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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:
Woman Charged After Stony Point Spa Undercover Investigation, Police Say
STONY POINT, NY – A 41-year-old Flushing woman has been arrested following an undercover investigation into alleged prostitution-related activity at a Stony Point business, according to police. The Stony Point Police Department said the investigation was launched after multiple community complaints involving Duskhil Spa, located at 54 S. Liberty Dr. Police said the department worked…
Continue Reading Woman Charged After Stony Point Spa Undercover Investigation, Police Say
Meals on Wheels Senior Boot Camp set for March 26th
BLAUVELT, N.Y. — Meals on Wheels Rockland is preparing to host its 2026 Senior Boot Camp on Thursday, March 26, at the Hennessy Center at Dominican University in Blauvelt, bringing together older adults from senior activity centers across Rockland County for a day of games, activities, vendors, lunch and entertainment. According to the organization, the…
Continue Reading Meals on Wheels Senior Boot Camp set for March 26th
Karen Elizabeth Folk
Karen Elizabeth Folk, 72, of Old Tappan, NJ, formerly of Capistrano Beach, California, passed away on Wednesday, March 11, 2026. Beloved sister of Jeanne Weinberger. Loving aunt of Michael Hendrickson and wife Morena Candida. She was predeceased by her parents Frederick and Lorraine (nee Kaufer), and her sisters Lorraine Hendrickson and her husband Carl and…
Hole Shot Bagels Nominated for Rockland’s Best Bacon Egg & Cheese
By Kim Anderson HAVERSTRAW, NY — For Clever and Victoria Torres, Hole Shot Bagels is more than a breakfast spot on Route 9W. It is a family-run business built on high standards, hours of preparation, new ideas and a loyal customer base that, by their telling, has helped carry them through some of their toughest…
Continue Reading Hole Shot Bagels Nominated for Rockland’s Best Bacon Egg & Cheese
Lafayette Theatre celebrates 102 years
SUFFERN, NY— This past weekend, the Lafayette Theatre in Suffern celebrated 102 years of bringing films, music and shared community experiences to audiences. The theater, which first opened its doors in 1924, commemorated the anniversary with a weekend of classic films, live music and nostalgic tributes to the golden age of cinema. A centerpiece of…
Cornell Cooperative and Rockland Youth Bureau Offering Spring Break Program
SPRING VALLEY, NY — A free spring break program aimed at keeping children active and engaged will be offered later this month for elementary school students in Rockland County. The Cornell Cooperative Extension Rockland County 4-H, in partnership with the Rockland County Youth Bureau and the Village of Spring Valley, will host the “4-H Fit…
Continue Reading Cornell Cooperative and Rockland Youth Bureau Offering Spring Break Program
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Thanks for joining us on this week’s edition of the Rockland News Week in Review.
