Page 317 – Rockland News – No paywall. No paper. Just the facts.

Safety First: Rockland County Preps for Spectacular Solar Eclipse

New City, NY – Rockland County is buzzing with excitement as it gears up for the highly anticipated solar eclipse set to darken skies over North America on April 8th. With New York poised to witness this celestial phenomenon, County Executive Ed Day emphasizes the importance of safety for everyone planning to gaze skyward during the event.

A solar eclipse, a dance of celestial shadows, occurs when the Moon slides between the Sun and Earth, casting a shadow that either partially or completely blocks our view of the Sun. This upcoming event, dubbed the “Great American Eclipse,” will see the moon completely obscuring the sun, with the spectacle reaching its peak at 3:15 p.m. local time. New York is among the privileged states on the path of totality, offering residents a front-row seat to the awe-inspiring show.

However, with great spectacle comes great responsibility. The County of Rockland and its officials urge residents to follow essential safety guidelines to protect their eyes and ensure a safe viewing experience:

Certified Protection: The only safe way to look directly at the uneclipsed or partially eclipsed sun is through special-purpose solar filters, such as “eclipse glasses” or hand-held solar viewers that meet the ISO 12312-2 international standard for such products. Regular sunglasses, no matter how dark, are not safe for looking at the sun.
Equipment Check: For those planning to use binoculars, telescopes, or cameras to capture the eclipse, ensure these devices are fitted with appropriate solar filters. Directly pointing an unfiltered camera or optical device at the sun can cause severe damage to the equipment and your eyes.
Naked Eye, Beware: It cannot be stressed enough – looking at the sun without proper eye protection can lead to serious and permanent vision damage. Do not attempt to view the eclipse with the naked eye, through unfiltered cameras, binoculars, telescopes, or using makeshift filters like smoked glass or exposed film.

As Ed Day puts it, “This awe-inspiring spectacle is a not-to-miss experience, but it must be observed with caution.” To facilitate a safe viewing, certified solar viewing glasses are readily available for purchase online and in stores at a minimal cost.

In addition to personal preparations, the community is invited to gather at Haverstraw Bay Park for a collective viewing experience. Park staff will be present to enhance the event with insights and answer questions. A limited number of free viewing glasses will be distributed on a first-come-first-serve basis. For those venturing into state parks like Bear Mountain State Park, similar viewings are organized, promising a memorable and safe eclipse experience.

As the day draws near, Rockland County stands ready, with safety measures in place, to welcome the “Great American Eclipse.” Let’s make it a safe, educational, and spectacular experience for all.

Notice of Annual Organizational Meeting of the Board of Trustees

Upper Nyack, NY – The Village of Upper Nyack is pleased to announce the Annual Organizational Meeting of the Board of Trustees, scheduled for Monday, April 1st at 7:30 pm. This year, in a bid to accommodate all members of our community, the meeting will be held in a hybrid format, allowing for both in-person and virtual attendance.

Event Details:

Date: April 1, 2023
Time: 7:30 PM
Location: Old Stone Meeting House, 347 North Broadway, Upper Nyack, NY
Virtual Attendance:Click to Join Webinar
- Webinar ID: 849 6029 2547
- Passcode: 340728

The Annual Meeting is a cornerstone of our democratic process, offering a platform for the Trustees to engage directly with the community, review the year’s achievements, and outline plans for the future. Members of the public attending, whether in person or online, will have the opportunity to ask questions and make comments, ensuring an inclusive and interactive discussion.

Tentative Agenda:

Opening Remarks by the Mayor.
Introduction of Elected Trustees, highlighting the roles and responsibilities they will assume over the coming year.
Appointments and Resolutions, detailing the key appointments and resolutions that will guide the governance of the village.
Policy Reviews, including discussions on Equal Employment Opportunity, Sexual Harassment and Discrimination, and Workplace Violence Prevention, affirming the village’s commitment to a safe and equitable workplace.
Review of Schedule of Fees, providing transparency on the fees associated with various village services.
Public Hearing on the proposed Village of Upper Nyack 2024-2025 Budget, an essential discussion that will shape the financial and operational planning for the village.

The Village of Upper Nyack is committed to transparency, community engagement, and the well-being of its residents. This annual meeting is an important opportunity for community members to participate in the governance process, share their views, and contribute to the village’s future direction.

We encourage all interested parties to join us in shaping the future of Upper Nyack. Whether you choose to attend in person or virtually, your presence and participation are invaluable to us. Together, we can continue to build a strong, vibrant community.

Leslee Carioscia

Leslee Carioscia (nee Benda), 79, of Blauvelt, NY, passed away on Saturday, March 30, 2024. Beloved wife of the late Vincent. Cherished mother of Vincent and Joseph. She is also survived by many other loving relatives and friends. Leslee was a strong, talented, caring, loving, faithful and giving woman, always putting others before herself. She […]

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Rockland County Nor’ Easter: Not Much Snow, But Wind & Rain May Be a Concern

PEARL RIVER, NY – Rockland County is bracing for the impact of a powerful Nor’easter expected to hit the Tri-state area on Wednesday and Thursday, April 3 and 4, 2024.

Although snow accumulations are not anticipated to be significant in Rockland, the storm is forecasted to bring high winds and substantial rainfall, posing potential hazards for residents and commuters.

Meteorologists are closely monitoring the storm system as it approaches, warning of a wintry mix along with the heavy rain and high winds throughout Westchester and the Hudson Valley region. Specifically, areas to the north of Rockland County might see more substantial snowfall (News 12 – Westchester).

The Fox Weather team has highlighted concerns of a flash freeze following the nor’easter due to plummeting temperatures, which could complicate conditions further. The storm has already made its presence felt across the Northeast and New England, bringing heavy snow, freezing rain, and strong winds to millions (FOX Weather).

In preparation for the storm, New York Governor Kathy Hochul has outlined comprehensive state and local agency responses. These include the deployment of significant resources such as dump trucks, loaders, excavators, and other emergency equipment. The Thruway Authority is on high alert for any wind or flood-related issues, with an array of machinery ready to address any impacts from the storm. The Metropolitan Transportation Authority (MTA) is taking precautions to protect its network and maintain service, despite potential challenges posed by the storm.

Residents are advised to stay informed about the latest weather updates and take necessary precautions to ensure safety. This includes preparing for possible power outages, avoiding unnecessary travel, and staying updated on road conditions. Authorities stress the importance of emergency preparedness, including having disaster supplies on hand and knowing evacuation routes.

For the most current weather information and safety recommendations, visit the official websites of the National Weather Service, local news outlets, and state government resources.

Stay safe, Rockland County.

Senator Harckham Advocates for the Bergen Loop, Envisions a Direct Train to NYC from Rockland

Stony Point, NY – In a move poised to dramatically transform commuter travel in Rockland County, New York State Senator Pete Harckham has voiced strong support for integrating the Bergen Loop into the ambitious Gateway Development Project. This initiative seeks to provide a direct, one-seat train ride from New Jersey’s Pascack Valley, Main, and Bergen lines to Manhattan’s New York Penn Station, eliminating the need for transfers and significantly reducing travel times.

The Bergen Loop, part of the comprehensive Gateway Program designed to modernize and expand rail service across the most congested sections of the Northeast Corridor, has lingered in the planning stages since its initial unveiling in 2018. Despite its early inclusion, progress toward realizing a one-seat ride for West of Hudson commuters has stalled, prompting Harckham’s recent call to action.

In a letter addressed to Balpreet Grewal-Virk and Alicia Glen, co-chairs of the Gateway Development Commission overseeing the program, Harckham emphasized the urgent need for enhanced public transportation options for Rockland County residents. The current requirement to transfer at Frank R. Lautenberg Station in Secaucus Junction, he noted, not only increases travel times but also discourages many from using public transit altogether.

“Rockland County commuters stand in dire need of streamlined public transportation into New York City,” Harckham wrote. “Revitalizing the Bergen Loop project will radically change the Rocklanders and all commuters West of the Hudson approach transportation, spurring drastic economic development from these communities and supporting New York State’s collective climate and traffic congestion goals.”

The senator highlighted the environmental and health benefits of reducing car travel, particularly in areas like Bergen and Rockland counties, which struggle with ozone levels that can affect residents’ health. The Gateway Program, including the Bergen Loop, aims to alleviate some of these issues by offering a more efficient and environmentally friendly alternative to road travel.

The Gateway Development Project promises to double the number of tracks entering Manhattan from New Jersey, incorporating a new tunnel under the Hudson River alongside extensive repairs and improvements to existing infrastructure. This ambitious undertaking seeks not only to enhance daily commutes but also to support economic growth, increase property values, and promote a more sustainable and interconnected regional transportation network.

“The Gateway Program’s success will be measured by its ability to champion equity and connectivity across all regions,” concluded Harckham. “Completing the Bergen Loop is not just a matter of convenience for one county; it is a step towards a stronger, interconnected network across our region and a healthier environment.”

As the Gateway Program continues to evolve, Harckham’s advocacy underscores the critical role of the Bergen Loop in achieving a more accessible, efficient, and sustainable future for public transportation in the New York-New Jersey metropolitan area.