This Week’s Key News Stories:
Sponsors:
- IVY Rehab Physical Therapy – West Haverstraw, NY | Contact: 845-579-5677
- Dana Pest Control – Family-owned for over 40 years | Contact: 845-786-5226 | Website: danapestcontrol.com
Top Stories:
Stony Point Seals Polar Plunge:
The 26th annual event raised funds for children with serious medical conditions, despite harsh weather conditions with 5 inches of fresh snow. Beneficiaries included Alexander, Jade, Noel, and Elizabeth.
Future interviews are planned with founders John Fox and Michael Leyden.
Tourism Grants:
Rockland County Executive Ed Day and Economic Development Director Jenna Nazario announced $316,000 in tourism grants to 30 organizations.
Tourism brought in over $556 million in 2023, reducing the average household tax burden by $613.
Housing Plans Public Input:
Rockland County is seeking public input on housing and community development, with a survey open through March 15.
Fire Safety Concerns:
Ed Day condemned the Rockland County Mazzilli ACMA’s petition to become an independent fire company due to safety concerns.
MTA and Congestion Pricing:
Ed Day criticized the MTA’s congestion pricing, citing inequitable investment in Rockland’s transit services.
Orange County’s legislation to withdraw from the MTA could influence Rockland’s future decisions.
New Community Relations Director:
Yvette Nunez Arias was appointed as the new Director of Community Relations, focusing on enhancing ties between government and local communities.
Black History Month Celebration:- Scheduled for February 21, 2025, at the Lewis Kurtz Center in Spring Valley, hosted by the NAACP and Tappan Zee Lodge #79.
Weather:

- Tuesday: Evening snow flurries.
- Wednesday: Cloudy, high of 35°F, low of 32°F.
- Thursday: Rain, high of 44°F, low of 26°F.
- Friday: Cloudy, high of 33°F, low of 19°F.
- Saturday: Possible snow flurries (1-3 inches), high of 35°F, low of 32°F.
- Sunday: Rain, high of 41°F, low of 21°F.
Interviews:
John Ross (Rocklanders for Alternatives to Driving – RAD):
- Advocate for improved public transportation, better sidewalks, and bike lanes in Rockland County.
- Discussed the implications of Orange County’s potential withdrawal from the MTA and its possible impact on Rockland.
- Emphasized the need for more reliable bus services and potential transit-oriented developments like those proposed near the Shops at Nanuet.
Tina Dawn (Life Force Self-Defense):
- A registered nurse turned self-defense instructor with a 5th-degree black belt.
- Shared her personal journey into self-defense after a stalking incident.
- Emphasized the importance of women learning self-defense to build confidence and safety awareness.
- Offers classes focused on practical, real-life self-defense techniques, encouraging women of all fitness levels to participate.
More stories:
Trump and Lawler Put Rockland County NY on National Stage
By Thomas Brady, with assistance of Rockland News Staff SUFFERN, N.Y. — President Donald J. Trump’s visit to Rockland Community College on Friday placed Rockland County at the center of a national political and economic debate, as the president appeared alongside Congressman Mike Lawler to promote tax relief, praise local supporters and highlight several Hudson…
Continue Reading Trump and Lawler Put Rockland County NY on National Stage
Rockland County Urges Expanded Care for Veterans Facing Early-Onset Dementia
NEW CITY, N.Y. — Rockland County Legislature has unanimously approved a resolution calling for expanded federal and state support for veterans suffering from traumatic brain injuries and early-onset dementia linked to military service. The measure urges the United States Congress, the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs and New York state officials to increase funding for…
Continue Reading Rockland County Urges Expanded Care for Veterans Facing Early-Onset Dementia
Breakthrough FitCo Brings Accessible Fitness Mission to New City
NEW CITY, N.Y. — For Jake of Breakthrough Fit Co., fitness is not only about strength, speed or appearance. It is about accessibility, confidence and meeting people exactly where they are in their fitness journey. Breakthrough Fit Co., an appointment-based fitness company offering one-on-one and small group training, is preparing to open a new location…
Continue Reading Breakthrough FitCo Brings Accessible Fitness Mission to New City
LOST ARTS AT ROCA
West Nyack, NY — The Rockland Center for the Arts is presenting “Lost Arts,” a month-long exhibition highlighting traditional artistic techniques that continue to survive and evolve in a rapidly digital world. The exhibit opened April 25 and will remain on view through May 30 at RoCA’s campus on South Greenbush Road in West Nyack.…
Trump Coming to Rockland. Suddenly Everyone Has to Move Their Car
By Cesar A., Reporter The following is a parody. Read it. P-A-R-O-D-Y. We are not being serious. Please, nobody be mad at us, hate us, or arrest us as a result of this failed attempt at humor. ROCKLAND COUNTY, NY — President Donald Trump is expected to visit Rockland County on Friday, May 22, in…
Continue Reading Trump Coming to Rockland. Suddenly Everyone Has to Move Their Car
O&R Invests $315M In Summer Grid Upgrade
Pearl River, N.Y. — Orange and Rockland Utilities announced Wednesday that it is investing $315 million into energy infrastructure upgrades and system improvements ahead of the 2026 summer season, as the utility prepares for rising electricity demand and the possibility of severe weather events across the Hudson Valley and surrounding service territory. The investment is…
This Week’s Featured Event:
Whiskey Crossing & Line Dancing at the Patriot Lounge
Nashville recording artist Whiskey Crossing is currently signed with Perry Music Group of Nashville for distribution. Whiskey Crossing is an upbeat high energy country act that is sure to bring the heat and excitement to any stage. Bringing down the house with a sing-along set with original country covers from the 90s to today as well as original music that is available for streaming worldwide. LEARN MORE
Thanks for joining us on this week’s edition of the Rockland News Week in Review.










