Rockland ∫ Bergen ™

On August 21st from 6:30pm to 9:00pm, VCS of Rockland will be dusting off its bowling shoes for a fundraiser in Haverstraw (North Rockland).  The event is sure to cause a rumble, but before we get a strike on cliches, here’s what you need to know:

(1) It’s at Hi-Tor Lanes, 44 Route 9W, Haverstraw, NY 10927

(2) You don’t need to be any good at bowling… at all! (Really–we’re no good either.)

More details available on this flyer, or you can reach VCS at (845) 634-5729 (advance registration saves you some cash!)

Some background on Volunteer Counseling Services of Rockland County:

Since 1970, VCS Inc., a non-profit organization located in Rockland County, New York, has provided continuous service and programs throughout the Hudson Valley and in other areas as determined by the needs of the community.

The VCS mission is to provide hope and promote social justice for individuals, families and communitites through counseling and community change. VCS employs a unique combination of professional staff, trained volunteers and collaborative partnerships to create innovative responses to pressing social needs and issues.

Details on their many programs can be found here:
http://www.vcs-inc.org/programs.htm.

In addition to its many volunteers, VCS staff includes:
Deborah Cary Murnion, Executive Director
Dr. Gail K. Golden, Director, Clinical Services
Phyllis B. Frank, Director, Community Change Project

And Board of Directors:
Steven T. Breen, President
Les St. Louis, Treasurer
Peggy McCormack, Vice President
Wylene Branton Wood, Secretary
Judy Andersen
Scott Auwarter
Simona Chazen, C.S.W.
Hal Deutschman
Phyllis Eisenberg
Toni Fallon
Rita Grayson
David Kurland
Amy Baldwin Littman, Esq.

The Greater Haverstraw Chamber of Commerce is sponsoring a Summer Business Barbecue!

The event is FREE and is open to all members, as well as prospective members.  And a prospective member is anyone who represents a business, organization, or professional office in the Rockland area and who is looking to engage with other business people and support commerce in North Rockland.  All those interested in attending are encouraged to bring guests (family members, friends, and business associates).

The barbecue will take place on Thursday, July 16 at Haverstraw Bay Park (21 Gagan Rd in Haverstraw), beginning at 5:00PM and ending at dusk.  Food will be served around 6:00PM.  Burgers, hot dogs, various cold dishes, and non-alcoholic beverages will be provided.  Kosher items will also be available upon request.

For more information about the Chamber, please visit: www.haverstrawchamber.org.  To inquire about membership or about this event, please call (845) 947-5646.

Please RSVP by July 15 to info@haverstrawchamber.org or by calling the number above.

Running is a sport most people hate to start, but love to finish. Whether you run daily or haven’t run in twenty years, there are local clubs that not only encourage running (through group workouts and community events), but also raise awareness (and often money) for other local charitable organizations.

There are two running clubs in particular who service Rockland and Bergen, with the following information taken from their respective websites:

“The Rockland Road Runners Club promotes, encourages, and coordinates running events in Rockland County, NY. It participates in community activities, advocating the benefits of running and jogging as a means of physical exercise and good health. Runners of all ages and abilities are welcome and encouraged to be members.”

“North Jersey Masters Track & Field Club is the oldest and most established running club in the Northern New Jersey area. For over thirty years NJM has helped athletes improve through participation with runners of all abilities and speed. By learning training techniques and sharing mutual experiences, members dramatically improve and increase their likelihood of achieving full potential. NJM’s membership consists of adult men and women age 21 and above (and children of adult members), many competing regularly in races throughout the tri-state area, while others simply want to improve for personal satisfaction.”

You can also check out their membership pages and download an application:

http://www.rocklandroadrunners.org/RRRmemb.html (with “14 reasons” to join!)

http://www.njmasters.com/membership.html (with at least 6 reasons to join!)

This particular topic update is not an “event announcement,” per se.  Consider it a public service announcement.  In other words, we encourage everyone to get off the couch and get involved!  Running, of course, is just one way to do it.

Would you like us to cover other atheletic-based our outdoors-based opportunities in Rockland/Bergen?  Just let us know.