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Keep Rockland Beautiful Cleaning Up For America’s Birthday & Beyond
Keep Rockland Beautiful (KRB) 2026 Greatest American Cleanup will continue through July 4th. This year’s campaign, which aligns with the America 250 celebration, is hoping for a record number of volunteers to help ensure our county is clean, vibrant, and celebration-ready.
This annual countywide initiative invites residents, families, schools, businesses, and community groups to come together to remove litter from our streets, parks, and waterways.
“This year’s cleanup campaign is about more than just picking up litter, it’s about community pride, environmental responsibility, and coming together ahead of a historic celebration,” said Marisa Marrone, Executive Director of Keep Rockland Beautiful. “With America 250 on the horizon, we have a unique opportunity to showcase the beauty of Rockland County and engage more volunteers than ever before in making a lasting impact.”
Participation in the Greatest American Cleanup is a way to give back while enjoying time outdoors with friends, family, and colleagues. Volunteers make an immediate, visible impact, while gaining a deeper understanding of environmental stewardship that helps reduce waste, protect waterways, and support a healthier ecosystem.
For nearly 30 years, Keep Rockland Beautiful has been dedicated to empowering residents through environmental education, community cleanups, and sustainability initiatives. Cleanup events are open to everyone. They also provide opportunities for team-building, student service hours, and civic engagement.
In addition to organized community cleanups, residents are encouraged to take part through independent cleanups. KRB provides supplies and coordinates trash removal. These cleanups are fully customizable, allowing individuals and groups to choose the location and date that best fit their schedule.
KRB also is promoting Report-A-Litterbug Program, which encourages residents to report littering incidents and play an active role in keeping Rockland County’s roadways clean. Through partnerships with local municipalities and county departments, KRB helps address litter in difficult or hazardous areas.
Those interested in supporting KRB’s mission can also contribute by becoming a member or making a donation. Membership supports year-round programming, including youth outreach, environmental education, and countywide cleanup efforts.
County Names New Director for People with Disabilities Office
Rockland County has named Dana Thiesing as the new Director of Rockland County’s Office for People with Disabilities (OPWD).
Thiesing joins the department following eight years of service in the Rockland County Office for the Aging, where she most recently served as Program Specialist. In that role, she supervised staff and volunteers, led daily program operations, and oversaw several programs including NY Connects, HIICAP, and MIPPA, collectively generating more than 4,000 client interactions annually. During her tenure, she created new community events, authored a long-running newsletter column, and worked hands-on to help thousands of residents access affordable health coverage, lifesaving medications, and long term care supports.
“I am proud to announce the appointment of Dana Thiesing to lead our Office for People with Disabilities,” said Rockland County Executive Ed Day. “I have no doubt that Dana understands the challenges our disabled residents face and will work diligently to strengthen and enhance the many positive programs and initiatives involving OPWD. She is incredibly driven and motivated to assist those in need, and her extensive experience will ensure she gets the job done.”
In her time at OFA, Thiesing strengthened compliance practices, developed internal training resources, delivered 50+ community education programs, and enhanced data-driven reporting and workflow efficiency. She supervised a high performing team and helped create a more holistic and coordinated experience for residents seeking services. Her work has focused extensively on supporting Rockland’s older adults, disabled, and vulnerable populations.
The position pays $117,000 annually and was confirmed by the Rockland County Legislature.
Veolia’s Watershed Recreation Program Opens for 2026 Season in New York and New Jersey
West Nyack, NY– Veolia’s Watershed Recreation Program is now open for the 2026 season, offering area residents and visitors access to four pristine reservoirs and nature trails in New Jersey and New York. Members can fish, hike, bird, and explore the outdoors at the Oradell, Woodcliff Lake, Lake Tappan and Lake DeForest reservoirs through November 30.
Program Highlights
- Fishing at four scenic reservoirs
- Hiking and nature trails, including the popular two-mile walking path at Woodcliff Lake
- Birding and wildlife observation across protected watershed lands
- The Reservoir Ranger Program for children ages 5-12, focused on watershed ecology, conservation and environmental stewardship
The Haworth Environmental Center will also host free educational events throughout the season at Veolia’s outdoor classroom by the Oradell Reservoir, with a focus on water conservation, ecosystem protection and sustainable practices.
For more information or to register, visit: https://mywater.veolia.us/community-environment/veolia-watershed-recreation-program
Hudson Valley Gives Returns for 11th Year on May 20
Community Foundation of Orange, Sullivan & Rockland will host its 11th Annual Hudson Valley Gives annual initiative to support hundreds of area nonprofits on May 20.
This 24-hour online giving event has become a key philanthropic initiative in the region, helping hundreds of local nonprofits raise crucial funds for their missions.
Since its inception, Hudson Valley Gives has raised over $5.5 million for charitable organizations across Orange, Ulster, Dutchess, Sullivan, Putnam, Rockland, and Westchester Counties. Last year’s record-breaking event demonstrated the generosity of the Hudson Valley community, and this milestone year promises to be even bigger and better.
“We are honored to bring this initiative to life for the 11th year in a row,” said Elizabeth Rowley, CFOSR President and CEO. “Hudson Valley Gives is an opportunity for everyone to make an impact, no matter the size of their gift. Every dollar counts, and we encourage the entire community to come together in support of the incredible organizations that make our region shine.”
How to Get Involved: Register at hvgives.org
- Corporate: Become a sponsor by April 1. Email regina@cfosrny.org or call 845-769- 9393
- Donors: Mark calendars for May 20
- Follow Us: Stay updated on Facebook (@HudsonValleyGives) and Instagram (@hvgives)
