by Bill Demarest

Rocklander Jimmy McNicholas, killed in a hit and run incident in Pearl River last year, will be remembered with a community blood drive on Tuesday, Feb. 23 sponsored by the Stony Point Police Benevolent Association.

The blood drive will be held from 3 to 9p at the Stony Point Police Department multi-purpose room, 79 Route 210 in Stony Point.

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by Eric Neblung, Ph.D.

The earthquake in Haiti has hit the Nyack community hard. Approximately 10% of Nyackers are of Haitian descent, and most of us know someone who has been personally affected by the tragedy. As a psychologist in Nyack, many of my friends and neighbors have asked for suggestions on how to help their Haitian friends and coworkers who have lost loved ones. They are not sure what to say or whether to say anything at all. There is no “right” way to go about it, but most psychologists agree on three important ways to support a person who is grieving: Continue reading →

by Joanne Zornow

Are school administrators and teachers responsible for what children eat during school hours? Some parents are souring on the idea of sweets in schools while others are icing the cupcakes for classroom birthday parties.

Yesterday in part one of this article, nutritionists weighted in on whether or not sugary treats should be permitted in schools. Today we present views from local psychologists, a health counselor and a professor/author.

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by Joanne Zornow

Schools are responsible for teaching the basics of good nutrition, but are they also responsible for what children eat during school hours? While some parents are souring on the idea of sweets in schools, others are icing the cupcakes for classroom birthday parties.

Nutrition and psychology professionals are split on whether or not sugary treats should be permitted in schools. Most experts favor moderation, but a few strongly oppose bringing sweets to classroom parties. Today we’ll hear from nutritionists. Tomorrow we’ll present views from local psychologists, a health counselor and a professor/author.

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by Carolynn Ananian

Courageous Loving Center in Nyack invites guests to a holistic wellness open house on Sunday, January 24^th, to unwind and rejuvenate the body and mind.

Practitioners will offer massage sessions, Reiki, Pranic healing, nutritional products, prepared food, artwork, spiritual gifts and Tarot readings.  There will also be prizes raffled off throughout the day with the proceeds going to the Red Cross to help earthquake victims in Haiti.

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Federal officials were correct when they predicted the threat would come in waves. While sixty million people have done their part to make their families and communities safe, there are millions more on the sidelines letting others take the hit to stop this menace.

Just because you haven’t had the flu, it doesn’t mean you won’t still get it.

The Rockland County Dept of Health is offering free H1N1 vaccinations on Sunday 1/10 from 11a-4p. The free clinic kicks off National Influenza Vaccination Week which highlights the importance of continuing influenza vaccinations to limit the spread of the second wave of the H1N1 virus.

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by Dave Zornow

Nyack, Jan 2 — Elections, fireworks, parking, boating, sailing, ROMPing and drinking were some of the big stories of last year. Here’s our countdown of Nyack’s Top 20 news and views of 2009.

This list is based on Google Analytics reports of NyackNewsAndViews site traffic., NyackNewsAndViews averages about 40,000 pageviews with about half of all adults 25+ reading NyackNewsAndViews on a regular basis (hover for details).

Although these are the “top stories” by popular demand, we all know the best performer isn’t always the winner on American Idol. Feel free to click the comment link and add your own suggestions to the list. Or topics you think deserve more attention in 2010.

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By Tina Traster

Listen up, realtors — I’ve got a tip for you. Forget curb appeal or the new bathroom or the hot tub on the deck.

Think food instead.

Plug the greenhouse or garden. Suggest carving out a vegetable patch where there is lawn. Mention the town’s weekly farmers’ market. When showing a house, drop names of nearby shops and restaurants selling healthy, organic, vegetarian, vegan, local, sustainable, gluten-free, pesticide-free, antibiotic-free whole foods.

Talk it up because food is having its “it” moment. It’s more relevant than granite counters and marble baths.

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Join Dr. Wellbeing for a fun filled hour of laughter and play for all ages on 1/16 at 11a at Skyelight Healing Arts in Nyack. Jodi Peister, MD, aka “Dr Wellbeing,” says “When we are in the state of Wellbeing we feel at ease, at peace, joyful, vibrant, and connected.  We feel good!   Continue reading →

by Peter Klose

As part of my continuing obligation to stay abreast of cutting edge zoning and planning issues, I attended a recent Planning Federation workshop on green design, renewable energy, and green buildings.   While all of those things were interesting and important, I also learned of a fledgling program where people can buy, sell, and trade locally grown food called NYFoodTrader.org.   As this concept grows in popularity, sites like this will begin to get the traction they deserve.

Anyone who has tasted the difference of locally produced agriculture will subscribe.  I know I will.

Enjoy.