Senior retirement at the Rockland Psychiatric Center (RPC). Since beginning my career with New York State in 1972, I have gained an “in the trenches” perspective on numerous OMH Psychiatric Centers, ranging from Brooklyn and Staten Island to Ossining and Orangeburg. Despite the historical fluctuations RPC and RCPC have endured, I encountered a positive energy and an exhilarating sense of potential when I arrived in 2000. During my initial exploration of the campus, I discovered the RPC Employee Memorial Garden, dedicated “In Loving Memory of Our Dedicated Staff” (November 1998). Throughout my tenure at RPC, I formed many friendships and lost far too many colleagues who had become like family. It is worth noting that during your career, particularly in a hospital environment, you often spend more time with your patients and coworkers than with your own family.
With this in mind, and with tissues at the ready, I attended a remembrance program on September 17, 2026, to honor the 18 most recently deceased staff members, who joined the 111 previously departed team members at this sacred corner of the campus. A crowd of over 150 family members, friends, colleagues, and patients gathered to remember Wilbur, Tammy, Aisha, Cathy, Mat, Angela, Kaner, Junia, Debbie, Henry, Cate, Halestine, Keith, Verbatine, George, Margaret, Clara, and Jose through poetry, personal anecdotes, humorous stories, and song. As each plaque was unveiled, family and friends shared a favorite quote or reflection that held special significance for the individual being honored. Visiting these unique plaques at this vibrant memorial reminded guests of the talents and contributions NYS employees have made locally, as well as the 25th anniversary of the tragic 9/11 attacks on our nation, which is noted on a memorial plaque: “In Memory – State and Public Employees For Their Heroic Efforts and Sacrifice On September 11th, 2001” (dedicated June 4, 2002). For every attendee, there were also names on the plaques of individuals whose efforts represented voices of reason under pressure, reliability, kindness, and teamwork. For me personally, it was Benny, Al, Henry, Mary, John, Cleveland, Linda, Teri, Sharon, Hermine, Albert, Patricia, Ariel, and Nauman. Across all disciplines and departments, they contributed to patient healing. To all the departed RPC and RCPC employees, may the work you performed and the lives you led speak for you—and for those of us who follow in your footsteps.
In the August Rockland County Times “Senior Lifestyle” first anniversary column, I mentioned that during our second year together, I would seek out and recognize individuals, both young and old, who help others through their own quiet efforts. So, drum roll, please!
This month, the younger generation takes center stage. We are all familiar with the “Taking Your Children To Work Day” initiative, which has grown in popularity over the years. At the recent Clarkstown Senior Picnic in August, the seniors in attendance were expertly served a delicious lunch by Anthony and Ella, whose father, I am told, is Matt Veronesi, the Clarkstown Parks and Recreation Director. It was a wonderful example of providing children with on-the-job training while offering them the chance to meet and greet senior members of the Clarkstown community who love to eat. “Welcoming” and “helpful” are the two words that come to mind when describing these two youngsters. Job well done!
Now, moving on to Orangetown. Can you remember the last time you saw a lemonade stand selling refreshments and cookies? While driving through Blauvelt recently on a sweltering summer Sunday, I decided to investigate this mirage. Would the proceeds be used for a family vacation, a trip to the mall, a manicure, or perhaps expensive sneakers? No, silly; the money earned that day was donated to programs at Memorial Sloan Kettering Hospital! The energy, kindness, and dedication I witnessed were breathtaking. I asked “The Moms”—Lindsey and Kate, who were supervising this wonderful learning experience—if I could get the children’s first names so I could print them in the newspaper, hopefully for their grandparents to read. So, a well-deserved shout-out goes to Ady, Savannah, Ava, Emma, and James for a job well done! As the old saying goes: Sometimes the smallest things take up the biggest room in your heart!
Looking ahead to October, we have a month filled with political debates, early voting, fall festivals, the Orangetown Museum Brunch (10/4), National First Responder Appreciation Day (10/28), and Halloween. All aboard—get ready for the ride!
