquito larvae and are ideal for use in ornamental ponds, unused pools, or any water body with at least 8 inches of water.

Reserve: Call 845-364-3173 or reserve online.

The annual mosquito treatment program is a proactive step toward keeping Rockland County residents safe and reducing the risk of mosquito-borne illnesses. By combining county-wide efforts with individual homeowner participation, the Health Department aims to make a significant impact on the local mosquito population this summer.

For more information on mosquito prevention or to reserve mosquito control products, call the Rockland County Health Department at 845-364-3173.

Continue Reading

Government

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

Published

14 hours ago

on

May 16, 2025

By

NANUET, NY: NY State Senator Bill Weber proudly honored Virginia “Ginny” Norfleet as his 2025 New York State Senate Woman of Distinction during a special ceremony held at the State Capitol in Albany on May 13, 2025.

Ms. Norfleet, a lifelong Haverstraw resident, was recognized for her extraordinary commitment to preserving African American history and empowering the Rockland County community. As Founder and Executive Director of the Haverstraw African American Connection (HAAC), she has spent over 15 years educating the public on the vital contributions and legacy of African Americans in Haverstraw and beyond.

The youngest of nine children, Ms. Norfleet overcame economic hardship to become a successful real estate entrepreneur and civil rights leader. Her efforts have led to the creation of the Haverstraw African American Memorial Park, the restoration of community landmarks, and the establishment of local partnerships, including with the Rockland Holocaust Museum and Center for Tolerance and Education, which now features an exhibit on American slavery inspired by her research.

Ms. Norfleet’s advocacy has previously earned her a place in the Rockland County Civil Rights Hall of Fame and special recognition during Black History Month by the Town of Haverstraw.

The New York State Senate Woman of Distinction program honors women across the state who have made significant contributions in their communities and beyond. Each Senator selects one honoree to be recognized during the annual ceremony in Albany. Senator Weber’s previous Woman of Distinction honorees from Rockland County are Ileana Eckert (2023) and Dr. Mary P. Leahy (2024).

“Virginia Norfleet has dedicated her life to lifting up the stories of African American families in Rockland County and building bridges of understanding in our community,” said Senator Weber. “Her tireless leadership and advocacy continue to make a profound impact, and I was proud to recognize her in Albany as this year’s Woman of Distinction representing Rockland County.”

Continue Reading

Trending