Visit These Creatures of Habitat
The nearly century-old Trailside Museums and Zoo at Bear Mountain State Park has reconfigured three mammal exhibits as part of a $1.8 million improvement project. To better accommodate the bobcat, red fox, and porcupine attractions, their enclosed habitats have been enlarged and better integrated into the natural topography. The zoo, which attracts over 75,000 visitors annually, is home to rescued wild animals, all of which are local, native species that would not survive outside the protected habitat. In addition to a visitor-friendly, half-mile paved walkway, the 30-acre campus includes four museum buildings.
Nyack Rotary Honors Betty Keyes
Nyack Rotary’s observance of the service organization’s Global Service Day (May 20) was a very special day for Nyack resident Barbara Keyes. In remembrance of her mother, Betty Keyes, a prominent Rotarian who passed March 2, 2023, the club planted a tree and dedicated a book kiosk. The ceremony at Nyack Center was followed by a luncheon at Two Spear Street. “Rotarian Jeff Lambert did a fabulous job with the tree planting and book house,” Keyes told Rivertown,” adding “a shout-out to Angelo, who did a fantastic job.”
Mr. Rocco Goes to Washington
When we last left our friend and local historian David Rocco (as reported in our May-June issue), he was busy seeking funds to properly preserve the storied past of retired FDNY Fireboat John D. McKean, listed on the National Register of Historic Places and docked at Panco Pier in Stony Point. In mid-May, while attending a Mets game in Washington, D.C., Rocco managed to wrangle a meeting with U.S. Senator Chuck Schumer to discuss his Fireboat project. “That he gave me 15 minutes of his time is amazing to me,” Rocco said. “We are in the running for federal funding through Senator Schumer’s office. Senator [Kirsten] Gillibrand also supports our application. Fingers crossed.”
Rockland’s Student in Albany
Teresa Fang, a junior at Nanuet Senior High School, represented Rockland County at the 23rd Annual Students in Albany (SIA) Conference, held in May by the League of Women Voters of New York State. Participants learn about government and policy making, shadow legislators, and sit in on their sessions. To be selected for the rarefied experience, students submit an essay outlining their qualifications, plus a letter of recommendation from a faculty member, and then are interviewed. “To say we are proud of Teresa and this unique opportunity is an understatement,” posted the Nanuet Union Free School District on its Facebook page, adding, “Well done!”
What to Eat When You’re Expecting
Rocklander Paul Quinn has written a book for moms-to-be titled Prenatal Possibilities: Recipes for a Healthy Pregnancy…and Beyond. “As a nurse midwife with over 30 years of experience in women’s healthcare,” said Quinn, “I have dedicated my life to listening to women and supporting their abilities to make informed decisions about their pregnancies, healthcare, and medical choices. Prenatal Possibilities is my way to reach out beyond my own hospital to provide up-to-date information about nutrition, health issues, and trends surrounding pregnancy and women’s general well-being.”
Photos by Ryan Martin, Betty Keyes, Nanuet Union Free School District, and New York State Parks (Facebook)
