Lisa Van Nostrand of Newburgh being honored as a Woman of Distinction
On the first warm and sunny day of April, five extraordinary ladies with a history of impressive achievements and community service in the area were honored by Assemblyman Chris Eachus of the 99th District at the Davis Chapel of the New York Military Academy in Cornwall.
Eachus said he was delighted to be back on the Academy's grounds and grateful for permission to use the Davis Chapel for the occasion. He chose the site for its honored history and because he had fond memories of his years of teaching there. The honorees who attended left the ceremony with smiles, bouquets of Spring flowers and memories of being recognized for their years of contributions. Eachus said "The dedication of these women has made our communities a better place and helped shape our lives for the better."
Women of Distinction
Carlys Lemler of Fort Montgomery was recognized for her lifetime of service in the Army, serving in Military Intelligence and Air Defense Artillery. She also graduated from Rutgers Law School and attained her Juris Doctorate. She later received 3 Presidential Volunteer Service Awards.
LisaMarie Hintz of Highland Mills dedicated her life to environmentalism and veteran activism. Starting with a degree in Fisheries and Wildlife, she later added a degree in Child Psychology. In addition to her other volunteer work she is co-organizer of the Vietnam War Veterans Memorial Day Welcome Home ceremony.
Lisa Van Nostrand of Newburgh is known for her 3 decades of management at Sharp Electronics and Personal Finance Counselling. In addition to considering her life as a mother of two successful daughters as her greatest achievement, she has also been active in volunteer work at Castle Point, MiddleHope Fire Department, and New Windsor American Legion #1796.
Lisa VanNostrand with Assemblyman Chris Eachus
Donna Anderson of Stony Point is a champion for those in need, with medical bills, holiday meals and especially the North Rockland Food Pantry and Kids Closet, and the Rockland Warming Center.
Christina Silverstein, also of Stony Point, has volunteered with many boards and founded the United Women of Rockland, which helps women with devastating health diagnoses. They are given rides to and from doctor appointments as well as help with meals and bills as needed.
Assemblyman Chris Eachus - View of State Budget
Since budget negotiations are coming to a close in Albany, we asked Assemblyman Eachus what he thinks of the proposed budget. He said that negotiations are ongoing and he sees an agreement between the House, Senate and Governor Hochul coming soon. Topics that remain of top importance to him are bail reform and improved access to affordable housing, especially for Newburgh's low income population. Other hotbuttom items in the area include elimination of emerging toxins like PFAS, continued replacement of lead pipes, and increasing DEC staff levels so that the new Clean Water and Climate Acts have proper oversight. As to the controversy over the Governor including the authority to override local building codes in order to supply sufficient workforce and affordable housing, he said he does not see that happening, adding that local rule is a significant aspect of the State's Constitution. What he anticipates and hopes for are negotiations such that nearby communities can partner with each other, so that where a community has space that is practical for additional building it can get financial assistance to help cover a neighboring community that does not, or doesn't have nearby work and transportation.
With the high holidays of Passover and Easter starting next week, Assemblyman Eachus said they are likely to need an extension on the final budget, but he does see an agreement coming soon after their return to Albany.
Davis Chapel at the United States Military Academy
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