Many of your readers are, no doubt, aware of the new Special Victim’s Center that was recently established for victims of crime and abuse here in Rockland. Under the leadership of Rockland County District Attorney, Thomas Zugibe, many trades unions and volunteers came together to refurbish an old building for this purpose.
As one of the last steps in this project, the Professional Landscape Association of Rockland County (PLARC) was asked to lend a hand by landscaping the site. Many of its members gladly contributed materials and labor, and on July 1, with help from Rockland County’s new class of AmeriCorps members, the site was given a beautiful facelift.
Under the leadership of their President, Steve Botto (Steve Botto’s Landscaping), the following members helped to make this 6,000-square-foot landscape a reality: Curti’s Landscaping, Custom Lawns & Landscaping, Terra Firma Landscaping, C&C Materials, MCM Paving, Sal D’Agostino’s Landscaping, Perfect Cut Tree Service, GLS Lawn & Landscaping, J. Krokus Nursery, Frank Miller’s Landscaping, 4-Ever Green Landscaping, Brian Renz Landscaping, Quality Lawn Care, Bill Kolvek Perennials, Red Hill Nursery, Greenworld Irrigation Specialists, Central Irrigation Supply, and DeBuck’s Sod Farm (Orange County). Thanks also go to United Water New York for helping to arrange for plants to be donated by Barton Nursery in Edison, NJ.
This project was also unique in that it paired PLARC members with Rockland AmeriCorps members. Each year, the AmeriCorps program recruits 40+ volunteers who are then trained by Cornell Cooperative Extension to carry out environmental projects in the community throughout the summer. This landscaping project served as the perfect opportunity for these young people to learn hands-on skills, while providing a labor force for this community-wide volunteer effort, under the supervision of the landscapers at the site that day.
At a time when there is often so much bad news, it’s nice to know that there are so many spirited people here who are glad to make a lasting contribution to such vital causes in our community. Our sincere thanks go to the members of PLARC, Rockland AmeriCorps, and the District Attorney’s Office!
Sincerely,
Paul Trader
Executive Director
Cornell Cooperative Extension of Rockland
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