Hudson Valley Newsmakers, 8.25.2014 - Westfair Communications

Religious leaders recognized by legislator

Rockland County Legislator BARRY KANTROWITZ recently presented REV. MICHAEL PLUNKET and LISA PLUNKET with Distinguished Service Awards in recognition of their service to others.

Michael Plunket is the pastor of the Risen King Alliance Church in New City and in partnership with his wife has served the congregation and the Rockland community since 2004. The Plunkets have established adult education programs, intervention programs for at-risk youth and have traveled the globe to spread spirituality and to train pastors and missionaries. Together, the Plunkets have organized five churches in urban and suburban areas. Michael Plunket is an adjunct professor at Nyack College and at the Alliance Theological Seminary.

“The Plunkets strengthen our community by facilitating spiritual friendships, by mentoring and supporting their congregants and others, and by encouraging good will among people of all faiths,” Kantrowitz said.

Two named to Super Lawyers list

The Poughkeepsie-based RUTBERG BRESLOW PERSONAL INJURY LAW firm has two lawyers named to the 2014 Super Lawyers Upstate New York list: MARTY RUTBERG, head of the firm and STEVEN COHEN, senior trial lawyer.
This is the seventh consecutive year for Rutberg and the third for Cohen. Published by Thompson Reuters, Super Lawyers magazine creates a comprehensive list of attorneys for consumers needing guidance to legal counsel.

“Steve and I share a commitment to pursuing justice for people who have suffered serious injury or death,” said Rutberg. “We”™re both honored to have our work acknowledged on the Super Lawyers list for personal injury law.”

Turner Miller promotes two planners

The TURNER MILLER GROUP, a community-planning firm based in Suffern, has promoted MAX STACH to partner and vice president of the firm. With the firm since 1998, Stach previously held the position of principal planner. He started his career as a junior planner with Turner/Geneslaw Inc., a predecessor of the Turner Miller Group. He serves as the consulting planner for the city of Glen Cove and town of Stony Point. Stach is a member of the American Institute of Certified Planners.

KRISTEN O”™DONNELL has been promoted to principal planner. With the firm since 2005 she previously held the position of senior planner. In the public sector O”™Donnell is involved in the review of casino proposals in New Windsor and Woodbury. She is the consulting planner for the villages of Airmont and Pomona and assists Turner in Woodbury and Goshen.

Elant announces winners for Hallmark event

Elant”™s new signature event, Hallmark, to be held Friday, Nov. 7, from 6:30 to 11 p.m. at Brotherhood Winery in Washingtonville is a departure from its annual polo picnic, which took place for 12 years. Though a new event experience, Elant will continue the tradition of honoring a key regional organization and an esteemed individual for leadership, commitment and dedication to those in Elant”™s region and beyond. The event committee is composed of regional leaders and is co-chaired by Michelle Winchester-Vega and Bill Fioravanti.

ST. LUKE”™S CORNWALL HOSPITAL will receive the Elant Flame of Excellence Award, which is given to a person or organization that has inspired leadership and dedication to improving the lives of others. St. Luke”™s Cornwall Hospital is a not-for-profit hospital, which has been dedicated to serving the health care needs of those in the Hudson Valley for more than a century.

ROBERT SCHERREIK will receive the Elant Signature Award, which is given to an individual who demonstrates a commitment to enhancing health care and housing for the elderly through philanthropy, vision and communication. Scherreik is the executive managing director of Pyramid Brokerage Co. in Newburgh. He served on the boards of Arden Hill Hospital and Arden Hill Life Care Center until they split and then became vice chairman of Arden Hill Senior Health System (now known as Elant). Scherreik served on the Elant Board of Directors from 1994 to 2013.

“This year”™s honorees have contributed greatly to strengthening our community”™s health care systems and services, through leadership, commitment and collaborations,” said Melissa McCoy, vice president of the Elant Foundation and community relations.

Sponsors to date include O”™Connor Davies, PepsiCo, Hudson Valley Investment Advisors, Jacobowitz & Gubits, Unitex, Cool Insuring Agency and Fox Radio.

For reservations, sponsorship information or additional event information, contact Melissa McCoy at mmccoy@elant.org or call the Elant Foundation at 845-360-1410.

Information for these features has been submitted by the subjects or their delegates.