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Village of Suffern Secures $852,000 Grant and Financing Package to Rehabilitate Offline Water Filters
The Environmental Facilities Corporation Board of Directors has approved $273 million in financial assistance for water infrastructure improvement projects across New York State, authorizing municipal access to low-cost financing and grants to get shovels in the ground for critical water and sewer infrastructure projects, including treatment processes to remove emerging contaminants from drinking water.
The Village of Suffern received a $852,000 grant and financing package for the rehabilitation of three granular activated carbon filter vessels that have been offline for 30 years.
“Today’s announcement is another large step towards ensuring that New Yorkers don’t have to worry if the water coming out of the faucet is safe,” Governor Hochul said. “Keeping New Yorkers safe is my top priority.”
Suffern’s primary water source is four wells located in the Ramapo Valley that pump water to its Water Operation Center where water is filtered through greensand filters. Sodium hydroxide is added for pH adjustment and orthophosphate is added to protect pipes and prevent leaching of lead and copper. Finally, chlorine is added as a disinfectant.
The grant will fund granulated activated carbon filters, which are used before disinfection for removal of volatile organic compounds, as needed.
In 2023, the Water Operations Center drew more than 425 million gallons of water from its aquifers, averaging over one million gallons per day. The New York State Department of Health’s source water assessment rated Suffern’s wells as having an elevated susceptibility to industrial solvents. These ratings are due primarily to the well’s proximity to discharge facilities (industrial/commercial facilities that discharge wastewater into the environment and are regulated by the state and/or federal government), and the associated industrial activity in the assessment area.
Other awards in the Mid-Hudson Region include $44.9 million in grants and interest-free financing for the City of Newburgh for the planning, design and construction of improvements to the combined sewage collection system and wastewater treatment plant, and $1.4 million grant and financing package for the Town of Wawayanda for planning, design, and construction of a new ultraviolet disinfection system at the Robinn Meadows Wastewater Treatment Plant.
Montefiore Nyack Hospital Names New Chief Financial Officer
Montefiore Nyack Hospital has named Mark P. Mercurio, CPA, MBA, as Vice President and Chief Financial Officer. Mr. Mercurio brings 35 years of experience in healthcare finance. He comes to Montefiore Nyack Hospital from White Plains Hospital where he has served as Vice President of Finance, responsible for the hospital’s financial operations including treasury and investment management, payroll, procurement, budget and long-term financial planning since 2014.
Prior to that, Mr. Mercurio held senior roles in healthcare organizations including Barnabas Health, The Valley Health System and Christian Health and the private sector with Ernst and Young, LLP.
“We are pleased to welcome Mark to the Montefiore Nyack family,” said Mark E. Geller, MD, FACR, President & CEO, of Montefiore Nyack Hospital. “He brings a level of expertise and professionalism to this role that will support our continued success and the strategic work underway as part of the Montefiore Health System.”
“I am proud to join the leadership team as we advance the exceptional medical services provided at Montefiore Nyack Hospital,” shared Mr. Mercurio. “The strength of the Montefiore Health System, evidenced by the breadth of services offered through Montefiore Nyack Hospital and our affiliate hospitals, will continue to positively impact those we serve throughout the Hudson Valley region.”
Mr. Mercurio holds an MBA and BS in Business Administration from Seton Hall University. His appointment is effective immediately.
St. Thomas Aquinas College Offers First-Ever STEM Master’s Programs with New Graduate Offerings in Exercise Science
St. Thomas Aquinas College has expanded its in-demand STEM academic offerings a new graduate program in Exercise Science for Fall 2025. These programs build upon the college’s undergraduate Exercise Science program and are designed to prepare students to assess, evaluate, and develop exercise programs tailored to individual health needs and performance goals.
“The launch of our new graduate programs in Exercise Science reflects our unwavering commitment to academic excellence and innovation,” said Ken Daly, President of St. Thomas Aquinas College. “As we launch our first-ever STEM Master’s programs, we are equipping students with the knowledge and skills to tackle pressing challenges in health and wellness. These programs embody our mission to prepare students for impactful careers, while advancing the greater good.”
The new offerings include a 33-credit Master of Science degree and a 12-credit Advanced Certificate in Exercise Science. Both are part of the college’s “ADVANCE: Graduate and Certificate Programs for Lifelong Learners” initiative, which provide affordable educational paths to support lifelong learning and professional development. Courses will be offered in a hybrid format, with a combination of in-person evening and online classes.
“As the healthcare landscape continues to prioritize preventive and holistic approaches, the demand for exercise scientists with advanced degrees is expected to rise steadily,” said Dr. Bianca Wentzell, Dean of the School of STEM at St. Thomas Aquinas College. “Our programs will provide students with the expertise needed to excel in this field.”
The Master’s degree program will equip future students with a versatile skill set, enabling them to pursue diverse careers such as Exercise Physiologist, Clinical Exercise Physiologist, Wellness Coordinator, Strength and Conditioning Coach, and Sports Scientist. Graduates can apply their expertise in designing tailored exercise programs, managing wellness initiatives, enhancing athletic performance, and conducting research to optimize health and fitness outcomes.
As part of the new program rollout, students who apply to the MS in Exercise Science program by March 15, 2025, will be eligible for a $10,000 financial award toward their degree. Through the admissions process, applicants will also be considered for scholarships, tuition discounts, and financial aid opportunities. The 12-credit Advanced Certificate will be offered at a 50 percent tuition discount. This financial support demonstrates the College’s commitment to affordability as students advance their education and prepare for impactful careers in a growing STEM field.
Interested applicants should visit the MS in Exercise Science webpage and complete the interest form. They are also invited to attend the College’s upcoming panel discussion “Exercise Science & Health Innovation: Transforming Modern Wellness” on February 5. For more information, please contact Dana Caponong, M.A., Assistant Director of Graduate Admissions at dcaponon@stac.edu or 845-398-4220.
