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USGBC New York Upstate Names Rockland Homes for Heroes Green Building of the Year
The US Green Building Council (USGBC) honored Rockland Homes for Heroes, a LEED Platinum housing development for veterans, with the Green Building of the Year Award.
Additionally, Rockland Homes for Heroes recently received a visit from New York Governor Kathy Hochul, who praised the project for its positive impact on the veteran community.
New York State Homes and Community Renewal, the New York State Office of Temporary and Disability Assistance, NYSERDA, and Rockland County contributed funds to the project, as well as private and corporate donors.
USGBC also announced Keith Libolt, president and CEO of Rockland Homes for Heroes’ general contractor Affordable Housing Concepts (AHC), as its USGBC NY Upstate Climate Champion. Under his leadership, AHC has implemented numerous projects that focus on sustainability and community well-being, including net zero energy projects such as Zero Place and Energy Square, both of which have also achieved LEED Platinum status.
Both awards will be presented at the Building Transformation Forum held at SUNY ETEC on August 8. For information about the event and the USGBC New York Upstate Leadership Awards, visit the USGBC New York Upstate website.
$217,000 in H.E.R.R.O.’s College Tuition Program Reimbursed in 2023
Fire department and emergency service agencies have a hard time recruiting volunteer first responder roles — it’s a tough job, even tougher as a volunteer.
Last year, the county launched the HERRO College Tuition program in 2023, reimbursing volunteer first responders up to $6,000 annually ($3,000 a semester) toward college tuition in exchange for their service to the County.
“I’m proud to say myself alongside Fire & Emergency Services Director Chris Kear are celebrating the second year of our college tuition reimbursement program for our volunteer emergency responders,” said County Executive Ed Day. “So far, over 100 volunteers have received more than $217,000 towards their college tuition.”
EMS agencies respond annually to more than 40,000 calls per year and fire departments respond to more than 9,000 calls annually. The county established the program as an incentive for county residents to serve as volunteer first responders.
For example, Lauren Hahnenfeld, a first-time 22-year-old Nanuet Community Ambulance volunteer, was reimbursed $9,000 for her nursing degree at William Patterson College.
The program can also benefit those already serving, such as Dave Kryger, a 52-year-old Volunteer Hose West Haverstraw volunteer firefighter, who has been reimbursed $8,850 for an online criminal justice degree.
“Individuals like Dave and Lauren are out there every single day bravely volunteering and risking their own health, safety, and wellbeing in our fire departments and emergency service agencies for the greater good of this county,” said Day.
For additional information, go to RocklandCountyNY.gov and then to the Fire & Emergency Services page for more information on eligibility and how to apply.
Catholic Charities Community Services of Rockland “Hearts of Gold” Gala Honored 13 Community Members
The June 20th Hearts of Gold gala hosted by Catholic Charities Community Services of Rockland (CCCSR) acknowledged the hard work of 13 members of Rockland County Parishes for their “hearts of gold.” The honorees were nominated by their respective Pastors for dedication and commitment to their parish ministry.
“It was our honor to celebrate so many special individuals who give back to others through their Parish communities. This was the second time we asked the local Parish priests to identify their own Parish members for this recognition and I’m proud to say it is now a tradition that the entire Rockland community looks forward to,” stated Dan Eudene, Executive Director of Catholic Charities Community Services of Rockland.
CCCSR has been assisting Rocklanders with food insecurity and housing issues for over 25 years. They have an on-site garden and food pantry to help ensure individuals receive the food they need as well as fresh produce to put on the table. The money raised for the gala goes directly to help individuals and families in need across Rockland.
The 13 Parish honorees:
- Judith Scandiffio, St. Catharine of Alexandria, Blauvelt
- St. Anthony Youth Group, St. Anthony, Nanuet
- Henry Antonucci, Sacred Heart Church, Suffern
- Kathryn Kelly and Gloria Toal, St. Augustine, New City
- Colleen Johnson, St. Gregory Barbarigo, Garnerville
- Dena Fischetti, St. Francis of Assisi, West Nyack
- Yaneth Magana, Parish of St. Paul and St. Ann, Congers
- Raymond Hayes, St John Henry Newman, Tappan and Piermont
- Margaret Robertson, St. Margaret of Antioch, Pearl River
- Kathi and Larry Urban, St, Aedans, Pearl River
- Matilde Lopez, St. Peters & St. Mary’s, Haverstraw
