Former Nyack Trustee Steven Knowlton and 7,000 bicyclists will race through Nyack on May 18 as part of the The 2014 Campagnolo Gran Fondo New York. But unlike some cyclists, victory will be a question of reaching a fiscal goal as well as the finish line for Knowlton. Here is how you can put some fuel in Knowlton’s fundraising tank as he races to support The Nyack Center.
The Campagnolo Gran Fondo New York is a 100 mile bike race that starts on the George Washington Bridge, heads north to Harriman State Park and over Bear Mountain and then returns through Rockland County to the finish line at Ross Dock in Palisades Interstate Park. It includes 8000 feet of climbing, and is the premier mass start road race in the United States.
GFNY provides riders with a fundraising opportunity called the “Town Challenge.” In order to participate, a rider must live in one of the communities that the Campagnolo Gran Fondo New York rides through on race day, must choose a local cause and then raise funds for that cause. Knowlton is the “Town Challenge” rider for the Village of Nyack.
May is National Bike Month
National Bike Month is 58 years old. The annual event, sponsored by the League of American Bicyclists, has been showcasing the benefits of biking since 1956.
Nyack News and Views will celebrate cycling each Monday this month with stories, safety tips and services for the cyclists of all ages, interests and skill levels.
You can learn more about National Bike Month at the League of American Bicyclists.
“During my time as a village trustee and deputy mayor I was a tireless advocate for the Nyack Center,” said Knowlton. “My family has supported the center and enjoyed many of the cultural programs the it has sponsored over the years. The Nyack Center and its staff exemplify the best that a community organization can offer.”
From his experience in local government, Knowlton has seen the real life impact of recent budget cuts. “In this time of ever increasing governmental belt-tightening and decreasing public funding for social, educational and recreational programs, the Nyack Center’s need for additional funding is so much more acute. Because many of its worthy programs are filled to capacity, the center would like to expand its programs to serve even more children and families. But it cannot do so without financial support.”
Knowlton has already raised $1,030 towards his goal of $1,500. You can visit razoo.com to contribute to Steve Knowlton’s Ride for the Nyack Center fund.
About The Nyack Center
Nyack Center was founded in 1990 by a group of concerned citizens and is housed in a renovated historic church in the heart of Nyack, NY. Nyack is a historic village on the banks of the Hudson River, about 30 miles from New York City. The mission of the Nyack Center is to create connections across social, cultural and economic boundaries and to improve the life of all who live in the Nyack community.
Nyack Center serves the Nyacks and the larger community of Rockland County. Over 2,000 people each year are served with programs, facilities, and opportunities for service. The Center offers programs that nurture children, teens and families, and provides a space for others with similar goals. Through its programs the Center and its dedicated staff offer Nyack families the help and support they need to enrich their lives and help their children and the greater community succeed.
Nyack Center is home to Rivertown Film, a non-profit Film Society is devoted to celebrating, exploring and promoting the art of the motion picture through film screenings and educational programs. The Center also provides its space for community meetings and gatherings, such as Nyack’s Indoor Winter Farmer’s Market. It hosts the Annual Halloween Monster Mash, Christmas Readings and a full calendar of cultural and educational community events throughout the year.
Some of the programs the Nyack Center offers are:
- School Day Breakfast Club for children K-6 (7-8:30 AM).
- After School Program School Days, 3:30-5:30 PM
- Back Door (Nyack Center’s Teen Cafe) Fridays, 7 PM – 10:30 PM
- Nyack Center’s Computer Time Mon – Fri, 5:30-8:30 pm.
- A free drop-in for all community youth; do schoolwork-research, do special projects.
- Nyack Youth Collaborative Fourth Tuesday of the Month, 9:15 AM
- A monthly meeting of over 40 youth service organizations in Rockland County.
- The Nyack Center has also run a Summer Camp for resident children.
- The Nyack Center also offers Community Based programs:
- Face 2 Face: Free Short-term Counseling Mondays 5:30 PM to 8:30 PM
- Delta Academy Each Month, Every 3rd Saturday. 11 AM to 1 PM
See also:
Nyack Center Photo Credit: Richard Kavesh
