I went to a small fundraiser on Saturday for a grass-roots nonprofit in Rockland that has grown — seemingly knit from lint — into an organization that honors others for their good works.

Adults Caring For Teens, Inc., a mentoring program that helps young people, honored Rockland County Legislature Chairwoman Harriet Cornell. ACT’s founder, Penny Jennings, started the mentoring program after her own life experience as a young, single mother shed light on the weak points in the support system. Kids who have already been in trouble, or are older, don’t always have a place to go for support. Jennings pretty much willed this organization into existence. Now, she has a strong Board of Directors, has received several key grants and has launched programs around the county that offer training and support groups for young people. And, Jennings continues to keep connecting young people with mentors.

So, it was fitting that Jennings, a woman who just plain gets things done, lauded Cornell. Cornell is well-known for holding working groups, hosting discussions and generally exploring any myriad of issues. But she also takes action on the discussions. She was a key player in establishing Rockland 21st Century Collaborative for Children—Rockland County was the first suburban area to enlist Family Resource Centers in its public schools through 21C. Her endeavors on launching “Project Tomorrow: Aging in Place,” a countywide initiative, has already advanced the discussion of Rockland’s growing senior population, which is estimated to hit 25 percent of total residents by 2020.

Cornell’s work on children’s issues, including 21C, are well known and extensive. So, after Jennings lauded Cornell’s work, the county legislator returned the favor. Cornell noted that during hearings many years ago that she hosted on a Year of the Child initiative in the Legislature, she recalls experts talk about the importance of mentoring children. The benefit went beyond the child with the mentor, she said, and benefited the entire family. The child was more engaged in education, and modeled that for the other children. The child’s behavior often improved, helping take stress of a parent. It was a prime example of helping to change one person’s environment has a ripple effect, because, after all, many share that environment.

And it was a reminder for all of us that small acts can also have ripple effects. Especially now, when so many more need help.

I’ll be out the week of June 22, so we’ll see you here on In Focus: Rockland the 29th. Have a good week.

New York State Comptroller Thomas DiNapoli stopped by for lunch with the Rockland Business Association today. He’ll be interviewed at 3 p.m. by the Editorial Board during an edition of Editorial Spotlight — go to LoHud.com/Editorialspotlight to view live or click “On Demand” for the archived version later.

He was a relatively optimistic and cheerful guy, for someone slogging through the state’s financial mess, dealing with the pension fund shortfalls, an audit of the Metropolitan Transportation Authority, examining the financial details of state and local government entities, as well as his own departments, and all other kinds of financial wrangling.

He talked about many issues, but he made clear that he understood the specific needs of the suburban New York area, including Rockland. (He’s a former state assemblyman representing Nassau, and became a member of his local school board at age 18.) He discussed not only the financial pressure the Wall Street meltdown put on New York state and the city, but also the ramifications for the suburbs, where for every one Wall Street job, it’s estimated two suburban jobs are created.

He also acknowledged the heavy burden property taxes, especially to support public schools, play among suburbanites. “The quality of schools … comes at a price, but a very important price,” he said during his luncheon speech at Rockland Country Club in Sparkill.

His view on the current Senate standoff? “It will work out,” he said. He called it a “spectacle” now, and said he hoped that the business of the people would soon resume, pointing to important legislation that faces deadlines, like sales tax “home rule” extension legislation for Rockland and many other municipalities.

He also addressed the need to replace the Tappan Zee Bridge, which he said is key to the region. He called the Department of Transportation-led Tappan Zee Bridge/Interstate 287 Project, with its $16 billion-plus pricetag, “ambitious.” And he lauded the level of community input, through various task forces, including one now forming on seeking funding ideas. But, of course, he added, “We don’t have the money for it.”

There will be more said today during our Editorial Spotlight. Check it out.

Influenza — Type A, H1N1, or just a general virus with similar symptoms — is a real drag. We’ve had one sick kid this week in our house. It’s no picnic, and the final stretch, when the symptoms fade and the energy rises, is tough on everyone, especially the patient. (While most who come down with flu symptoms can just stay home and wait it out, for those with compromised immune systems and other medical issues, influenza can be a serious medical concern.)

For kids, there’s lots to miss this time of year, with tests and concerts and parties and field trips. We missed them all. But, with so many kids out sick with various ailments around Rockland, it’s important to follow the stay-home rules. For flu symptoms, the Rockland Health Department follows the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention suggestion: If you are sick, stay home for seven days after your symptoms begin or until you have been symptom-free for 24 hours, whichever is longer. Yes, longer.

Testimony today in Washington by Capt. Chesley “Sully” Sullenberger underscored again that a real miracle occurred in January, when the US Airways pilot landed his plane safely on the Hudson River. During an National Transportation Safety Board hearing, tapes replay the chaos that swirled around as Sullenberger and his co-pilot, Jeffrey Skiles brainstormed how to get their jet down safely after a double-engine bird strike. (See story here.)

As that near tragedy was being recounted, a drama of a different kind was played out at South Orangetown Middle School when a man barged in, demanding to see the superintendent, according to police. After taking Superintendent Kenneth Mitchell hostage, Mitchell wrestled the man to the floor and kicked away the man’s revolver as police shot off the locked door and rushed in, according to police reports.

Here’s some of the coverage, which will be updated throughout the day and into tomorrow.

I wanted to follow up with some comments from others on the death of Ralph Mandia, longtime Clarkstown town board member. We had an appreciation today, which you can read here.

Rockland County Legislator Ed Day, R-New City, requested Tuesday night that the Legislature meeting in his memory. Here’s some of what he said about Mandia:

Ralph made judgments from his heart … he could make peple feel there was general care in government.

Here’s a statement sent by state Assemblyman Kenneth Zebrowski, D-New City:

I was deeply saddened to hear of the death of Councilman Ralph Mandia.  My relationship with Ralph goes back to the days when he was my little league coach in West Nyack Little League.  Even as a child I was drawn to Ralph’s warm, kind and fun personality.  As our relationship transitioned from coach/player to government colleagues my respect for Ralph only grew.  He was a gentleman as well as an honest and sincere Public Official.  Clarkstown and Rockland County are better off for Mr. Mandia’s service.  My thoughts and prayers go out to his family.

Mandia was a Republican, but as comments from Zebrowski and Supervisor Alex Gromack (who said Mandia “epitomized public service”) show, admiration for him crossed party lines.

2005 FILE PHOTO: Ralph Mandia

Community colleges are special places. “Non-traditional” students can get a second chance, or third. Though many attend classes for a special training, or just a basic education, others can become inspired there, continuing along the path of higher education.

That’s what happened to Penny Jennings, founder and CEO of A.C.T., Inc, a mentoring organization. And now, she’s giving back by joining Rockland Community College’s Board of Trustees. What a wonderful resource for the RCC administration and community.

Jennings started A.C.T. in 2002, to offer mentoring support for teens ages 13 to 21. From just about nothing, she’s knitted a strong program that offers underachieving teens strong role models and community connections. Her work is absolutely remarkable.

She came to education late. Now 46, she didn’t finish her AA at RCC until 2001. But then she was off and running, getting a Bachelor of Science degree in Business Management and Economics and a Master of Arts degree in Social Policy from Empire State College, Saratoga. She is a candidate for a Doctorate in Law and Policy from Northeastern University, Boston, MA.

She knows more than anyone what a community college can help inspire.

This is a quote from Jennings from a press release from RCC:

RCC gave me the support I needed to succeed as an adult student.  When I graduated in 2001, I wanted more.  More knowledge, more excellence, more dreams fulfilled.  RCC gave me a great foundation.

She’s a  County Legislature appointee, replacing  Juan Del Pilar, whose term expired June 30, 2008.

This past weekend, members of Chapter 333 of the Vietnam veterans of America hosted watchfires at Bowline Point Park in Haverstraw, Clausland Mountain in Upper Grandview, Piermont Pier in Piermont, and Eugene Levy Park in Ramapo. Especially now, these ceremonies and gathering sites are important reminders of the myriad risks taken on by those who serve in the military. The watchfires symbolize a beacon for those Missing in Action, hoping that they will find their way home. (See article here.) The sites offer a safe place for veterans to gather during the actual Memorial Day, supported by those with shared experiences, and reflect.

The above photo was taken by Jay Hirsch of Tomkins Cove. He included the following:

DEFINITION OF A VETERAN
A Veteran – whether active duty, retired, national guard or reserve – is someone who, at one point in their life, wrote a check made payable to “The United States of America”, for an amount of “up to and including my life.”
Author Unknown