Author: Robert Jowaiszas

Evolution Of Entertainment In Rockland County


The evolution of entertainment in Rockland County, New York, is a fascinating journey that reflects the changing tastes and cultural landscape of the region. From the early days of vaudeville and silent films to the modern era of community theater and multiplex cinemas, Rockland County has been home to a vibrant array of entertainment venues throughout the decades.

Early 20th Century (1900s-1920s): The early 20th century saw the rise of vaudeville shows and traveling theater troupes entertaining audiences in venues across Rockland County. Silent films also became popular during this time, with the Lafayette Theater in Suffern opening its doors in 1924 screening the latest cinematic releases.

Golden Age of Hollywood (1930s-1950s): The 1930s brought the advent of “talkies,” or films with synchronized sound, revolutionizing the movie industry. The Lafayette Theater continued to be a prominent venue for movie screenings, while in 1947 the Elmwood Playhouse in Nyack was founded providing opportunities for local talent to showcase their skills in live theater.

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Television Era (1950s-1960s): The popularity of television surged in the 1950s and 1960s, drawing audiences away from traditional entertainment venues. Despite this, theaters like the Lafayette and Elmwood Playhouse remained resilient, adapting their offerings to include live performances, film screenings, and other events to attract patrons.Drive-In theaters like “The 303” in Orangeburg and “The Rockland” in Monsey became very popular in the early 1960s particularly in rural suburbs like Rockland County. They were a cheaper alternative to indoor cinemas.Older adults could take their families and youth found these drive-ins ideal for first dates!

Cultural Renaissance (1970s-1980s): The 1970s and 1980s witnessed a cultural renaissance in Rockland County, with a resurgence of interest in live theater, music, and the arts. Community theaters like Elmwood Playhouse flourished during this time, staging a diverse range of productions and engaging with the local community through educational programs and outreach initiatives.

Digital Age (1990s-Present): The advent of the internet and digital technology in the late 20th century transformed the entertainment landscape in Rockland County and beyond. Multiplex cinemas like the AMC(Palasades Center) and Regal(Shops of Nanuet) became popular destinations for moviegoers, offering a wide selection of films in state-of-the-art facilities. Meanwhile, community theaters like Elmwood Playhouse continued to thrive, embracing digital marketing and online ticketing to reach new audiences.

Throughout these decades, Rockland County has remained a vibrant hub of entertainment, with a rich tapestry of theaters, cinemas, music venues, and cultural institutions. Despite the ever-changing nature of the industry there will always be something exciting to see and experience here.

Homes For Heroes Keeps Building Community Support

By Robert Jowaiszas

ORANGETOWN, NY – The M & T Charitable Foundation, the philanthropic arm of M&T Bank, recently awarded $30,000 to Rockland Homes For Heroes, a New York State charity dedicated to ending veteran homelessness.

John Murphy, President of Rockland Homes For Heroes, expressed their mission to provide supportive permanent apartment homes for homeless veterans. The organization’s journey began over a decade ago when they purchased 15 acres of Camp Shanks, a historic site once vital during World War II.

Half of the acquired land was dedicated to conservation efforts in collaboration with the town of Orangetown and the federal government and with the remaining 7 acres Murphy was able to build 8 affordable permanent apartments for homeless veterans which became the foundation for Rockland Homes For Heroes’ transformative work.

Utilizing abandoned buildings from the 1950s, originally part of the Nike missile program, they converted these structures into affordable, supportive homes. In November 2023, a ribbon-cutting ceremony marked the opening of 14 additional apartments for homeless veterans.

Fundraising efforts, including support from the NY State and various charitable organizations, have enabled the organization to raise over $6 million. The contribution given from the M&T Charitable Foundation on March 27th 2024 underscores the community’s support for their cause.

John Murphy, a Marine Corps veteran and seasoned county legislator, co-founded Rockland Homes For Heroes out of a deep understanding of the challenges faced by homeless veterans. Drawing from his experience with Loeb House, a nonprofit dedicated to housing the mentally ill, Murphy emphasizes the importance of providing a stable home environment.

Recognizing that homelessness robs individuals of hope and dignity, Murphy and his team are committed to providing more than just shelter. They aim to create a supportive community where veterans can rebuild their lives. As they continue to explore new development opportunities, including partnerships with local businesses, Rockland Homes For Heroes remains steadfast in its mission to eliminate veteran homelessness.

To support their efforts, the organization welcomes donations and community involvement. Their focus on pre-construction costs highlights their commitment to long-term solutions. For more information on how to contribute or get involved, visit Rockland Homes For Heroes’ website.

Together, let’s honor the service of our veterans by ensuring they have the stability and support they deserve.

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