Today’s guest: Michelle Zakarin from Regents Review
Editor’s Note: We at Rockland News once again wish to take a moment to honor those who fought and died on June 6, 1944 – far from home – to protect and preserve the freedoms that we hold dear today, and forever. For more information on this pivotal moment in our nation’s History, please visit this Wikipedia page: Normandy Landings
AM Rockland: June 9, 2025
Blood Drive Today
If you’re in West Haverstraw today, head over to 130 Samsondale Avenue for a community blood drive running from 1:30 to 7:30 PM. Hosted by the New York Blood Center, your donation could save lives.
STAR Program Updates in Ramapo
A quick update from Ramapo’s Assessor’s Office: STAR exemption info, Enhanced STAR eligibility, and new direct deposit options are now available online. Visit the Assessor’s site or call their office for more details.
Ramapo Police Public Safety Programs
From Ramapo PD: safety education is front and center. They’re offering active shooter response training, scam prevention tips for seniors, and safety lessons for kids’ camps. To schedule, call the Community Policing Unit at 845-357-2400.
Art & Music at the Palisades Mall
Mark your calendar for July 8th! The “Colors of Summer” Art Exhibit at the Palisades Mall will feature live music by The Rock ‘n’ Rollers and artwork by Music for Life participants. It’s happening near Macy’s from 6:00 to 7:30 PM, with refreshments and summer vibes.
Pinnacle Awards Return
After a five-year break, the Rockland Business Association brought back the Pinnacle Awards, honoring excellence in business and community leadership. Over 200 guests gathered to celebrate achievements from both 2020 and 2025 recipients.
RCC-STAC Partnership for Students
Big news for students in Rockland! Rockland Community College has partnered with St. Thomas Aquinas College to streamline credit transfers for Exercise Science majors. Students can now transfer up to 70 credits, with scholarships and housing perks included.
Countywide Safety Collaboration
Rockland County is boosting public safety through a new agreement. A coalition of local municipalities has signed onto a plan that covers the costs for officers involved in the County’s investigative units. A press conference was held Friday at the Allison-Parris Office Building.
Mosquito Control Freebies
Mosquito season is here, but Rockland’s got you covered. Free Mosquito Dunks and fathead minnows are available to county residents to help control mosquito populations. Visit the Health Department’s website or call 845-364-3173 for details.
Rockland Community Power Ceases Operations
A bittersweet note from Upper Nyack: Rockland Community Power has ceased operations due to regulatory changes, ending years of renewable energy benefits. Residents have returned to O&R service, but the Village remains committed to future green energy efforts.
Expanded Tax Relief in Ramapo
Big news for disabled residents in Ramapo: Local Law 2 now expands eligibility for property tax exemptions to include tenants with life interests and trusts. Income eligibility remains capped at $58,399.
Historic Restoration in Nanuet
In Nanuet, history is being preserved. Phase I of the Nanuet Cemetery Restoration is complete, with 200 headstones—including those of veterans dating back to the War of 1812—now restored. Future work will continue with volunteers and town staff.
Youth Police Academy Graduation
A shoutout to Clarkstown’s youngest public safety scholars! Graduates of the Police Department Youth Academy were honored by Supervisor Hoehmann and the Town Board. The 10-week course gives students firsthand experience in law enforcement training.
Lake DeForest Day Returns
Paddle and fish on Lake DeForest! Veolia’s 9th Annual Lake DeForest Day is June 28 from 9:30 AM to 3 PM with a fishing derby starting at 8. Kayaks welcome—rentals available—and fun guaranteed.
Fireworks Night in Clarkstown
Celebrate under the stars in Clarkstown. The Town’s Fireworks and Concert night returns to Felix Festa Middle School on June 25 at 8 PM. Rain date is June 27—don’t miss this family favorite event.
Turtle Migration Alert
Nature alert in Blauvelt: Turtles are migrating across Western Highway this month to lay eggs—please drive slowly and stay alert. The stretch between Theis Road and O’Sullivan’s Tree Service is especially active.
Roadwork in West Nyack
Traffic heads-up for West Nyack drivers: A portion of West Nyack Road will close starting June 11 as part of a major revitalization project. Detours will be posted and all businesses remain accessible during the 6–8 week closure.
Art in Albany
Young artists shine in Albany. Senator Bill Weber welcomed student artists from Rockland to the NYS Capitol for the 35th Annual Legislative Student Art Exhibit. He also attended the Nanuet Street Fair and reflected on the sacrifices made on D-Day.
Nyack Parade Rescheduled
A celebration of resilience in Nyack: The African American Day Parade & Festival has been rescheduled to June 14 due to weather and a recent fire. The parade kicks off at noon from Memorial Park, with the festival immediately after.
Training for All Abilities
Free first responder training is underway. Rockland County launched its All-Abilities Training program to help first responders better support individuals with autism and neurodiversities. The June 9 kickoff is part of the Rockland Thinks Differently initiative.
Gun Buyback Success
Big results from a local safety initiative: Rockland County’s recent gun buyback event in Haverstraw saw 94 firearms turned in, including 8 assault rifles and 65 handguns. DA Tom Walsh says each gun turned in is a step toward a safer community.
Redevelopment of the Sain Building
Revitalizing downtown New City: Rockland County has issued an RFP to redevelop the Sain Building site into mixed-use, workforce housing. Proposals are due by September 17, with community engagement sessions planned for the fall.
Congressman Lawler’s Town Hall
Congressman Mike Lawler continues his outreach. He held his third town hall of the year at Mahopac High School, fielding questions on immigration, Medicare, and tax policy. His next town hall is scheduled for late June in Dutchess County.
Data Center Opens in Orangeburg
Orangeburg is powering up! DataBank has launched its 20MW LGA3 data center at 2000 Corporate Drive, with AI cloud company CoreWeave among its clients. A second facility, LGA4, is already in development and will expand the campus to 40MW.
Sponsors:
- Susan Bova, Coldwell Banker Realty
- Regents Review – Celebrating 20 Years of SAT and ACT test prep
- Yaboo Fence Co.
- Dana Pest Control
- Lauren-Molino Muller, Howard Hanna Rand Realty
- Kobe Sushi – New music lounge opening May 31st
- Sparkling Clean Homes | (845) 641-3223
- Patriot Lounge – Music every weekend!
- St. Thomas Acquinas College
- FZ Perfection
- Banchetto Restaurant
- Outsource My IT
- Clean Space Maint/Mgt Company
- North Rockland Chiro – Dr. Anna Marie
- Stony Point Pancake Factory
- Fiesta Acapulco
- The Tactical Citizen
- Ivy Rehab Physical Therapy | West Haverstraw NY
- Rockland Music Fest Inc.
Stay tuned for further updates and more news from around the county, from Rockland News.
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