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The Gallery Above at the J Debuts with Sold Out Photography Talk and Grand Opening Celebration
JCC Rockland marked the opening of The Gallery Above at the J with a sold-out crowd and a day filled with art, inspiration, and community connection.
The event opened with an engaging photography talk by Daniel Spitzer, whose presentation Epic Journey to Antarctica took guests on a visual expedition through some of the planet’s most remote and breathtaking landscapes. Spitzer shared stories and images from his 8,000 mile journey, offering a rare glimpse into the beauty and fragility of the natural world.
Following the talk, guests gathered for the official opening of The Gallery Above at the J, featuring the debut exhibition of local artist Joan Israel, a lifelong painter whose vibrant gouache works reflect her deep love of color, creativity, and Jewish identity. Raised in the Bronx, Joan discovered her passion for art as a child, later earning her BFA from Pratt Institute and continuing her studies at NYU and Parsons School of Design. Live music by Clint Edwards, refreshments, and warm conversation set the tone for a vibrant afternoon that reflected the JCC’s commitment to celebrating creativity and building community through the arts.
Sponsored by Jill and Jeffrey Degen, the event highlighted JCC Rockland’s dedication to providing cultural programming that connects, inspires, and enriches lives. The celebration was part of JCC Rockland’s Arts, Books, and Culture festival, which brings together artists, authors, and performers throughout the month to share their work and spark meaningful dialogue across the community.
“The Gallery Above at the J was designed to be a welcoming space where art and community meet,” said David Kirschtel, CEO of JCC Rockland. “We’re thrilled to see it come alive with such enthusiasm and gratitude to the artists and supporters who made this inaugural event possible.”
Located on the second floor of JCC Rockland, The Gallery Above at the J will showcase rotating exhibitions every 8 to 12 weeks, featuring regional artists across a variety of mediums. The space invites both members and the public to experience art that sparks dialogue, reflection, and joy.
Artists interested in exhibiting their work are encouraged to visit jccrockland.org/art-gallery for submission details and future exhibition opportunities.
Honorees Recognized at Rockland’s 25th Annual Philanthropy Day
The Fostering Philanthropy Fund, a component fund of the Rockland Community Foundation, held the 25th annual Rockland Philanthropy Day earlier this month. The breakfast event is the largest annual gathering of non-profit agencies and philanthropists in the county. To the over 400 record number in attendance Patrick Byrne, Rockland Community Foundation’s advisory board chair and Philanthropy Day Committee Chair, asked “How can there be any higher aim in life than giving?”
Philanthropy Day 2025 was presented in partnership with the Rockland Community Foundation Advisory Board, The Fostering Philanthropy Fund and past board members of the Rockland Development Council. The Philanthropy Day event is an opportunity to celebrate a commitment to enhance the quality of life and giving in Rockland, and to honor the individuals and businesses who make this possible.
The keynote presentation by Shiri Reuveni Ullrich, Founder of Rising Above Bakery and the delivery of a proclamation by County Executive Ed Day that November 6th, 2025, is designated as Philanthropy Day in Rockland County were program highlights. Reuveni Ullrich stressed the need for nonprofit services in the County and welcomed Luke Garrison to the stage to express first-hand how he has benefited from working at Rising Above Bakery.
Pictured are the 2025 Philanthropy Day Honorees: (L to R) Outstanding Youth in Philanthropy, Elena Sherwood; Outstanding Philanthropists, Peter and Rebecca Lang; Outstanding Volunteers Eileen and John Murphy; Outstanding Nonprofit or Fundraising Professional, Diane Serratore; and Outstanding Corporate Leadership, Community Foundation of Orange & Sullivan, accepted by President & CEO Elizabeth Rowley.
The following monetary awards were distributed to/on behalf of this year’s winners: $500 to the Youth in Philanthropy awardee towards her education or philanthropic goals, and $500 each to the Community Foundation of Orange & Sullivan, People to People, TevaLand Sanctuary, and Rockland Homes for Heroes. In addition, at the Philanthropy Day event, Bridges was presented with a $2,500 grant for its Veterans Program, and the following food relief organizations received $2,000 each: Community Food Pantry, Meals on Wheels, People to People, Proyecto Faro Food Pantry, Rhoda Bloom Kosher Food Pantry, Rockland Interfaith Food Pantry, Soup Angels, T.O.U.C.H., and Westcop Spring Valley. These grants were made possible through the Fostering Philanthropy Fund and other sponsors.
Healthgrades Names Montefiore Nyack Hospital a 2026 Leader in Cardiac Care
Montefiore Nyack Hospital has been named among the top 10 percent in the nation for coronary intervention care for exceptional clinical performance from Healthgrades, the #1 site Americans use when searching for a doctor or hospital.
For the consecutive year, Montefiore Nyack Hospital has received the Coronary Intervention Excellence Award from Healthgrades. Montefiore Nyack Hospital is also five-star rated for the Treatment of Heart Attack and Coronary Interventional Procedures.
“Our state-of-the-art Cath Lab and team of cardiac experts provide coronary interventions for emergencies and scheduled procedures,” said Montefiore Nyack Hospital President and CEO Mark E. Geller, MD, FACR. “For those patients needing immediate cardiac care, time is not lost travelling far from home, which makes a great difference in successful outcomes. We are very proud of our team for achieving this recognition for two years in a row. It highlights our commitment to providing the highest quality care in our local community.”
Each year, Healthgrades evaluates risk-adjusted mortality and complication rates for over 30 common conditions and procedures at approximately 4,500 hospitals nationwide to identify the top hospitals in key specialty areas, including coronary intervention. Healthgrades’ 2026 analysis revealed that if all hospitals, as a group, performed similarly to five-star hospitals during the 2022-2024 study period, on average, 230,466 lives could have been saved, and 156,797 complications could have been avoided.
“Healthgrades’ specialty awards identify the nation’s top-performing hospitals in key service areas, helping consumers find high-quality care tailored to their specific needs,” said Alana Biggers, MD, MPH, medical advisor at Healthgrades. “We’re proud to recognize Montefiore Nyack Hospital for its consistently superior outcomes in cardiac care.”
