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Topics covered during this episode:
- Mystery Drone Sightings Spark Alarm Across Rockland County
- RCC Drives $397.8 Million Economic Impact in Rockland County Amid Budget Challenges
- Orangetown PBA’s 36th Annual Toy Drive Brings Holiday Cheer to Rockland
- Orangetown Police Investigate Pair of Early Morning Burglaries
- Patrick Carroll Sworn In as Assemblyman for New York’s 96th District
- Kick Off 2025 with a First Day Hike at Nyack Beach
- Ramapo Police Stress the Importance of Calling 911 for Emergencies
- Rose Memorial Library Unveils 2025 Book Club Reading List
- Suffern Kicks Off the Holiday Season with Annual Parade
- Nyack and Stony Point Honor the Lives of Five Esteemed Individuals Who Passed Away in December
- Plus, we’ll have interviews with Town of Haverstraw Supervisor Howard Phillips and Nyack Village Mayor Joe Rand, from our recent daily updates earlier this week.
Text Summary of this week’s topics:
1. Mystery Drone Sightings Spark Alarm in Rockland County
Residents of Rockland County have reported an alarming increase in mysterious drone sightings, echoing similar incidents in neighboring New Jersey and Pennsylvania. County Executive Ed Day has called for vigilance and urged locals to report drone activity. While federal agencies, including the FBI and DHS, have downplayed security threats, the origins and purposes of the large drones, often seen flying in clusters, remain unclear. Speculations range from agricultural to military uses, but unanswered questions continue to fuel community concern. READ MORE
2. Rockland Community College: A $397.8 Million Economic Driver
Rockland Community College (RCC) generated an impressive $397.8 million economic impact for the county in fiscal year 2022-2023, according to a new report. The study highlights RCC’s role in supporting nearly 4,000 jobs and contributing to workforce productivity through alumni-driven income of $323.8 million. Despite this success, RCC has faced financial challenges, implementing budget cuts and restructuring to address deficits. Interim RCC leader Dr. Beth Coyle emphasized the transformative role RCC plays in fostering economic vitality and community well-being.
3. String of Burglaries in Orangetown Raises Concerns
Orangetown police are investigating two early-morning residential burglaries in Pearl River and Orangeburg. The incidents involved entry through windows and theft of key fobs for luxury vehicles. The suspects, described as wearing hooded sweatshirts and ski masks, fled in a dark sedan. Authorities believe the burglaries are connected and urge residents with surveillance footage to assist in the investigation.
4. Orangetown PBA Brings Holiday Cheer with Toy Drive
The Orangetown Police Benevolent Association is hosting its 36th annual toy drive, collecting new, unwrapped toys to brighten the holidays for local children in need. Donations can be made through December 18th at Orangetown Police Headquarters and other designated locations. This long-standing community tradition continues to bring holiday joy to families across Rockland County. READ MORE
5. Nyack Holiday Village Ushers in Festive Spirit
Nyack’s inaugural Holiday Village event, spearheaded by Mayor Joe Rand and local businesses, offers an array of festive activities, including decorating contests, Winter Wonderland workshops for kids, and a music festival. The initiative, funded by Nyack’s hotel tax, aims to draw visitors downtown and support local businesses. Mayor Rand emphasizes the importance of shopping locally, highlighting the economic and community benefits of keeping spending within Rockland County. READ MORE
6. Suffering Celebrates Season with Holiday Parade
Suffering’s annual holiday parade showcased community spirit with decorated floats, performances, and festive displays. Organized by Mayor Thomas Curley and the Board of Trustees, the event awarded prizes for categories such as “Best Music” and “Most Creative,” fostering joy and togetherness as a hallmark of the season.
READ MORE
7. Rockland Green Advances Recycling and Sustainability
Rockland Green, the county’s waste management authority, continues to lead in environmental initiatives, including its food scraps recycling program. Aiming to convert food waste into nutrient-rich compost, the program has expanded across the county. Additionally, plans for a new state-of-the-art animal shelter highlight the agency’s commitment to humane animal care and waste reduction.
8. Community Honors Public Servants in Nyack
The Village of Nyack mourns the loss of three former leaders in 2024: Marie Lorenzini, James Liner, and Karen Quinn. Each contributed significantly to the village’s progress through initiatives in historical preservation, community service, and local government leadership. Memorials have been held to honor their legacies.
READ MORE
9. Rockland Residents Urged to Prioritize Fire Safety
The Ramapo Police Department, along with Rockland County Fire and Emergency Services, has urged residents to call 911 immediately in case of fire or gas emergencies. Quick reporting ensures efficient emergency response and emphasizes the importance of community safety protocols. READ MORE
10. Carol Stein Remembered as a Pillar of Community
Carol Stein, a beloved community figure known for her faith and volunteerism, passed away at 92. Her contributions to local churches, community organizations, and family remain an enduring legacy of love and service. The community has honored her life with heartfelt memorial services. READ MORE
More stories:
State of Emergency Declared in Rockland as Heavy Rainfall Threatens Flooding
By Kim Anderson ROCKLAND COUNTY, NY — A state of emergency is set to be declared for 16 New York counties, including Rockland, as the region braces for potentially dangerous flooding from a major rainstorm. New York State Governor Kathy Hochul declared a state of emergency for over 15 counties earlier today. The affected counties…
Continue Reading State of Emergency Declared in Rockland as Heavy Rainfall Threatens Flooding
CHPE Pipeline Provides Roadwork Updates, Thanks Community for Patience
The following is a comprehensive update from the Champlain Hudson Power Express line, which is in the process of installing a 339-mile clean energy pipeline from Canada to New York City, including through several Rockland Towns: Clarkstown, Haverstraw, Orangeburg and Stony Point. Thank you for your patience as work on the Champlain Hudson Power Express…
Continue Reading CHPE Pipeline Provides Roadwork Updates, Thanks Community for Patience
Catherine Nielsen Mays
Catherine Nielsen Mays November 4, 1953 – July 25, 2025 Catherine “Katie” Nielsen-Mays of Middletown, NY passed away at the age of 71 onJuly 25, 2025 in Monsey, NY after a long battle with cancer. Katie is survived by her daughters Kellyann Nielsen-Carney, Amy Nielsen-Lauer, andMelisa Nielsen as well as her grandchildren Richard Wilson, Brian…
Downed Utility Pole and Brush Fire Shuts Down Route 9W in Haverstraw
By Kim Anderson Haverstraw, NY — A stretch of Route 9W in Haverstraw has been shut down after a utility pole was knocked down, sparking a brush fire and necessitating emergency repairs late Friday afternoon. Authorities say the northbound lanes of Route 9W were closed at Route 304 around 3 p.m., with traffic blocked through…
Continue Reading Downed Utility Pole and Brush Fire Shuts Down Route 9W in Haverstraw
Pomona Couple Arrested After Illegal Daycare Operation Shut Down the Month in Clarkstown
New City, NY — A husband and wife from Pomona have been charged with endangering the welfare of children following the police investigation that uncovered an unlicensed and hazardous daycare facility in Clarkstown. On July 7, 2025, at around 9:00 AM, Clarkstown Police, in coordination with the Town’s Building Department, executed a search warrant at…
Mary Angeline Scaringe
Mary Angeline Scaringe (née Pensiero), lovingly known as “Angie,” passed away peacefully surrounded by family at her home in Orangeburg, New York, on July 23, 2025, at the age of 97. Born on October 5, 1927, in the coalmining town of McDonaldton, Pennsylvania, Angie lived a life devoted to family and an open door to…
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Thanks for joining us on this week’s edition of the Rockland News Week in Review.